
Walking around Dallas should feel safe, whether you’re heading to work in Uptown, walking home from school in Oak Cliff, or shopping in Deep Ellum. When a driver doesn’t take proper care, though, a simple walk can lead to serious injuries.
AMS Law Group understands the impact a pedestrian accident can have on your daily life. If you were hurt because someone acted carelessly, a Dallas pedestrian accident lawyer from our team can help you pursue the financial recovery you need to move forward.
You don’t need to deal with everything on your own. Our legal team is ready to help. Reach out today for a free consultation and learn how we can stand up for you.
Do I need a Dallas pedestrian accident lawyer after being hit by a car?
- Yes, a lawyer can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional suffering after a pedestrian accident in Dallas.
- Common causes of these accidents include distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, and poor visibility.
- Injuries often include traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and internal damage that may require long-term care.
- Liability can fall on the driver, city, or even a property owner if poor design or lighting contributed to the crash.
- Under Texas law, you may still be eligible for compensation even if you were partially at fault (less than 51%).
- Victims usually have two years to file a claim, but deadlines may vary depending on injury discovery or if a government agency is involved.
- A pedestrian accident lawyer will collect evidence, negotiate with insurers, and build your case so you’re not alone in the fight for justice.
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Understanding Pedestrian Accidents in Dallas
In a city as busy as Dallas, cars and foot traffic often share the same spaces. Intersections, sidewalks, and crosswalks become dangerous when drivers don’t pay attention or follow the rules. Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries. Knowing what causes them and where they happen can help you stay safer.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Some of the most common reasons for pedestrian accidents in Dallas include:
- Distracted driving: Drivers who text, make calls, or adjust GPS settings often miss people walking nearby.
- Speeding and reckless driving: When a driver ignores speed limits, especially in school zones or neighborhoods, they have less time to react.
- Failure to yield at crosswalks: Texas law requires drivers to stop for pedestrians at marked crosswalks, but many fail to follow that rule.
- Drunk or impaired driving: Alcohol and drugs reduce reaction time and judgment, making it more likely that a driver won’t see or stop for someone crossing.
- Poor visibility conditions: Fog, rain, or nighttime darkness can reduce how well drivers see pedestrians.
- Inadequate traffic signals or signage: Intersections with broken lights or missing signs increase confusion and danger for everyone.
High-Risk Areas for Pedestrian Accidents
Certain areas in Dallas see more pedestrian crashes than others. Common hot spots include:
- Busy intersections and crosswalks: Areas like Ross and Greenville Avenue or intersections around Downtown Dallas tend to have heavy foot and vehicle traffic.
- School zones and residential areas: Drivers not paying attention in places like Pleasant Grove or East Dallas put children and families at risk.
- Commercial districts and shopping centers: Parking lots and driveways near places like NorthPark Center or the Bishop Arts District pose hazards.
- Highway on-ramps and off-ramps: Areas near I-30 or US-75 often have poorly marked pedestrian paths or vehicles moving too fast near sidewalks.
What Types of Injuries Do Pedestrian Accidents Cause?
Getting hit by a vehicle, even at low speeds, can cause life-changing injuries. Pedestrians have no protection during a collision, so even minor crashes can lead to serious harm.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Head injuries are common in pedestrian crashes. These can include:
- Concussions and severe head trauma: Even without visible signs, brain injuries can affect memory, balance, and speech.
- Long-term cognitive effects: Some people experience lasting changes in thinking, focus, or personality.
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation needs: Recovery often involves hospitalization, therapy, and long-term follow-ups.
Bone Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries
Hard impacts often break bones. Some common examples include:
- Broken bones and compound fractures: Arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones can all suffer breaks on impact.
- Hip and pelvic injuries: These are especially serious for older pedestrians.
- Spinal cord damage: A severe hit to the back or neck can lead to nerve damage or even paralysis.
Soft Tissue Injuries and Internal Damage
Not all injuries are visible at first. Some involve:
- Organ damage and internal bleeding: These injuries may not show symptoms right away but can be life-threatening.
- Cuts, bruises, and road rash: Scrapes and wounds from falling or being dragged can require stitches or skin grafts.
- Emotional trauma and PTSD: Survivors often suffer mentally long after the physical wounds heal.
Who Is Liable for Pedestrian Accidents?
Determining who caused the accident is the first step in holding them responsible. Liability can fall on more than just the driver.
Driver Liability
Most pedestrian crashes happen because of driver error. Common factors include:
- Negligent driving behaviors: Using a phone, speeding, or ignoring traffic signs all show carelessness.
- Violation of traffic laws: Not yielding at crosswalks or running red lights creates dangerous conditions.
- Duty of care to pedestrians: Every driver has a legal duty to watch for and avoid hitting people on foot.
Municipal and Government Liability
Sometimes, city mistakes or neglect contribute to a crash. This can happen through:
- Poorly designed intersections: Sharp turns, blind corners, or unmarked lanes increase danger.
- Inadequate lighting or signage: Dimly lit streets or missing signs make it hard for drivers to see and respond.
- Failure to maintain safe pedestrian infrastructure: Cracked sidewalks, missing signals, or broken crosswalk lights leave pedestrians unprotected.
Property Owner Liability
Private property conditions can also lead to accidents. This happens when:
- Unsafe parking lots or walkways: Large potholes or uneven walkways cause trips or falls near moving cars.
