A pedestrian accident occurs when a motor vehicle, like a car or truck, hits someone traveling on foot. Because pedestrians are not offered the same protections as people in vehicles, accidents of this nature often result in devastating injury. When you have been harmed in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation from those responsible.
Our team of legal professionals has witnessed the tragic consequences of vehicle-pedestrian accidents firsthand. Whether you sustained injuries walking on the sidewalk, crossing the street, or standing by a roadway, an experienced injury attorney could help you obtain the compensation needed to recover. Discuss your legal options today with a qualified McAllen pedestrian accident lawyer.
Pedestrian Accidents in McAllen
Accidents involving pedestrians are on the rise in Texas, accounting for one in five of all traffic fatalities in the state. The Texas Department of Transportation reports that in 2021, there were over 5,300 car accidents involving pedestrians in the state. An alarming 843 of those accidents resulted in death, and 1,467 people suffered serious injuries.
Pedestrians are vulnerable to negligent drivers. As a McAllen attorney could further explain, the leading causes of pedestrian car accidents include:
- Failure to adhere to traffic laws;
- Distracted driving;
- Speeding;
- Driving under the influence.
To avoid causing a pedestrian accident, drivers should always yield to people crossing the road, give the right of way to pedestrians, refrain from using a phone behind the wheel, and obey traffic laws. On the other hand, when walking on busy roadways, pedestrians should use the sidewalk and crosswalks available, obey traffic signals, and remain diligent.
Injuries After a Pedestrian Accident
When a motor vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the injuries are often life-threatening. The most common injuries that victims in vehicle-pedestrian collisions suffer include:
- Broken bones and fractures;
- Soft tissue damage;
- Traumatic brain injuries;
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Death.
If a pedestrian dies from their injuries, family members could recover compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. Reach out to a McAllen pedestrian accident attorney to discuss filing a claim for compensation.
Damages Available to Pedestrian Accident Victims
In a personal injury lawsuit, victims can seek financial compensation for all economic and noneconomic damages they suffered. A successful claim will seek compensation for past and future medical care, lost income or earning capacity, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.
The exact amount of compensation will vary depending on the circumstances of a particular accident. A qualified pedestrian accident lawyer could review the cause of the accident and the impact on the victim’s life in the future to estimate damages accurately. When awarding damages, the court will consider the severity of injuries, the length of treatment, the cost of medical care, and the impact on the victim’s quality of life.
If the accident took the victim’s life, their loved ones could file a wrongful death claim on their behalf. A McAllen pedestrian accident attorney could help family members of decedents to seek damages for funeral costs and loss of consortium.
Speak With a McAllen Pedestrian Accident Attorney
After an accident, an experienced McAllen pedestrian accident lawyer could explain your legal rights and assist you with pursuing the compensation you deserve. For those who lost a family member from a fatal pedestrian accident, our team of legal professionals could also assist grieving families with wrongful death claims. Contact us today for your free and confidential consultation.