During the summer months in Western Washington, our streets, parks, and neighborhoods come alive with activity. Joggers hit the pavement early, family walks to local parks and splash parks, and cyclists, taking advantage of longer daylight hours. This seasonal surge in pedestrian and bicycle activity is one of the joys of Pacific Northwest summers, but it also brings heightened safety concerns.
The reality is sobering: pedestrians and cyclists have almost no protection when struck by a vehicle, and the injuries are often severe and life-altering. In Washington State, recent years have seen record numbers of pedestrian and cyclist fatalities, with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission reporting that more pedestrians were killed in 2023 than in any other year on record.
For those who walk or ride in Tacoma and throughout Pierce County, understanding both how to stay safe and what legal rights you have if injured is essential.
Why Summer Is High-Risk Season for Pedestrians and Cyclists
The same factors that make summer enjoyable create dangerous conditions on our roads. Increased foot and bike traffic means more potential interactions between vehicles and vulnerable road users. Popular walking routes like the Ruston Way waterfront, Point Defiance Park trails, and neighborhood greenways see dramatically higher use during summer months.
Distracted driving remains the leading cause of pedestrian and cyclist accidents, but summer brings unique forms of distraction. Drivers who glance at their phones for just a few seconds can travel the length of a football field without seeing the road ahead. Add to that drivers blasting music with windows down, cruising to show off freshly detailed cars or new wheels, and you have a recipe for reduced awareness. When drivers are focused on anything other than the road ahead, pedestrians in crosswalks and cyclists in bike lanes become invisible.
Summer also correlates with increased substance use. Outdoor concerts, festivals, barbecues, and long weekends lead to higher rates of impaired driving. Both alcohol and marijuana significantly impair a driver’s reaction time, judgment, and ability to perceive pedestrians and cyclists. The consequences when an impaired driver strikes someone on foot or bike are often catastrophic.
Pedestrians and cyclists aren’t immune to distraction either. Wearing headphones or earbuds while walking or riding makes it difficult or impossible to hear approaching vehicles, emergency sirens, or warning shouts from other road users. This auditory blindness can prevent pedestrians from detecting danger until it’s too late to react.
Summer also brings unique visual hazards. Glare from the sun, especially during morning and evening commutes, can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians and cyclists. Vacation traffic increases congestion and brings unfamiliar drivers to our roads who may not know local crosswalk locations or popular cycling routes. The combination of these factors creates a perfect storm of risk during what should be the most enjoyable months of the year.
Essential Safety Tips for Pedestrians and Cyclists
Protecting yourself on summer roads requires visibility and defensive awareness. For pedestrians, always use marked crosswalks when available, make eye contact with drivers before crossing, and wear bright or light-colored clothing, especially during dawn and dusk hours. Avoid distractions like phones while crossing streets, and assume drivers may not see you until you’ve confirmed they’re yielding.
For cyclists, Washington law provides specific protections. Drivers must give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing, and bicycles are entitled to use the full lane when no bike lane exists. As a cyclist, you can increase your safety by using bike lanes when available, wearing a properly fitted helmet (required by law in Tacoma and many other Washington cities for riders under 17), using front and rear lights when riding at night or in low-light conditions, and following all traffic laws including stopping at red lights and stop signs.
The Washington State Department of Transportation provides excellent resources on pedestrian and bicycle safety laws at their website, helping both road users and drivers understand their rights and responsibilities.
When Negligent Drivers Cause Pedestrian and Cyclist Accidents
Despite taking every precaution, many pedestrians and cyclists are struck by negligent drivers each summer. Common scenarios include drivers failing to yield at crosswalks, drivers turning right or left without checking for pedestrians or cyclists, distracted drivers who simply don’t see people on foot or bike, and impaired drivers whose judgment and reaction times are dangerously compromised.
The injuries from these crashes can be catastrophic. Common pedestrian accident injuries include traumatic brain injuries, broken bones and fractures, spinal cord injuries, road rash and severe lacerations, and internal organ damage. Recovery often requires extensive medical treatment, lengthy rehabilitation, and time away from work, creating both physical suffering and financial hardship for victims and their families.
Your Legal Rights After a Pedestrian or Bicycle Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian or cyclist in Tacoma or anywhere in Washington, you have legal rights. Washington law allows injured parties to pursue compensation for medical expenses including emergency care, surgery, and ongoing treatment, lost wages during recovery and potential future earning capacity if injuries result in long-term disability, pain and suffering, and in the most tragic cases, wrongful death damages for families who’ve lost loved ones.
However, exercising these rights isn’t always straightforward. Insurance companies often try to place blame on pedestrians and cyclists, claiming they were jaywalking, weren’t visible enough, or contributed to their own injuries. Building a strong case requires prompt investigation, gathering of evidence including witness statements and traffic camera footage, expert reconstruction of the accident when necessary, and skilled negotiation with insurance adjusters who are trained to minimize payouts.
Get Experienced Legal Help
At the Law Offices of Michael Clark, we understand the unique challenges these cases present and know how to counter insurance company tactics designed to reduce or deny your compensation.
Attorney Michael Clark and his team handle every aspect of your case, allowing you to focus on your physical and emotional recovery. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for you. There’s no financial risk to seeking the experienced legal representation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian or cyclist this summer, don’t wait. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and Washington’s three-year statute of limitations means delays can jeopardize your rights. Contact us today today at 253.499.7844 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Summer should be a time to enjoy being active outdoors in our beautiful region. When negligent drivers put that at risk, we’re here to fight for your rights and your recovery.