If you’ve been involved in an accident as a pedestrian, you need to work with pedestrian accident attorneys you can trust to provide you with quality information. That can help you decide whether you want to pursue your case and understand what kind of compensation you may be eligible to receive.
Working with a law firm is the right way to get fair and just compensation for pedestrian accidents, which can be devastating and produce serious injuries. Since pedestrians are largely unprotected, being struck by a vehicle often leads to serious medical issues.
Reaching out to an accident lawyer as soon as possible after the collision occurs can help you get started on working with the other party’s insurance company. The sooner you begin, the sooner you can settle the case and focus on healing and health for the future.
Can a Pedestrian Be at Fault in Texas?
In Texas, it’s difficult for a pedestrian to be at fault. While it’s not impossible, vehicles are supposed to stop for pedestrians to avoid striking them. In the vast majority of cases that come to pedestrian accident attorneys, a vehicle failed to stop or otherwise avoid hitting a Dallas pedestrian.
If you’ve been in a pedestrian accident and are worried about whether you have any fault in the case, working with a pedestrian accident attorney can help settle the matter. You’ll want to provide the police report and other details to help your attorney get started.
Your health insurance will help cover some of your medical bills, but you shouldn’t have to pay for the rest when you weren’t the one who caused the harm.
Especially if you have permanent injuries from the accident, you could find that the cost of your ongoing care far exceeds what your insurance will cover. You’ll need to seek compensation from the other party and their insurance company to protect your future.
What Happens If You Hit a Pedestrian in Texas?
If you’re driving in Texas and you hit a pedestrian, you may be sued by that pedestrian, their attorney, and, possibly, their insurance company.
Pedestrian accident attorneys are the ones who handle cases like this because a pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle often has serious injuries from the encounter.
Usually, the driver of the vehicle is determined to be at fault because they have a duty not to strike pedestrians. If you hit a Dallas pedestrian with your vehicle, that person could end up with serious physical and emotional harm, along with lost wages and large medical bills.
Working with a law firm to protect your rights can help you make your case, but you’ll need to find an accident lawyer who understands pedestrian accidents and how they can be caused by a number of factors.
Head and neck injuries, emotional injuries, broken bones, brain injuries, and spinal trauma are all common injuries for pedestrians who are struck by vehicles.
Can Pedestrians Be Legally at Fault for Causing a Crash?
The short answer is yes, at least partially. A Dallas pedestrian accident lawyer can help work through the details of your accident and determine who was at fault.
Depending on the specific circumstances, the attorney might find that driver negligence wasn’t the cause, or wasn’t the only cause, of the accident.
In most personal injury cases that involve a pedestrian accident, it’s the driver of the vehicle who’s at fault. But there are some cases in which the pedestrian breached their duty of care, and they may have at least partial fault for the accident.
It’s important to get all the information from the police report and the scene to have the best chance of being clear as to who is liable for injuries. If you’ve been struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian, you want to be able to show that the driver was negligent in hitting you.
What Is a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
A pedestrian accident attorney is a personal injury lawyer who works with pedestrian accidents. The attorney may specialize in these kinds of accidents or may handle them as part of a larger group of accident types.
There are many pedestrian accident cases in and around Dallas every year, and any pedestrian who is struck by a vehicle may want to seek compensation.
This generally isn’t done for just minor injuries but also for more serious cases in which the injuries are significant.
The insurance company of the at-fault party can be asked to pay for catastrophic injuries for injured victims in these kinds of accidents. Some insurance companies will offer a settlement, but that’s usually for a lower amount.
Instead of just taking that settlement, even if it seems like a lot of money, it’s generally better to work with an attorney. Why? It’s because insurance companies are trying to settle for as little as possible under the condition that you can no longer take any legal action against them.
Talking with an attorney could show you that you’re entitled to a lot more compensation than you expected or than the insurance adjuster was offering you. Don’t settle your case fast for a little bit when you have the opportunity to let an accident attorney get you a lot more.
