What Are the Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

Walking through a busy intersection or a parking lot in Redmond or Bellingham should not feel like a gamble. Yet, for many in the Pacific Northwest, a simple walk can turn into a life-altering event because a driver chose to look at their phone or speed through a yellow light. The reality is that most collisions are not “accidents” at all; they are the result of negligence.

If you or a loved one were struck by a vehicle, you might think it was just bad luck. Often, it is a specific failure on the driver’s part to follow the rules of the road. Identifying the cause is the first step toward justice.

A Redmond pedestrian accident lawyer can investigate the specific factors of your crash and help you hold the right person accountable.

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Key Takeaways: What’s Causing So Many Pedestrian Accidents?

Driver Inattention is the Top Culprit: From texting to fiddling with GPS, distracted drivers simply do not see people crossing the street.
Turning Vehicles Are Deceptive: Drivers making left turns often focus on oncoming traffic and completely miss pedestrians in the crosswalk.
Speeding Reduces Reaction Time: A driver traveling 10 mph over the limit has significantly less time to stop for someone stepping off a curb.
Parking Lots Are Danger Zones: Backing out without looking creates high risks in shopping centers like Redmond Town Center.

Where Do Most Pedestrian Accidents Happen?

Intersections are the most common site for severe pedestrian injuries. This is where traffic flow conflicts with foot traffic. According to RCW 46.61.235, drivers must stop for pedestrians at all crosswalks, but they frequently fail to do so.

Three specific intersection behaviors cause the most harm:

The Left-Hand Turn: Drivers look for oncoming cars to find a gap. They accelerate into the turn without looking left for pedestrians crossing the street they are entering.
The “Rolling Stop” on Right Turns: Drivers often only look left for traffic and roll through the crosswalk on the right, striking a pedestrian they never even looked for.
Running Red Lights: Drivers trying to beat the light accelerate through intersections right as pedestrians get the “Walk” signal.

These actions are clear violations of the driver’s duty of care.

How Does Low Visibility Contribute to Crashes?

In Redmond and Bellingham, rain, fog, and mist are a way of life. However, the weather is rarely a valid excuse for causing an accident. Washington drivers know they live in a rainy climate and must adjust their driving accordingly.

When visibility drops, the risk increases due to:

Dark Clothing: While reflective gear helps, drivers are responsible for scanning the road for all obstacles, regardless of what a person is wearing.
Poor Lighting: Many rural roads in Whatcom County lack streetlamps. Drivers must use high beams and slow down in these areas.
Glare and Rain: Wet pavement reflects headlights, creating a glare that hides pedestrians.

If a driver blames the rain for hitting you, they are essentially admitting they were driving too fast for the conditions.

Are Parking Lots Safer Than Roads?

Actually, parking lots are surprisingly dangerous. While speeds are lower, the movements are unpredictable. In areas like the Fred Meyer on Redmond Way, the mix of cars and shoppers can create chaos.

Common parking lot hazards include:

Backing up blindly: Drivers rely too much on backup cameras and fail to check their blind spots for people walking behind them.
Cutting across lanes: Drivers ignore designated lanes to get to a spot faster, crossing paths where pedestrians are walking.
Distraction: People tend to check their phones immediately after parking or right before pulling out.

Even at low speeds, a vehicle can cause broken bones or traumatic brain injuries.

Do Electric Vehicles Cause More Accidents?

Yes, silent vehicles pose a unique threat. Hybrid and electric cars, which are very common in the Puget Sound area, are virtually silent at low speeds. A pedestrian relying on their ears to know if a car is coming might step out into the path of an approaching EV.

This puts a higher burden on EV drivers to be hyper-aware of their surroundings. They cannot rely on their engine noise to warn walkers of their presence.

FAQs About the Top Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Does the driver’s speed really matter that much?

Yes. Speed is the biggest factor in the severity of an injury. A pedestrian struck at 20 mph has a high survival rate, while a pedestrian struck at 40 mph faces a significantly higher risk of fatality or catastrophic injury.

What if I was jaywalking when the accident happened?

You likely still have a case. Washington is a pure comparative fault state, so you may still be able to recover damages if you were partially at fault. Even if you crossed outside a crosswalk, the driver still had a duty to scan the road and avoid hitting you. Speeding or distraction on their part makes them liable.

Why do school zones see so many accidents?

School zones are chaotic. Parents rushing to drop off kids often pull illegal U-turns or double-park, creating blind spots. Small children are harder to see, which is why RCW 46.61.440 mandates strict speed limits that drivers must obey.

Are left turns more dangerous than right turns?

Statistically, yes. A driver making a left turn has a wider radius and creates a larger blind spot with their vehicle’s frame (the A-pillar). They also tend to accelerate more aggressively to clear oncoming traffic.

Can a city be liable for a bad crosswalk design?

In some cases, yes. If an intersection has a history of accidents due to poor lighting, broken signals, or overgrown landscaping blocking the view, the local municipality could share liability for the dangerous road design.

Taking Control of Your Recovery

It’s easy to feel like your life is spinning out of control after being injured by a negligent driver. Medical appointments consume your time, bills pile up, you’re missing work, and the insurance adjusters aren’t working with your best interests in mind. You do not have to manage this confusion and stress alone.

At Narwal Injury Law, we empower our clients by handling the legal details. We prepare every case as though it’s going to trial, giving it leverage that positions you for the best possible outcome. Your job is to focus on your health and recovery. Take the first step toward reclaiming your future. Contact Nawal Injury Law today for a free consultation.