Who Is Liable In A Pedestrian Accident

Determining who is at fault in a pedestrian collision is not always straightforward, but it’s one of the first questions people ask after an injury. At Strong Law Accident & Injury Attorneys, we’ve helped countless individuals get answers and recover compensation after serious injuries. If you’re looking for a Tacoma, WA pedestrian accident lawyer, it’s important to understand the basics of how liability is decided in these situations.

Driver Negligence: A Leading Factor

In many pedestrian accidents, driver behavior plays a major role. Drivers are required by law to watch for pedestrians—especially in crosswalks and near intersections. When they fail to yield, speed through neighborhoods, or use their phones while driving, their actions can lead to life-changing harm. Our team often sees cases where a distracted or impaired driver caused the collision, making them legally responsible.

As a law firm with a 98% success rate in court, we know how to gather the right evidence—such as dashcam footage, witness statements, and police reports—to demonstrate driver fault. When you’re working with our Tacoma pedestrian accident lawyers, one of the first steps we take is reviewing all available information to identify negligent behaviors that led to the incident.

Pedestrian Conduct Also Matters

While drivers have a duty of care, pedestrians must also follow the rules of the road. That includes obeying walk signals, using designated crosswalks, and staying alert. If a pedestrian suddenly crosses in front of traffic or is distracted by their phone, they may be considered partially responsible for the accident.

Washington follows a comparative fault system, meaning both parties can share blame. If the pedestrian is found to be 20% at fault, for example, their settlement would be reduced by that percentage. As your pedestrian injury lawyers, our goal is to reduce your share of fault and present a clear case for why the driver or another party should be held accountable.

Third-Party And Municipal Liability

Not every pedestrian accident is solely the fault of a driver or a pedestrian. In some cases, poorly designed crosswalks, malfunctioning traffic lights, or obstructed signage may contribute to an accident. When that happens, government agencies or contractors could be held responsible for unsafe conditions.

This is where working with our experienced traffic injury lawyers becomes especially helpful. We investigate whether road design, maintenance, or missing signs played a part in your accident. Our firm’s founder, Jed Strong, started his career in insurance defense, so we know how these entities operate—and how to build a case they can’t ignore.

How We Support Pedestrian Injury Clients

From the moment we take your case, our team works to lessen your stress. We handle insurance communications, collect medical records, and develop a clear picture of what happened. Whether you were injured in a crosswalk, sidewalk, or roadside shoulder, we can help. You deserve representation that’s responsive and committed.

If you need a Tacoma pedestrian accident attorney, Strong Law Accident & Injury Attorneys is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Our experienced crosswalk accident lawyers can guide you through every step and work toward the compensation you deserve.