Why Do You Need a Pedestrian Accident Attorney?
You need a Dallas pedestrian accident lawyer any time you’ve been significantly injured as a pedestrian. Working with an attorney is one of the best ways to get fair and just compensation.
Often, a pedestrian will just want to settle things with the insurance company. They see the option to be compensated for their bills, and they take that option.
But there’s more to the issue than just the bills you have right now. Especially if you need ongoing care or you have permanent damage from the accident, a law firm can help you receive what’s actually fair in your case.
By working with a lawyer, you can also have more peace of mind and feel confident that you’re getting a settlement that’s right for you.
Even if you exercise proper precautions, it can be hard to avoid pedestrian accidents. They can happen to anyone who’s walking in areas with vehicles. That’s why getting compensation is so important, especially if you’re doing everything right and still end up a victim of a driver’s negligence.
Who Is Liable for Pedestrian Accidents?
Most of the time, the driver of the vehicle who strikes a pedestrian is liable for the accident. There are times when the pedestrian may be at fault or partially at fault, but that’s far less common.
Working with a Dallas pedestrian accident lawyer can help you establish who is liable and also help pedestrians recover medical costs, lost wages, ongoing care, and treatment for emotional and mental harm as a result of the accident.
Trusting an attorney to help you is the best way to get the information and legal representation you’re looking for. If you’re not sure whether you have a case, you can talk to an accident attorney for free, so you can make a decision as to whether to pursue legal action.
How Can a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Help You?
Pedestrian accident cases are often very serious, and a lawyer can help you by giving you the legal support and guidance you need. You can also learn more about your case and the kind of compensation you may be eligible to receive.
A pedestrian who is struck by a vehicle has legal rights, but the most important thing to do first if you’re in that situation is to get treatment for your medical needs.
When you work with a pedestrian accident lawyer, make sure you give them all the information about your case. That includes your medical records, the police report, and other data that can help them understand all the facts.
Then your lawyer can give you a clearer picture of whether you can seek compensation and how much you might be able to get. Having your medical expenses covered is only the first step.
If you need ongoing care or treatments or if you lost time from work, those areas can also be compensated. Additionally, you might have experienced pain and suffering or emotional issues from the accident, which also deserve compensation.
Whether the driver who struck you wasn’t obeying traffic signals or whether they were distracted or impaired, they can cause a lot of harm by hitting a pedestrian. Working with your attorney can help you protect your interests and get payment from the driver’s insurance.
When to Hire a Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Pedestrian accident cases occur fairly frequently, but not every accident needs an attorney. If it’s a minor accident with little to no injury, it’s generally not realistic to pursue legal action.
In cases like this, insurance companies will generally take care of the basics, and that will be enough for the pedestrian to be made whole again.
For any pedestrian who’s been struck by a vehicle and seriously injured, though, working with the insurance company on their own probably isn’t going to be enough.
Instead, it’s important to have a law firm on your side if you’ve been in this kind of accident. That’s especially true if you have lasting damage or ongoing care, but even without that, it’s possible for bills to pile up quickly.
By visiting an accident attorney for a free case review, you can talk about your medical care and other issues related to the accident. That will help you decide whether pursuing a case is the right choice for your needs.
What to Look for in an Accident Lawyer
You want a Dallas attorney who has the skills and education you need to have the best chance of winning your case.
As a pedestrian who was injured, look for an attorney who handles motor vehicle accidents and specifically works with pedestrians.
When an accident occurs, you need to know whom to turn to, and a driver who breaches his or her duty may be found liable for your injuries. The right attorney will guide you through the entire process and help you have peace of mind.
How to Choose the Best Pedestrian Lawyer
Any pedestrian who’s been involved in an accident with a driver will likely want to seek compensation from that driver’s insurance company. That’s much easier through the help of an attorney.
Most pedestrian accident claims are made through attorneys because attorneys are more likely to recover larger amounts of compensation than pedestrians who work with the insurance company on their own.
