Dallas Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Helping Pedestrian Accident Victims in Texas

Each year, thousands of pedestrians are killed in traffic accidents. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 7,000 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in the United States in 2021, or more than 20 people every day. And that number does not include the more than 60,000 that were injured. With pedestrian accidents being so common, it’s essential to know your rights and to pursue compensation if you have been injured due to one of these incidents.

Understanding the complexities of pedestrian accident cases is crucial. In many instances, liability is not immediately apparent, and various factors, such as road conditions, visibility, and the behavior of pedestrians and drivers, are assessed carefully. Engaging a competent pedestrian accident lawyer can significantly help navigate these complex legal landscapes.

The Dallas pedestrian accident attorneys at J. Alexander Law Firm offer skilled, experienced, and robust representation for pedestrian accident victims throughout Texas. If you have been injured, our team offers staunch advocacy to help you recover damages and rebuild your life. We are proud members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum®, an exclusive legal industry honor reserved for attorneys who have recovered more than $1 million in a settlement for clients. We have recovered more than $10 million for our clients, and we would love to help you with your case. Plus, we are available to assist you 24/7, so you can contact us immediately if you have been injured, day or night.

Have you been hit by a car? You may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries and lost wages. Call J. Alexander Law Firm today at (214) 206-3264 or contact us online to get started! 

Understanding Texas Pedestrian Laws

Pedestrian laws are designed to protect both pedestrians and drivers, ensuring safe interactions on roadways. One key principle of these laws is the "right of way," which determines when pedestrians or drivers have priority at intersections, crosswalks, and other areas where they might cross paths. Pedestrians generally have the right of way at marked and unmarked crosswalks in Texas. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in these areas and exercise caution, especially when visibility is low or in school zones. However, pedestrians are expected to obey traffic signals and use designated crosswalks when available.

State law also emphasizes the importance of pedestrian responsibility. Pedestrians must not suddenly leave a curb or run into the path of a vehicle, making it impossible for a driver to stop in time. If pedestrians cross a street outside a marked crosswalk or designated crossing area (also known as jaywalking), they must yield the right of way to vehicles. Jaywalking can lead to fines, and while drivers still owe pedestrians a general duty of care, they bear the responsibility when crossing unlawfully.

Another important aspect of Texas pedestrian laws involves intersections. When traffic signals are present, pedestrians must obey the "walk" and "don’t walk" signals. Crossing against the light, even if no vehicles are approaching, is illegal and can result in a fine. Additionally, drivers making turns at intersections must yield to pedestrians crossing the street lawfully, even if there is no marked crosswalk.

The state also has specific rules for pedestrians on highways. Walking along highways or major roads without sidewalks is prohibited, as it poses significant risks. If a pedestrian must walk along a roadway, Texas law requires that they walk on the left side, facing oncoming traffic, to increase visibility and reduce the chances of an accident.

Aside from individual responsibility, Texas has also enacted specific pedestrian safety campaigns to reduce accidents. These include educational programs focusing on safe pedestrian practices and initiatives to optimize urban planning to create safer environments for foot traffic, especially in high-traffic urban and suburban areas.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

With pedestrian accidents being so common and numerous, there are plenty of reasons why they happen. There are many common causes of pedestrian accidents, most of which have to do with something that inhibits the motorist's ability to operate their vehicle safely.

Here are some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents:

• Distracted driving: Cell phones are a huge distraction source for drivers. A driver who is on their phone is not paying attention to the road and may not see a pedestrian they could then hit.
• Drunk driving: Intoxicated drivers lose the ability to react quickly to changing situations; thus, they may not be able to avoid a pedestrian or react to their presence.
• Speeding/reckless driving: Speeding or other forms of reckless driving can cause accidents or loss of control, which could cause a pedestrian collateral damage.
• Poor visibility: A surprising number of pedestrians are injured by drivers backing out of parking spaces or driveways. Likewise, darkness is a significant factor, as more than half of all pedestrian fatalities happen in accidents between 6:00 P.M. and midnight. 
• Failure to follow traffic laws: A driver who runs a red light, blows through a stop sign or fails to yield when properly instructed could injure a pedestrian that expected the vehicle to stop.
• Poor weather: Poor visibility, wet roads, or slippery conditions can all cause vehicles to act erratically, which could cause a vehicle to injure a pedestrian.
• Poor road maintenance: A road in poor condition may prevent a vehicle from stopping correctly or result in a crash that, in turn, collects a pedestrian through no fault of the driver.
• Vehicle malfunction: A part or system failure on a vehicle could cause an accident that injures a pedestrian. The vehicle or part manufacturer could be responsible for the incident in these cases.

