Dallas Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one have sustained injuries in a Dallas pedestrian accident, the attorneys at Rasansky Law Firm can help you seek justice.

Despite the numerous laws enacted every year across the United States to protect pedestrians, they do not stop people from being injured on foot from traffic-related incidents. In fact, on average about 59,000 pedestrians and joggers experience serious injuries from pedestrian accidents every year. About 4,000 pedestrians are killed in these accidents annually. If you live in an urban area, you’re more likely to be involved in one of these kinds of accidents due to the sheer number of cars, buses, motorcycles, and pedestrians that are moving daily through the city. Accidents that involve automobiles and pedestrians harm nearly 8,000 people in Texas annually and claim the lives of over 600 people on average per year.

Dallas Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Car Vs. Pedestrian Accidents in Dallas

In many cases, a person is left with life-altering injuries that require extensive hospital stays after being injured in a pedestrian accident. Because pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to the impact of automobiles since they have no protection whatsoever, they are more likely to suffer from permanent injuries that result in impairments. If you have been injured in an accident due to other’s negligent behavior, you should reach out to a Texas pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible.

With nearly three decades of experience, the attorneys at Rasansky Law Firm are committed to helping Dallas pedestrian accident victims get the justice they deserve after being injured in collisions. Our team of knowledgeable and competent Dallas pedestrian accident attorneys is available to discuss the details surrounding your accident at your earliest convenience. Contact our law firm today.

Pedestrian Accidents in Dallas

Pedestrian accidents cause death, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other severe injuries more often than accidents where everyone involved is inside a car.

In cases where the pedestrian involved in the accident survives, they often sustain permanent, life-altering injuries requiring a lifetime of treatment. If the pedestrian’s injury was caused by a motorist or someone else acting negligently, the injured person (or the family of the wrongful death victim) has the legal right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the person or persons who caused the accident.

Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Occur?

Pedestrian accidents tend to happen in urban areas with high vehicle traffic and pedestrian traffic, including Dallas. Although Dallas is safer than other major cities in Texas and is very walkable, it is by no means immune to pedestrian accidents.

In some areas, pedestrians are few and far between, so drivers are not expecting to have to suddenly brake or come to a full stop at intersections and turns. The traffic lights at Dallas intersections are green when the “walk” traffic signals are on, sometimes confusing drivers and ultimately resulting in an accident.

Pedestrian accidents can occur in areas other than on roads or streets as well. Parking lots, driveways, and other private property are areas where pedestrian accident injuries caused by poor visibility and high speeds are not uncommon. Sometimes drivers are less cautious in areas without oncoming traffic, but letting their guard down causes a wreck anyway.

Types of Pedestrian Accidents

There are three main types of pedestrian accidents that can occur:

  • Crosswalk accidents: when a person is crossing at the crosswalk and a driver fails to see them, they may hit them and cause a severe accident.
  • Parking lot or back-over accidents: when a driver does not properly look behind them before backing up, they may hit a pedestrian walking through a parking lot
  • Loss of control accidents: when a driver is speeding or in some other way driving recklessly and loses control, resulting in hitting a person on foot nearby

Why Do I Need a Dallas Pedestrian Accident Attorney?

As previously stated, a pedestrian accident is more likely to result in serious injuries than a motor vehicle accident. The more serious your injuries are, the higher your medical bills will be, the longer your recovery will take, and the more you will need legal representation to ensure you are able to get the full amount of compensation you need to aid in your recovery. Having a Dallas pedestrian accident lawyer handle the negotiations, paperwork, and collecting evidence on your behalf saves you time and energy so you can focus on healing and moving forward. If you don’t get a pedestrian accident lawyer to help you file your claim, you may not get adequately compensated for your medical bills, let alone pain and suffering, which could cause financial setbacks for you.

We want our clients to be free to focus on their recovery by taking advantage of our full legal representation. Without an advocate for medical expenses, serious injuries can become permanent injuries and financial ruin could occur. You may be less likely to seek the full extent of medical care you could actually benefit from if you are having trouble paying all of the bills.

