Pedestrian l Crosswalk Collisions & Bicycle Accidents

Statistically, children under age 16 are the most likely to be struck by a car, but elderly victims are the most likely to die as a result of pedestrian or crosswalk accident injuries. Most pedestrian accidents occur on the weekends during the evening hours. Pedestrian accidents in the late afternoon increase when daylight savings time is removed in the winter and the sun sets earlier.

We are dedicated to representing those who have suffered a loss or disability through in a bicycle accident, crosswalk accident, or pedestrian collision.  These cases can be challenging, if not difficult, to pursue.  Almost always the insurance company will allege comparative fault or negligence against the accident victim.  You need an experienced pedestrian accident attorney who can successfully defeat the insurance company's claims of negligence either in court or before a lawsuit is ever necessary.  Often pedestrian and bicycle accidents involve serious, permanent or catastrophic injuries that will need to be adequately proved and successfully negotiated by an experienced personal injury attorney.  The experienced personal injury attorney will usually have the skills to successfully prove the case in court and present the case in a way that will help motivate jurors or the insurance company to award maximum compensation.

If you or a family member has suffered personal injury as the result of a pedestrian or bicycle accident, Seattle Injury Attorney Chris Davis and the Davis Law Group, P.S. can help you.

FREE Case Review
Contact us now for a FREE conversation about your bicycle, crosswalk, or pedestrian case. There is no obligation to hire a lawyer.  We are usually retained on a contingency fee basis. There is no fee until our personal injury attorneys successfully recover fair compensation for you.

Recognized For Pedestrian Collision & Bicycle Accident Experience And Innovation In Washington State

Seattle attorney Chris Davis has been recognized by his peers as a very experienced and successful personal injury or accident attorney.  He has been named a "Rising Star Attorney" and a "Super Lawyer" by other experienced lawyers in the field of personal injury law.  Mr. Davis has successfully recovered dozens of settlements and jury verdicts at great odds and by sheer perseverence and work ethic.  Many times Mr. Davis has recovered jury verdicts that are greater than 8 or 10 times the amount of the insurance company's last or "final" offer before trial.  Insurance companies are very aware of Mr. Davis' success in the courtroom, and as a result will usually offer him a premium settlement offer to avoid trial, especially in cases involving pedestrian and bicycle accidents.  You can count on Mr. Davis to recover the highest settlement offer the insurance company is prepared to give before trial.

We Handle Cases All Over Washington State
We can help whether you live in Bellevue, Everett, Kirkland, Federal Way, Tacoma, Auburn, Olympia, Burien, Renton, Redmond, Federal Way or the greater Seattle area. Having substantial experience with pedestrian and bicycle accident claims and trying these cases in court, the Davis Law Group has the skill and expertise necessary to help you.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics
There was a loss of 4,881 lives in pedestrian/motor vehicle crashes in 2005, almost thirteen people every day of the year (NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts). Though the number of pedestrian fatalities fell from 5,584 in 1995 to 4,881 in 2005, the fatalities in 2005 were the highest since 4,901 fatalities were recorded in 2001. Fortunately, the number of reported injuries involving pedestrians fell from 84,000 in 1995 to 64,000 in 2005. However, only a fraction of pedestrian crashes that cause injury are ever recorded by the police.

• Pedestrian Deaths in 1995: 5,584
• Pedestrian Deaths in 2005: 4,881 (NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts)
• Reduction in pedestrian deaths between 1995 and 2005: 13 percent
• Pedestrian Injuries in 1995: 86,000
• Pedestrian Injuries in 2005: 64,000 (NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts)
• Reduction in pedestrian injuries between 1995 and 2005: 26 percent
• According to the National SAFEKIDS Campaign, more than 46,000 children are injured each year in pedestrian accidents
  
• The total cost of pedestrian death and injury among children ages 14 and younger is $5.2 billion per year (Safe Kids Worldwide).

A detailed breakdown of the age, gender, and location of pedestrian crash victims is available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) fact sheets. Some of the more noteworthy trends or numbers are:

• 70 percent of pedestrian killed in 2005 were males.
• Almost three out of every four pedestrian fatalities occur in urban areas (74 percent).
• The top four states for pedestrian fatalities are California, Florida, Texas, and New York. These four states make up 42 percent of pedestrian fatalities nationwide while only accounting for 29 percent of the total traffic fatalities across the country.
• Nearly half (48 percent) of pedestrian fatalities occurred on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.

