Pedestrian Accidents Are Rising in Washington — What Are Your Legal Rights?

A Crisis on Our Streets: The Rise in Pedestrian Accidents Across Washington

 

Across Washington State—from Seattle’s bustling intersections to the quiet neighborhoods of Spokane and Tacoma—pedestrian accidents are on the rise. Distracted drivers, unsafe road designs, speeding, and low visibility have created a dangerous environment for those simply walking from one place to another. For pedestrians, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A single moment of negligence can lead to devastating, life-changing injuries: broken bones, spinal damage, traumatic brain injuries, or, heartbreakingly, fatal outcomes.

 

If You’ve Been Hit While Walking, You Have Rights—and You Deserve to Be Heard

 

Being struck by a vehicle is more than just an accident—it’s a violation of the basic right to move safely through your community. Washington State law recognizes this and offers protections specifically for pedestrians:

• You Have the Right of Way: Whether you’re in a marked crosswalk or crossing at an intersection without one, drivers are legally obligated to yield.

• You Have the Right to Safety: Drivers must always be alert, cautious, and ready to avoid harming pedestrians—even outside of designated crossings.

• You are Entitled to the Full Measure of Justice: If a driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to receive a financial remedy that is equal to all your loses, such as medical care, lost income, emotional trauma, and future rehabilitation.

What If You Were Partially at Fault?

 

Accidents are rarely black and white. If you were jaywalking or distracted, that doesn’t mean you forfeit your right to seek help. Washington follows a pure comparative negligence rule—meaning you can still receive a financial remedy, even if you were partly to blame. Your recovery is simply adjusted based on your share of fault.

For example: If your damages total $100,000 and you were found 20% at fault, you could still receive $80,000.

 

Proving Negligence in a Pedestrian Accident

 

To successfully bring a claim, we need to prove the driver—or another party—was negligent. Common examples include:

• Speeding through intersections

• Texting or using GPS behind the wheel

• Driving under the influence

• Failing to yield to pedestrians

• Poorly lit or poorly designed streets (where city or county governments may share liability)

Each case is unique. The key is swift, strategic action—and that’s where we come in.

 

Why Choose Fury Duarte

 

At Fury Duarte, we don’t treat you like a case file. We see the person behind the pain—the parent who can’t return to work, the runner sidelined from a lifelong passion, the family grieving a loss that should never have happened. We fight for you with purpose and persistence. Our team will:

• Conduct a full investigation, including scene analysis and witness interviews

• Partner with medical and accident reconstruction experts

• Stand up to insurance companies and push back against unfair tactics

• Take your case to court if that’s what it takes to get justice

We’ve built our reputation on compassion, accountability, and results.

 

Let Us Walk With You Toward Justice

 

If you or someone you love has been injured as a pedestrian, don’t wait to get help. Your health, your future, and your peace of mind matter.

 

Call Fury Duarte today. We’re here to listen, to fight, and to help you move forward—one step at a time.