Texas Pedestrian-Car Accidents, By The Numbers
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 145 million adults include walking as part of their physically active lifestyle. While walking gives us many benefits, it still comes with great risks, namely, pedestrian accidents.
Whether you are walking for your health, walking to school, or to run an errand, there are some serious risks associated with being a pedestrian. Unfortunately, these risks greatly increase in large urban areas with lots of traffic and roadways.
The pedestrian accident attorneys at Ramos James Law, PLLC., wants to encourage the citizens of Austin – and all throughout Texas – to enjoy their active lifestyles but to remain vigilant when out to ensure that you are not involved in this type of serious and often fatal accident.
However, if you have fallen victim to a pedestrian accident, then you need a pedestrian accident attorney who has the experience, determination, and ability to help you navigate this challenging situation. With a decade of experience protecting the rights of personal injury victims, attorney Laura Ramos James is ready to provide the care and legal support you need.
According to data from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there were just over 8,000 auto accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists in 2022 in Texas. This accounted for just over 1% of all car accidents in the state. You can find a breakdown of pedestrian accidents by the numbers below:
- On average, one pedestrian was killed every 9 hours and 36 minutes in Texas in 2022.
- Pedestrian fatalities accounted for roughly 20%, or 1 out of every 5, car accident deaths in Texas in 2022.
- More than 10% of all Texas pedestrian-car accidents in 2022 resulted in a fatality, compared to less than 1% of all car accidents.
- Pedestrian-car accidents were more than 10 times more likely to lead to a fatality compared to other car accidents.
These statistics go to show just how dangerous pedestrian-car accidents can be, and just how important it is for all of us to take care when driving on the road.
Common Pedestrian Injuries
Pedestrians are extremely vulnerable in auto accidents because of the sheer force, weight, and size of vehicles. The likelihood of a pedestrian-auto accident greatly increases at dusk or at night when it becomes much more difficult for drivers to see pedestrians who may be on the street.
The injuries you may suffer as a pedestrian will vary based on the speed of the car, the size of the vehicle, and the area where your body was hit. Some of the most common injuries pedestrians suffer include:
- Broken bones and fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, hips, and pelvis
- Brain injuries including concussions, hemorrhages, and swelling
- Cuts and scrapes
- Severe bruises to the body
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fatal injuries
Do not let the cost of medical treatment stop you from obtaining medical care if you have been involved in an accident. Serious injuries, such as a brain injury, may not be felt immediately after an accident but can lead to severe damages if not taken care of.
What to Do After an Accident
If you have been involved in an auto-pedestrian accident, there are a number of steps you should take:
- Seeking medical treatment is your top priority. Also, the reports you receive from medical providers can prove to be valuable evidence in your claim.
- If you are able to move, remove yourself from off the road and harm’s way.
- Contact the police immediately. The officer’s report is essential in building your case.
- If you are able to move, ask witnesses for their contact information, including names and numbers.
- If possible, gather photographs of the scene.
- Ask the responsible driver for their contact information, insurance details, and write down their license plate number.
- Contact the Austin personal injury attorney of Ramos James Law, PLLC.
Determining Fault in a Pedestrian Accident
Determining fault is necessary when fighting for compensation. It is an important part of the decision-making process that governs how much you are awarded. It all boils down to which party acted negligently. Negligence, as defined in the state of Texas, is the failure to administer sufficient care and safety that society expects in order to minimize harm to yourself and others.
Some variations of how drivers can act negligently include:
- Running a red light
- Speeding
- Distracted driving (smartphone use, eating while driving, etc.)
- Not coming to a full stop at a stop sign (a rolling stop)
- Drunk driving
- Not stopping at a crosswalk
Don’t let another person’s negligence go unchecked. If you have been injured by another party’s irresponsible behavior, you deserve to have justice and the compensation you need to get your life back in order.
You Need an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney to Handle Your Claim
Walking can address many of your personal needs, especially in the Austin metro area. Unfortunately, accidents can—and do—happen. If you happened to get hit by a vehicle, you need an experienced pedestrian accident attorney to fight tooth and nail for your compensation. You need the caring and honest staff at Ramos James Law, PLLC. We will be with you every step of the way.
Contact us today at (512) 537-3369 for your free legal consultation.
Contact Ramos James Law For A Free Consultation
We understand the financial burden you may be suffering during this difficult time. That’s why we do not charge unless we win your case. Ramos James Law goes to great lengths to help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Investigate
We investigate. We prove fault. We build your case to show how much you’ve lost, and what you’re owed.
Negotiate
We negotiate with insurance companies who try to pay you less than you deserve. And if they won’t play fair, we take them to court.
Fight
We fight for your medical expenses, future medical costs, lost wages, physical impairment, and financial compensation so you can move forward.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Every case is unique. Please contact Ramos James Law for a free consultation to discuss your situation.