If a car struck you and you have injuries, collect the police report and reports from your medical doctors and take those to a pedestrian lawyer who has a good reputation for being successful in cases like yours.
The Benefits of Hiring a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
There are many benefits of hiring a Dallas pedestrian accident attorney, including getting legal support and peace of mind.
The biggest benefit for any Dallas pedestrian, though, is having a higher chance of getting compensation for their injuries.
Working with a law firm means you have an accident lawyer you can reach out to with questions or concerns and someone who knows the law to take your case to the right people.
You want, need, and deserve fair compensation for musculoskeletal injuries and other kinds of problems from an accident. With police reports and medical information, your attorney can work with the driver’s insurance company on your behalf.
How Much Does an Accident Attorney Cost?
For a Dallas pedestrian who needs the help and support of a lawyer, some of the best news is that a pedestrian accident lawyer generally offers a free consultation.
An injury claim can take time to settle, and you don’t want or need to be worried about how much the attorney is charging while you’re trying to heal from your injuries.
You probably have significant medical expenses as it is, and dealing with those is already stressful. For pedestrians walking on the right of way who are struck by vehicles, the cost of their care can be extreme.
Generally, an accident attorney will only receive compensation when you do, so you don’t have to worry about paying them upfront while you’re dealing with other significant concerns.
What Should You Do After a Pedestrian Accident?
As a Dallas pedestrian who’s been in an accident with a motor vehicle, you want to get all the information you can. The name and other data on the driver and their insurance company are very important, along with pictures and video of the accident scene.
Of course, you also need to seek treatment for your injuries, and you may not be well enough at the time of the accident to collect this information.
A police report, witness information, bills, and documentation of lost income can all help your attorney work to get you the compensation you deserve for your severe injuries.
Injured parties have options, even if the accident was a hit-and-run. With so many cameras around today, it’s likely that the accident was caught on video and that there were witnesses to it. Focus on your health and well-being first, and then reach out to an attorney for the additional help and support you need.
What Evidence Do You Need for a Pedestrian Accident Claim?
When you consult with a Dallas pedestrian accident lawyer, the more information you have, the better that can be for your case. Your pedestrian accident lawyer will want all the details they can get, but they’ll also do their own investigation.
Talk to the law firm about the reports from the police and your medical providers, along with information about any motor vehicles involved in the event. The more evidence you can present, the stronger your case may be, but attorneys understand that you might not have all the details for them on your first visit.
Is There a Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accident Lawsuits?
Pedestrian accident victims who want to file a lawsuit against the driver and their insurance company must do so within two years of the accident.
You don’t want to wait too long to pursue your pedestrian accident case, or you might find that any pedestrian accident claims you would have made aren’t valid anymore.
There are some extenuating circumstances during which you’ll have more time, such as victims who are in a coma and can’t make the determination to file a lawsuit.
When you work with your attorney, make sure to consider any future medical expenses you might have as a result of lasting damage from the accident. It’s not just about your current medical bills.
Recovering Damages in Your Pedestrian Accident Case
Dallas pedestrian accident lawyers can help you recover damages, but you need to make sure you’re providing them with all the information they need.
As a Dallas pedestrian who’s injured, remember that the Texas personal injury statute is two years. If you don’t file a claim within that time, you may not have any recourse to recover compensation. If you have a traumatic brain injury, broken bones, or a loved one has suffered fatal injuries in a pedestrian accident, recovering damages and compensation for your loss is very important.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Pedestrian Accident Claim?
Most Dallas pedestrian accident lawyers can settle claims fairly quickly because they know what kind of information and tactics get results.
If you have significant pedestrian accident injuries from a motor vehicle accident, your injury claim may take longer. It could also take longer to settle a claim if there’s some question of partial fault or if there’s not as much evidence as would typically be seen.
A good accident lawyer who works with injured pedestrians who were struck when they had the right of way can likely settle your claim in a matter of months, but it’s important to keep in mind that every claim and situation is different.
