Think of all the times that you're a pedestrian in a given week. Does your work commute involve walking? Do you cross the street to visit neighbors or businesses? Do your children walk to school or their friends’ houses? At some point, you'll likely be near traffic and each time, you're at risk of being hurt in a pedestrian crash.
In 2017, the Texas Department of Transportation reported:
- 604 pedestrian deaths
- 1,144 suspected serious injuries
- 2,312 non-incapacitating injuries
- 1,760 possible injuries
- 70 unknown injuries
These are just pedestrian incidents. These statistics don't include bicyclists.
Pedestrians Are at Risk for Serious Injuries
When a driver is in a hurry, distracted, drowsy, drunk, or otherwise negligent, he or she runs the risk of hitting a defenseless pedestrian. Depending on the speed of the vehicle, other traffic situations, and where on the body the individual is struck, the collision could cause the following:
- Amputation
- Broken or crushed bones
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
Unfortunately, you may be partially at fault for the incident if:
- You crossed the street somewhere other than an intersection or designated crosswalk
- You were distracted, drunk, or otherwise negligent
- You stepped out behind or in front of a vehicle in a parking lot or garage
However, absent of these factors, it's likely the motorist may be responsible for your injuries and your recovery.
What to Do If You’ve Been Hurt in a Pedestrian Crash
In order to make a fair financial recovery, your case needs to prove the driver who hit you breached his duty of care. This means he or she failed to act like a reasonable person would in similar circumstances, and this breach caused your injuries.
It can be difficult to collect evidence at the crash scene to prove a motorist was negligent—you may be too hurt to gather the information you need. However, an experienced pedestrian injury lawyer can conduct a full investigation after the incident to determine who's liable for your injuries. Then your legal counsel will fight for your full and fair recovery of past and future medical expenses, lost income, out-of-pocket costs, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Contact our experienced pedestrian personal injury attorneys today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your options.
