Who can be held liable for a pedestrian accident?
In Washington, any person or company that has caused harm to a pedestrian can be held liable for a pedestrian accident. Depending on the circumstances and severity of the accident, the liable party may be liable in a civil lawsuit, criminal charges, or both. In most cases, the driver of a vehicle or their insurance provider is the first party at fault and liable for the pedestrian accident. A driver can be held liable for failing to obey traffic laws, driving dangerously, or being distracted. Additionally, if the pedestrian was injured due to a vehicle defect, the manufacturer or seller of the vehicle could also be liable. In some cases, individuals in positions of authority, such as a property owner or an employer, could also be held liable. If a property owner, such as a business or residential property, maintained unsafe conditions like potholes in the roadway, that property owner can be held liable. Additionally, if an employee of a business caused the accident by acting negligently or recklessly on the job, their employer could also be held liable. Lastly, in rare cases, even a pedestrian can be held liable for their own accident. This could occur if the pedestrian acted recklessly or carelessly, such as recklessly crossing a street or disregarding the right of way to a driver. Ultimately, liability for a pedestrian accident can be complex and depends on the circumstances of each case. It is in the best interest of pedestrians to seek legal advice from a qualified lawyer to help them determine who is liable for their accident.
Related FAQs
How can I locate the driver of the vehicle in a pedestrian accident?How can I prove the other party was at fault in a pedestrian accident?
What kind of evidence can I use to prove my claim in a pedestrian accident case?
Should I accept an early settlement offer for my pedestrian accident case?
Is it normal for the insurance company to deny my claim for a pedestrian accident?
Is it possible to settle a pedestrian accident case out of court?
What should I do if I'm denied benefits in a pedestrian accident case?
What should I do if the driver does not have insurance in a pedestrian accident?
What should I do if I'm contacted by the other party's insurance company after a pedestrian accident?
What should I do if the other party refuses to cooperate in a pedestrian accident?
Related Blog Posts
What to do After a Pedestrian Accident: All the Legal Steps You Need to Take - July 31, 2023Five Reasons to Retain a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer - August 7, 2023
Navigating Pedestrian Accident Law: An Overview of Key Considerations - August 14, 2023
Holding Negligent Drivers Responsible: Understanding Liability in Pedestrian Accident Cases - August 21, 2023
What Damages Can I Recover from a Pedestrian Accident? - August 28, 2023