When a vehicle strikes you, immediate questions about your rights and next steps might arise. A Texas pedestrian accident lawyer helps you find answers and secure your compensation.
DFW Injury Lawyers offers experienced legal guidance for injured pedestrians throughout Texas. Call us at (972) 440-2320 for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Why Choose DFW Injury Lawyers for Your Texas Pedestrian Accident Claim
Selecting the right legal advocate is a significant step after a pedestrian accident. Our firm is dedicated to helping Texans injured by others’ carelessness.
We Know Texas
From the bustling streets of Downtown Dallas near Klyde Warren Park and the Arts District to the quieter neighborhood roads in suburbs like Plano or Richardson, we know the environments where these accidents happen.
We handle cases from Houston’s Galleria area, Austin’s South Congress, San Antonio, and El Paso. Our lawyers can assist if your accident occurred near major shopping centers like NorthPark Center in Dallas or in smaller towns like New Braunfels, Temple, or Fredericksburg.
Dedicated Focus on Your Recovery
Your well-being is our primary focus. While you concentrate on healing from your injuries, our attorneys handle the complexities of your pedestrian accident claim.
We gather evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and pursue the responsible parties. We aim to lift the legal burden from your shoulders.
A Record of Success
DFW Injury Lawyers has a history of representing clients in various personal injury cases, including those involving pedestrians. We build each case with attention to detail to secure outcomes that reflect the true extent of the victim’s losses. We’re committed to serving injured pedestrians throughout Texas.
If a vehicle struck you or a loved one anywhere in Texas, contact DFW Injury Lawyers at (972) 440-2320 for a free consultation.
How a Texas Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Helps You
A Texas pedestrian accident lawyer from DFW Injury Lawyers acts as your advocate. We manage the legal aspects of your claim so you can focus on recovery. Our team works to protect your rights.
We explain legal procedures in simple terms and provide regular updates on your case’s progress.
The Investigation
Your attorney investigates your accident thoroughly. We gather police reports, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage. We identify all potentially liable parties. This might include the driver, their employer, or even a government entity responsible for road maintenance.
Totaling Your Damages
Your Texas pedestrian accident lawyer assesses the full scope of your damages by considering future medical needs, lost income, reduced earning capacity, and the non-economic impact, like pain and suffering.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Negotiating with insurance companies is a large part of what we do. Insurers often try to minimize payouts, but your Texas pedestrian accident lawyer builds a strong case to counter their tactics and presents compelling evidence to support your claim for fair compensation.
Fighting for Compensation
Our lawyers are skilled in negotiations and will persuasively argue for a just settlement. If a fair settlement isn't offered, your Texas pedestrian accident lawyer will take your case to court.
Understanding Your Rights After a Pedestrian Accident in Texas
As a pedestrian in Texas, you have rights. Drivers must operate their vehicles with reasonable care to avoid harming others, including people on foot. When a driver's negligence causes your injuries, you have the right to seek compensation.
You might recover several types of damages to cover the various ways the accident has affected your life.
Common damages include:
- Medical Expenses: This includes costs for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and any future medical treatment related to your injuries.
- Lost Income: You might recover wages lost if your injuries prevented you from working. If your ability to earn in the future is diminished, you might also seek compensation for that loss.
- Property Damage: This compensation is for damage to personal property such as a phone, clothing, or other belongings damaged in the accident.
- Transportation Costs: You may seek reimbursement for alternative transportation expenses incurred while unable to drive or walk due to injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: This non-economic damage compensates you for the physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life resulting from the accident and your injuries.
- Home Modifications: Victims with accident-related permanent disabilities can receive compensation for necessary home modifications.
Proportionate Responsibility
Texas follows a proportionate responsibility rule, sometimes called comparative fault. This means if you were partially at fault for the accident, your compensation might be reduced by your percentage of fault. You can still recover damages as long as you’re not found to be 51% or more at fault.
Statute of Limitations
There's also a time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. In Texas, you generally have two years from the accident to file. Missing this deadline means you lose your right to seek compensation through the courts.
There are some exceptions to this rule. Acting promptly is vital to protecting your claim, so contact a Texas pedestrian accident lawyer to meet these important deadlines.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Texas
Many factors contribute to pedestrian accidents in Texas. DFW Injury Lawyers sees various scenarios, including:
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is a leading cause of pedestrian accidents. Drivers text, talk on the phone, or adjust the radio while driving, which may lead to a wreck. When drivers take their eyes and minds off the road, they may fail to see pedestrians.
- Speeding and Aggressive Driving: Speeding and aggressive driving endanger pedestrians. Drivers exceeding speed limits have less time to react, and aggressive maneuvers often lead to tragic outcomes.
