After a serious pedestrian accident, you deserve attorneys who will take action to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you need. At Freeman Law Firm, Inc., our Renton pedestrian accident attorneys are experienced in handling complex cases and holding negligent drivers accountable. From recovering medical expenses to addressing lost income and other hardships, we focus on getting results that make a difference in your life. There’s no upfront cost to get started, and our team is ready to help. Contact us today at (253) 383-4500 or online for a free consultation and take the first step toward rebuilding your future.
Pedestrian accidents in Renton are a serious concern, with an average of 30 reported each year, according to crash data from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). These accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities, showing just how dangerous Renton’s streets can be for pedestrians.
In 2021 alone, five people tragically lost their lives in pedestrian accidents that could have been avoided. Many others sustained severe injuries, including broken bones, spinal trauma, and head injuries, requiring extensive medical treatment and long-term recovery efforts.
These statistics reflect the ongoing risks pedestrians face in Renton, and Freeman Law Firm, Inc. is dedicated to standing up for victims and ensuring those responsible are held accountable.
Pedestrian accidents in Renton occur for a variety of reasons, many of which are preventable. Some of the most common causes include:
The cause of a pedestrian accident directly shapes the legal strategy your attorney will use. For example, if the accident was caused by a distracted driver, phone records can be critical for showing they were texting at the time of the crash. In cases where poor lighting or road design contributed, the focus may shift to holding a property owner or municipality accountable for creating unsafe conditions. Freeman Law Firm, Inc. focuses on the key factors of your accident to build a strategy that holds the responsible parties accountable and reflects the full impact of your injuries.
Liability in a pedestrian accident depends on proving who was responsible for what happened. In most cases, this comes down to negligence. Negligence occurs when someone fails to act with reasonable care, such as a driver ignoring traffic laws or not paying attention to pedestrians on the road.
To prove a driver’s negligence, it must be shown that:
Police reports, witness statements, and video footage can help piece together exactly what happened during the accident. For instance, video might capture a driver failing to stop at a crosswalk, or witnesses could describe reckless behavior like speeding. Evidence of traffic signs or signals that the driver ignored—such as a stop sign or a flashing pedestrian crossing light—can also help show how their negligence led to the collision.
There are times when pedestrians share some responsibility for an accident. For example, if someone crosses outside a marked crosswalk or against a traffic signal, it could lower the amount of compensation they receive under Washington’s comparative negligence laws. Even so, this doesn’t mean they can’t recover anything. Drivers are still responsible for their part in causing the accident.
Pedestrian accidents frequently lead to life-altering physical harm. Broken bones may require multiple surgeries and months of rehabilitation, limiting mobility and independence. Spinal injuries can result in chronic pain, partial paralysis, or permanent disability and can affect every aspect of daily life. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are also common and can impair memory, concentration, and overall cognitive function, which can create ongoing struggles for victims.
The challenges don’t end with physical recovery. Many victims experience emotional trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD long after physical injuries have healed. Emotional trauma can make it hard to truly move forward.
Medical costs from emergency treatment, hospital stays, and ongoing care quickly become overwhelming, especially when paired with income lost due to time away from work. For those facing permanent disabilities, the financial burden can feel impossible to overcome.
Our attorneys consider every aspect of how the accident has affected your life to build a strong case on your behalf. We review medical records, consult with doctors and other professionals to calculate the full scope of your financial losses and show the complete picture of your injuries. For example, we might:
Building a case with this evidence allows us to demonstrate the true impact of the accident on your life and make sure that those responsible are held accountable.
What you do after a pedestrian accident can directly affect your ability to recover compensation for your injuries. Taking specific steps early on ensures important evidence is preserved and gives you the best chance of holding the responsible party accountable.
Your well-being should come first. Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries, such as head trauma or internal damage might not be immediately apparent but can lead to serious complications without early medical attention. Keep records of all medical evaluations, treatments, and follow-ups, because these will play a key role in your case.
Contact the police and file a report at the scene. An official accident report documents what happened and may include important details like witness statements and preliminary fault determinations. Request a copy of the report for your records.
If you’re able, gather as much information as possible at the scene:
The more detail you have, the more it can help reconstruct the events later if needed.
Avoid giving detailed statements to the at-fault driver’s insurance company without consulting a lawyer first. Insurance adjusters may try to downplay your claim or use your words against you. Refer them to your attorney instead.