What Happens If Your Accident Claim Goes to Court?
Sometimes, pedestrian accident lawyers don’t recommend taking an offered settlement. Instead, they believe your pedestrian accident case should go to court.
Pedestrian accidents occur all the time, and the majority of them are minor or are settled out of court. The Dallas pedestrian accidents that make their way to court are usually much more severe or complicated.
Make sure you choose an attorney with experience in cases like yours and one that’s comfortable in the courtroom.
How to Negotiate With Insurance Companies in Accident Cases
Before you choose from the options for Dallas pedestrian accident lawyers, make sure you look at their record of negotiating with insurance adjusters and companies.
Because pedestrian accident injuries can be very severe, it’s important that any pedestrian accident claim for traumatic brain injuries or other problems is made by a skilled attorney with strong negotiation skills.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrian accident victims are typically injured by drivers who aren’t paying attention and by those who are impaired or intoxicated.
A pedestrian accident lawyer can talk with you about whether your case is typical and what you can expect for damages in your injury claim.
You may want to pursue pain and suffering damages along with medical bills, time missed from work, and other costs.
How to Avoid Pedestrian Accidents
Avoiding pedestrian accidents isn’t always possible. The best way to avoid them, though, is to stay off the edges of roadways, wear bright clothing, and avoid walking at night.
Always crossing at crosswalks is important, too, and if you’re not sure whether a vehicle is going to stop, wait for it instead of entering the crosswalk or street.
Despite being careful, though, accidents can still occur. Pedestrian accident lawyers understand that a Dallas pedestrian can do everything right and still be struck by oncoming traffic.
Drivers carry liability insurance for these kinds of events, but it’s often not enough to cover medical bills and other expenses for a serious injury.
If you’re a pedestrian crossing the street at a traffic light or other location, make sure you’re watching the cars carefully. Even if you have the right of way, it’s better to wait if you’re uncertain about a driver’s focus or intentions.
What Are Your Rights as a Pedestrian?
Dallas pedestrian accident attorneys are here to help you exercise your rights as a pedestrian. As long as you’re following the laws relating to where you can walk, you have the right to be there at any time of the day or night.
Your pedestrian accident case may focus on where you were and whether you had the right to be there, so it’s important to talk with your personal injury lawyers about the accident scene. That can help you fully understand and exercise your rights.
How Can You Stay Safe When Walking?
Pedestrian accident lawyers want you to stay safe when you’re walking in North Texas. While they make their living helping people who are injured, staying safe is more valuable.
Proving driver negligence isn’t always easy, even if you have the right of way. Regardless of who was at fault, too, you’re still the one dealing with the aftermath and the injuries.
To reduce the chances of medical bills and needing a free consultation from a pedestrian accident lawyer, make sure you’re paying attention to your surroundings when out walking.
Don’t drown out the day with headphones or wear dark clothing at night. Make sure you’re walking where you’re supposed to be, and wait to cross streets until it’s clear, even if you have the right to cross at the location.
What Is Comparative Negligence in an Accident Case?
Comparative negligence is used as an argument that both parties to the accident were at least partially at fault. Dallas pedestrian accident attorneys are familiar with this defense from a driver who struck a pedestrian.
These drivers have liability insurance, but most pedestrian accidents cost much more than that insurance will cover. If the argument can be made that the driver and pedestrian are both at fault, the burden on the driver’s insurance may be less.
If an accident caused significant harm to you as a pedestrian, though, an experienced lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve, even in a comparative negligence situation.
The Role of a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Your Case
Pedestrian accident lawyers are vital to helping you recover compensation in your case. When you need a pedestrian accident lawyer, you can get a free consultation from an experienced attorney at AMS Law who will work with the driver’s insurance company.
By doing that, you can get strong legal representation and an advocate for you, your medical care, and your future needs. Don’t try to settle this kind of case alone when an accident attorney can help protect your interests.