Dallas Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

After a pedestrian accident in Dallas, you may feel overwhelmed and traumatized. You and your loved ones might suffer from physical injuries, emotional distress, and unexpected financial burdens. In times like these, having a trusted and experienced Dallas pedestrian accident lawyer by your side can make all the difference.

At DFW Injury Lawyers, we understand the complexities and challenges involved in pedestrian accidents. Our team has helped many accident victims such as yourself and will fight for your rights so you may get the compensation you deserve. Let us muscle up for you and handle your legal battle while you prioritize your recovery.

What is a Pedestrian Accident?

A pedestrian accident is a type of motor vehicle accident involving a person on foot. These accidents occur when pedestrians are struck by cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, scooters, or even public transportation. These may happen in various locations where people are walking and other vehicles are present, such as intersections, crosswalks, parking lots, sidewalks, and residential streets.

Pedestrian accidents are caused by various factors, including distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield the right-of-way, drunk driving, and disregarding traffic signals or signs.

To prevent pedestrian accidents, both drivers and pedestrians need to be aware of their surroundings and maintain a great deal of caution on the road. Drivers should watch out for pedestrians, especially when making turns or entering crosswalks. Pedestrians should also practice safe walking habits, such as crossing the street at designated crosswalks and obeying traffic signals.

Dallas Pedestrian Accidents: Statistics

From 2007 to 2016, pedestrian fatalities increased 27 percent nationally, while all other traffic fatalities decreased 14 percent. Texas has not been immune to this trend. According to the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, in 2016, Texas had the ninth-highest pedestrian fatality rate in the United States at 2.44 per 100,000 population. Dallas County, being one of the most populous cities in Texas, had the fourth highest number of pedestrian fatalities with the number coming up to 84.

In 2021 in Dallas, there were 61 pedestrian fatalities, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. These numbers highlight the urgent need for improved pedestrian safety measures in our city.

As part of the Vision Zero initiative, Dallas is taking steps to reduce traffic fatalities and prioritize pedestrian safety. This includes improving crosswalks and intersections, and increasing public awareness of pedestrian safety.

Where Do Most Dallas Pedestrian Accidents Occur?

Texas statistics show that almost a fifth of Dallas pedestrian accidents happen at intersections, while a majority occur on roads and highways. This shows that most pedestrian accidents in Dallas occur when people are either crossing or walking alongside busy streets.

Certain areas in Dallas are more dangerous for pedestrians than others. Some of the most dangerous roads in Dallas include I-35E near downtown Dallas as well as the LBJ Freeway to Dallas North Tollway, I-30, and Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway (I-635) and Skillman.

In addition, several intersections are more prone to accidents due to heavy traffic and complicated interchanges, such as Grand Avenue intersection with North Bruckner Boulevard, Bruton Road intersection with South Bruckner Boulevard, and Singleton Boulevard intersection with North Hampton Road.

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries in Dallas

Pedestrian accidents in Dallas may result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity from minor to life-altering. Some of the most common pedestrian accident injuries include:

• Death: Tragically, pedestrian accidents can result in fatalities. If your loved one died in a pedestrian accident injury, you should contact a wrongful death lawyer for help.
• Traumatic brain injuries: Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to head injuries when struck by a vehicle or an object. Traumatic brain injuries can have long-lasting effects, impacting cognitive function, motor skills, and overall quality of life.
• Spinal injuries: The force of impact in a pedestrian accident can cause severe damage to the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or other lifelong disabilities.
• Paralysis: In some cases, pedestrian accidents can cause partial or complete paralysis. This life-changing injury can result in permanent disability and necessitate continuous medical care and assistance.
• Loss of limbs: Pedestrian accidents can result in amputations, causing victims to lose one or more limbs. This loss can have profound physical and emotional effects on the individual, and increase expenses such as for physiotherapy and prosthetics.
• Fractures and crush injuries: Pedestrians may suffer from broken bones, crushed limbs, or other severe injuries that often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Internal bleeding: The force of impact in a pedestrian accident can cause internal injuries, like bleeding or organ damage. Internal bleeding can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
• Mental health conditions: Pedestrian accidents can also have significant psychological effects on victims. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a common mental health condition that may arise after a traumatic pedestrian accident.
• Other injuries: In addition to these injuries, pedestrians may also experience soft tissue injuries, burns, joint dislocations, slip disks, and other types of harm. These injuries can cause intense pain and limit a person’s ability to carry out daily activities.