If you or your loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, we are available 24/7 for a free consultation.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Texas

Most pedestrian accidents are completely preventable, though they occur suddenly and without warning. In fact, driver error is the leading cause of these life-altering accidents which impact the lives of thousands of Texans annually. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

  • Intoxicated drivers: These individuals do not have the cognitive ability or reflexes to act accordingly when faced with a situation where they have to suddenly brake or swerve to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
  • Distracted driving plays a large role in pedestrian accidents. Using a mobile phone, touching up makeup, or chatting with other car occupants can take away a driver’s attention from the road, making them more likely to make mistakes on the road and lead to a car accident.
  • Ignoring red lights due to aggressive driving or speeding is also a major contributor to pedestrian accidents.
  • Speeding is another leading cause of pedestrian accidents across our state. When drivers are traveling at too high a speed, they are unable to react in time to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections.
  • Drivers who make left-hand turns without looking are at an increased risk of striking pedestrians at intersections.
  • The increase in the number of electric vehicles is causing an unexpected increase in pedestrian accidents across our state. Silent vehicles on roads are commonly not noticed by pedestrians, resulting in serious accidents.
  • Drivers who attempt to back up without observing their surroundings are likely to crash into pedestrians. Children are often victims of this type of wreck due to being hard to see by drivers. Additionally, semi-trucks backing up commonly strike pedestrians and cause fatal injuries.

If you sustained injuries in a pedestrian accident that occurred as a result of another motorist’s negligent behavior, contact Rasansky Law Firm today at (214) 651-6100 for a free consultation to see how our Dallas pedestrian accident attorneys can help you.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Here are some eye-opening facts about pedestrian accidents in the state of Texas, with a focus on North Texas and the city of Dallas.

  • The state of Texas has the second-highest traffic fatality rate compared to the 14 other most populated cities in the United States. That's over 14 deaths per 100,000 people.
  • Texas is one of five states with the highest pedestrian accident fatality rates in the country.
  • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that in Dallas County, someone dies every week in a pedestrian accident.
  • Pedestrians make up only about 2 percent of travel in Dallas but account for 36 percent of traffic deaths.
  • Dallas has the second-worst traffic fatality rate in the country.
  • Dallas ranked fifth in 2020 for pedestrian deaths in cities of 50,000 people or more. It is the ninth-largest city in the U.S.

Dangerous Intersections for Pedestrians in Dallas

Certain roadways in Dallas are known for having many pedestrian accidents. What makes a roadway dangerous is if it has high traffic, is an intersection (especially a complex one), has poor visibility, and has high speed limits. The following intersections have high crash data:

  • Abrams Road and Flickering Shadow Drive
  • Belt Line Road and Preston Road / Dallas Pkwy
  • Buckner Blvd and Military Pkwy / John West Road
  • Coit Road and I-635
  • Colorado Blvd and N. Hampton Road
  • Commerce Street and Lamar Street
  • Canton Street and S. Good Latimer Expy
  • Cherry Valley Blvd and S. Lancaster Road
  • Ledbetter Drive and S. Westmoreland Road
  • Hillburn Drive and Lake June Road
  • Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway and Skillman Street / Central Texas Expy
  • Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway and Webb Chapel Road / Marsh Lane
  • Greenville Ave and Pineland Drive / Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway
  • Central Texas Expy and East Lovers Lane
  • Sam Houston Road and Scyene Road
  • Kiest Blvd and S. Polk Street
  • Campbell Road and Hillcrest Road
  • Bickers Street and N. Hampton Road
  • Ferguson Road and Millmar Drive
  • Arapaho Road and Dallas Pkwy (Dallas North Tollway)
  • Maple Ave and Wolf Street
  • Elm Street and Griffin Street
  • Northwest Highway and Walton Walker Blvd / Stemmons Fairway

It is important to be extra vigilant when crossing these and all intersections. If possible, avoid them during rush hour by planning an alternate route or taking another form of transportation.

Avoiding such intersections at night is also advisable if at all possible. Not only because it is riskier to walk at night because of poor visibility, but also because drunk drivers are more common at night as they return home from bars and clubs. Pedestrians may be walking at night in areas where drivers do not normally exercise as much caution, such as in neighborhoods. If you must walk at night, wear reflective material so that drivers can easily see you no matter where you are.

One of the Best Dallas Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries, costly medical bills, lost wages, and other physical, emotional, and economic tolls. Your Dallas pedestrian accident case deserves fair compensation and, if possible, maximum compensation for your pain and suffering.

We at Rasansky Law Firm represent men, women, and children who have been injured in the Dallas, Texas area. Our Dallas pedestrian accident lawyers handle various types of wrongful death and personal injury cases. We treat all pedestrian accident victims with compassion and dignity. While we seek compensation on their behalf, we give all the resources we can offer for their recovery.

