Pedestrian Accidents

The experienced team of legal professionals at Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers successfully secured a $750,000 settlement on behalf of a 34-year-old man who suffered devastating, life-altering injuries after being run over by a vehicle on a freeway off-ramp in Olympia, Washington.

Details of the Catastrophic Incident

On the evening of August 29, 2021, at approximately 9:00 PM, our client, E.B., was lying on the roadway of an off-ramp, near the point where the ramp splits from one lane into two. The area was straight, unobstructed, and dark with little to no artificial lighting.

A witness returning home noticed an object in the left-turn-only lane and stopped to investigate. Using his cellphone flashlight, he realized the object was a person lying in the roadway. The witness immediately contacted his wife, who called 911, and attempted to warn approaching traffic of the hazard.

After a couple successful swerves, another vehicle proceeded down the off-ramp at approximately 25 miles per hour and ran directly over our client. The defendant later testified that she heard a “thud, thud” and believed she had struck debris or a bumper in the roadway. She admitted she never saw E.B. prior to impact and took no evasive action to avoid the collision, despite the witness’s attempts to alert her.

As a result of the pedestrian accident, our client suffered critical polytrauma, including severe brain trauma, multiple broken bones, internal organ damage, and extensive facial injuries. Many of these injuries required multiple surgeries and long-term medical care.

Expert Evidence, Testimonies, and Liability

The representing attorneys David Reeve and Chris Davis demonstrated that the defendant failed to exercise the duty of care required under Washington law. Pursuant to RCW 46.61.245, drivers must exercise due to care to avoid colliding with pedestrians on any roadway, particularly when encountering an obviously incapacitated person. The defendant had legal duty to remain attentive to roadway hazards.

The pedestrian accident attorneys at Davis Law Group built a strong liability case using testimony from multiple experts. Accident reconstruction showed the driver should have been able to see and avoid E.B., while medical experts confirmed the injuries were caused by the collision. With those records, a vocational expert concluded that our client would require round-the-clock care and ongoing medical support for the rest of his life.

Life After a Pedestrian Collision and Permanent Disability

Despite his injuries, E.B. has consistently expressed a strong desire to continue his education and rebuild his life. He is now permanently disabled and resides in an adult family home in Shoreline, Washington, where he receives daily care and support.

Those who knew our client describe him as a kind, caring, and an intellectually curious man who has persevered through a lifetime marked by significant hardship, including childhood trauma, mental health challenges, and substance abuse.

Final Settlement

We aggressively litigated this case for two years. Through scene reconstruction, detailed expert analysis, and research, our firm demonstrated that the defendant’s inattention was the direct and sole cause of this devastating injury.

While no settlement can undo the harm he suffered, the recovery secured by Davis Law Group offers a measure of accountability and support as he looks towards the future. The case was resolved through a $750,000 settlement, providing financial resources to support E.B.’s lifelong care needs.

Davis Law Group is committed to protect community members and holding negligent drivers accountable for life-altering accidents. For anyone seeking guidance after a pedestrian collision, our free book, Right of Way: The Essential Guide to Pedestrian Accident Law in Washington State, offers clear, practical advice to help victims understand their rights and options.