What to do after a pedestrian accident matters from the first moments — and knowing the right steps can protect your health, your legal rights, and your financial future. If you’ve been struck while walking in downtown Bellevue, near Crossroads, or in neighboring communities such as Redmond or Kirkland, this guide explains what to do after a pedestrian accident in Bellevue and King County.
A pedestrian accident can change your life in seconds. One moment you’re crossing the street, and the next you’re facing serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and overwhelming uncertainty.
Unfortunately, pedestrian crashes are not rare in Washington State. According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), 154 pedestrians were killed and 474 were seriously injured in 2023, one of the highest totals in a decade. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission reported that pedestrian deaths remained extremely high into 2024, with only a slight decline from record-setting numbers in 2023. King County alone saw 53 pedestrian fatalities in 2023, reflecting what local officials have described as a “pedestrian safety crisis.”
If you or someone you love has been struck by a vehicle, knowing what to do next can protect your recovery and your claim. This guide covers medical steps, evidence preservation, insurance considerations, and the legal timeline to help you make informed choices.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Are So Dangerous in Washington
Pedestrians have no physical protection. Even a low-speed collision can cause:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Spinal cord injuries
Broken bones and fractures
Internal bleeding
Long-term nerve damage
Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety)
State data and federal safety reports from the NHTSA show many serious pedestrian crashes occur on city streets and higher-speed roads, often outside marked crosswalks. A significant percentage of pedestrian fatalities occur on roads posted at 30 mph or higher, where the risk of death rises dramatically.
In growing cities like Bellevue — with busy corridors such as Bellevue Way, NE 8th Street, and 148th Avenue — traffic volume and pedestrian activity frequently intersect. Residents across nearby Seattle and Kent often face similar challenges on mixed-use streets and arterial routes.
Understanding the risks is important. But knowing what to do after a crash is critical. Take care of your health first, and then protect your legal options.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident: First Steps
Your immediate actions can shape both your recovery and any future claim. This section explains the most important early steps.
Step 1: Get Immediate Medical Attention
Your health comes first — always.
Even if you believe your injuries are minor:
Call 911 immediately
Request police and emergency medical services
Accept transport to the ER if recommended
Adrenaline can mask pain. Internal injuries, concussions, and bleeding may not show symptoms immediately. The Washington Department of Health reported 1,927 emergency department visits for pedestrian injuries in 2024, a 2.4% increase from 2023. Many victims initially underestimated their injuries.
Why Immediate Medical Care Matters Legally
Seeking prompt treatment:
Creates official medical documentation
Connects injuries directly to the crash
Prevents insurance companies from claiming you weren’t seriously hurt
Delays in treatment can weaken your claim. Prioritize your care — it safeguards recovery and your legal case.
Step 2: Ensure a Police Report Is Filed
In Washington, law enforcement typically responds to injury collisions. A police report:
Documents the date, time, and location
Identifies the driver and vehicle
Includes witness statements
Notes potential traffic violations
May assign preliminary fault
Always request the report number before leaving the scene. If police did not respond, you may need to file a collision report through the Washington State Patrol. A report gives you an official record to support your claim.
If you need to learn more about how to preserve records after the crash, consider searching for instructions on how to preserve evidence and police reports after Bellevue pedestrian accident so you don’t lose critical documentation.
Step 3: Gather Evidence (If You’re Able)
If you are physically capable — or someone can assist you — gather as much information as possible.
Collect:
Driver’s name and contact information
Driver’s insurance details
License plate number
Witness names and phone numbers
Take Photos Of:
The vehicle
Your injuries
Crosswalks or lack of crosswalk
Traffic signals
Skid marks
Lighting and weather conditions
In Bellevue’s urban corridors, surveillance cameras from nearby businesses may also capture footage. These recordings are often deleted quickly, so acting fast matters. For specifics, read guidance on how to preserve evidence and police reports after Bellevue pedestrian accident for detailed steps to secure video and scene information.
Preserving evidence at the scene can be crucial later. If you can’t gather it, ask someone you trust to help.
Step 4: Notify Insurance Companies Carefully
Many people don’t realize this: even as a pedestrian, your own auto insurance may apply. Washington is a fault-based state, meaning the at-fault party is responsible for damages. However, multiple insurance policies may come into play.
Possible Coverage Sources
At-fault driver’s liability insurance
Your own PIP (Personal Injury Protection), if you carry it
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage
Health insurance
Third-party liability (in rare roadway design cases)
Under Washington law, PIP can cover medical bills, partial wage loss, and essential services — even if you were walking at the time of the crash. If you’re trying to learn what insurance coverages apply if I was walking and hit by a car in Bellevue, talk to your agent and an attorney to identify all applicable policies.
Be Cautious With Recorded Statements
Insurance adjusters may ask for a recorded statement, request broad medical authorizations, or offer a quick settlement. Early offers are often far below what a case is truly worth. Think carefully before signing anything or giving a recorded statement.
Understanding Fault in Washington (Including Comparative Fault)
Washington follows a pure comparative fault rule.
This means:
You can still recover compensation even if partially at fault.
Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Example: If you are awarded $200,000 but found 20% at fault, you would receive $160,000.