Almost three decades of experience have allowed Rasansky Law Firm to establish a reputation of integrity, honesty, and professional excellence. We know that those injured in pedestrian accidents experience financial hardship from their injuries, so we take all cases based on contingency. This means we do not receive payment unless and until we win your case.

A Dallas pedestrian accident attorney from our law firm is available to provide a free case review. If our free initial consultation determines we can help you, we’ll take on your case at no out-of-pocket cost to you. Rasansky Law Firm is available 24/7 by phone.

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Pedestrian accident injuries can result in severe, even catastrophic injuries. Here are some of the most common:

  • Emotional injuries from trauma, such as extreme depression, anxiety, or PTSD
  • Contusions, such as bruising, scrapes, and road rash
  • Fractures and broken bones, such as broken ribs
  • Soft tissue or musculoskeletal injuries such as internal organ punctures, lacerations, tears, bruises, and dislocations of ligaments and muscles
  • Serious injuries to the lower extremities
  • Limb amputation
  • Neck injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries striking the vehicle, ground, or both
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Death

Consequences of Pedestrian Accidents

Motor vehicle collisions involving a pedestrian result in life-changing and severe injuries. In order for you to make a full recovery, you will likely need expert medical attention. Our pedestrian accident attorneys work with life care planners and rehabilitation experts in order to accurately estimate exactly how much money you will need for the rest of your life to pay for treatment and to cover expenses that have arisen due to the accident.

Pursuing any injury claim requires in-depth legal knowledge and skilled negotiations with insurance companies and involved parties. You should not try to negotiate with insurance companies by yourself. Doing so will only work to limit the potential value of your pedestrian accident case.

We’ve handled pedestrian accident cases for decades and we know exactly how to navigate this complex process. You only get one shot at a lawsuit and you cannot afford to go into this without a team of advocates fighting for you.

Pedestrian Accident Case Mistakes to Avoid

There are some major mistakes a Dallas pedestrian should avoid making after an accident:

  • Not seeking medical attention immediately: You could have serious injuries, even if you don’t feel any pain. Having a medical evaluation right away will provide undeniable evidence for your injury claim.
  • Making a recorded statement to the insurance company: The insurance adjuster will use it against you to decrease the amount of compensation you will receive. It’s better to have an experienced lawyer represent you and handle all communications.
  • Signing any forms from the insurance company: The insurance company will attempt to have you sign a release of liability, which will absolve them of any further responsibility. They may offer you a small settlement to entice you to sign, but don’t be fooled.
  • Talking to the at-fault driver: They and their lawyer will use what you say against you.
  • Posting about the accident on social media: Your injury claim must be confidential. Talking about it can create a permanent record, even if you do so by email or phone. What goes online, stays online.

Any amount of time that you wait to seek medical attention can be used against you. If the insurance company of the at-fault driver provides an independent medical evaluation, for example, they can claim your injuries were not caused by the accident but by something else. A lawyer can help set up appointments with medical doctors for you to have a thorough evaluation or get a second opinion.

If you must speak with the insurance company of the at-fault driver, keep discussion to a minimum. Avoid any verbal agreements and legally binding contracts until you have a lawyer.

Dallas Pedestrian Accident Risk Factors

The three main risk factors for Dallas pedestrian accidents are:

  • Alcohol use (by both pedestrians and drivers)
  • Speeding
  • Location

Most Dallas pedestrian accident fatalities happen at night. They also tend to happen on higher-speed roadways in urban areas.

What to Do After a Dallas Pedestrian Accident

 

The following steps will help ensure a favorable outcome for your pedestrian accident case:

  • Stay calm and look for any injuries
  • Exchange information with everyone involved, including injured parties and drivers of motor vehicles, whether you know they are the at-fault driver or not
  • Call the police and file a police report
  • Seek medical attention
  • Consult a Dallas pedestrian accident lawyer
It’s important to consult a Dallas pedestrian accident attorney right away, so that they can move fast on your injury claim. They will gather evidence, including surveillance videos from the cameras at traffic lights, and take note of any vehicle debris. They will also find and talk to eyewitnesses of the accident scene and any medical doctors or other medical providers you seek carefrom. Finally, they will calculate economic and non economic damages for your compensation.

Whether the accident caused you severe injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering damages, or future medical expenses, you can pursue compensation. Your injury claim can move forward in a timely manner if you have an experienced lawyer to navigate the legal system for you.

