Posted on Monday, August 3rd, 2026 at 9:00 am
Being hit by a car as a pedestrian is a traumatic experience that can leave you injured, confused, and unsure of what to do next. In Washington State, pedestrian accidents happen more frequently than many people realize. According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, there were 105 pedestrian fatalities in 2020 alone, with 306 serious injuries and over 1,600 total pedestrian injuries from traffic accidents that year. If you’ve been hit as a pedestrian in Washington, knowing what to do can protect your health, preserve evidence, and support your legal claim. This guide walks you through the essential steps to take immediately after being struck by a vehicle, from ensuring your safety to documenting the scene and pursuing compensation.
Why Choose The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs
When you’re injured in a pedestrian accident, you need an attorney who understands Washington law and has experience handling injury claims. The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs has represented injured pedestrians and their families since 1952, serving the Lakewood community and surrounding areas.
Our attorneys bring decades of combined experience to personal injury cases. Shawn Briggs has spent nearly 40 years representing injury victims and has been recognized by organizations such as Super Lawyers and the National Trial Lawyers. Marie Docter brings over 20 years of experience and has handled a range of injury claims across multiple practice areas.
We have secured substantial recoveries for clients, including $5.1 million in a negligent police chase auto accident, $1.1 million in a wrongful death truck accident, and $2.1 million in a motorcycle accident caused by a highway defect. We have also obtained settlements ranging from $400,000 to $700,000 for clients with serious injuries. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. View our case results and settlements to learn more about our track record.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which generally means no upfront fees and payment is contingent on recovery. Initial consultations are free and confidential. We serve Lakewood, Tacoma, Olympia, Puyallup, Chehalis, Bremerton, and the surrounding communities. Our attorneys are committed to pursuing accountability for negligent drivers and seeking compensation on behalf of injured clients.
Immediate Safety Steps After Being Hit
The moments right after being hit by a car are critical. Your first priority is getting to safety and protecting yourself from further harm. Taking the right steps immediately can help protect both your physical well-being and your legal rights.
Move to Safety (If Possible)
If you can move without making your injuries worse, get yourself out of traffic. Move to the sidewalk or a safe area away from the roadway. If you’re unable to move, stay where you are and signal for help. Do not attempt to move if you have severe pain, numbness, or suspect a spinal injury. Your health and safety are the top priority in the immediate aftermath of a pedestrian accident.
Call 911 for Emergency Services
Call 911 immediately or ask someone nearby to call for you. Tell the dispatcher that you’ve been hit by a car and need medical assistance. Provide your location and describe any injuries you’re experiencing. The dispatcher will send an ambulance and police to the scene. A police report can be important for your claim, so law enforcement documentation is helpful. This official record becomes critical evidence for your pedestrian accident claim.
Seek Medical Attention Right Away
Even if you feel okay, get medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately. Traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and other serious conditions can develop hours or even days after impact.
Go to the emergency room or urgent care clinic. Tell the medical staff that you were hit by a car and describe all your symptoms. Get a complete medical evaluation and keep all medical records and receipts. These documents help establish the connection between the accident and your injuries and provide evidence of your damages. Medical documentation is essential for any pedestrian accident claim.
Document the Accident Scene
If you’re physically able and it’s safe to do so, gather evidence from the accident scene. This documentation can help support your claim and clarify what happened. The more evidence you collect at the scene, the stronger your case becomes.
Gather Evidence
Take photos or videos of the accident scene from multiple angles. Capture the vehicle that hit you, damage to your clothing or belongings, road conditions, traffic signals, weather conditions, and any visible injuries. Document skid marks, debris, and the overall scene layout. If you can’t take photos yourself, ask a witness or bystander to help. This visual evidence is crucial for establishing liability in your pedestrian accident case.
Get the driver’s information, including name, contact details, driver’s license number, vehicle information, and insurance details. Write down the names and contact information of any witnesses. If possible, ask for a brief statement of what they observed. Witness testimony can be invaluable in supporting your claim.
Report the Accident to Police
A police report creates an official record of the accident and may help establish liability. This document is one of the most important pieces of evidence in your pedestrian accident claim.
Stay at the scene and cooperate with police when they arrive. Provide a clear, factual account of what happened. Avoid speculation. Do not admit fault at the scene. Your statement to police will be documented and may be used later in settlement negotiations or litigation.
Avoid giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Get the police report number and instructions on how to obtain a copy. According to the Washington State Patrol, accident reports are essential documentation for insurance claims and legal proceedings. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can help you navigate communications with insurance companies.
Understand Washington’s Comparative Fault Laws
Washington uses a pure comparative fault system. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still recover compensation. Any recovery would be reduced by your percentage of fault. This is an important protection for pedestrians in Washington State.
For example, if you were awarded $100,000 in damages but found to be 20 percent at fault, you could recover $80,000. Washington’s law, established under RCW 4.22.005, allows injured pedestrians to pursue claims even when fault is shared. For more information on how comparative fault applies to your case, see our guide on understanding comparative fault in car accidents. This legal principle can significantly impact your pedestrian accident settlement.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Attorney
After a pedestrian accident, contacting an attorney can help you understand your options. Insurance companies often attempt to limit payouts, and legal guidance can be useful in responding to those efforts. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can level the playing field.
An attorney can assist with communications, investigate the accident, gather evidence, estimate damages, and negotiate with insurers. If a fair resolution cannot be reached, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit. Learn more about the steps in a personal injury lawsuit to understand what to expect. Understanding the litigation process can help you make informed decisions about your case.
The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs has extensive experience handling pedestrian accident claims throughout Washington. Call us at (253) 345-4399 for a free consultation. Fees are typically contingency-based, meaning payment depends on recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents in Washington
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Washington?
Washington law generally gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Acting sooner can make it easier to gather evidence and locate witnesses. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances of building a strong case.
What types of compensation can I recover?
You may be able to recover economic damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Washington generally does not allow punitive damages in personal injury cases, except in limited circumstances defined by statute. Understanding the types of compensation available is crucial for evaluating your claim.
Do I need a lawyer for my pedestrian accident claim?
You are not required to hire an attorney, but legal representation can help you navigate the claims process, particularly in cases involving serious injuries or disputed liability. An experienced attorney can help maximize your recovery.
Call The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs for Your Free Consultation
If you’ve been hit by a car as a pedestrian in Washington, you do not have to handle the situation alone. The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs has represented injured individuals since 1952 and understands the physical, emotional, and financial impact of these accidents.
Contact us for a free, confidential consultation. Call (253) 588-6696 or fill out our online contact form. Fees are contingency-based, meaning payment depends on recovery. We serve Lakewood, Tacoma, Olympia, Puyallup, Chehalis, Bremerton, and surrounding communities.
We work to pursue fair compensation based on the facts of your case.
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