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Pedestrian accidents are hazardous due to the inherent vulnerability of individuals on foot. Pedestrians do not have thousands of pounds of metal designed to absorb an impact like someone in a car or truck would. Thus, when that thousand-plus pound vehicle strikes a pedestrian, it dramatically increases the likelihood of severe consequences like catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Here are a few common injuries that can result from a pedestrian accident.

Pedestrians involved in such road mishaps often endure not just physical trauma but emotional and psychological distress as well. Dealing with the aftermath, including rehabilitation and potential lifestyle changes, can introduce significant challenges affecting their overall well-being and quality of life.

• Brain & Head Injuries
  Blows to the head can cause traumatic brain injuries, which can require extensive treatment and may never heal entirely. If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, having your head examined as soon as possible is essential. Diagnosing head injuries immediately is crucial to document them and begin treatment.
• Broken Bones
  Broken bones are common when your body forcefully impacts a hard surface, such as a vehicle or concrete. Broken bones are extremely painful and often require extensive treatment and healing time, which could limit your capability for weeks. Some even require surgery to fix, making recovery even more difficult.
• Whiplash & Spinal Injuries
  Neck injuries can result in damage to essential neck muscles and can also damage your spinal cord. Whiplash can be not only painful for an extended period but can even be a sign of nerve damage that can potentially lead to partial or complete paralysis. If your neck hurts after an accident, see a medical professional to have your neck examined right away.
• Organ Damage
  Internal organ damage can be a serious medical emergency, and it can be hard to diagnose. These injuries can happen even if your skin was never punctured, but an untreated injury can be severe or potentially even fatal. If you have sustained an internal injury after a pedestrian accident, reach out to an attorney for assistance with your case as soon as possible! 

Long-term recovery from pedestrian accident injuries often involves multidisciplinary treatment, including physical therapy, psychological counseling, and possibly reconstructive surgeries. This comprehensive approach to rehabilitation aims at restoring as much functionality and quality of life as possible.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics in Dallas

Pedestrian accidents are, unfortunately, a common issue in Dallas, a major urban city with heavy traffic and many busy areas. The city has seen an increasing number of pedestrian-related accidents in recent years, raising concerns for public safety.

To address the rising numbers, Dallas has implemented several safety measures, including enhanced crosswalk visibility, pedestrian countdown signals, and increased police presence in high-risk areas. These initiatives curb accident rates and promote safer driving and walking throughout the city.

• Accident Frequency: In Dallas, pedestrian accidents account for many traffic-related injuries and fatalities. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were over 400 pedestrian accidents in Dallas alone in recent years, with dozens of fatalities.
• Higher-Risk Areas: Certain locations in Dallas have been identified as high-risk for pedestrian accidents. These areas often include:
• Busy Intersections: There are more pedestrian accidents in areas with heavy traffic, such as those near downtown or major highways.
• School Zones: Areas around schools experience higher pedestrian traffic, making accidents more common, especially when drivers fail to yield.
• Nightlife Districts: Popular areas like Deep Ellum and Lower Greenville, where pedestrians walk at night, contribute to a higher rate of accidents due to low visibility and impaired drivers.
• Time of Day: Pedestrian accidents in Dallas occur more frequently during evening hours, mainly between 6 PM and midnight, when it’s harder for drivers to spot pedestrians.

Pedestrian safety is a growing concern, and drivers and pedestrians must stay alert to avoid accidents.

Safety advocacy groups in Dallas are actively working to educate the public on pedestrian safety, stressing the importance of following traffic laws, using crosswalks, and being cautious during peak traffic hours to minimize accident risks.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, taking specific steps immediately is essential to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. Here’s what you should do immediately after the incident:

• Seek Medical Attention: Call 911 for immediate medical care, even minor injuries.
• Document the Scene: Record details about the accident and take photos of the scene, your injuries, and your surroundings.
• File a Police Report: Report the accident to the police for documentation and potential investigation.
• Contact Your Insurance: Notify your insurance company and follow their guidance on the claims process.
• Consult a Pedestrian Accident Attorney: Consult with a lawyer to help protect your legal rights and seek fair compensation for damages.

