School zones are designed to keep children and pedestrians safe as they go to and from school. However, even with strict traffic laws, accidents still happen. School zone pedestrian accidents in Seattle can lead to serious injuries, especially when drivers ignore safety rules.
These accidents put vulnerable pedestrians, like children, at risk, and the aftermath can be devastating for victims and their families.
At Bernard Law Group, our Seattle pedestrian accident lawyer is here to help if you or a loved one has been hurt in a school zone accident. We understand how frightening and overwhelming this time can be, and we’re ready to fight for your rights.
Common Causes of Accidents in School Zones
Accidents in school zones often occur because drivers fail to follow the rules or drive safely. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Speeding in School Zones: Speed limits in school zones are reduced to 20 mph during school hours, but many drivers ignore these limits. Speeding reduces reaction time, making it harder to stop for pedestrians.
- Distracted Driving: Drivers who use their phones, eat, or engage in other distractions are less likely to notice children crossing the street. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents in school zones.
- Failure to Yield: Some drivers don’t yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, putting children at risk when crossing the street. Yielding is crucial, especially in busy school zones where children may not always be easy to see.
- Illegal Passing: Passing a stopped school bus while children are boarding or exiting is illegal and highly dangerous. Unfortunately, this reckless behavior still happens, leading to preventable accidents.
- Poor Visibility: Weather conditions like rain or fog can make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians. Additionally, poorly marked crosswalks or signs can contribute to accidents, especially if drivers aren’t paying close attention.
- Reckless Driving Behaviors: Ignoring traffic signs, speeding through crosswalks, and not stopping at stop signs can lead to dangerous situations for pedestrians in school zones.
- Improper U-turns or Sudden Stops: Making quick turns or stopping suddenly without checking for pedestrians can result in accidents, particularly in areas where children are walking to and from school.
- Failure to Obey Crossing Guards: Crossing guards are there to keep children safe, but when drivers disregard their instructions, it puts everyone in danger.
If you or your child has been involved in an accident in a school zone, our pedestrian accident attorney in Seattle is ready to help you take legal action.
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School Zone Laws in Washington
Washington has strict laws in place to protect pedestrians in school zones. Here’s a breakdown of some key regulations:
Speed Limits
The speed limit in a school zone is reduced to 20 mph during school hours. This limit ensures that drivers have enough time to react if a child steps into the road.
Fines and Penalties
Fines for speeding or other traffic violations in school zones are much higher than in other areas. The goal is to deter reckless driving and encourage safer behaviors around schools.
No-Passing Laws
It is illegal to pass a school bus when it is stopped and children are boarding or exiting. This law exists to protect children who may be crossing the street near the bus.
Pedestrian Right of Way
Pedestrians have the right of way in marked and unmarked crosswalks in school zones. Drivers must stop and allow pedestrians to cross safely.
Signage and Crosswalks
School zones must have visible signs and well-marked crosswalks to alert drivers of the reduced speed limit and the presence of children.
Traffic Control Enforcement
In many school zones, police officers or traffic control officers monitor driver behavior to ensure compliance with school zone laws.
If a driver breaks any of these laws and causes an accident, they can be held responsible for the injuries they cause. Our top-rated accident lawyer in Seattle can help you understand how these laws apply to your case and work to hold the at-fault party accountable.
Legal Rights of Victims in School Zone Accidents
If you’ve been injured in a school zone accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. Here are some key legal points you should know:
Right to Compensation
If a driver’s negligence caused your accident, you have the right to seek compensation. This compensation can cover your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Our no-win, no-fee pedestrian accident lawyer in Seattle can help you pursue a claim without any upfront costs—you only pay if we win your case.
Liability of the Driver
In most cases, the driver who caused the accident will be held liable. This means they are responsible for paying for your damages. Our pedestrian accident attorney in Seattle will work to prove that the driver’s actions directly caused your injuries.
Comparative Negligence Laws in Washington
Washington follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover compensation. However, the amount you receive could be reduced based on your level of fault.
Types of Compensation Available
When you’re involved in a school zone pedestrian accident, the injuries you face can lead to a lot of unexpected costs. From medical bills to time missed at work, it can feel overwhelming. That’s where compensation comes in. Some of the damages you may be able to recover include:
- Medical Expenses: You can seek compensation for current and future medical expenses related to the accident, including surgeries, hospital stays, and physical therapy.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for your lost income and any future earning potential.
- Pain and Suffering: You may be entitled to compensation for the physical and emotional pain caused by the accident.
- Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs: If you require ongoing rehabilitation or therapy, these costs can be included in your claim.
- Wrongful Death Claims: If a loved one tragically loses their life in a school zone accident, the family can file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages.
Our team is here to help you understand the different types of compensation you may be entitled to and how to ensure you get what you deserve.
Why Work With Us?
At the Bernard Law Group, we’ve been helping people in Seattle and throughout Washington for over 30 years. Founded by Kirk Bernard, our firm is built on the belief that justice should always come first. We’ve assembled a team of award-winning attorneys, experienced paralegals, and skilled administrators who all work together to get you the best results possible.
We understand how tough life can be after an accident, and we’re here to guide you through every step of the process. Our team has recovered over half a billion dollars for accident victims, so you can trust that we know what we’re doing. We’ll fight for the compensation you deserve, whether for medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Choosing the Bernard Law Group means choosing a team that will treat your case with care, dedication, and respect. You won’t pay a dime unless we win, and we’ll ensure you get the justice you deserve. Let us help you get back on your feet—because your recovery is our priority.
How Our Seattle Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help
At Bernard Law Group, our team is dedicated to helping victims of school zone accidents. Here’s how we can assist you:
Legal Representation
Our Seattle pedestrian accident lawyer will represent you throughout the entire process, from filing the claim to negotiating with insurance companies. We know how stressful this situation is, and we’ll handle the legal side so you can focus on healing.
Investigation Process
We’ll gather all the evidence needed to build a strong case. This includes reviewing traffic camera footage, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing police reports. We leave no stone unturned to ensure your case is as strong as possible.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize the compensation you receive. Our pedestrian wreck attorney near me will fight to ensure you get a fair settlement covering all of your damages.
Court Representation
We’re prepared to take your case to court if a fair settlement can’t be reached. Our best pedestrian accident lawyer in Seattle will present the evidence and advocate for you before a judge and jury, ensuring you get the justice you deserve.
Need Justice? Reach Out Today for Legal Counsel
Call Our Seattle School Zone Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a school zone accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact the injury attorneys Bernard Law Group today to discuss your case with our Seattle pedestrian accident lawyer.
We’re here to fight for you and help you get the compensation you deserve. You don’t have to face this difficult time alone—let our top-rated pedestrian accident lawyer in Seattle help you every step of the way.