As a pedestrian, just because you have a "walk" light or a painted crosswalk doesn't mean it's safe to cross the street. If you step in front of a moving vehicle, even if that vehicle has a red light, you will carry a share of the blame for your injury. Please, be careful! Look both ways and make sure it is safe. "Right of way" is a legal concept and it won't save you from serious injury.
A few years ago I got a phone call from a woman who told me she was crossing the street in the crosswalk, with the light, and was hit by a Metro bus. I asked her to come in to discuss the case, and we obtained the police report. The report named several witnesses. When I called the witnesses they all said the same thing: The light had in fact changed, but the oncoming bus was in the middle of the intersection. When the light changed, she immediately stepped into the street RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE ONCOMING BUS! Fortunately, the woman was not seriously injured, but I had to decline the case.
Washington is a "comparative liability" state. That means each person involved in a collision is responsible for their share of the fault. In the above example, even though the pedestrian technically had the right of way, logic tells us that she was almost entirely responsible for the injury.
Our roads are dangerous. Drivers are angry and aggressive. Everyone is in a hurry. Please, take the time to insure your own safety before stepping into traffic. Your health and the welfare of your family is worth it.
If you have any questions about pedestrian accidents, or any kind of personal injury claim, please visit my web site or send me an email.
