Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Washington, D.C.

When two cars collide, even at relatively high speeds, the occupants of those cars are reasonably safe. Passenger vehicles of similar sizes distribute the impact, and most cars have safety features designed to protect the occupants. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said when a car and a pedestrian collide. The average car weighs around two tons and can move much faster than a pedestrian, leading to catastrophic injuries for the pedestrian in almost every accident.

If you or a loved one suffers a catastrophic injury in a pedestrian accident, you may feel overwhelmed by hospital bills, insurance complications, and the recovery process. At Seay/Felton LLC, our pedestrian accident lawyers are to help people like you secure the compensation they need with as little hassle as possible. Contact us today to learn more.

The Dangers Pedestrians Face in Washington, D.C.

Pedestrians in Washington, D.C. face unique and significant dangers due to dense traffic, high-speed roadways, distracted drivers, and frequent construction zones. With thousands of commuters, delivery vehicles, and tourists moving through the city each day, even marked crosswalks and pedestrian signals do not always guarantee safety. According to traffic data, intersections, bus stops, and parking garage exits are particularly hazardous. Nighttime visibility issues, left-turning vehicles, and drivers ignoring right-of-way laws only increase the risk. Sadly, even a brief lapse in driver attention can lead to devastating injuries for a pedestrian. This reality highlights the importance of working with a skilled Washington, DC, pedestrian accident lawyer who understands how to prove fault and protect injured victims in these complex urban environments.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Washington, D.C. 

Pedestrian accidents in Washington, D.C., often result from preventable driver negligence. Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Distracted Driving: Mobile phone use, GPS adjustments, and eating while driving all increase the risk of not seeing a pedestrian. 
• Speeding: Drivers traveling over the speed limit have less time to react and cause more severe injuries upon impact. 
• Failure to Yield: Many accidents occur when drivers ignore pedestrian rights at crosswalks or intersections. 
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, delay reaction times, and make pedestrians especially vulnerable. 
• Left-Hand Turns: Drivers may focus on oncoming traffic and miss pedestrians in the crosswalk. 
• Poor Visibility: Nighttime driving, poor weather, and obstructed signage make it harder to spot pedestrians. 

If you’ve been hit under any of these conditions, a Washington DC pedestrian accident lawyer can investigate and identify liability.

Types of Injuries Sustained in Pedestrian Accidents 

Because pedestrians have no protection, the injuries they suffer are often severe and life-changing. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Caused by direct head impact, TBIs can lead to cognitive issues, memory loss, or permanent disability. 
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These can result in paralysis or long-term mobility issues, requiring ongoing care and lifestyle adjustments. 
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Legs, hips, and arms are especially vulnerable during collisions and may need surgery or physical therapy. 
• Internal Bleeding: Some injuries aren’t visible but can be fatal without prompt medical intervention. 
• Lacerations and Abrasions: Deep cuts and road rash can result in infection or permanent disfigurement. 

Working with a pedestrian accident attorney in Washington DC can ensure all medical needs are properly documented and considered in your claim.

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident 

Taking the right actions immediately after a pedestrian accident can preserve your health and strengthen your legal case:

1. Call 911: Report the accident and request police documentation. This report is key evidence. 
2. Seek Medical Attention: Get evaluated immediately, even for minor symptoms. Injuries may not surface until later. 
3. Get Witness Info: Collect names and contact details of anyone who saw the crash. 
4. Take Photos: Capture the accident scene, injuries, and vehicle details. 
5. Avoid Admitting Fault: Be factual, not apologetic. Fault will be determined through evidence. 
6. Contact a Washington DC pedestrian accident lawyer: An early consultation helps preserve your rights and evidence. 

Acting quickly gives your pedestrian accident case the best possible foundation.

How Seay/Felton LLC Trial Lawyers Can Help?

Most people don’t realize that victims of accidents have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit in Washington, D.C. If you wait longer than that, your case will likely be dismissed unless specific exceptions apply.

This may seem like plenty of time, but recovering from catastrophic injuries is often a lengthy process, and the first few years are the most painful and difficult part of that recovery. Many people miss the filing deadline because they are focused on healing.

When you hire one of our pedestrian accident attorneys, we ensure that no deadlines are missed. Our legal team handles every aspect of your case so you can focus on your recovery without additional stress or bureaucratic challenges.

Getting Started

At Seay/Felton LLC Trial Lawyers, we are deeply committed to helping the Washington, D.C. community. We aim to secure the maximum compensation allowed by law, and the best way to do that is by acting quickly after you retain us.

