Here’s What You Need to Know If You’ve Sustained a Pedestrian Injury

Pedestrian injuries consistently rank as one of Texas’ top traffic incidents, and the results frequently turn deadly.

Texas has one of the worst fatality rates for pedestrians in the entire country. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there were 5,975 crashes involving pedestrians in 2019, resulting in 1,317 serious injuries and 669 deaths. That represented a 5% increase in pedestrian fatalities from 2018. In fact, from 2015-19, pedestrian fatalities resulting from traffic crashes increased 18%. Pedestrian deaths now account for one in five of all traffic fatalities.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian in Texas, do not assume that a judge will see the situation as plainly as you do. Here are some of things you need to know if you have experienced a pedestrian injury, and why speaking with the experienced San Antonio personal injury attorneys at Crosley Law Firm can help with your personal injury claim.   

Know the Risks: Pedestrian Fatality Risk Factors 

Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable people on the road. Walkers and runners don’t automatically come equipped with the same protective equipment as cars and trucks, with items such as airbags, seat belts, and bumpers designed to protect drivers.

The top factors contributing to traffic crashes in Texas involving pedestrians are:

• Pedestrians failing to yield right-of-way to vehicles
• Drivers failing to yield right-of-way to pedestrians
• Driver inattention
• Speeding

All pedestrians should take proactive steps to stay safe, but factors like age, location, and time of day can increase the risk of injury. Here are some elements to consider:    

• Age:Seniors 65 and older and children under 15 are most at risk as pedestrians. According to the National Safety Council, pedestrians represented 14% of all traffic deaths for children ages 5-9.
• Time of day: Most pedestrian fatalities occur at night due to drowsy drivers, decreased visibility, and alcohol consumption.
• Location: Pedestrians in cities are more at risk than rural walkers (81% of pedestrian fatalities occur in urban areas). Most city pedestrian fatalities occur in non-intersection settings (73%).
• Alcohol:Almost half of all fatal pedestrian crashes involved alcohol, but not necessarily a drunk driver. Even minor intoxication on the part of the driver or pedestrian – or both – can significantly increase the fatality risk.  
• Speed:Predictably, the driver’s speed increases both the chance of a pedestrian crash and the risk of a fatality. 
• Impact point: 84% of pedestrians killed in traffic crashes were struck by the front of the car.  

RELATED ARTICLE: Children and Seniors are Most Vulnerable in Pedestrian Crashes

Texas Officials Taking Efforts to Improve Pedestrian Safety 

Texas officials know they have a serious problem regarding pedestrian safety and are making efforts to reduce the statewide epidemic of injured pedestrians. The state is focusing on both educational outreach and physical safety improvements.  

Some of their initiatives include: 

• Building more complete sidewalk networks
• Engineering safer crosswalks and pedestrian “walk” signals
• Providing early childhood safety education
• Developing pedestrian and bicyclist outreach programs 

In 2015, San Antonio also became the first Texas city to join Vision Zero, an ambitious multi-national initiative that aims to help create a highway system with no traffic-related fatalities or injuries. The city has spent millions of dollars to improve pedestrian crossings at many locations along the more than 5,000 miles of sidewalks and 4,000 miles of roads. 

Everyone Can Help with Improve Pedestrian Safety 

Unfortunately, pedestrians have little to no control over the behavior of drivers. There are some safe pedestrian walking practices that can help negate risk factors and prevent car accidents.  

TxDOT listed these safety tips to help motorists prevent pedestrian deaths and severe injuries:

• Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, especially when turning
• Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks
• Be cautious when passing stopped buses or other vehicles
• Pay attention and put your phone away as pedestrians may suddenly enter your path

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offered a few additional measures you can use to protect yourself and loved ones when walking to help prevent pedestrian injuries and deaths:

• If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross
• Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots

RELATED ARTICLE: The Dangers of San Antonio Pedestrian Crossings: What You Need to Know 

Seek Medical Treatment for Injuries Sustained as a Pedestrian

If you or a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian in a traffic accident, seek immediate medical care. Even if your child or older family member reports only bumps and bruises, they should still receive a comprehensive medical exam. During the impact, an injured person may have suffered injuries that may not be obvious but can worsen over time and cause serious long-term complications. Talk with the doctor and document any issues, like lingering headaches or memory loss, that you’ve noticed since the car-pedestrian crash.

Some of the most common injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents include:

• Head injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and skull fractures
• Back and spinal cord injuries, including herniated discs and vertebral fractures
• Fractures and broken bones
• Soft tissue injuries
• Neck injuries
• Internal bleeding and organ damage

Once you’ve attended to your medical needs, you may want to consider consulting with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney. Pedestrian injury claims, especially those involving children and older individuals, can be complex and a lawyer can help you navigate the stressful legal process.

If You’ve Been Injured as a Pedestrian, You May Be Eligible for Compensation

An experienced law firm can talk with you about the extent and value of the damages you might be owed for your injuries. Every case is different, but depending on the severity of your injuries and your unique circumstances, damages may include the following:

• Medical bills and the cost of future medical care
• Lost wages and wage-earning capacity
• Medical devices and improvements needed to improve accessibility for your home or car
• Replacement services if you need help maintaining your home and caring for yourself
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship
• Funeral and burial expenses

It can be difficult for pedestrian accident victims and their family members to identify the full value of a personal injury claim without help from a knowledgeable lawyer. At Crosley Law Firm, we can guide victims through complex insurance claims, give them practical advice, and hold the negligent parties accountable.

Crosley Law Will Fight for Justice on Your Behalf

Crosley Law has built a reputation for its sophisticated and aggressive advocacy. Our experienced team represents people who have suffered catastrophic Texas personal injuries and families who have lost their loved ones because of another person’s careless actions.

We helped Zack, who was walking home from his job when delivery driver struck him from behind. The collision knocked Zack unconscious, and he sustained scalp, face, arm, and back lacerations, and both of his legs were broken. We immediately began investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash and discovered evidence that the driver was negligent. When the company argued that Zack was to blame, we built an even stronger case. Eventually, the company and its insurers agreed to pay a $9,000,000 settlement. After fees, expenses, and medical reimbursements, the client’s net recovery was approximately $5,200,000.

RELATED CLIENT STORY: Zack’s Story: Speeding Delivery Driver Hits a Pedestrian in Texas 

Zack and his parents valued Crosley Law’s personalized approach to personal injury law. They had carefully researched San Antonio law firms before deciding on Crosley Law and were impressed by the team’s dedication and compassion.

“He made me feel like a human being, not just another case,” Zack said.  

Call Crosley Law for Help With Your Pedestrian Injury Claim 

Did you know that if you are hit while jaywalking, a judge may rule that the driver is not liable? Furthermore, the insurance company might not even cover your injuries or medical bills. At Crosley Law Firm, we’ve been fighting for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vulnerable road users for years. We use sophisticated techniques to reconstruct our clients’ crashes, calculate their damages, and demand the compensation you deserve.

If you or someone you love has been injured by a negligent driver, we can help. Our experienced personal injury lawyers work vigilantly represent you with integrity, determination, and care.

To schedule a free consultation with our team, call 210-LAW-3000 | 210-529-3000 or complete our quick and easy online form.