Pedestrian Accidents

Amarillo Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Pedestrian Accidents in Texas

Pedestrian accidents are devastating events that typically result in life-altering injuries or death. Hit and run pedestrian accidents are not uncommon, and pedestrian accidents, in general, are becoming even more common with increased smartphone usage. Whether the driver remains on the scene or not, there may be no witnesses or witnesses may not have seen the entire event. You need the help of an experienced Amarillo pedestrian accident lawyer who can fight to recover the full compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Please call Wood Law Firm, LLP at (806) 304-0447 for a free consultation with an experienced attorney who will represent you through every step of the process.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

In your pedestrian accident claim, we must establish fault. To do that, we must determine the cause or causes of your accident.

Driver negligence is typically involved and can include:

  • Failure to observe crosswalks
  • Distracted driving
  • Disobeying traffic signals
  • Intoxication
  • Failure to check blind spots before backing out of a parking space or driveway
  • Speeding or driving too fast for the weather or traffic conditions
  • Failure to use caution when passing a vehicle that is stopped on the side of the road
  • Failure to use caution in areas where children are known to be present
  • Failure to use appropriate caution in hazardous weather conditions
  • Failure to use caution in construction zones
  • Improper passing of school buses
  • Failure to use turn signals

Driver negligence is not the only cause of pedestrian accidents. Other common causes include:

  • Defective vehicles
  • Malfunctioning traffic signals
  • Poorly designed intersections
  • Faulty streetlights
  • Lack of streetlights in areas where pedestrians are likely to be present
  • Poor or faulty lighting in parking lots and parking garages
  • Poorly designed or improperly marked crosswalk
  • Poorly designed bus stops
  • Poorly designed parking lots
  • Roadway defects
  • Unmarked or improperly marked construction zones

pedestrians in a crosswalkDo Pedestrians Have the Right of Way in Texas?

Just as drivers are required to follow the law and ensure the safety of those around them, pedestrians also have a responsibility to obey the rules of the road. While pedestrians often have the right of way—and motorists should always do everything they can to avoid an accident with a pedestrian—there are some instances in which pedestrians are required to yield to oncoming traffic.

In Texas, pedestrians have the right of way when:

  • Crossing the road in a crosswalk in the direction of a traffic control device displaying a “walk” signal
  • Crossing the road in a marked or unmarked crosswalk in the direction of a green light
  • Crossing a driveway or the opening to a parking lot, alley, private road, or building/property

Additionally, drivers must yield to pedestrians when pedestrians are in a crosswalk and are on the same half of the street as the driver or are approaching from the opposite side but are close enough to be in danger. Drivers should also always yield to individuals crossing the road with the assistance of a guide dog/animal or cane, and drivers are not permitted to pass a vehicle that has stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross.

Pedestrians in Texas should yield to vehicles when:

  • A traffic control device is displaying a “do not walk” or “wait” signal
  • Coming up on an intersection that has a steady yellow or red traffic signal
  • There is no marked crosswalk
  • Crossing in an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection
  • Attempting to cross a roadway when there is an overhead crossing bridge or pedestrian tunnel

Pedestrians should also always remain aware of their surroundings and avoid “darting out” into roadways, even when crossing in a designated crosswalk. If it seems as though it may be too late for a vehicle to stop in time to avoid hitting you, it is always best to wait until the vehicle has passed.

Why You Should Seek Legal Help Right Away

Pedestrian accidents require thorough investigation. There may not have been witnesses and even if there were, they may not have seen the whole event and what led up to you or your loved one getting hit. Our Amarillo pedestrian accident lawyers need to collect and preserve the evidence in your case as soon as possible. Over time, surveillance and traffic camera video may be destroyed, and witnesses may forget important details or become difficult to locate.

There is also a time limit for filing your lawsuit. This time limit is called the statute of limitations. If you wait too long and let the deadline pass, you will lose your right to sue for your pedestrian accident injuries or the death of your loved one. In Texas, the statute of limitations on most personal injury claims, including cases involving pedestrian accidents, is two years from the date of the accident/injury.

We Are Ready to Fight for You

Pedestrian accidents are likely to result in catastrophic injuries, such as head and brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, road rash, and amputation. These injuries can leave you unable to work and may even result in permanent disability. At Wood Law Firm, LLP, we understand the many challenges you face, from getting proper medical treatment to managing day-to-day expenses while you are out of work to coping with the immense physical pain and emotional trauma of your injuries. We are ready to work tirelessly to hold the liable party accountable for your damages and fight for the maximum financial compensation you are owed. Our goal is to help you get back on your feet so that you can move forward with your life.

Please do not wait until it is too late for us to help you. Call us at (806) 304-0447 or contact us online right away. Your initial consultation is free, and there are no fees unless we win.

Hear What Our Clients Think

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