Pedestrian Laws in Texas

In Texas, there are specific laws in place to protect pedestrians and ensure their safety on the roads. Understanding these laws is crucial if you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident and are seeking justice for your injuries.

Section 552.001 of the Texas pedestrian laws pertains to traffic control signals displaying green, red, and yellow lights. If you’re facing a green signal, you may proceed across the roadway within a marked or unmarked crosswalk, unless the sole green signal is a turn arrow. On the other hand, if you’re facing a red signal or a steady yellow, you’re prohibited from entering the roadway.

Section 552.002 states that if you’re at an intersection with a “walk” signal, you have the right-of-way to cross, and vehicles must yield to you. However, if the signal changes to “Don’t Walk” or “Wait” while you’re crossing, you must promptly proceed to the sidewalk or safety island.

Section 552.003 requires vehicle operators to yield to pedestrians crossing a roadway in a crosswalk without a traffic signal. It’s important to note that as a pedestrian, you must not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and enter a crosswalk in the path of a vehicle.

In addition to the above, a vehicle is prohibited from passing another vehicle that has stopped for a pedestrian at a crosswalk.

By understanding and adhering to pedestrian safety laws, we can create a safer environment for pedestrians and reduce the risk of accidents in Dallas.

Do I Have a Dallas Pedestrian Accident Claim?

If you were injured in a Dallas pedestrian accident, you may be unsure of your legal options and rights. It is helpful to remember that in Texas, the concept of negligence plays a crucial role in determining liability in pedestrian accident cases. As road users, we all owe each other a duty of care to ensure the safety of others. This duty of care includes following traffic and road safety rules.

A typical Dallas pedestrian accident involves a motor vehicle driver and a pedestrian. For example, if a car driver breaches their duty of care (such as by speeding) and their actions are the direct and proximate cause of your pedestrian accident injuries, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the negligent driver. A proximate cause refers to an underlying legal cause, which in this case is breaching the speed limit. In this scenario, a pedestrian accident lawyer will try to prove that the defendant driver’s negligence led to your injuries, and the defendant could have prevented the accident by simply following the law.

How Can a Dallas Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Help?

A Dallas pedestrian accident lawyer can provide helpful legal assistance as you deal with the aftermath of your accident. The right attorney will know how pedestrian accident cases work in Dallas courts, and can drive the investigation and evidence-gathering so you have the best possible chance of success.

While a Dallas pedestrian accident lawsuit might seem straightforward at first, there are a number of ways in which they can go wrong. For example, if you have suffered additional injuries due to a pre-existing condition, a skilled legal practitioner will know how to present your case to a jury so you are awarded the maximum compensation possible to aid your recovery.

One of the key advantages of working with a Dallas accident lawyer is their local knowledge and understanding of the unique challenges and risks associated with Dallas roads. They are familiar with the local traffic laws, accident statistics, and high-risk areas in the city. This knowledge allows them to build a strong case on your behalf.

A Dallas pedestrian accident lawyer at DFW Injury Lawyers understands the complexities of pedestrian accident cases, and is always prepared for a potential trial. We conduct thorough investigations, put together relevant evidence in the form of accident reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and other evidence, as well as work with other experts to determine the extent of your injuries and the impact they will have on your future. We also know how to handle all communications with other parties, like an insurance company. We take each case seriously and work tirelessly to secure a fair settlement or verdict.

Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near Me

If you’re searching for a pedestrian accident lawyer in Dallas, look no further than DFW Injury Lawyers. Our Dallas law firm is conveniently located at 1341 W. Mockingbird Ln., Ste. 580W, Dallas, TX 75247. We are close to Dallas Love Field Airport and Parkland Hospital, making it easy for you to access our office. You can also reach us by bus, with the Mockingbird @ Elmbrook – W – FS stop nearby.

