Grand Prairie Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Every year thousands of individuals are treated in emergency rooms due to pedestrian accidents. These types of accidents are dangerous and even fatal. When a motorist injures an individual, they could be held liable and required to pay compensation for damages.
If you or a loved were injured due to the negligent behaviors and actions of an automobile driver, you might consider taking legal action to hold the responsible party accountable in court. A Grand Prairie pedestrian accident lawyer could advocate on your behalf to help you recover compensation. Speak to a skilled personal injury attorney to learn about your rights under Texas law. En Español.
How Do Most Pedestrian Accidents Occur?
Pedestrian accidents occur more often at night because visibility is a factor. Pedestrian accidents happen more frequently in cities than out in the country because people do not walk as much in rural areas and there is not much traffic there.
More people are walking and there are more motorists in the city. Pedestrian accidents in the city do not happen as frequently at an intersection as one might think. They happen in crosswalks or sidewalks or on the side of the road, and these types of injuries can be devastating or fatal.
How is Responsibility for an Accident Divided?
In many personal injury cases, the defendant may claim that the injured claimant contributed to the accident. The State of Texas follows the modified comparative negligence rule. If the injured claimant is found to be less than 51 percent at fault for an accident, they may still be eligible to recover compensation. Their total compensation award will be reduced by their percentage of liability for the accident. If the injured claimant is more than 51 percent at fault, then they may be ineligible to recover compensation for damages from the other party.
A pedestrian injury attorney in Grand Prairie might discuss the rights and duties of pedestrians with individual plaintiffs.
Grand Prairie Pedestrian Rights
Under Texas Transportation Code 7 §552.001, pedestrians have the right of way during the following situations:
- When facing a green signal in a marked or unmarked crosswalk
- While a walk signal is present
- On a sidewalk which crosses an alley
- Whenever a blind pedestrian is crossing the street with a white cane or guide dog
Grand Prairie motorists are instructed to exercise due care whenever they are behind the wheel. Special caution may be warranted when children or incapacitated persons are nearby.
Pedestrian Duties in Grand Prairie
Grand Prairie law places particular responsibilities on pedestrians as well. Under Texas Transportation Code 7§552.001- 552.010, individuals on foot should protect their own safety by doing the following:
- Walk within the crosswalk
- Stay to the right of the crosswalk if possible
- Avoid crossing the street in a business district unless there is a crosswalk
- Refrain from soliciting on foot unless authorized to do so
- Do not cross on a stop signal or while a yellow or red light is visible
If a pedestrian is found to break one of these rules, their damages may be reduced proportionately. Pedestrians, much like drivers, are tasked with exercising proper care under the circumstances.
Call a Grand Prairie Pedestrian Accident Attorney
When a pedestrian gets injured due to a negligent motorist, they may be eligible to recover compensation for their damages such as medical expenses, mental anguish as well as pain and suffering.
Schedule an appointment for a legal consultation with a Grand Prairie pedestrian accident lawyer to discuss the facts of your case.