Walking is one of the most common ways to get around, especially in busy areas like Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane. However, the fact of the matter is that pedestrians are among the most vulnerable people on the road. That’s why Washington State has laws in place to protect people on foot and assign responsibilities to both drivers and pedestrians.
Learning about these laws can help you avoid dangerous situations and protect your rights if you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident.
Do Drivers Always Have To Yield to Pedestrians in Washington?
Many people assume that pedestrians always have the right of way. However, under Washington State law, that’s not entirely true.
Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections, regardless of whether there’s a stop sign or signal. That said, pedestrians cannot suddenly enter the street and expect drivers to stop if it’s unsafe.
State law also requires drivers to:
- Stop at red lights and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
- Slow down when approaching crosswalks
- Remain stopped until the pedestrian fully clears the lane
If a driver fails to stop, they could face administrative penalties in addition to liability if someone is injured.
Responsibilities of Pedestrians Under Washington State Law
Pedestrians also have legal duties. If you’re a pedestrian in Washington, you must follow various traffic rules that apply to people on foot.
These include:
- Obeying traffic control signals, like crosswalk lights and walk/don’t walk signs
- Using sidewalks where available, rather than walking on the road
- Crossing at intersections or marked crosswalks whenever possible
- Yielding to vehicles when crossing outside a crosswalk
Washington law also says pedestrians must not walk into traffic so quickly that it would be virtually impossible for vehicles to yield. That means you can’t dart out between parked cars or cross diagonally through intersections.
What Happens if I’m Hit by a Car Outside of a Crosswalk?
You might still have a valid injury claim even if you weren’t in a crosswalk at the time of the accident. While your own actions will be considered, Washington follows a pure comparative fault system. This means that if the driver was mostly at fault, you may still recover compensation, though your award may be reduced if you share responsibility.
For example, if a court finds you were 20% responsible, your compensation would be reduced by that amount.
What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Washington?
The minutes after a crash can be confusing and painful. However, the steps you take can protect your health and your legal rights.
Try to:
- Call 911 and report the crash
- Request medical care, even if you don’t feel seriously injured
- Get the driver’s contact and insurance information
- Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any crosswalks or traffic signs
- Avoid admitting fault or apologizing, as this could be used against you later
Then, contact a Tacoma pedestrian accident lawyer for a free case review. An experienced attorney can investigate the crash and help you seek fair compensation for your injuries and other losses.
Get Help Understanding Washington’s Pedestrian Laws
Pedestrian laws in Washington State are meant to keep people safe. If you were hit by a vehicle while walking, you may be entitled to financial recovery for all of your economic and non-economic damages. However, you may face pushback when it comes to recovering the total amount of compensation you need and deserve.
Sears Injury Law is here to help. Contact our Tacoma personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation to get started with your case.