Local Initiatives & Resources for Pedestrian Safety

Dallas has prioritized pedestrian safety by implementing numerous initiatives to reduce accidents. The city's Vision Zero initiative is a comprehensive program designed to eliminate all forms of traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries. By prioritizing safety in its infrastructure projects, Dallas aims to create more pedestrian-friendly environments across the city.

The collaboration with local advocacy groups like Walkable Dallas-Fort Worth is worth noting, as it focuses on educating the community about pedestrian rights and safe walking practices. Additionally, the city regularly updates traffic control measures, including installing pedestrian countdown timers and enhancing signage visibility in high-traffic areas.

For pedestrians seeking support, resources such as the Dallas Police Department offer community programs and workshops on pedestrian laws and safety tips. These initiatives aim to foster a collaborative environment where pedestrians and drivers coexist safely, ultimately reducing the likelihood of accidents.

The Role of Technology in Pedestrian Safety

Modern technology is playing a crucial role in enhancing pedestrian safety in Dallas. The city has been gradually incorporating smart crosswalk systems that use motion detection and LED lighting to alert drivers to the presence of pedestrians. This helps reduce accidents, especially in poorly lit or high-traffic areas.

Beyond infrastructure, mobile applications are also being developed to provide real-time updates on pedestrian traffic, road conditions, and potential hazards. These tools empower pedestrians with information, enabling them to make safer choices about their routes and timing.

Autonomous vehicle technology, being tested and implemented in various parts of Dallas, also promises to enhance pedestrian safety. Advanced sensors and AI can identify pedestrians and predict their actions, allowing vehicles to take proactive measures to avoid collisions. As technology advances, collaboration between city planners and tech companies is crucial in ensuring pedestrian safety in an evolving urban environment.

Why You Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer After a Pedestrian Accident

Unfortunately, insurance companies often try to settle pedestrian accident claims by offering victims a quick settlement. This settlement may sound like a lot, but compared to the actual value of the damage a pedestrian accident can cause, these settlements are small. These companies are banking on you being shocked by the size of the offer and hope you don’t realize that that amount is not enough to cover the medical bills or other expenses you can incur while out of work recovering. They don’t really care what’s best for you, but they do care about the company’s bottom line. 

This is why we strongly recommend rejecting any initial settlement offers you might receive from an insurance company. An experienced lawyer can review your case and more accurately evaluate the losses you have and will still sustain due to your incident. This way, you can hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue a settlement or verdict you rightly deserve.

Injuries don’t have to be physical, either. Some victims may also be awarded damages for anxiety, depression, intense emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. An attorney can review these options with you and determine if any apply to your case.

An attorney's understanding of the local laws and court procedures can be instrumental in building a strong case. Their expertise can help negotiate effectively with insurance companies, which typically have their legal teams dedicated to minimizing payouts.

Contact J. Alexander Law Firm today to meet with our pedestrian accident lawyer in Dallas!

FAQ - Pedestrian Accident Cases in Dallas

How do I know if I am entitled to compensation for my pedestrian accident?

You may be entitled to compensation if the accident occurred due to another party's negligence—whether it's the driver or a company responsible for unsafe road conditions. An experienced attorney can help you assess whether you have a valid claim based on the facts of the accident.

Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes, Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, you can still file a claim and receive compensation, depending on the extent of the other party's negligence.

How long do I have to file a claim for a pedestrian accident in Texas?

You generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim in Texas. However, the timeline may vary depending on the specifics of your case, so it's essential to contact an attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing deadlines.

Can I recover compensation for emotional distress after a pedestrian accident?

Yes, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life can be part of the damages awarded in a pedestrian accident claim. An experienced lawyer will help ensure that all aspects of your injury—physical and emotional—are considered when seeking compensation.

Should I accept the first settlement offer from the insurance company?

Insurance companies often offer quick settlements that may seem generous but usually fall short of covering your expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care. You should consult with an attorney before accepting any settlement to ensure it reflects the full extent of your damages.