Pedestrian accidents in the state of Washington are more common than many people realize. In fact, the Washington State Department of Transportation reports that collisions involving pedestrians are on the rise. In 2010, there were 1,930 collisions involving pedestrians, up from 1,787 the previous year. The number of people killed in pedestrian accidents has remained at 61 each year from 2008 through 2010.
Just this month, a Yakima resident suffered a broken leg when he was struck by a Jeep as he crossed Yakima Avenue near Fourth Avenue in downtown Yakima. Police said the Jeep was turning onto Fourth Street as the pedestrian was crossing outside the crosswalk, according to a news report.
Washington State Pedestrian Accidents
The vast majority of Washington State collisions involving pedestrians occur on city streets; however, fatal pedestrian collisions are slightly more likely on state routes. The northwest region leads the state in pedestrian- involved collisions, followed by the Olympic region and then the eastern region. The south central region appears to be the safest area for pedestrians.
Washington State law requires pedestrians to yield to vehicular traffic if they are crossing the street anywhere other than within a crosswalk. The law also states:
“The operator of an approaching vehicle shall stop and remain stopped to allow a pedestrian or bicycle to cross the roadway within an unmarked or marked crosswalk when the pedestrian or bicycle is upon or within one lane of the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling or onto which it is turning. For purposes of this section ‘half of the roadway’ means all traffic lanes carrying traffic in one direction of travel, and includes the entire width of a one-way roadway.”
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney about Your Washington State Accident
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident in Washington State, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries or your loss. The Washington State pedestrian accident attorneys at Mariano Morales Law can help you get through the legal process and make sure that the party responsible for your injuries or loss is held accountable.
Contact the team today by calling (509) 853-2222 or by using our online contact form for your free initial consultation.
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