Every time you step out of a car along the side of the road, you run the risk of getting seriously injured–or even killed–after getting hit by a moving car. Some situations make this more likely, but the overall risk is always there, even if it’s a low traffic area.
A story from KXLY demonstrates just how dangerous this situation is. A 17-year-old boy died of his injuries on Sunday, September 4, 2024 after he was struck by a Jeep on August 27 on West Melville Road in Four Lakes. The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) responded to the scene initially around 8:30 p.m., where they found the boy, the driver of the jeep, and the driver of the vehicle the boy was a passenger in.
According to investigators, the boy was wearing dark clothes at the time of the collision. He had gotten out of his vehicle after the driver stopped and pulled off to the side of the road to inspect some tie downs on the vehicle. Investigators also say that the boy was standing near the centerline when the Jeep hit him, although it’s unclear why.
The driver of the Jeep stayed at the scene and cooperated, as there was no indication of speeding or drug or alcohol use that contributed to the accident. Both the Jeep and the other vehicle had headlights on at the time of the collision.
Can You Still File a Claim After a Pedestrian Accident Where You’re Wearing Dark Clothing?
Stories like the one above clearly show that pedestrians are always at risk in situations where a moving car either can’t see them or may have trouble seeing them. The stretch of road where the above accident happened can make it difficult to see pedestrians or vehicles, even with headlights.
But at the same time, wearing dark clothing as a pedestrian doesn’t prevent you from filing an injury claim if you’re in an accident. While it does make it harder for drivers to see you, drivers are still required to stay alert and drive safely to protect others on the road.
So then, if you’re hit by a driver while wearing dark clothes at night, the driver is likely to bear most of the responsibility for any injuries you go through. However, your actions can still impact how your claim plays out. Washington’s “comparative negligence” law means that if you’re partly at fault, your damages will be reduced by that percentage.
For example, if you do any of the following, you might have your damages reduced in a claim:
- Crossing outside a crosswalk
- Ignoring traffic signs
- Stepping into the street unexpectedly
- Crossing while impaired
Even if you’re partly at fault, you can still file a claim. Recovering damages is important, especially with serious pedestrian injuries. With that in mind, it’s helpful to reach out to our team of experienced Spokane pedestrian accident lawyers at CCD Law for help.
Spokane Pedestrian Accident Victims Can Turn to CCD Law
Since 1948, CCD Law has helped injury victims in Spokane. If you or someone you care about has been injured or lost their life in a pedestrian accident, we can help. Our experienced team understands how to approach these cases, making sure you understand your rights, know what to expect, and have the best possible chance at recovering damages like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses
When you get hurt as a pedestrian because someone wasn’t careful, you can turn to our team for support. Contact us today for a free consultation.
