Southlake Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
As a child, your parents or guardians probably cautioned you to look both ways when crossing the street. As a responsible adult, you have likely cautioned your loved ones similarly. Still, many reckless or negligent drivers get behind the wheel of a vehicle and hurt innocent pedestrians walking down the side of a street or highway.
When you or a loved one are involved in a pedestrian accident, seeking medical attention should be your first priority. Once you have received proper medical care, you should also contact a Southlake pedestrian accident lawyer for help.
A competent and dedicated personal injury attorney can investigate your claim, determine whether you have a viable legal claim, and build a strong case against the driver or their insurance company. By collecting relevant evidence proving the driver’s negligence, we could help you get the financial award you deserve.
How Do Pedestrian Collisions Occur?
Pedestrian accidents happen for many reasons, often leading to severe and life-threatening injuries. The most common causes of pedestrian crashes include the following:
- Negligent or reckless driver’s not paying attention
- Pedestrians not paying attention
- Negligent or reckless drivers failing to yield to pedestrians
- Negligent or reckless drivers excessively exceed the speed limit
- Traffic signals are not working correctly
An experienced attorney in Southlake could provide more information on how on-foot accidents occur and who might be liable.
Who is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?
Accidents between pedestrians and cars are a serious problem statewide. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, 5,370 pedestrian crashes occurred in 2021. Of these 5,370 crashes, roughly 15.6% of pedestrians did not survive. With the staggering number of negligent drivers on the road, people walking or jogging should remain aware of their surroundings. When these collisions occur, it can be difficult for the injured person to know who is liable for their harm.
Determining liability for a pedestrian collision is challenging, partly because of Texas’s modified comparative liability law (i.e., proportionate responsibility). Under this law, when someone filing a claim cannot prove that a negligent or reckless driver is 51% or more liable for the injuries sustained—or wrongful death—they cannot recover any compensation.
A legal representative knows personal injury law and can further explain Texas’s proportionate responsibility law to victims and families. A knowledgeable attorney in Southlake can help you determine who is responsible for a pedestrian crash and collect the evidence needed to hold them accountable for their negligent actions.
Recoverable Damages for an On-Foot Accident
In pedestrian collisions, damages can compensate injured people for their past and future medical bills, pain, lost income, inability to function as they did before the wreck, and emotional or mental distress. Under State Law, a legal team member could help the plaintiff—or their family members—collect monetary damages to compensate the injured person for the losses resulting from the incident.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Southlake for Help
Anyone injured in an on-foot collision must file a legal claim within two years of the accident. When filed within the appropriate deadline, the plaintiff could recover the expenses that stemmed from the accident. Call our office today to schedule a meeting with a seasoned Southlake pedestrian accident lawyer. Our talented team is ready to help you get the justice you deserve.