Ways A Dallas Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help

The team at Rasansky Law Firm provides a variety of services to ensure our clients are in the best position imaginable to move forward after being injured. Some of the tasks we take off the hands of our clients include:

Gathering Evidence: Our attorneys go to the scene of each accident to investigate. We gather evidence from the scene of the accident, take pictures, gather surveillance footage, and record videos. After some accidents, our team hires experts who can recreate the accident to show vehicle speed, the impact of weather conditions, and how various other factors led to your accident.

Providing Documents: Not only do the attorneys at Rasansky Law Firm gather evidence from the scene of the accident, but we gather police reports, medical records, and a variety of other documents in support of your claim. Our team compiles documents and information to determine the true cost of your accident to ensure you are able to maximize your recoveries.

Handling Paperwork: We understand that personal injury claims surrounding pedestrian accidents are guided by strict timelines and statute of limitations. Our team strives to file all documents, petitions, requests, and evidence for our clients, on-time and accurately, every time. We strive to ensure that our clients are in the best position possible to protect their legal rights following an accident.

Maintain Communication: Our attorneys provide effective legal representation for our clients while maintaining open and continual communication with them every step of the way. We remain available to answer questions, provide insight and information, and provide them with copies of all documents, evidence, and files for their case to ensure they know what is happening at all times.

Our personal injury attorneys in Texas work diligently to ensure pedestrians harmed in collisions throughout Texas are able to prevail and get the justice they deserve. Contact our law firm today to explore legal options available for you.

How Do I Know If I Have a Pedestrian Accident Claim?

If you fulfill all of the following three criteria, you can file a pedestrian accident injury claim:

  • The accident was caused by the negligent behavior of someone else;
  • You were injured as a result of the accident; and
  • The accident occurred within the last three years.

Both drivers and pedestrians have a legal duty to exercise reasonable care when traveling. Drivers of motor vehicles assume that pedestrians must yield to them. However, it is the Dallas pedestrian who has the right-of-way on designated areas, such as crosswalks.

The Texas Transportation Code gives insight into this. Section 552.002 states they have the right-of-way even when the “Don’t Walk” light is flashing, while Section 552.003 states the same when there’s a crosswalk but no traffic signal. Section 552.006 holds that drivers must yield where driveways and parking lots are interrupted by sidewalks.

Establishing and Proving Liability in a Dallas Pedestrian Accident

Texas is an at-fault state for all types of accidents. What this means is that the person who is responsible for causing the accident is liable for damages. Also, pedestrian accident victims or their family members can hold negligent drivers accountable for damages.

Liability insurance is mandatory for all drivers of motor vehicles. The lack thereof can result in a fine, vehicle impoundment, and driver’s license suspension on top of any liability in an injury claim.
What If I Am Partially Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?
Personal injury cases in Texas establish liability using comparative fault. If the injured parties were less than 50% responsible for the accident, they can still seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages.
Are Jaywalkers Liable for Pedestrian Accidents?
Jaywalking is illegal in Texas. If a pedestrian tries to cross the street without using a crosswalk, they are jaywalking. Even so, if someone hits a jaywalker, the injured pedestrian may still be able to pursue a personal injury claim. Seek the advice of a Dallas pedestrian accident lawyer.

What Do I Need to Build a Pedestrian Accident Claim?

To support your Dallas pedestrian accident claim, you must have records of medical expenses as a result of your injuries. You must also gather evidence proving driver negligence in failing to yield or other negligent behavior.

When it comes to proving driver negligence and establishing liability, one possible source of evidence is the film from the crosswalk surveillance cameras nearest to the accident scene. Videos and photos of the accident scene are another. Finally, eyewitness accounts are important for supporting the case of driver negligence in pedestrian injury claims.

Who Can I Sue for a Dallas Pedestrian Accident?

The responsible parties you can pursue with litigation for your Dallas pedestrian accident case could be any of the following:

  • A vehicle driver
  • A truck driver or trucking company
  • A vehicle or parts manufacturer
  • A roadway safety municipality

What If the At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

You still have legal options even if:

  • The at fault driver does not have liability insurance
  • The at-fault driver’s insurance coverage is not adequate for your damages

You will need to contact your own insurance company. Alternatively, an experienced lawyer can contact them for you. Call Rasansky Law Firm for a free consultation.

