Pedestrians Hit By A Car In Washington: A 2025 Guide
Contributor
Reviewed By Adam Ramirez, J.D.
Editor
- First Steps After a Pedestrian Collision in Washington
- Who Pays After a Car/Pedestrian Crash in Washington?
- Insurance Claims for Pedestrians: PIP, UM, UIM and Liability
- Common Driver Defenses and How They Affect Compensation
- Filing Deadlines and Legal Time Limits in Washington
- When a City or State Can Be Liable for Unsafe Crossings
- When to Hire a Washington Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Summary
- You can file against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance
- Washington gives you three years to begin a claim
For cases of a pedestrian hit by car in Washington, victims who suffer injuries often have the option of filing a claim to recover losses. Take a closer look at what the process of beginning a claim is like and why having a pedestrian accident lawyer can make a difference.
Free Car Accident Case Review
Preparing Case Review Form. ConsumerShield is transforming the way consumers experience law.
First Steps After a Pedestrian Collision in Washington
The first thing to do is to ensure you move to a safe spot and call emergency services. Have paramedics assess you, even if you’re not sure whether you got hurt. Make certain that law enforcement gets to the scene, as they can create a report of the crash.
If you’re able, gather evidence from the scene, including photos and witness statements, and as soon as possible, contact a Washington personal injury lawyer.
Who Pays After a Car/Pedestrian Crash in Washington?
In Washington, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance generally pays for any losses. Keep in mind that the state has pure comparative negligence laws, so you can be partly responsible for the accident as a pedestrian and still recover compensation. Your winnings will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Free Car Accident Case Review
Preparing Case Review Form. ConsumerShield is transforming the way consumers experience law.
Insurance Claims for Pedestrians: PIP, UM, UIM and Liability
As a pedestrian hit by car in Washington, you may be able to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s personal injury protection (PIP) insurance or your own PIP coverage if you have a vehicle. This covers medical expenses and lost wages.
If the driver who hit you was uninsured or underinsured, you can file a claim against your UM/UIM insurance, if you have a vehicle. You may even be able to file against a family member’s UM/UIM insurance if you’re listed on it.
In the majority of pedestrian accidents, the at-fault driver's bodily injury liability insurance covers the losses.
Common Driver Defenses and How They Affect Compensation
Drivers can claim that you were jaywalking or that you darted out in front of their car unexpectedly. This can make you partially responsible for the accident, reducing your potential compensation.
Free Car Accident Case Review
Preparing Case Review Form. ConsumerShield is transforming the way consumers experience law.
Filing Deadlines and Legal Time Limits in Washington
In Washington, you have three years to file a personal injury claim after a pedestrian accident.
When a City or State Can Be Liable for Unsafe Crossings
A city or state can be liable if it fails to maintain crossings and streets in reasonably safe conditions. If the crossings aren’t clearly marked, have potholes or are poorly designed, you may be able to file against the government entity responsible for maintenance.
Free Car Accident Case Review
Preparing Case Review Form. ConsumerShield is transforming the way consumers experience law.
When to Hire a Washington Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you’ve suffered losses in a pedestrian accident, it’s time to contact an attorney. These cases are complex and require experienced representation.
At ConsumerShield, we can help you find a trusted attorney in the Washington area. Contact us to get started.
Other washington Topics
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Distracted driving, speeding and running stop signs or red lights are common reasons these accidents occur.
-
The severity of the injuries you sustained, how long it will take to recover from them and the degree of fault you hold will all impact the claim’s worth.
