After a pedestrian crash in Spokane Valley, Washington, your first priorities should be getting to safety, seeking medical care, reporting the collision, and preserving evidence that may support your recovery. Taking the right steps early can protect both your health and your legal rights while reducing problems that often arise during insurance claims. 

Whether the crash happened in a crosswalk, parking lot, residential neighborhood, or along a busy roadway, Spokane Valley pedestrian accident lawyers at Craig Swapp & Associates can help injured victims pursue compensation while guiding them through the claims process.

Pedestrian Crashes in Spokane Valley, WA

A pedestrian crash occurs when a motor vehicle strikes a person who is walking, jogging, standing, or otherwise traveling on foot. These collisions frequently result in serious injuries because pedestrians have little physical protection compared to vehicle occupants. 

There are continued risks pedestrians face across the state. According to the Washington State Department of Health’s Rapid Health Information Network (RHINO), 1,927 pedestrians were injured in motor vehicle crashes in Washington. 

Fault can become disputed under Washington’s pure comparative fault system. The actions of anyone injured in pedestrian crashes in the hours and days after the incident often influence both medical outcomes and injury claims. 

Step 1: Get to Safety and Call 911

If your injuries allow you to move safely, leave the roadway to avoid additional danger. Do not attempt to stand or walk if you believe you have suffered serious injuries involving your head, neck, back, or legs.

Call 911 immediately so emergency medical personnel and law enforcement can respond. Spokane Valley collisions are generally investigated by the Spokane Valley Police Department, which contracts with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office for police services. Officers document the scene, interview witnesses, and prepare an official collision report that may become valuable evidence during an insurance claim or lawsuit.

Even if your injuries initially seem minor, requesting emergency medical evaluation creates an early record connecting your injuries to the pedestrian crash.

Step 2: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Many pedestrian accident injuries worsen over time. Conditions such as traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, spinal injuries, ligament damage, and internal organ injuries may not produce immediate symptoms.

Prompt medical treatment benefits you in several ways:

  • Identifies hidden injuries before they become more serious
  • Creates medical records documenting your injuries
  • Demonstrates that you took your injuries seriously
  • Helps establish the connection between the collision and your medical condition

Continue following your physician’s recommendations after leaving the emergency room. Missing appointments or stopping treatment prematurely may give insurance companies an opportunity to argue that your injuries were less severe than claimed.

Step 3: Document the Crash Scene

Evidence can disappear quickly after a pedestrian collision. If you are physically able or if someone accompanying you can assist, collect as much information as possible.

Helpful evidence includes:

  • Photographs of the pedestrian crash scene
  • Crosswalks, sidewalks, intersections, and traffic signals
  • Vehicle damage
  • Your visible injuries
  • Skid marks or roadway debris
  • Weather and lighting conditions

You should also obtain:

  • The driver’s name and insurance information
  • Vehicle registration details
  • Contact information for witnesses
  • The responding officer’s name and report number

Businesses, nearby homes, and traffic cameras may have surveillance footage that is routinely deleted after only a short period. Preserving this evidence early may prove valuable if liability becomes disputed.

Step 4: Be Careful When Speaking With Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters often begin investigating soon after a pedestrian crash. While you should report the collision to your insurer when appropriate, you should avoid speculating about fault or minimizing your injuries.

Before giving a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company, it is often beneficial to understand your legal rights by consulting a Spokane Valley personal injury lawyer who handles pedestrian crash claims. Once the full extent of your injuries becomes known, your claim may be worth significantly more than an early settlement offer suggests.

Step 5: Keep Records of Every Loss

A pedestrian crash in Spokane Valley often affects much more than emergency medical bills.

Keep copies of documentation relating to:

  • Emergency room treatment
  • Hospital stays
  • Follow-up medical appointments
  • Physical therapy
  • Prescription medications
  • Medical equipment
  • Lost wages
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Transportation expenses
  • Property damaged during the collision

You should also maintain notes describing your pain, physical limitations, emotional struggles, and daily challenges during recovery. These details may help demonstrate the broader impact your crash injuries have had on your life.

Step 6: Understand How Fault Is Determined in Washington

Every pedestrian accident involves unique circumstances. Liability depends on whether someone failed to use reasonable care under the circumstances.

Drivers may be negligent by:

  • Speeding
  • Driving while distracted
  • Failing to yield at crosswalks
  • Running traffic signals
  • Driving under the influence
  • Failing to maintain a proper lookout

Pedestrians also have legal responsibilities. Washington’s traffic laws require pedestrians to obey applicable traffic control devices and exercise reasonable care while crossing roadways. However, a pedestrian’s actions do not automatically prevent recovery because Washington applies pure comparative negligence rather than barring recovery based on partial fault.

Step 7: Know the Deadline for Pedestrian Crash Claims in Spokane Valley

Washington law limits how long injured individuals generally have to file pedestrian crash claims in Spokane Valley. Under RCW 4.16.080, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in Washington, including pedestrian crash claims, is three years from the date of the accident.

Missing this deadline may prevent an injured person from pursuing pedestrian crash compensation, regardless of how strong the claim might otherwise be. Certain circumstances can affect filing deadlines, making it important to evaluate your situation promptly.

When Should You Contact a Lawyer After a Pedestrian Crash?

Not every pedestrian crash requires litigation, but many involve insurance disputes, questions regarding liability, or serious injuries requiring long-term treatment.

An accident lawyer in Spokane Valley may assist by:

  • Investigating the collision
  • Preserving evidence
  • Identifying all liable parties
  • Communicating with insurance companies
  • Calculating present and future damages
  • Negotiating settlements
  • Filing a lawsuit when necessary

Craig Swapp & Associates represents injured pedestrians throughout Spokane Valley and surrounding communities. Our team of injury lawyers works to build strong injury claims supported by medical evidence, accident investigations, witness testimony, and applicable Washington law while allowing injured clients to focus on healing.

Whether the pedestrian crash involved a distracted driver, speeding vehicle, impaired motorist, failure to yield, or another negligent act, we can help you better understand your options. Call us at 509-567-2533 or contact us using our online form to schedule your free initial consultation.

Written By: Ryan Swapp     Legal Review By: Craig Swapp