Every day in Dallas, pedestrians cross busy intersections and walkways, relying on drivers to honor their right to safety. But when a driver’s careless moment turns into a serious collision, lives can change in an instant. Physical injuries, emotional stress, and mounting expenses follow quickly. At Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, we understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be. When you need clear answers and strong support, a pedestrian accident lawyer Dallas is ready to help you reclaim control and move toward the justice you deserve.
Have You Been Injured in a Pedestrian Accident?
Dealing with the aftermath of a pedestrian accident is often overwhelming. Medical costs can escalate quickly, time away from work creates financial pressure, and healing physically and emotionally may take longer than expected. In Dallas, pedestrians encounter risks every day, whether crossing at a busy intersection or walking in a quiet neighborhood. Legal guidance can make a powerful difference when it matters most.
A qualified legal team can evaluate your situation, help you understand your rights, and work toward securing the damages you deserve. Knowing where to start is the first step toward reclaiming control of your life.
Pedestrian accidents not only cause physical injuries but also emotional trauma that can linger for years. Victims often report anxiety, depression, and a fear of walking near traffic again. Emotional recovery is just as vital as physical healing, but it often gets overlooked when dealing with insurance companies or pursuing compensation. This is why working closely with a legal advocate who truly understands these challenges can be an essential part of moving forward.
Dallas Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Pedestrian safety remains a pressing concern in Dallas. The reality is that every year, hundreds of pedestrians lose their lives in incidents on Texas roads. Although slight improvements have been noted, the total number of fatalities is still deeply troubling. These figures serve as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining vigilance behind the wheel and on foot. For Dallas residents, the goal must be not only to reduce these numbers but to create safer streets where pedestrians feel secure moving through their communities.
Statewide Pedestrian Accident Data in Texas
Recent information from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reported that:
- 810 pedestrian deaths in 2023
- Minor but notable 0.74% decrease from 2022
- Urban centers like Dallas contribute heavily to these numbers
While the decrease in fatalities is encouraging, the persistence of these incidents highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and improved safety measures. Every statistic represents a life impacted by tragedy.
Dallas has taken steps to improve pedestrian safety by enhancing crosswalk visibility, improving lighting in high-risk areas, and implementing stricter speed enforcement in pedestrian zones. However, these initiatives alone cannot eliminate risk. It remains vital for both pedestrians and drivers to stay alert and cautious.
Leading Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Dallas
Understanding why pedestrian accidents occur can help prevent future injuries and fatalities. According to recent data from the National Safety Council, key factors contributing to pedestrian traffic deaths include:
- Urban settings: 83% of pedestrian fatalities occurred in urban areas.
- Location type: 76% happened on open roads compared to 24% at intersections.
- Lighting conditions: 74% of deaths occurred during dark conditions, whether or not artificial lighting was present.
- Day of the week: Fridays saw the highest number of pedestrian deaths (1,155), closely followed by Saturdays (1,150).
These patterns reveal that pedestrians are most at risk in everyday settings, especially at night and during weekends.
Distracted driving remains a leading cause. Texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting navigation systems diverts a driver’s attention, often with devastating consequences. Additionally, impaired driving, whether due to alcohol or drugs, contributes significantly to pedestrian accidents. Efforts to curb distracted and impaired driving can make a noticeable difference in pedestrian safety.
When a negligent driver causes harm, speaking with a pedestrian accident lawyer Dallas can be an important step toward protecting your rights and securing fair compensation.
Understanding Pedestrian Rights in Texas
According to the Texas Transportation Code, pedestrian rights are
Traffic Control Signals
- Pedestrians must obey traffic control signals unless a specific pedestrian signal directs otherwise.
- When facing a green signal, pedestrians are permitted to cross at marked or unmarked crosswalks unless the green light is solely a turn arrow.
- A steady red or yellow light means pedestrians are not allowed to enter the roadway.
Pedestrian Control Signals
- A Walk signal gives pedestrians the right to proceed, and drivers are required to yield.