- Failure To Yield: Failure to yield the right-of-way is another frequent issue. Pedestrians in crosswalks or with traffic signals in their favor are sometimes struck by drivers who ignore these rules. Common examples include drivers turning at intersections without checking for pedestrians.
- Impaired Driving: Impaired driving, whether due to alcohol or drugs, significantly increases risks. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and poor judgment, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.
- Poor Visibility: Poor visibility and inadequate lighting contribute to pedestrian accidents. Drivers might have difficulty seeing pedestrians at night or during bad weather, though they still have a responsibility to operate their vehicles safely under the conditions.
Steps To Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Texas
After you have received initial medical care for your injuries from a pedestrian accident, there are several actions you can take to protect your well-being and any potential legal claim.
You’ve been through a traumatic event, but taking these steps now can make a significant difference later:
- Follow Medical Advice: Attend all follow-up doctor appointments and complete any prescribed treatments or therapies. It’s beneficial to keep detailed records of your medical care.
- Document Your Injuries and Recovery: Take notes about how your injuries affect your daily life. Write down your pain levels, any limitations on your activities, and how you’re feeling emotionally. Taking pictures of your injuries as they heal also provides good documentation.
- Gather Documents: Collect any paperwork you have related to the accident, including the police report, information exchanged at the scene, medical bills, and records of any lost wages. Organize these documents in a safe place.
- Avoid Discussing Your Case Publicly: Don’t post details about your accident or injuries on social media. Insurance companies sometimes use such posts against claimants. Keep conversations about the accident limited to your medical providers and your attorney.
Contact a Lawyer: Speak with a Texas pedestrian accident attorney at DFW Injury Lawyers. We can explain your legal options and start working to protect your rights. Call us at (972) 440-2320.
FAQ for Texas Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
How Is Fault Determined in a Texas Pedestrian Accident?
Fault in a Texas pedestrian accident is determined by proving negligence. Negligence means someone failed to act with reasonable care, and that failure caused your injuries.
Investigators and your attorney will review police reports, witness testimony, traffic laws, and sometimes accident reconstruction analysis. For instance, if a driver was speeding, distracted, or violated a traffic signal, that indicates negligence.
Texas's proportionate responsibility rules also apply, meaning if you were also somewhat careless, your recovery might be reduced. A lawyer for pedestrian accidents in Texas helps establish the other party’s fault.
What Compensation Can I Receive After Being Hit by a Car?
Victims of pedestrian accidents might recover compensation for several types of losses, such as past and future medical bills, lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity.
You may also receive non-economic damages that cover physical pain, mental anguish, disfigurement, physical impairment, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In rare cases involving extreme recklessness, exemplary damages might be awarded to punish the wrongdoer. Your Texas pedestrian accident lawyer will evaluate all potential damages.
How Long Do I Have To File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents, is generally two years from the accident date. There are very few exceptions to this rule. Failing to file within the time limit usually means you forfeit your right to seek compensation in court.
Contacting a Texas pedestrian accident lawyer promptly protects your ability to pursue your claim.
What Should I Do if a Car Hits Me While I Am Walking in Texas?
Your first priority is your health, so seek medical attention immediately, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some serious injuries aren’t immediately apparent. Report the accident to the police, and get the driver's name, contact information, and insurance details if possible.
Also, try to get contact information from any witnesses. Avoid making detailed statements about fault to the driver or their insurer before speaking with a Texas pedestrian injury attorney.
Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any vehicle damage if you are able. Then, contact a Texas pedestrian accident attorney to understand your rights.
Why Do I Need a Texas Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for My Case?
You need a Texas pedestrian accident lawyer because navigating the legal system and dealing with insurance companies after an injury is extremely challenging on your own. A Texas pedestrian accident lawyer advocates for your best interests.
Your attorney will investigate the accident, gather evidence, calculate damages, and handle all communications with insurers. They know Texas traffic and liability laws and how to build a strong case to prove fault. Your lawyer can negotiate a fair settlement or represent you in court if necessary.
What if the Driver Fled After Hitting Me With Their Car?
If a driver hits you and leaves the scene (hit-and-run), report the incident to the police immediately if you haven’t already. Provide them with any details you recall about the vehicle or driver.
Even if the driver isn’t found, you might still have options for compensation. Your own auto insurance policy might include Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, which can cover your injuries and damages in a hit-and-run.
A Texas pedestrian accident lawyer at DFW Injury Lawyers helps you explore all avenues for compensation, including making a UM claim. We can also assist law enforcement in their investigation to find the missing driver.
Call DFW Injury Lawyers Today for Free
The road ahead might seem uncertain after a pedestrian accident, but you don’t have to face it alone. DFW Injury Lawyers, your trusted Texas personal injury lawyer, provides the legal support you need to move forward.
Let us handle the legal fight while you focus on healing. Call DFW Injury Lawyers at (972) 440-2320 for dedicated representation across Texas.