Pedestrians have no protection when struck by a car, truck, or motorcycle. VanWa Legal PLLC helps injured pedestrians in Vancouver and Clark County pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and long term care.
Serving Vancouver and Southwest Washington
$1.15M wrongful death settlement
No fee unless we win
Attorney led representation
There is nothing between a pedestrian and a vehicle at the moment of impact, which is why pedestrian crashes so often cause serious, lasting injuries. Even a crash at low speed can mean broken bones, a traumatic brain injury, or worse.
Despite this, drivers and insurance companies are often quick to question whether a pedestrian had the right of way, especially when there is no crosswalk nearby or the crash happened at night. Getting immediate medical care and preserving evidence, from the scene, witnesses, and any nearby cameras, is critical to keeping that narrative from taking hold.
VanWa Legal PLLC represents injured pedestrians across Vancouver and Clark County, from busy downtown intersections to parking lots and school zones. We offer a free consultation, and you pay nothing unless we recover for you.
Common Scenarios
A driver failing to stop or yield at a marked crosswalk can strike a pedestrian who had every right to be there.
Turning vehicles at intersections often fail to check for pedestrians crossing with the signal, leading to serious collisions.
Low speeds do not mean low risk, drivers backing out or pulling through parking spaces frequently fail to see pedestrians nearby.
Distracted or speeding drivers near a school put children and pedestrians of all ages at serious risk.
When a driver flees the scene, identifying who caused the crash becomes harder, often shifting the claim toward uninsured motorist coverage.
An impaired driver's slower reaction time and poor judgment make pedestrian crashes involving alcohol especially severe.
A driver looking at a phone instead of the road may never see a pedestrian in a crosswalk or along the roadside.
Drivers backing out of driveways or parking spaces without checking behind them can strike a pedestrian, often a child, with little warning.
Not every driver on the road carries enough insurance, or any at all, which is why uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage becomes critical to your recovery.
Common Causes
Common Injuries
With no vehicle frame to absorb the impact, pedestrians face some of the most serious injuries seen in any type of accident claim.
It is common for a driver or their insurance company to claim a pedestrian was jaywalking, crossed outside a crosswalk, or was hard to see. Washington's comparative fault rule means that even a claim of shared fault does not eliminate your right to compensation, it simply requires evidence to establish where the fault truly lies.
Traffic camera footage, witness statements, and a careful review of the crosswalk, lighting, and road design at the scene can all challenge an unfair account of what happened. Police reports are not always complete or accurate either, particularly when the officer did not witness the crash directly, which is another reason a full legal investigation matters before accepting any version of events as final.
Insurance Coverage
The at fault driver's liability insurance is usually the primary source of recovery in a pedestrian accident claim. Depending on your situation, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) may also apply, even though you were not in a vehicle at the time of the crash.
If the driver fled the scene or did not carry enough insurance to cover your injuries, underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) can help fill the gap. Health insurance often pays medical bills as treatment happens, and in serious injury cases, more than one policy may need to be pursued to reach a full and fair recovery.
Compensation
*The compensation available depends on the facts of your case,
What to Do After
Why Choose us
Local Representation
Based in Vancouver, with firsthand knowledge of local intersections, crosswalks, and courts.
Serious Injury Focus
Deep experience with the severe injuries pedestrian crashes often cause.
Insurance Negotiation
Skilled at pushing back when a driver or insurer tries to shift blame onto the pedestrian.
Evidence Preservation
We move quickly to secure camera footage, witness accounts, and scene evidence before it's lost.
Courtroom Experience
Trial readiness that carries weight in every settlement conversation.
No Upfront Fees
You pay nothing unless we win your case.
FAQ
Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in a marked crosswalk. If a driver failed to do so, they are generally liable for the resulting injuries.
Got some more questions? Send us a message at contact@vanwalegal.com
Contact us
If you were hit while walking, you do not have to face the driver's insurance company alone. Talk to an attorney about your case at no cost, and pay nothing unless we win.
