Pedestrian accidents in Texas can leave victims feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. It’s important to understand the common causes, potential injuries, and legal options available to you to seek compensation. This guide aims to provide clarity, reassurance, and actionable steps to help you move forward.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Texas
Understanding how pedestrian accidents occur can help determine liability and identify ways to prevent them in the future. Below are some of the most common causes:
Driver Negligence
- Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or using in-car technology can divert a driver’s attention from the road, leading to accidents.
- Speeding: Drivers traveling at high speeds often fail to stop in time or notice pedestrians crossing.
- Failure to Yield: Ignoring stop signs, traffic lights, or crosswalks can result in serious collisions with pedestrians.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drug use impairs a driver’s ability to make sound decisions and react appropriately.
Roadway Hazards
- Poorly marked crosswalks or road signs can make it difficult for pedestrians and drivers to safely share the road.
- Construction zones often redirect pedestrian paths, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Lack of proper street lighting can make it harder to see pedestrians at night.
Pedestrian Behavior
While drivers are often held liable, unsafe pedestrian behavior, such as jaywalking or crossing in areas without proper signals, can also contribute to accidents.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries, given the disparity between a person’s body and a vehicle’s size and weight. Some common injuries include:
- Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, and skull fractures can have long-term physical and emotional effects.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These can result in temporary or permanent paralysis depending on the severity of the injury.
- Broken Bones: Fractures, especially in the legs and arms, are common due to the impact of the vehicle.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs can occur and may require immediate medical intervention.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Torn ligaments, sprains, and deep lacerations can lead to prolonged recovery periods.
If you’ve suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident, seeking immediate medical attention should be your top priority. Documenting injuries through medical records is also critical when pursuing legal action.
Legal Options for Compensation in Texas
After a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and related losses. Here’s a breakdown of your legal options:
1. Filing a Personal Injury Claim
If another party’s negligence caused the accident, you could file a personal injury claim to recover:
- Medical Expenses: This includes hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and any future medical care related to the accident.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for missed paychecks and lost earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Property Damage: If personal items (like phones or clothing) were damaged in the accident, you may be reimbursed.
2. Wrongful Death Claims
If a loved one tragically lost their life in a pedestrian accident, their family members may file a wrongful death claim to seek justice and compensation for funeral costs, lost income, and emotional suffering.
3. Insurance Claims
Many pedestrian accident victims pursue compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. However, insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. Having legal representation during this process can make a significant difference.
4. Comparative Negligence in Texas
It’s important to note that Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are partly at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. However, if you are more than 50% at fault, you may not be eligible for compensation. An experienced attorney can evaluate your case and help you understand how this rule applies.
Get Help From an Amarillo Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Texas, know that you can have advocates on your side. Our compassionate and experienced team at Wood Law Firm LLP is here to support you every step of the way. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll such accidents can take, and we are committed to helping you pursue justice and the compensation you deserve.
Start your road to recovery and peace of mind by reaching out to us now. Your well-being is our priority. By taking the right legal steps, you can focus on what matters most – your health and recovery.
Call us today at (806) 304-0447 for a free, initial consultation.