When we think about traffic accidents, car crashes often come to mind first. However, Washington State is experiencing alarming increases across multiple types of accidents—from pedestrian collisions to e-scooter injuries. Understanding these trends and knowing what to do if you’re involved in any type of accident can make all the difference in protecting your rights and obtaining the compensation you deserve.
The Troubling Rise in Accident Statistics
According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, 2023 marked a devastating year for traffic safety in our state. More pedestrians and motorcyclists lost their lives than in any other year on record. Overall, Washington experienced 810 traffic deaths in 2023, representing a 10 percent increase from 2022 and the highest number since 1990.
These statistics aren’t just numbers—they represent real people and families whose lives have been forever changed by preventable accidents.
Beyond Car Accidents: Understanding Different Collision Types
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents have reached crisis levels in Washington. In 2023 alone, 157 pedestrians were killed—the highest number ever recorded in our state. These accidents frequently occur in crosswalks, parking lots, and along road shoulders, often caused by distracted or impaired drivers. If you’ve been struck by a vehicle while walking, immediate medical attention is essential even if you feel okay initially. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries, and some conditions like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries may not present symptoms immediately.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists face unique dangers on Washington roads. With minimal protection compared to vehicle occupants, riders are far more vulnerable to catastrophic injuries. The 141 motorcycle fatalities in 2023 set another grim record for the state. Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries including road rash, broken bones, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries. Because insurance companies frequently try to blame motorcyclists for accidents, having experienced legal representation is crucial for protecting your rights and securing fair compensation.
Bicycle Accidents
Cyclists share many of the same vulnerabilities as pedestrians and motorcyclists. Washington law requires drivers to treat cyclists as vulnerable road users, maintaining safe distances and exercising extra caution. However, distracted driving, failure to yield, and “dooring” incidents (when a parked car’s door opens into a cyclist’s path) continue to cause serious injuries throughout our region.
E-Scooter Injuries: An Emerging Concern
The growing popularity of rental e-scooters has introduced a new category of injuries to Washington’s roads. Data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission shows a dramatic spike in e-scooter-related injuries—jumping from just 9 cases between 2018-2020 to 273 cases between 2021-2023. Nearly half of all e-scooter injuries involve the head or neck, often including traumatic brain injuries that can have lasting effects on memory, mood, concentration, and ability to work. Alarmingly, at least 41 percent of injured riders weren’t wearing helmets at the time of their accidents.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups
Multi-vehicle pileups are among the most dangerous and complex accidents on Washington roads. These crashes involve multiple points of impact and can create chain reactions affecting numerous vehicles and occupants. Common causes include adverse weather conditions like fog and ice, following too closely, distracted driving, and excessive speed for road conditions. Determining fault in multi-vehicle accidents can be extremely complicated since several drivers may share responsibility. This complexity makes experienced legal representation essential for protecting your interests.
The “Fatal Four” Contributing Factors
The Washington Traffic Safety Commission identifies four primary human factors that contribute to most serious and fatal accidents across all categories:
- Impairment from drugs or alcohol
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Distraction, including cell phone use
- Not wearing seatbelts (or helmets for cyclists and motorcyclists)
County Roads Present Particular Dangers
Recent research from MoneyGeek identified Washington State’s county roads as the seventh most dangerous in the nation, with 27.5 percent of all traffic fatalities occurring on these roads maintained by town or municipality authorities. State highways accounted for another 27.3 percent of fatalities, while local streets contributed 24.4 percent.
What to Do If You’re Involved in Any Type of Accident
Regardless of the accident type, taking the right steps immediately afterward is crucial for protecting both your health and your legal rights:
Prioritize Safety and Medical Care
Check for injuries and call 911 immediately. Even if you feel fine, accept evaluation from emergency medical personnel. Many serious injuries don’t present obvious symptoms right away. If you can safely do so, move to a secure location away from traffic.
Document Everything
If your condition allows, gather evidence at the scene:
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene, all vehicles or equipment involved, road conditions, and any visible injuries
- Exchange contact and insurance information with all involved parties
- Collect names and phone numbers from witnesses
- Note weather conditions, lighting, traffic signals, and any other relevant factors
Seek Comprehensive Medical Evaluation
Follow up with your doctor even if emergency personnel cleared you at the scene. Whiplash, concussions, soft-tissue damage, and internal injuries often appear hours or days later. Keep thorough records of all medical treatment, including emergency room visits, diagnostic tests, prescriptions, and physical therapy sessions.
Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies
Do not give recorded statements to insurance adjusters or accept quick settlement offers before consulting with an attorney. Insurance companies often use your words against you or pressure accident victims into accepting far less than their cases are worth.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Whether you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, motorcycle crash, bicycle collision, e-scooter incident, or multi-vehicle pileup, having knowledgeable legal representation protects your rights. An experienced attorney can investigate your accident, gather evidence, identify all liable parties, calculate the full value of your damages, and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies on your behalf.
At the Law Offices of Michael Clark, we have decades of experience helping accident victims throughout the Tacoma and Seattle area recover the compensation they deserve. We understand that every type of accident presents unique challenges and requires specialized knowledge to build a strong case.
Your Rights Under Washington Law
Washington follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means you may still recover compensation even if you share some fault for an accident. However, insurance companies will try to use this law to minimize your compensation by inflating your percentage of fault.
Additionally, Washington law provides specific protections for vulnerable road users including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Drivers have heightened duties of care when sharing the road with these individuals.
Don’t Face This Alone
If you or a loved one has been injured in any type of accident in Washington State, you don’t have to navigate the complex legal process on your own. The Law Offices of Michael Clark offers free consultations to discuss your case, explain your rights, and help you understand your options for pursuing compensation.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights and securing your future.