As a pedestrian in Bellingham, you have the right to safely navigate the city’s sidewalks, crosswalks, and intersections. However, when negligent drivers fail to yield the right of way or pay attention to their surroundings, pedestrian accidents can result in severe injuries and life-changing consequences.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a pedestrian accident, the skilled Bellingham pedestrian accident attorneys at Walton Law can help you fight for the compensation you deserve and hold the at-fault driver responsible.
Bellingham Pedestrian Accident Guide
- Why Choose Walton Law for Your Pedestrian Accident Case?
- Pedestrian Accident Hotspots in Bellingham
- Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
- Proving Liability in a Pedestrian Accident Case
- Damages in Pedestrian Accident Cases
- Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
- Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims
- Contact a Bellingham Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Why Choose Walton Law for Your Pedestrian Accident Case?
Walton Law is a trusted personal injury firm with offices in Bellingham and Southern California. Our lead attorney, Christopher C. Walton, is a highly experienced trial lawyer who has been named a Super Lawyer every year since 2013.
At Walton Law, we have a proven track record of success in representing pedestrian accident victims and their families.
Our compassionate Bellingham personal injury attorneys have secured substantial settlements and verdicts for clients who have suffered serious injuries in pedestrian crashes caused by reckless drivers.
We have the knowledge, resources, and tenacity to take on even the most challenging cases and well-funded defendants, including insurance companies.
Our Bellingham office is conveniently located at 2219 Rimland Drive #301, just minutes from the city’s most dangerous intersections for pedestrians, including East Magnolia and Cornwall, Northwest Avenue and Maplewood Avenue, and East Champion and North Forest.
Regardless of where your accident took place, our team is ready to come to you for a free consultation at your home, hospital room, or any other location that is most convenient for you.
Pedestrian Accident Hotspots in Bellingham
According to a recent study, Bellingham has several intersections that pose a high risk for pedestrian accidents:
- East Magnolia and Cornwall
- Northwest Avenue and Maplewood Avenue
- East Champion and North Forest
These intersections have seen the highest number of pedestrian crashes in the city. However, accidents can happen anywhere, including on sidewalks, in parking lots, and on residential streets.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents involving vehicles often occur when drivers fail to:
Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks- Stop at stop signs or red lights
- Look for pedestrians when making turns
- Slow down in areas with high foot traffic
- Avoid distractions like cell phones or navigation systems
Other common causes of pedestrian accidents include speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and failing to adjust to weather or road conditions. Regardless of the specific circumstances, if a driver’s negligence led to your injuries, you might have a valid claim for compensation.
Proving Liability in a Pedestrian Accident Case
To win a pedestrian accident case in Washington, you must generally prove the following elements:
- The driver owed you a duty of care to operate their vehicle safely and watch for pedestrians.
- The driver breached that duty by engaging in negligent or reckless conduct, such as failing to yield, distracted driving, or speeding.
- The driver’s breach of duty directly caused your injuries.
- You suffered damages as a result of the accident.
Proving these elements can be challenging, especially when dealing with complex evidence and well-funded defense attorneys.
At Walton Law, we have the skills and resources to thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, and build a compelling argument on your behalf.
We work with trusted experts in fields like accident reconstruction, traffic engineering, and medicine to demonstrate the full extent of the driver’s negligence and the impact of your injuries.
It’s important to note that Washington follows the doctrine of comparative negligence, which means that your damages may be reduced by your own percentage of fault, if any, in the accident. Insurance adjusters may try to use this to minimize your claim, but our attorneys know how to fight back and protect your rights.
Damages in Pedestrian Accident Cases
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Bellingham, you may be entitled to recover compensatory damages, which are intended to make you whole again.
These may include:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and disability
- Property damage to any personal items you were carrying
In cases involving drunk driving or intentional misconduct, you may also be able to pursue punitive damages, which are meant to punish the defendant and deter future wrongdoing.
If a loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident, you might be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages on behalf of their estate and survivors. This is separate from any criminal charges the at-fault driver may face.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident in Bellingham, taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights.
Here’s what you should do:
- Move to a safe location, if possible, and call 911 to report the accident.
- Seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor.
- Get contact and insurance information from the driver.
- Collect contact information for any eyewitnesses.
- Avoid discussing fault or giving recorded statements to insurance companies.
- Contact an experienced pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible.
At Walton Law, we offer free consultations to help pedestrian accident victims understand their rights and explore their legal options. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can start building your case and fighting for your recovery.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims
If the driver who hit you was uninsured or underinsured, you might still be able to recover compensation through your own auto insurance policy’s uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Our attorneys can help you with this process and negotiate with your insurance company to ensure you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to.
Contact a Bellingham Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Christopher C. Walton, Bellingham Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Bellingham, the compassionate and tenacious attorneys at Walton Law are here to help. We understand the devastating impact these accidents can have on your life, and we’re committed to providing personalized, attentive service to each and every client.
Don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Contact us today at (360) 543-1010 for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our skilled pedestrian accident lawyers. We offer evening and weekend appointments and can even come to you if you’re unable to make it to our office.
Walton Law, A.P.C. – Bellingham Office Location
2219 Rimland Dr Suite 301,
Bellingham, WA 98226
Phone: (360) 543-1010