Insurance companies frequently argue that pedestrians crossed outside a crosswalk, entered against a signal, or were distracted. But drivers also have strong legal duties, including yielding to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks, exercising due care, avoiding distracted driving, and obeying speed limits.
Determining fault requires a thorough investigation. A careful, evidence-based approach gives you the best chance to protect your recovery.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries and long recovery periods. Compensation may include:
Economic Damages
Emergency medical care
Surgery and hospitalization
Rehabilitation and physical therapy
Lost wages
Future loss of earning capacity
Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-Economic Damages
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Permanent disability or disfigurement
In Fatal Cases
Surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
King County’s Target Zero Strategic Plan notes that pedestrian fatalities have increased dramatically since 2014. Families impacted by these tragedies deserve answers and accountability.
Compensation aims to address both immediate costs and long-term impacts. You deserve a recovery plan that reflects the full scope of your losses.
Insurance Company Tactics After Pedestrian Crashes
Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts. Common strategies include:
Blaming the pedestrian
Arguing injuries were pre-existing
Disputing medical necessity
Downplaying long-term effects
Pressuring early settlement
Because pedestrian injuries often involve long-term impairments, early settlements rarely account for future surgeries, chronic pain, reduced mobility, or psychological trauma. Once you sign a release, you cannot reopen your claim.
Don’t let tactics rush you into a bad deal. Sound legal advice helps you avoid costly mistakes.
Risks, Delays, and Legal Deadlines
Statute of Limitations in Washington
Most personal injury claims must be filed within three years of the accident date. If you’re researching how long do I have to file a pedestrian injury lawsuit in Washington state, remember that three years is the general rule — but special notice requirements and exceptions can apply.
However:
Claims involving government entities have additional notice requirements.
Claims involving minors may have different timelines.
Missing a deadline can permanently bar your case. If your case involves government defendants, you may need to follow specific procedures and consider filing in the King County Superior Court or the appropriate venue under the applicable RCW.
Delays That Can Hurt Your Claim
Waiting too long to seek medical care
Failing to follow treatment plans
Posting about the accident on social media
Giving recorded statements without legal advice
Acting promptly protects your rights. Timely steps keep your options open.
If you were involved in a hit-and-run, consult the guidance on steps to take immediately after a pedestrian hit-and-run in King County WA to preserve evidence and secure potential UM coverage.
Practical Checklist: What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident ✅
Timeframe
Action Steps
Immediately
Call 911, seek medical attention, ensure police report is filed
Same Day
Collect driver and witness information, take photos
Within 48 Hours
Follow up with medical providers, notify your insurance carrier
1. What if I was not in a crosswalk when I was hit?
You may still recover compensation. Washington’s comparative fault system allows recovery even if you were partially at fault. The key question is whether the driver acted negligently.
2. Can I use my own car insurance if I was walking?
Yes. If you carry PIP or UM/UIM coverage, it may apply even though you were a pedestrian.
3. How much is a pedestrian accident claim worth?
Every case is different. Factors include severity of injuries, long-term disability, lost wages, insurance policy limits, and percentage of fault. Severe injury cases can involve substantial compensation due to lifelong impacts.
4. What if the driver fled the scene?
Hit-and-run crashes are tragically common. Your UM coverage may apply in these situations. An attorney can help identify additional recovery sources.
5. Do I need a lawyer for a pedestrian accident claim?
While not legally required, pedestrian accident claims often involve complex liability disputes, severe injuries, high medical costs, and aggressive insurance defense. Legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
6. How long does a pedestrian accident case take?
Cases may resolve in months or may take over a year if litigation becomes necessary. Serious injury cases often require time to fully understand long-term medical outcomes before settlement.
If you have questions about your situation, getting early legal advice can clarify the path forward.
How R Martin Law Group Helps Pedestrian Accident Victims in Bellevue
Pedestrian accidents are among the most devastating cases we see.
At R Martin Law Group, we:
Conduct thorough investigations
Preserve video and electronic evidence
Work with medical experts
Calculate long-term damages
Handle all insurance negotiations
Prepare cases for trial when necessary
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take. Our firm is committed to protecting injured victims throughout Bellevue and King County. We also assist clients from nearby communities such as Issaquah and Mercer Island when their cases intersect with Bellevue roadways.
You don’t have to navigate this process alone. We’ll stand with you every step of the way.
Protect Your Health and Your Rights
Pedestrian accidents in Washington remain alarmingly high, with King County experiencing some of the most severe impacts. If you’ve been struck by a vehicle, the steps you take in the hours and days afterward can shape your recovery — physically and financially.
Remember:
Seek immediate medical care
Ensure a police report is filed
Document everything
Be cautious with insurance companies
Act before legal deadlines expire
Most importantly, get experienced legal guidance early. If you’re wondering what to do after being hit by a car as a pedestrian in Bellevue Washington, or need help understanding what insurance coverages apply if I was walking and hit by a car in Bellevue, contact an attorney right away. If your case involves preserving evidence or pursuing a claim after a hit-and-run, follow steps to take immediately after a pedestrian hit-and-run in King County WA and consult counsel.
