The Texas Department of Transportation reported 678 fatalities in 2016, this was a 21.5% increase from 2016. Unfortunately, as technology has progressed, driver inattention has been on the rise. Pedestrian accidents can oftentimes occur at crosswalks where drivers are texting, emailing or talking on the phone and fail to pay attention to pedestrians crossing the street. Pedestrian accidents also happen at night when there is little to no visibility and drivers fail to see the pedestrians crossing the street.
Common Pedestrian Injuries
Some of the most common pedestrian injuries include:
- Neck and back herniations
- Paraplegia
- Brain injuries
- Fractures
- Burns
If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident as a pedestrian, it is important that you contact an experienced personal injury attorney. Even if the accident is a hit and run or the driver does not have insurance, you may be covered under your own uninsured motorist coverage.
Some of the damages that you may be entitled to include medical expenses for your medical treatment, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, past and future physical impairment, past and future disfigurement and punitive damages.
If I have been involved in a pedestrian accident, what should I do?
- Report to the emergency room and have someone call 911
- Obtain the driver’s insurance and contact information
- File a police report
- Document any photos of the driver’s vehicle, the scene and your injuries
- Request the contact information of any witnesses
Pedestrian Accident FAQs
Does this cost me anything?
No, our law firm works on a contingency basis meaning that you do not have to pay anything unless we are able to obtain a recovery either through settlement or trial. We will also offer a free consultation to evaluate your potential case.
Will I have to go to trial?
It is unlikely that your case will go to trial since most cases are settled out of court, however, it is always a possibility.
What happens after I file the lawsuit?
After you file a lawsuit, we will engage in discovery, in which both sides exchange written questions and gather information. During this process, you may also be required to sit for a deposition, which is essentially oral questioning under the oath.
How long does this process take?
A typical pedestrian accident case can take approximately 9 months to 1 year. However, some may take longer depending on the facts of your case, the judge and how discovery progresses.