Washington Laws
Regarding Pedestrians
Washington State law is favorable to pedestrians and bicyclists. In general, pedestrians must use sidewalks when available, and drivers must yield to pedestrians on sidewalks. When no sidewalk is available, pedestrians must walk on the left side of the roadway or shoulder, facing traffic. Further, no pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or move into traffic in such a manner that the driver cannot stop.
Every intersection in Washington is a crosswalk, whether marked or unmarked. Drivers are required to stop, and remain stopped, to allow all pedestrians to cross the road within a crosswalk or intersection. If a pedestrian is crossing the road at any point other than a marked crosswalk, or unmarked crosswalk or intersection, the pedestrian shall yield the right of way to all vehicles upon the roadway. Additionally, pedestrians must obey all traffic signals or control devices, unless otherwise directed by a traffic or police officer.
Regarding Bicyclists
Bicyclists riding on roadways are subject to all the same duties applicable to drivers under Washington law. However, Bicyclists riding on a sidewalk or crosswalk are granted all the same rights, and subject to all the same duties, as pedestrians. This means that when a bicyclist is within a crosswalk or on a sidewalk, they are treated the same as pedestrians and drivers must yield the right of way to the bicyclist. As between a pedestrian and bicyclists riding on a sidewalk or crosswalk, the bicyclists must yield the right of way to pedestrians.
Although the law places restrictions and duties upon both pedestrians and bicyclists, the law places a greater duty on drivers to exercise due care to avoid a collision. Therefore, if you have been injured either as a pedestrian or bicyclist, you likely have a valid claim for your injuries against the negligent driver.