Compensation for a Dallas Pedestrian Accident

The Dallas pedestrian accident lawyers at Rasansky Law Firm understand the unique challenges pedestrians face after being injured in an auto accident. Not only are those injured in pedestrian accidents forced to spend thousands of dollars on medical treatment, but they are often left unable to work for months as they go through treatment and therapy. Such experiences make it difficult if not impossible to pay for a pedestrian accident lawyer up-front.

We firmly believe that a person who was injured due to someone else’s negligence should never be forced to spend their own money to pay for their medical bills or any of their pain and suffering. For this reason, our team provides aggressive legal representation to ensure our clients protect their legal rights and get the maximum compensation available to cover the damages they face moving forward. Some of the damages Rasansky Law Firm helps clients recover compensation for include:

  • Medical bills
  • Therapy expenses and other long-term care costs
  • Lost income or lost earning capacity, depending on the extent of injuries
  • Emotional and physical pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Disfigurements
  • Loss of companionship/consortium
  • Loss of life enjoyment

Although we would like to believe that everyone can completely recover from their accident, this is far from the truth. In fact, hundreds of people end up losing their lives every year due to pedestrian accidents. When someone dies from their injuries, we help their surviving relatives get the maximum amount of compensation available for wrongful death claims.

We strive to help those harmed collect full and fair compensation to alleviate the costs of medical treatment, funeral arrangements, burial services, and more. Our attorneys are committed to helping our clients and their families hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions. Contact our law firm today to see how we can help you.

What Is My Dallas Pedestrian Accident Case Worth?

Every pedestrian accident is unique, but the settlement amount depends on three main factors:

  • Cost of medical treatment and any future medical expenses
  • The extent of the victim’s injuries
  • Loss of income

Other factors such as cause or motive come into play. For example, if it was not driver negligence but a deliberate act, the driver could still be sued. If non-economic damages can be proven, they will increase the settlement amount you are seeking. The loved ones of a wrongful death victim can sue for pain and suffering damages.

It is very difficult to calculate an accurate estimate of the possible settlement amount for future medical expenses and non-economic damages without the aid of a Dallas pedestrian accident lawyer. An experienced lawyer can help you determine the fair compensation you deserve and give you an estimate of the minimum and maximum amount you can pursue.

Working With a Dallas Personal Injury Attorney

If you have sustained injuries in a pedestrian accident, you need the financial resources necessary to get the medical treatment you need to recover. Your best bet at getting that compensation lies in speaking to one of the Dallas personal injury attorneys at Rasansky Law Firm.

Do not sign any paperwork or speak to insurance company representatives before you contact an attorney–this may greatly reduce your chances of getting the compensation you need and deserve.

With decades of experience, the Dallas personal injury attorneys at Rasansky Law Firm remain dedicated to helping our clients maximize their recovery and hold those at-fault accountable for their actions.

How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Injury Claim?

Waiting can have a dramatic impact on your ability to hold wrongdoers accountable for their actions. The sooner you file your claim, the better. The Texas personal injury statute of limitations allows two years for a claimant to submit their case, according to the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code section 16.003.

Speak With a Dallas Pedestrian Accident Lawyer For Free

The attorneys at Rasansky Law Firm want to speak to you about your potential case completely free of charge. If we can help with your claim, we’ll do so for no out-of-pocket cost to you. Call us 24/7 at (214) 651-6100.

Get A Free Consultation

OUR DALLAS LOCATION

2525 McKinnon Street #550 Dallas, Texas 75201

Search OUR SITE

Note: The information that was utilized in this post was gathered from the use of secondary sources. This information used has not been confirmed or independently verified. If you locate any information that is not correct, please contact our firm as soon as possible so that we can make the appropriate corrections. If you find any information that is false, we will remove or correct the post immediately after it is brought to our attention.   

Disclaimer: As a valued member of the Dallas community, Rasansky Law Firm’s goal is to improve the safety of all residents in the great state of Texas. These posts should not be viewed as a solicitation for business and the information included herein should not be taken as medical or legal advice. The photos used in this post are not representative of the actual crash scene.

Why Choose
Rasansky Law Firm

Over 30+ Years Of Personal Injury Experience

Top-Rated and Award-Winning Personal Injury Lawyers

Attorneys Available to Discuss Your Case Now

No Fee Unless You Win

Free Confidential Consultation.

Request A Free Consultation

Fill out the form below to receive a free and confidential initial consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

chevron-down