 Pedestrian Collision & Bicycle Accident Resources 

Library for Pedestrian l Crosswalk Collisions & Bicycle Accidents:

• RCW 46.04.160 Crosswalk   
  Description: "Crosswalk" means the portion of the roadway between the intersection area and a prolongation or connection of the farthest sidewalk line or in the event there are no sidewalks then between the intersection area and a line ten feet therefrom, except as modified by a marked crosswalk.
• WAC 132E-16-040 - Right of Way   
  Description: (1) Stopping for pedestrian. (2) Pedestrian sudden movements. (4) Overtaking vehicles stopped for pedestrian. (5) Yield right of way. (6) Curb ramps.
• WAC 504-14-940 Pedestrians   
  Description: When traffic control signals are not in place or not in operation at pedestrian crossings, a vehicle must yield the right of way, by slowing down or stopping, when the pedestrian in the crossing is upon the same half of the roadway as the vehicle, or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.
• RCW 46.61.235 Crosswalks   
• RCW 46.61.240 Crossing at other than crosswalks   
  Description: Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right of way to all vehicles upon the roadway.
• RCW 46.61.261 Sidewalks, crosswalks -- Pedestrians, bicycles.   
  Description: The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right of way to any pedestrian or bicycle on a sidewalk. The rider of a bicycle shall yield the right of way to a pedestrian on a sidewalk or crosswalk.
• SMC 11.40.160 Crossing intersection   
  Description: No pedestrian shall cross a roadway intersection diagonally unless authorized by official traffic-control devices; and, when authorized to cross diagonally, pedestrians shall cross only in accordance with the official traffic-control devices pertaining to such crossing movements. (RCW 46.61.240(4))
  (Ord. 108200 Section 2(11.40.160), 1979.)
• SMC 11.40.160 Crossing intersection diagonally - Seattle Municipal Code   
  Description: No pedestrian shall cross a roadway intersection diagonally unless authorized by official traffic-control devices; and, when authorized to cross diagonally, pedestrians shall cross only in accordance with the official traffic-control devices pertaining to such crossing movements. (RCW 46.61.240(4))
  (Ord. 108200 Section 2(11.40.160), 1979.)
• SMC 11.40.180 Standard of care for drivers of motor vehicles - Seattle Municipal Code   
  Description: The driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian who is carrying a cane predominantly white in color (with or without a red tip) or using a guide dog shall take all necessary precautions to avoid injury to such pedestrian.
• SMC 11.40.220 Walking on sidewalk - Seattle Municipal Code   
  Description: Where there are sidewalks provided, no pedestrian shall move along and upon an adjacent roadway. Where sidewalks are provided but wheelchair access is not available, disabled persons may move along and upon an adjacent roadway until they reach an access point in the sidewalk.
  (Ord. 115323 Section 4, 1990: Ord. 108200 Section 2(11.40.220), 1979.)

View All

Frequent Questions for Pedestrian l Crosswalk Collisions & Bicycle Accidents:

• Is there a helmet law in Seattle?

• Are they allowed to ride two abreast?

• Can bicycles ride on the sidewalk?

• It's my understanding that bikers are supposed to (for the main part) remain in the far right hand lane. What are some exeption to this rule? Can they go into the left hand lane when wanting to take a left hand turn?

• I get really upset when I see bicyclists driving and/or weaving between cars stopped on the road due to a red traffic light or a traffic backup. Then, I really cringe when I see bycyclists dart through intersections on a red light, often without stopping first to check for oncoming traffic. This is a common occurance. I see it almost every day. Aren't bicyclists subject to the same rules of the road as the rest of us in our cars?

• Do bicyclists have to follow the same rules of the road as car drivers, e.g., stop at red lights, stop at stop signs, etc.
• Is there a rule for crossing in a crosswalk with a flashing red hand and the seconds ticking down?

Videos about Pedestrian l Crosswalk Collisions & Bicycle Accidents:

• $4 Million Settlement in Wrongful Death Case - Seattle Attorney Chris Davis on KOMO4

Case Results for Pedestrian l Crosswalk Collisions & Bicycle Accidents:

• $420,000 Settlement For 7 yr old Hit on Bicycle

Awarded: $420,000 Settlement

• $415,000 Settlement for Young Boy Hit by Car While Exiting Bus

Awarded: $415,000 settlement

• $140,000 Settlement for Campers Run Over by Jeep

Awarded: $140,000 Settlement

Web Resources for Pedestrian l Crosswalk Collisions & Bicycle Accidents:

• Washington State Cycling Laws

  Description: With more people riding bicycles, following the rules of the road is especially important. A bicycle is a legal road vehicle, just like a car. This means that bicycle riders have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers, even though bicycles are lighter than cars and generally slower.

• How not to get hit by cars

  Description: An a cyclist suggests ways to avoid getting hit while riding on the road.

• City of Seattle Bicycle Program

  Description: SDOT's Bicycle Program has been working steadily toward developing an urban trail system to accommodate bicyclists.

• American Council of the Blind - Pedestrian Safety

  Description: ACB is committed to getting our country back on its feet again! Our pedestrian safety subcommittee of our Environmental Access Committee is working on projects that will move the agenda of pedestrian safety to the forefront.

• Seattle Department of Transportation's (SDOT) Pedestrian Program

  Description: The Seattle Department of Transportation's (SDOT) Pedestrian Program seeks to improve pedestrian safety and to encourage more walking by creating an environment where pedestrians can walk safely and comfortably.

• Child Pedestrian Safety

  Description: In recent years, the traffic-related pedestrian death rate among children ages 14 and under has declined significantly. In large part, this decline can be attributed to decreased traffic exposure, as children are walking less often.

• Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute
• Cascade Bicycle Club

  Description: Cascade Bicycle Club, a non-profit organization, is based in Seattle, Washington, and serves 7,400 members and the Puget Sound bicycling community. Our vision is to Create a Better Community through Bicycling. Cascade is operated by a nine-member volunteer Board of Directors, fifteen professional staff, three AmeriCorps interns, and thousands of volunteers.

• Northwest Women's Cycling (NWWC )
• Northwest Cycling (NW Cycling)

View All

Blog for Pedestrian l Crosswalk Collisions & Bicycle Accidents

• Pedestrian Law In Washington State and Metro Seattle l Crosswalk Accident Lawyer
• Pedestrian Hit In Poulsbo Crossing Accident l Washington Injury Lawyer
• Bicycle Laws In Bellevue, WA l Bellevue Bicycle Accident Lawyer
• 15-year-old Girl Killed Crossing I-5
• Man Killed Trying to Cross I-5 - Seattle Lawyer
• Teen Injured In Crosswalk Accident l Seattle Lawyer
• Bicycle Accident Kills UW Lecturer l Seattle Accident Lawyer
• Bicycle Accident Kills UW Lecturer l Seattle Accident Lawyer
• Marysville Boy Hit by Truck as he Crosses Street - Seattle Accident Attorney
• Car Hits Pedestrian in Spokane
• Everett Teen Injured In Bicycle Accident l Injury Law Firm
• Pickup Truck Hits Pedestrians In Seattle l Accident Lawyer
• Bike Rider Killed in Seattle Crash - Seattle Lawyer
• Man hit by car while crossing street in wheelchair l Washington Pedestrian Accident Attorney
• Crosswalk Accident at 23rd & Cherry in Seattle l Pedestrian Accident Attorney
• Pedestrian Hit by Car on Bainbridge l Do you need a pedestrian accident attorney?
• Renton Bicyclist Hit by Car l Seattle Accident Lawyer
• Bicycle Riders Subject to Rules of the Road l Seattle Bicycle Accident Injury Attorney
• Child Bicycle Accidents Are More Common Than You Think l Seattle Child Injury Specialist
• Parental Immunity in Child Injury Claims l Seattle Child Accident Attorney
• Daylight Saving Time Switch & Increased Number Of Pedestrian Collisions & Car Accidents
• Pedestrian Accidents On Railroad Tracks Are Frequent In Pierce and South King County l Seattle Railroad Accident Lawyer
• Pedestrian Accident in Seattle's Capita Hill Neighborhood l Seattle Pedestrian Attorney
• Woman Dies In Auburn Pedestrian Collision l Washington Pedestrian Accident Attorney
• Two Men Injured in Greenwood Pedestrian Accident
• Halloween Safety Tips For Kids, Parents, and Homeowners
• November 2nd: Pedestrian Accidents
• Pedestrian Injured In Redmond Accident
• 84 year old pedestrian struck by pick-up truck.
• Everett Pedestrian Accident
• Car critically injures pedestrian in Everett
• West Seattle Woman Hit In Crosswalk, Later Dies
• Pedestrian Killed In West Seattle
• Sumner Bicyclist Killed By Dump Turck
• Burien Woman Killed In Pedestrian Collision
• Crash injures Bellingham bicyclist
• Puyallup Bicyclist Killed In Hit-and-Run Accident
• Blind Aurora Avenue Pedestrian And Her Service Dog Struck In Car Accident
• Police Search For Vehicle Involved in Hit-And-Run Death in Shelton
• One Killed in Pedicab Accident in Seattle's Belltown neighborhood
• New Pedestrian Accident Report
• Seattle Streetcar Race Causes Crash
• Man dies in hit-and-run incident
• Woodinville Jogger Involved In Hit-and-Run
• Car Jumps Curb And Hits Three Pedestrians
• Washington State Pedestrian Accidents On The Rise l Seattle Attorney
• Lynnwood Girl struck and killed while standing on sidewalk l Seattle Lawyer
• May 20, 2008, Seattle & Bellingham Accident News: Amtrak death, driving tests, DUI machines
• Seattle Bicycle Accident News - May 8, 2008
• Seattle Accident Attorney Says Bicycles and Head Phones Don't Mix
• Seattle Pedestrian Accident News - April 25, 2008
• Helmet Policy and Laws - Seattle, WA & King County, WA
• Pedestrian Accident Law in Washington State l Crosswalk Accident Attorney
• Seattle Pedestrian Injured In Collision l Crosswalk Accident Lawyer
• Seattle's Pedestrian Accident Problem
• Drunk Driver Charged for Killing College Student
• Another Pedestrian Hit and Killed While Crossing Street in Seattle
• Another Pedestrian Struck By Car In Early Morning Accident - Is Daylight Saving Time to Blame?
• Woman's legs nearly severed in car accident
• Student struck while crossing street
• 85-year-old man hit by SUV dies of injuries
• Woman hit in crosswalk in serious condition

Free Consultation