Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Tacoma
Representing Injured Pedestrians Across Washington Since 1984
A pedestrian collision can create immediate medical needs, missed work, mobility limitations, and uncertainty about what comes next. Responsibility doesn’t turn solely on the fact that a driver struck someone. It can depend on yielding behavior, speed, distraction, impairment, traffic signals, visibility, the crosswalk location, roadway conditions, and the actions of everyone involved.
At Becker Franklin Rovang, we represent injured pedestrians throughout Washington State. Since 1984, we’ve handled personal injury claims involving serious injuries, disputed liability, insurance negotiations, and litigation. We gather evidence, evaluate the losses caused by the collision, and pursue available options through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or trial.
Early evidence can matter. Photographs, witness information, crash reports, traffic camera footage, surveillance footage, medical documentation, and vehicle evidence may help clarify how the collision occurred. An insurer may argue that a pedestrian shared responsibility or question where the person was walking, but those arguments don’t automatically prevent a claim.
Call Becker Franklin Rovang today at (360) 800-3009 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our pedestrian accident lawyer serving Tacoma.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Tacoma
Pedestrian collisions often involve a driver who fails to yield in a crosswalk, turns through a crosswalk, speeds, drives while distracted, drives while impaired, or disregards a traffic signal or stop sign.
Visibility and traffic conditions can also affect a claim. Poor lighting, obstructed signs, construction activity, road layout, parked vehicles, and available traffic controls may all be relevant to understanding driver negligence and the pedestrian’s actions at the time of the collision.
Our team examines the available evidence to determine how the collision occurred and which parties may be legally responsible. Depending on the facts, potential responsibility may extend beyond a driver to a vehicle owner, employer, property owner, contractor, or public entity. Each claim requires its own factual and legal review.
Types of Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Because pedestrians have no protection from the force of a vehicle, even a low-speed impact can cause life-changing harm. Many people we help have fractures in the legs, hips, or arms from the initial impact or from trying to break a fall. Others suffer head trauma when they strike the hood, windshield, or pavement, which can lead to concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and lingering problems with memory, balance, or concentration that aren’t always obvious at first.
More severe crashes, especially those on higher-speed roads or involving trucks and SUVs, can result in spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage, nerve damage, and complex orthopedic injuries requiring surgery and months of rehabilitation. Soft-tissue injuries to the neck, back, and shoulders are also common and can interfere with sleep, work, and household responsibilities long after visible bruises have faded.
In addition to physical trauma, many pedestrians experience significant emotional and psychological effects after being struck by a vehicle. Fear of crossing streets, anxiety around traffic, sleep disruption, and trauma-related symptoms can affect daily life. We review medical records, treatment history, work records, future care costs, and changes in daily activities to present the full impact of the injury.
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“Steve Franklin was caring and extremely helpful during the traumatic time.”
- KCI never left a review after the incredible services this law firm provided me. I was in a car accident. Steve Franklin was caring and extremely helpful during the traumatic time. I was new to living in the area and felt so comfortable and supported by him. Five years later…. They still send me birthday cards. I know, I know…. It may seem silly, but this is such a sweet gesture! 10/10 Recommend.
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“The team I got to work with was fantastic!”
- Stephanie W.The team I got to work with was fantastic! They are very responsive, kind, and understanding. I was lucky enough to get their help for a complicated situation and am very glad I found them and chose to work with them on my case. Highly recommend!
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“Set realistic expectations and delivered.”
The whole team helped resolve my suit as expeditiously as possible with an ultimately acceptable outcome. Good communication and wonderful people to work with, set realistic expectations and delivered. 10/10 would not advise getting in a car wreck, but if you do these are the people to call!- Colin S. -
“They handled my case so meticulously and didn’t miss a thing!”
I worked with Steve for over a year and him and his team are absolutely amazing! They handled my case so meticulously and didn’t miss a thing! When he explained things to me he always broke it down so I understood exactly what was happening and of- Lauren R.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
At Becker Franklin Rovang, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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- Former Client
Extremely professional and thorough. The effort, time and patience they have given me is second to none. So well prepared that the opposing party conceded right away and the rest went very smoothly. Thanks to Ian, Destiny, and the rest of the staff. I highly recommend them for your legal needs.
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- KC
I never left a review after the incredible services this law firm provided me. I was in a car accident. Steve Franklin was caring and extremely helpful during the traumatic time. I was new to living in the area and felt so comfortable and supported by him. Five years later…. They still send me birthday cards. I know, I know…. It may seem silly, but this is such a sweet gesture! 10/10 Recommend.
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- Stephanie W.
The team I got to work with was fantastic! They are very responsive, kind, and understanding. I was lucky enough to get their help for a complicated situation and am very glad I found them and chose to work with them on my case. Highly recommend!
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The whole team helped resolve my suit as expeditiously as possible with an ultimately acceptable outcome. Good communication and wonderful people to work with, set realistic expectations and delivered. 10/10 would not advise getting in a car wreck, but if you do these are the people to call!- Colin S.
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I worked with Steve for over a year and him and his team are absolutely amazing! They handled my case so meticulously and didn’t miss a thing! When he explained things to me he always broke it down so I understood exactly what was happening and of- Lauren R.
