Dallas Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

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 important to know your rights and to pursue compensation if you have been injured as a result of one of these incidents.

The Dallas pedestrian accident attorneys at J. Alexander Law Firm offer skilled, experienced, and robust representation for pedestrian accident victims throughout the state of Texas. If you have been injured, our team offers staunch advocacy that can 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. In total, 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 reach out to us immediately if you have been injured, day or night.

If you’ve been hit by a car, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries and lost wages. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation by calling J. Alexander Law Firm at (214) 206-3264 today.

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 are required to yield to pedestrians in these areas and must 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 a pedestrian crosses a street outside of a marked crosswalk or designated crossing area (also known as jaywalking), they are required to yield the right of way to vehicles. Jaywalking can lead to fines, and while pedestrians are still owed a general duty of care by drivers, 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.

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

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

• 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, it’s extremely important to have your head examined as soon as possible. It’s important to diagnose head injuries immediately in order 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 your important neck muscles and can also damage your spinal cord. Whiplash can be not only painful for a long period of time but can even be a sign of nerve damage that can potentially lead to partial or full paralysis. If your neck hurts in the aftermath of 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 claim as soon as possible! 

What Causes Pedestrian Accidents?

With pedestrian accidents being so common and numerous, it stands to reason that there are plenty of reasons why they happen. There are many different common causes of pedestrian accidents, most of which have to do with something that inhibits the ability of the motorist involved 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, and 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 collect a pedestrian as collateral damage in the process.
• Poor visibility: A surprising number of pedestrians are injured by drivers backing out of parking spaces or driveways. Likewise, darkness is a major 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, and that could cause a vehicle to injure a pedestrian.
• Poor road maintenance: A road that is in poor condition may prevent a vehicle from stopping properly 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. In these cases, the vehicle or part manufacturer could be responsible for the incident.

FAQ - Pedestrian Accident Cases in Dallas

• What should I do immediately after a pedestrian accident?
  If you're involved in a pedestrian accident, seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine. Get the contact information of witnesses, take photos of the scene, and file a police report. It's also important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to help you navigate the legal process.
• How do I know if I am entitled to compensation for my pedestrian accident?
  If the accident occurred due to another party's negligence—whether it's the driver or a company responsible for unsafe road conditions—you may be entitled to compensation. 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.
• What types of injuries are common in pedestrian accidents?
  Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, whiplash, spinal injuries, and internal organ damage. The severity of the injuries often depends on the speed of the vehicle, the location of the impact, and whether or not the pedestrian was able to react in time.
• How long do I have to file a claim for a pedestrian accident in Texas?
  You generally have two years from the date of the accident 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 all of your expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care. It’s recommended that you consult with an attorney before accepting any settlement to ensure it reflects the full extent of your damages.

Why You Need an Attorney 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 true value of the damage that 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 as a result of your incident. This way you can hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue a settlement or verdict that 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.

Schedule a free case review today! Contact J. Alexander Law Firm, an official sponsor of the Dallas Mavericks!