- Pedestrian fatalities have reached their highest levels in decades, with over 7,500 deaths nationwide in recent years.
- Common causes include distracted, reckless, and impaired driving, poor visibility, and unsafe crosswalk designs.
- Victims of pedestrian accidents can recover compensation if negligence can be proven.
- Prompt legal action ensures crucial evidence is preserved and your rights are protected.
- Consulting a skilled Dallas pedestrian accident lawyer immediately can make a major difference in your case outcome.
Pedestrian Accidents Are on the Rise
Across the United States, pedestrian accidents have become increasingly common. In recent years, the number of pedestrian deaths has exceeded 7,500—the highest total since the early 1980s. For every tragic fatality, there are many more individuals who suffer catastrophic injuries and long-term consequences.
If you were hit by a car while walking, you have the right to pursue compensation for your damages—medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering—if the driver was negligent. Because pedestrian injuries are often severe, these cases typically result in higher settlements or verdicts than many other traffic-related claims.
Victims should seek legal help right away. Contacting an experienced Dallas pedestrian accident lawyer soon after your accident ensures that critical evidence is preserved and the insurance company doesn’t gain an unfair advantage.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian crashes can occur for many reasons, but most involve driver negligence. Below are some of the most frequent causes seen in Texas and across the country.
1. Traffic Violations and Negligence
Even when driving at a safe speed, motorists may overlook stop signs, fail to notice pedestrians, or misjudge distances in unfamiliar areas. A responsible driver must always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and obey all traffic signals.
When drivers fail to follow these basic rules, it amounts to negligence under Texas law—making them liable for resulting injuries.
2. Distracted Driving
One of the biggest contributors to pedestrian accidents is distracted driving. Many drivers take their eyes off the road to check their phones or adjust navigation systems.
A simple five-second text can cause a driver to travel the length of a football field without noticing a pedestrian ahead.
In newer vehicles, built-in infotainment systems can be just as dangerous, pulling drivers’ attention away even when they’re not physically holding a phone.
If you’ve been hurt by a distracted driver, a skilled Texas car accident lawyer can help you build a strong case and demand full compensation.
3. Reckless Driving
The pandemic years brought a troubling rise in reckless driving nationwide. With lighter traffic, many drivers became accustomed to excessive speeding and aggressive maneuvers.
Unfortunately, those behaviors didn’t end when roads got busy again.
Speeding drivers have less time to react to pedestrians, and once a car exceeds 40 mph, the chances of a pedestrian surviving a collision drop dramatically. Reckless driving not only causes accidents but also increases the severity of injuries.
4. Aggressive Driving
Aggressive drivers intentionally ignore safety laws—refusing to yield, tailgating, or weaving dangerously near crosswalks. Some even choose to run through intersections rather than stopping for pedestrians.
Even when they do stop, sudden lane changes or abrupt halts near a crosswalk can still cause serious harm.
Aggressive behavior behind the wheel is a clear form of negligence, and victims should speak with an experienced Fort Worth personal injury lawyer to explore their legal options.
5. Drunk or Impaired Driving
Alcohol or drug impairment remains one of the leading causes of pedestrian fatalities. Nearly half of all pedestrian deaths involve alcohol consumption by the driver or the pedestrian.
Intoxicated drivers suffer from blurred judgment, slower reaction times, and reduced awareness of crosswalks or road conditions. Similarly, the rise in marijuana use has led to more accidents due to slowed reflexes and distorted perceptions.
Drivers who choose to get behind the wheel while impaired can and should be held fully accountable.
6. Poor Visibility and Lighting
According to the Federal Highway Administration, about 76% of pedestrian fatalities occur at night—and the risk is three times higher than during the day.
Poorly lit roads, missing streetlights, or dark clothing can make it difficult for drivers to spot pedestrians. However, darkness is not a valid excuse for negligence.
Drivers must remain alert and use headlights properly to ensure they can see pedestrians in time to avoid collisions.
7. Poorly Designed Crosswalks and Intersections
Infrastructure also plays a role in pedestrian safety. Faded crosswalks, missing signage, or malfunctioning pedestrian signals make intersections dangerous for everyone.
Local governments have a responsibility to maintain safe road conditions, but holding a municipality accountable is complex and subject to specific legal procedures.
An attorney can help determine whether poor road design contributed to your accident and guide you on how to pursue compensation.
Protecting Yourself After a Pedestrian Accident
If you or a loved one were struck by a vehicle, you may be entitled to significant financial recovery. However, insurance companies often attempt to blame the pedestrian or minimize payouts.
That’s why working with a trusted law firm such as Francis Injury is essential—they’ll gather evidence, protect your rights, and handle negotiations on your behalf.
Your lawyer will collect key evidence, including:
- Eyewitness testimony
- Police reports
- Photographs or video footage
- Traffic camera data
They’ll also calculate your medical costs, lost income, and long-term suffering to seek the maximum compensation possible.
How a Lawyer Proves Liability
To win your case, your attorney must prove the driver’s negligence caused the accident. This involves showing the driver owed a duty of care, breached it, and caused your injuries as a result.
Your lawyer will handle the investigation, file the necessary legal documents, and represent you in all communications with the insurance company. If a fair settlement isn’t offered, your attorney will not hesitate to file a lawsuit and fight for your rights in court.
You Only Pay If You Win
Many accident victims delay seeking legal help because they worry about legal fees.
At The Francis Injury, pedestrian accident cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. This allows you to focus on recovery while your attorney handles the legal complexities.
Don’t Wait to Consult a Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Pedestrian accidents can be devastating—often resulting in severe injuries or even death.
Time is critical after such an incident, as evidence can disappear and legal deadlines (statutes of limitation) can expire. Contact an experienced Dallas pedestrian accident lawyer today to understand your rights and get the support you need to move forward.
Prompt legal action not only protects your case but also maximizes your chance of receiving full and fair compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
+What should I do immediately after a pedestrian accident?
+Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
+How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Texas?
+What damages can I recover after a pedestrian accident?
+How can a pedestrian accident lawyer help me?
Conclusion
Pedestrian accidents are tragic, but victims don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Whether caused by distracted, impaired, or negligent driving, every injured pedestrian deserves justice and fair compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a trusted Texas injury attorney.
Let our experienced team fight for your rights—so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