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Steve and his team did an exceptional job on my case. Their persistence and dedication to ensuring I received proper recompense was unmatched, and I am thankful for their efforts. I highly recommend Becker, Franklin, and Roving for any legal needs you migh- Former Client
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- DR
I am very Lucky to have found Ian De Verna for my attorney. I was injured in a car accident and while Ian was working on my case I was hit by someone again. This time the person had no insurance I was injured again and my brand new car was totaled. Being injured again I was pretty scared but thankfully Ian took on this case for uninsured motorist against my insurance company as well. It was a challenge I am sure but Ian and his staff were very professional and caring the whole time. With all Ian's hard work he was able to get policy limits for both cases. Ian is not only good at his profession but truly cares about his clients and works very hard with his great group of people at Becker Franklin Rovang Injury office
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- Michelle S.
John Kauffman and his team were excellent in helping my husband and I settle our personal injury case. John was knowledgeable, professional, answered any questions we had and kept us informed throughout the entire process. If you’re looking for an attorney who will go to bat for you, John is your guy. Thank you again John!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident?
Your first step after an accident should be to get to safety and seek medical attention. Document the scene with photos and gather witness information if you can do so safely. Report the collision to law enforcement when appropriate.
After addressing immediate safety and health concerns, consulting with our pedestrian accident attorneys serving Tacoma can help you understand your legal rights and options. We offer complimentary initial consultations. We can discuss available evidence, insurance communications, and deadlines that may affect your claim.
How Does Washington State Law Protect Pedestrians?
Washington law includes rules governing driver duties around pedestrians, including right-of-way rules at marked and unmarked crosswalks. How those rules apply depends on the location, traffic controls, visibility, and conduct of each person involved. Questions about responsibility are fact-specific.
How Is Fault Determined in a Pedestrian Accident?
Driver behavior, traffic control devices, pedestrian actions, and roadway conditions may all be relevant. The facts that can be established depend on the evidence available in each case.
What Compensation Am I Eligible for After a Pedestrian Accident?
Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, rehabilitation expenses, future care costs, and loss of enjoyment of life. The value of a claim depends on the facts, available coverage, and evidence of the injury’s impact. We evaluate current losses and future needs supported by medical and employment records.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Washington?
Washington law typically provides a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents. Exceptions and different deadlines may apply in some circumstances. Reviewing a claim promptly can help identify the timeline that may apply.
Deadlines can vary when a government entity, public property, or another special defendant is involved. Starting early can also help preserve witness accounts, video, photographs, and other evidence. We can review the circumstances of your collision during a complimentary consultation.
How We Handle Pedestrian Accident Claims
From the moment you reach out, we focus on protecting important evidence and evaluating available insurance coverage.
As your claim progresses, we keep you informed about each development and explain what to expect before major steps such as recorded statements, medical examinations, mediation, arbitration, or trial. Our attorneys and staff can meet in person when convenient, speak by phone, or travel to a location that is easier for you if injuries limit travel.
Owner Steve C. Franklin’s 20 years of active and reserve Navy JAG Corps service included work as a prosecutor and defense attorney. That background, together with our extensive litigation experience, informs our disciplined approach to investigating claims and preparing cases for resolution through negotiation or litigation.
Talk with a Tacoma Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact us for a free consultation. We’ll discuss the collision, the evidence that may be available, insurance communications, and potential next steps for pursuing compensation.
We serve clients throughout Washington State, including Tacoma, and handle pedestrian accident cases on a contingency-fee basis. You don’t pay attorney fees unless we recover damages for you.
Contact us or call (360) 800-3009 today to discuss your next steps with our pedestrian accident attorneys serving Tacoma.
our case results Our Clients Always Come First
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$4,700,000 Recovery - Negligence
Recovery for disabled man neglected in Kitsap County Jail who suffered brain damage and quadriplegia.
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$3,500,000 Pedestrians / Premises Liability
Our clients, a father and toddler son, were hit by a Park’s Department vehicle in Seattle while walking to the restroom. Father sustained an arm fracture and fractured vertebrae, toddler sustained a head injury. Settlement obtained after litigation.
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$2,025,000 Pedestrian Collision
Client was catastrophically injured whenstruck by a delivery driver in Port Orchard while attempting to cross the street. Insurance company for the driver blamed our client for stepping out into the roadway in the dark and did not take any responsibility. After litigation the matter was settled before trial.
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$1,500,000 Motor Vehicle Collision
Our client was a passenger on a shuttle bus in Kitsap County. The shuttle was struck by a drunk driver. Client sustained significant spinal injuries.
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$1,300,000 Pedestrian Collision
Our client, in her 60’s, was hit by vehicle while crossing a street in Kitsap County. Extensive injuries, liability was disputed.
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$1,050,000 Motor Vehicle Collision
Clients, husband and wife, were rear- ended by an RV while waiting in line for the ferry in Edmonds. Wife had prior lumbar spine issues that were severely aggravated requiring surgery. Defense argued that the incident did not aggravate the injuries. Policy limits obtained before trial.
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