Our attorneys will review your case from all angles. Our past results demonstrate that a creative approach to catastrophic injury lawsuits often yields the best results. We investigate every legal avenue to identify the most effective strategy for your case, even if it’s unconventional.

While you heal, we will gather all the evidence needed to support your claim. And while we keep you informed, we’ll make sure to use as little of your time as possible, allowing you to focus on recovery.

If necessary, we’ll communicate with you in the way that’s most convenient for you and can even visit you in the hospital or at home if you cannot travel. This is part of our dedication to serving our community.

Obtaining Compensation

Most of the time, we recover compensation through negotiated settlements. Settling a case may not always result in the highest amount possible, but it ensures you get compensation quickly — when you need it the most. Thanks to our extensive experience, we will never settle for less than a fair and reasonable amount.

How much can a settlement be worth? That depends on the specifics of your case. We regularly obtain multi-million dollar settlements and recently secured a $20 million settlement. Settling doesn’t mean you’re settling for less than you deserve.

However, if negotiations fail, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial. Insurance companies know the quality of our trial work, which often leads them to offer fair settlements without the need for prolonged litigation.

Why Legal Representation Is Critical in Pedestrian Accident Cases?

Navigating a pedestrian injury claim on your own is risky, especially in a contributory negligence jurisdiction like Washington, D.C. Insurance companies may attempt to shift even minimal blame onto you to avoid payouts.

An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Washington, DC, will act swiftly to collect evidence, consult with medical and accident reconstruction experts, and negotiate with insurers. Your attorney will also guide you through D.C.’s complex legal procedures and ensure all filing deadlines are met. With high medical costs and lost wages on the line, having a lawyer levels the playing field and improves your chances of securing fair compensation.

Pedestrians and Fault in Washington, D.C.

One of the advantages you have in a pedestrian injury claim is that pedestrians are rarely at fault. Drivers are held to a higher standard of care due to the risks their vehicles pose to pedestrians. This means drivers are often found to be more than 50% at fault in pedestrian accidents.

Washington, D.C., follows a contributory negligence rule, meaning if a pedestrian is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, they may be barred from recovering compensation. Thankfully, in most cases, pedestrians are not found to be at fault unless they engage in extremely dangerous behavior, such as deliberately walking into traffic.

The insurance company may attempt to shift blame onto you, but our attorneys have extensive experience proving otherwise. In the rare event that we can’t secure compensation, you won’t be charged for our services.

Understanding Liability in Washington, D.C. Pedestrian Accidents

In most pedestrian accidents, the driver is primarily responsible due to the duty of care required when operating a motor vehicle. However, Washington, D.C. uses a strict contributory negligence rule. If a pedestrian is found even 1% at fault, they may be barred from receiving compensation.

This makes establishing fault and gathering strong evidence essential. Drivers who speed, ignore traffic signals, or fail to yield are typically liable. Crosswalk footage, traffic cams, and witness statements play a crucial role. A Washington DC pedestrian accident attorney can help you gather this evidence and defend your rights against unfair blame from insurers.

Proven Success: Our Results Speak For Themselves

One of the key strengths of our firm is our extensive track record of achieving favorable settlements and successful outcomes for our clients. We understand the emotional and financial challenges that follow personal injuries, and our primary commitment is to secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

WE OBTAINED $1,500,000 FOR OUR CLIENT

We represented a family who lost their mother when unsecured metal pipes fell off the back of a truck traveling on a major highway. The pipes struck our client in the head, and she later died at the hospital from severe head injuries.

WE OBTAINED $650,000 FOR OUR CLIENT

Our client’s family member was a long-haul truck driver who was killed when he was struck by a tractor-trailer truck. At the time, his vehicle was disabled and had been pulled into the emergency lane of the highway. We were able to prove that the driver who killed our client’s family member had falsified his driver logs, suffered from chronic obstructive sleep apnea, and thus, was extremely fatigued and suffered from narcolepsy at the time of the crash.

Contact Our Law Firm Today

Pedestrian accidents are often the result of a driver’s negligence. While we can’t restore your health or erase the pain you’ve experienced, our attorneys are dedicated to helping you recover as fully and quickly as possible. To learn more about your legal options, contact Seay/Felton LLC Trial Lawyers for a free consultation today. Our Washington, D.C. office is located at 601 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Building, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20004.