Don’t wait another moment to seek the legal help you need. Contact us today at 1-888-4-MUSCLE today.

Dallas Pedestrian Accident Lawyer: FAQs

Do pedestrians have the right-of-way in Dallas?

Pedestrians in Dallas have the right-of-way in certain scenarios. In marked crosswalks, unmarked crosswalks at intersections, and when following pedestrian control signals, pedestrians have the right-of-way. However, the right-of-way is not always guaranteed. Outside of these scenarios, pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to vehicles on the road.

Can I sue a negligent driver for my pedestrian injury if I have not received any medical care?

It is crucial you seek immediate medical attention after a pedestrian accident, even if you feel fine at the moment. Not only are your health and well-being at stake, but the documentation of your injuries is also vital for any potential legal claims. Waiting to seek medical care can create the impression that your injuries were not caused by the accident or that they were not severe. This could potentially hinder your ability to recover damages such as your medical and pharmaceutical bills.

How much are pedestrian accident lawsuits worth?

Pedestrian accident lawsuit compensation can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the extent of the injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and the overall impact on the victim’s life. Each case is unique, and therefore, it is best to consult with a knowledgeable Dallas pedestrian accident lawyer who can evaluate your case and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

How long does a pedestrian accident injury lawsuit take?

The length of time it takes to resolve a pedestrian accident injury lawsuit can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, the willingness of the parties to negotiate, and the backlog of cases in the court system. Some cases may be resolved through settlement negotiations, which can take several months to a year. Others may require going to trial, which can significantly extend the timeline.

Can a negligent pedestrian sue a car driver who was partially at fault for an accident?

Yes, a negligent pedestrian can potentially sue a car driver who was partially at fault for an accident. Under the modified comparative negligence rule applicable in Texas, a pedestrian who is partially at fault for the accident may still be able to recover some compensation as long as they were less than 50% at fault.

I am the loved one of an injured pedestrian. Can I sue the at-fault driver?

If a pedestrian is injured in a car accident in Texas, the victim’s immediate family can pursue a lawsuit in certain circumstances. For example, if the victims injuries were fatal, close relatives may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If you witnessed your loved one being struck by a vehicle and this led to a physical manifestation of your emotional distress, such as a miscarriage, then you might be able to sue the at-fault driver as well. However, these cases may be difficult to prove, so you should consult an experienced Dallas pedestrian accident lawyer to understand your rights and options.

If a pedestrian is seriously injured, what are the penalties for the motorist?

If a pedestrian is seriously injured in an accident, the motorist responsible can face significant penalties for their actions. A driver can be held liable for damages caused by their negligence. In some cases, if the driver was driving with an intent to harm someone, they may also face criminal charges. Penalties can range from fines to jail time, or even both, depending on the severity of the accident.

What does negligence per se mean for a pedestrian accident case?

Negligence per se refers to a situation where someone breaks the law without an excuse, and is therefore, negligent as a matter of law. In the context of a pedestrian accident, it could mean that the driver violated a traffic law, such as running a red light or failing to yield at a crosswalk. This violation can strengthen a pedestrian’s personal injury case because it establishes that the driver’s actions were negligent.

What are the types of compensation awarded in a pedestrian accident lawsuit?

There are two broad categories of compensation in personal injury cases: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses, both current and future for any injuries sustained in the accident. Additionally, you may seek compensation for lost wages or loss of earning capacity if the accident led to your inability to work. Separately, you may seek non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Let Our Dallas Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Muscle Up For You

When you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you need legal advocates who you can trust to have your best interests in mind. Our experienced Dallas pedestrian accident attorneys at DFW Injury Lawyers will fight tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. By putting your trust in us, you can focus on your recovery knowing that you have a dedicated advocate fighting for your rights.

Contact DFW Injury Lawyers today for a free legal consultation and let us muscle up for you.