Seattle is a busy city, with people coming and going all hours of the day and night. When drivers speed to their destination, the likelihood of a serious accident and devastating consequences increases significantly.
Knowing your legal rights and options is essential if a speeding driver strikes you. Unfortunately, focusing on recovery is a priority for anyone in this position, which means legal action takes the backseat.
We understand the situation at the
Bernard Law Group and are here to help. Our experienced
Seattle personal injury attorneys can represent your legal interests while you focus on returning to your everyday life.
Here, you can learn more about the role of speed in
pedestrian accidents and how it may worsen a bad situation.
The Harsh Reality of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can be life-altering. The human body is no match for the force of a speeding vehicle.
Injuries from such accidents can range from minor to severe. Some of the most common injuries seen include:
- Fractures (Broken Bones): Common in limbs or ribs, fractures occur when the force of a vehicle hitting a pedestrian is strong enough to break bones.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) Can range from concussions to severe brain damage when the head is struck or jolted.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These can lead to partial or complete paralysis, depending on where the spine is injured and the severity of the trauma.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: These include sprains, strains, and tears in muscles, tendons, or ligaments caused by the abrupt force of impact.
- Lacerations and Abrasions: Deep cuts or scrapes can occur from the initial impact or from being thrown against objects or the road.
- Internal Injuries: Internal bleeding or damage to internal organs can happen upon impact or if the body is crushed.
- Amputations: In extreme cases, limbs or digits may be severed upon impact or may require surgical amputation post-accident due to severe damage.
- Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, victims may have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues following an accident
The road to recovery is often long and fraught with physical, emotional, and financial challenges.
Understanding the Risk Factors
Speed is a significant
risk factor in pedestrian accidents. The faster a vehicle moves, the less time a driver has to react to a pedestrian entering the roadway. Moreover, the higher the speed at impact, the greater the likelihood of severe injury or fatality.
Distraction is another critical factor. With smartphones’ advent, drivers and pedestrians can be too engrossed in their screens to pay proper attention to their surroundings, leading to catastrophic consequences.
The Law and Pedestrian Safety
Seattle’s laws are designed to protect pedestrians. Crosswalks, traffic signals, and speed limits are all measures to create a safe environment for foot traffic. However, adherence to these laws is not always observed, and that’s where issues arise. As a Seattle personal injury attorney, I can attest that legal consequences for drivers who fail to yield or speed are stringent, yet these laws can only go so far in prevention.
After the Accident: Legal Recourse
If you are involved in a
pedestrian accident, knowing you have rights is essential. Seattle personal injury attorneys specialize in advocating for victims, helping them navigate the complexities of personal injury law, and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses.
Seeking a Seattle Personal Injury Attorney
In the aftermath of an accident, you may feel overwhelmed by medical bills, insurance claims, and the prospect of legal action. This is where a seasoned
Seattle personal injury attorney comes into play. They can offer invaluable assistance in managing the legal aspects of your case while you focus on recovery.
Prevention: A Community Effort
Preventing pedestrian accidents is a community effort. It requires commitment from local authorities to enforce speed limits and traffic laws, from drivers to remain vigilant and drive responsibly, and from pedestrians to stay alert and use designated crossing areas.
Get Help After a Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrian accidents are a serious concern in Seattle. Speed exacerbates these incidents, but we can reduce their occurrence with awareness, adherence to laws, and community effort. Remember, a
Seattle personal injury attorney can provide the guidance and support you need if you’re involved in such an accident. Stay safe, stay vigilant, and support initiatives to make Seattle’s streets safer for everyone.