A lawyer can help you protect your rights, work the insurance claims process, and handle communications with insurance companies. In Washington, you typically have three years to file a personal injury claim, and filing early helps preserve important evidence and increases the likelihood that witnesses can be located and provide accurate accounts.
The sooner you act after a pedestrian accident, the stronger your position in building a claim. Evidence like traffic camera footage and witness statements can fade with time, but acting quickly allows your attorney to identify and secure key details that might otherwise be lost.
Early action also allows attorneys to address potential challenges before they become obstacles. For example, they can investigate inconsistencies in the police report, locate hard-to-reach witnesses, or request accident footage before it is overwritten. Taking action early on lays the groundwork for a strong case and increases the chances of recovering the compensation you need.
Pedestrian accidents can leave victims with a wide range of financial, physical, and emotional challenges. Compensation helps address these hardships by covering the costs of medical treatment, lost income, and other losses caused by the accident. It also provides a way to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.
The amount of compensation you may receive depends on several factors:
When building your case, our attorneys make sure all aspects of your losses are considered so that we can maximize the awarded compensation. Some of the actions we may take include:
Every pedestrian accident case is different, so the time it takes to resolve yours will depend on several factors. Some cases are resolved quickly through settlement, while others take longer if they go to trial.
Having a focused and experienced attorney managing your case can help minimize delays and move your case forward as smoothly as possible.
Most pedestrian accident cases end in settlement, but some do proceed to trial. Whether your case goes to court depends on several factors, including how willing the insurance company is to negotiate fairly and whether liability is disputed.
In the majority of cases, insurance companies prefer to settle rather than risk the time and expense of a trial. Settlements allow both parties to resolve the matter more quickly and avoid the uncertainty of a court decision. However, insurers often try to minimize payouts, which can lead to disputes if their offer doesn’t reflect the full value of your case.
Freeman Law Firm, Inc. evaluates the best path for your case by weighing factors like the strength of evidence, your goals, and the tactics used by the insurance company. With a proven track record in both negotiations and trial success, we know when to push for a fair settlement and when going to court offers a better outcome. For example, we might recommend settling if liability is clear and the offer reflects your losses, or pursuing a trial if the insurance company undervalues your claim or disputes fault. Our strategy will always move your case in a direction that maximizes results.
If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation or disputes fault, taking the case to trial may be the only way to secure the compensation you deserve. Trials provide an opportunity for higher compensation, especially if the evidence strongly supports your case. Trials can also take longer to resolve though and may involve additional stress.
One of the biggest concerns for pedestrian accident victims is how much it will cost to hire an attorney. The good news is that most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay anything upfront. This “contingency fee” structure makes attorney representation accessible, so you can focus on your recovery without worrying about out-of-pocket costs.
Under a contingency fee agreement, our attorneys are paid only if they successfully recover compensation for you. The fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or court award.
Certain costs, such as expert witness fees, obtaining medical records, or court filing fees, may arise during your case. These are usually deducted from your settlement or award after the case is resolved, so you don’t have to pay them upfront.
At the beginning of your case, your attorney will go over the fee agreement in detail, making sure you understand exactly how costs and fees will be handled. There are no hidden charges or unexpected bills—you’ll know what to expect from the start.
When it comes to choosing an attorney for your pedestrian accident case, you want a team that brings more than just experience. Freeman Law Firm, Inc. goes beyond the basics to provide a strategic, client-focused approach designed to deliver results. Here’s what sets us apart and why accident victims trust us to handle their cases
Many cases are resolved through settlements, but not all attorneys are prepared to push back when insurance companies undervalue claims. At Freeman Law Firm, Inc., we:
Unlike firms that rush to settle, we prioritize getting the results you need, even if it means taking the fight to court.
Freeman Law Firm, Inc. takes a comprehensive approach to gathering evidence. While others might stop at collecting basic reports, we dive deeper. Our team works to:
Our attention to detail gives us the edge in proving fault and preparing your case for success, whether at the negotiation table or in court.
The Renton pedestrian accident attorneys at Freeman Law Firm, Inc. are prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case. Our team will review your situation, answer your questions, and outline how we can build a compelling case on your behalf.
With no upfront costs and a focus on achieving the best possible outcome, there’s no risk in reaching out. Call (253) 383-4500 or message us today to get started.
