Based on accident report data from the Departamento de Transporte de Texas, pedestrian deaths are rising in Texas and now account for 20% of all traffic fatalities. In 2021 alone, there were over 5,000 crashes involving pedestrians in Texas, resulting in 841 fatalities and another 1,470 people sustaining severe injuries. Pedestrians struck by motorcycles, cars, and trucks face an increased risk of severe injuries and death because they aren't equipped with protective equipment such as seat belts, airbags, and bumpers.
If you or a loved one were injured while walking, you might face a long recovery time with overwhelming medical bills and no income. You need an experienced Southlake pedestrian accident lawyer who can help you hold responsible parties accountable.
A Southlake abogado de lesiones personales with The Francis Firm in Texas can help you fight for fair compensation from the negligent party who caused your injuries. Our team will work diligently to secure compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and more through an insurance claim or possible personal injury lawsuit.
Let us investigate your accident, prepare your case, and advocate for you while you focus on your recovery or caring for your injured loved one. Call (817) 329-9001 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Why Choose The Francis Law Firm Pedestrian Accident Attorneys?
For more than 20 years, Michael Francis and the pedestrian accident lawyers at The Francis Firm have represented injured victims, including pedestrian accident victims and their families in Southlake, Texas. We understand your unique concerns and are ready to work tirelessly to ensure you are properly compensated after a pedestrian accident.
Our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers in Southlake won't rest until you get the justice you're owed. When you work with The Francis Firm, you get the experience, resources, and tenacity needed to set up your pedestrian accident case for success. Take the first step towards hiring The Francis Firm to win big for you. We do not ask for a fee unless we win your pedestrian accident case.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
De acuerdo con el Bicyclists and Pedestrian Safety Report published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the leading causes of pedestrian accidents involving bicycles and pedestrians fall under three main categories of issues: motorist behaviors, non-motorist behaviors, and infrastructure issues. Some of the most common of these issues include:
Conducción distraída
In Texas, pedestrian fatalities are alarmingly high, and one of the primary reasons behind these crashes is distracted driving. Drivers cause accidents by engaging in activities such as putting on makeup, changing the radio station, and using their cell phones. Despite the state having laws to curb distracted driving, some drivers still engage in reckless behavior and end up causing fatal accidents to pedestrians and bicyclists by being distracted while driving.
Acelerar
Speeding increases the danger of a collision between a motor vehicle and a pedestrian or bicyclist. When a driver speeds, they are more likely to lose control. Speeding also makes it harder for drivers to react quickly when pedestrians suddenly appear on the road.
Failure To Obey Traffic Laws
Pedestrians are safer when all road users comply with traffic laws and use the road correctly. Common non-compliance and improper use of facilities that can lead to pedestrian accidents include drivers failing to yield, driving under the influence, and driving in improper areas, such as the wrong side of the road.
Driving Under the Influence
De acuerdo con el Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half (46%) of the total recorded pedestrian fatalities in 2019 involved someone being intoxicated.
Other common causes of pedestrian accidents in Texas include:
- Roadway issues
- Bad weather
- Ignoring traffic lights
- Running into the road
Compensation Available After a Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrians rarely walk away unscathed when involved in car accidents in Southlake. If they are lucky and survive the crash, they are often left with debilitating injuries ranging from spinal cord damage to traumatic brain injuries. When a bicyclist or motorist acts negligently or breaks the law, they may be held accountable for your injuries and resulting losses. Our Southlake pedestrian accident attorneys can help you identify and pursue all possible damages, including:
Daños económicos
Economic damages represent any form of reimbursement for financial losses incurred due to a pedestrian accident. This encompasses current and future medical costs, missed wages, and reduced earning capacity.
Daños no económicos
These damages are intangible in nature and refer to non-monetary losses you may have suffered as a result of the accident, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium in cases involving the muerte por negligencia of a loved one.
Get Sound Legal Help From a Southlake Pedestrian Accident Injury Lawyer
Being involved in a pedestrian accident is no picnic. Whether you have been hit by a car, bicycle, or truck, or if a loved one died due to another driver's recklessness or negligence, you deserve to be properly compensated.
The Southlake pedestrian accident lawyers at The Francis Firm are here to help you pursue justice and fair financial compensation after a pedestrian accident in Southlake. Your case is important to us. We know how to win and are ready to shoulder the burdens of your case so you can focus on healing. Contáctenos en línea or call us at 817-329-9001 today for a confidential, free case evaluation.
Pedestrian Accident FAQs
Q: When Should You Pursue a Lawsuit After a Pedestrian Accident?
While you may want to turn your energy and time toward your recovery after a pedestrian accident, there's a deadline for filing a pedestrian accident lawsuit. Under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003, there's a two-year deadline to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit in Texas.
Q: Does Insurance Pay for Pedestrian Accidents?
Yes, when pedestrians sustain injuries in an accident, they can first rely on their own car or health insurance to pay for the bills. If you own a car, then the chances are that your automobile insurance policy has personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
However, the vehicle owner's insurance will cover the claim if you don't have car insurance. According to the Texas Department of Insurance, all drivers must have a minimum of $60,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident and $30,000 in bodily coverage per person.
If the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance to cover your claim or if they flee from the scene, we can help you pursue your claim with your insurance provider under any applicable uninsured or underinsured motorist policies you hold.
Q: What Happens if a Pedestrian Shared Fault for the Accident?
The state of Texas recognizes the fact that pedestrians can share fault in an accident. When the fault is shared, you can only recover compensation for losses if found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident. Pedestrians found to be more than 50% at fault cannot recover compensation and may be responsible for the driver's damages.