- A Don’t Walk or Wait signal prohibits pedestrians from beginning to cross. If already in the crosswalk, pedestrians should continue to a sidewalk or safety island.
Pedestrian Right-of-Way at Crosswalks
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks when no traffic signal is present if the pedestrian is on the driver’s side of the roadway or approaching closely from the opposite side.
- Pedestrians should not suddenly step into a crosswalk and put themselves at risk.
- Vehicles must not pass other cars that have stopped to allow pedestrians to cross.
Additionally, violations involving harm to visually impaired or disabled individuals can lead to fines up to $500 and require community service that includes sensitivity training.
Understanding these rules can help protect your well-being and play a crucial role if you pursue a legal claim after an accident.
Damages available after a pedestrian accident
When injuries result from a pedestrian accident, victims can seek several types of damages to compensate for their losses, including costs associated with medical treatment, lost income, and emotional distress that can arise after such incidents. Pursuing proper compensation not only helps with immediate expenses but also supports building long-term stability and restoring peace of mind.
Economic Damages in Pedestrian Injury Claims
Economic damages cover financial losses directly tied to the accident. These include:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages due to missed work
- Loss of earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
Accurately documenting these expenses helps build a strong claim for compensation.
Future medical expenses can be especially significant. Long-term rehabilitation, surgeries, and even modifications to living spaces may be necessary for a full recovery. Accounting for these future costs is a critical aspect of a comprehensive injury claim.
Non-Economic Damages in Pedestrian Injury Claims
Non-economic damages compensate for personal, non-monetary losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or disability
These damages recognize the profound personal impacts that extend beyond hospital bills and paychecks.
The value of non-economic damages can vary greatly depending on the severity of injuries and their impact on daily life. A Dallas pedestrian injury attorney can help explain and quantify these less tangible losses, strengthening your case.
Proving Negligence in Pedestrian Accident Cases
Establishing negligence is critical to a successful pedestrian injury claim. Our firm carefully assembles evidence to show:
- The driver owed a duty of care
- That duty was breached through negligent behavior
- The breach directly caused the accident
- You suffered damages as a result
Common evidence includes police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and expert testimony. Each piece builds a narrative demonstrating liability, creating a strong foundation for your claim.
In some cases, detailed analysis of skid marks, vehicle damage, road conditions, and visibility at the time of the incident can provide valuable insights. These investigations help clarify the sequence of events and strengthen a claim. Likewise, medical professionals can assess and confirm that injuries are directly connected to the accident, ensuring no gaps in causation and that all injuries are fully documented as part of a comprehensive legal strategy.
Common Injuries from Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are vulnerable road users, and injuries sustained in accidents are often severe and life-altering. Common injuries include:
- Broken bones and fractures, which may require extensive surgery and physical therapy
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can lead to cognitive impairments or permanent disability
- Spinal cord injuries, sometimes resulting in paralysis or chronic pain
- Internal bleeding that may not be immediately apparent but can be fatal without urgent care
- Lacerations and contusions that can cause lasting scarring and nerve damage
- Amputations drastically affect mobility and quality of life
These types of injuries can disrupt every aspect of a person’s daily routine, making recovery a long and challenging process that demands both medical and legal support.
The path to recovery can involve numerous surgeries, rehabilitation programs, and, in severe cases, lifelong care needs. Understanding the full extent of injuries is critical when seeking compensation. Not only does it affect settlement negotiations, but it ensures the victim receives the resources needed to support their future.
Choose a Dallas Pedestrian Accident Lawyer You Can Trust
Recovering after a pedestrian accident can feel overwhelming and full of uncertainty. Choosing a legal team that prioritizes your well-being can make a meaningful difference in how your case moves forward. At Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, we stand beside injured pedestrians, working to pursue the compensation and resolution you deserve with a focus on personalized support.
When you work with us, you’ll find clarity, reassurance, and confidence in a difficult time. For compassionate support and determined advocacy, contact a pedestrian accident lawyer Dallas today. Call us now at 817-920-9000 to schedule a free case review and start moving forward with the help you deserve.