- Obstructed visibility: Overgrown bushes or poor design can keep drivers from seeing someone crossing.
- Inadequate lighting on private property: Poor lighting in parking lots makes it harder for drivers to avoid pedestrians.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?
Pedestrian crashes often leave you with big medical bills, time off work, and lasting pain. The law allows you to seek payment for what you lost.
Economic Damages
These cover out-of-pocket costs related to the accident, such as:
- Medical expenses (current and future): Hospital visits, surgeries, medication, and rehab all fall under this category.
- Lost wages and earning capacity: If you can’t work now, or ever again at the same level, you can recover those losses.
- Property damage: Phones, glasses, or personal items damaged in the crash count as well.
- Rehabilitation costs: Ongoing therapy, adaptive equipment, or in-home care may be necessary for recovery.
Non-Economic Damages
These cover losses that don’t come with receipts but affect your quality of life:
- Pain and suffering: The physical pain from injuries can last weeks, months, or longer.
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, or fear of walking near traffic may linger after the crash.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: When injuries stop you from doing things you once loved, the law considers that a loss.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement: Lasting scars or changes to your body can impact your future in many ways.
Punitive Damages
In certain situations, extra damages are awarded to punish bad behavior. These apply when:
- The driver showed gross negligence: A drunk or racing driver may fall into this category.
- Drunk driving accidents: Alcohol-related crashes can open the door to more serious legal consequences.
- Hit-and-run incidents: Leaving the scene shows a reckless disregard for safety.
Texas Pedestrian Laws and Rights
Texas law gives pedestrians several protections, especially in crosswalks or at intersections. Understanding these can help protect your rights after an accident.
Pedestrian Right-of-Way Rules
Here’s what the law requires:
- Crosswalk regulations: Drivers must yield to people crossing legally at marked or unmarked crosswalks.
- Traffic signal compliance: Pedestrians must follow walk signals, but drivers still must watch for people already in the road.
- Sidewalk and roadway usage: Where sidewalks are present, pedestrians should use them. In areas without sidewalks, walking on the left side of the road facing traffic is usually allowed.
Comparative Negligence in Texas
Even if you were partly at fault, you may still qualify for financial recovery under Texas law.
How Shared Fault Affects Compensation
Texas uses a system called “modified comparative fault.” If you’re found less than 51% responsible for the crash, you can still recover damages. However, the amount may be reduced based on your share of fault.
Protecting Your Rights When Partially at Fault
Drivers or insurers may try to shift the blame onto you. Don’t let them reduce their responsibility unfairly. A strong investigation can help prove who caused the crash.
How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim?
Deadlines matter after a pedestrian crash. Waiting too long could stop you from being able to take legal action.
Texas Statute of Limitations
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas. That’s why taking quick action helps protect your rights.
Factors That Can Affect Your Timeline
Certain situations may impact how much time you have. These include:
- Discovery of injuries: Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away.
- Government entity involvement: Claims against city or county agencies have special notice requirements.
- Insurance claim deadlines: Some policies require fast reporting of claims or treatment.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
AMS Law Group provides legal support throughout your case, from start to finish. Our goal is to take pressure off you while building the strongest case possible.
Comprehensive Case Investigation
We look at every angle of your accident. Our team:
- Visits the accident scene and takes photos
- Interviews witnesses and gathers statements
- Secures traffic or security camera footage
- Works with reconstruction experts to show how the crash happened
Medical Documentation and Expert Testimony
Proving your injuries is key. We work closely with your doctors to:
- Collect all records, X-rays, and test results
- Show how your injuries affect daily life
- Bring in medical experts to explain long-term care needs
Insurance Negotiation and Litigation
Insurance companies often offer low settlements or try to shift blame. We push back by:
- Presenting strong evidence of your losses
- Refusing to accept unfair offers
- Preparing your case for trial when the at-fault party refuses to take responsibility
Protecting Your Legal Rights
Throughout your case, we:
- Help you avoid mistakes that reduce case value
- Make sure every document is filed correctly and on time
- Guide you step by step so you’re never in the dark
What Should I Do If I Was Injured in a Pedestrian Accident?
What you do after the crash can affect your case. These steps help protect your health and legal options.
Immediate Steps at the Scene
- Seek medical attention: Your safety comes first, even if injuries seem small.
- Call police and file a report: This creates an official record of the crash.
- Document the scene: Take pictures of injuries, crosswalks, traffic signals, and damage.
- Gather witness contact info: Bystanders may help confirm what happened.
Follow-Up Actions
- Keep up with medical appointments and follow all instructions
- Save receipts, bills, and any records related to the accident
- Avoid giving statements to insurers without legal advice
- Contact AMS Law Group right away so we can start working on your case
What NOT to Do
- Don’t admit fault or say “I’m sorry” at the scene
- Don’t sign any papers from insurance companies without review
- Don’t accept quick settlement offers without knowing your full losses
- Don’t wait too long to talk to a lawyer
Why Choose Our Dallas Pedestrian Accident Law Firm
AMS Law Group has helped many people injured while walking in Dallas. Our lawyers know Texas personal injury law and have handled cases involving serious injuries and tough insurance disputes. We give each case personal attention and fight hard for a fair outcome. You won’t pay any fees unless we recover financial damages for your injuries and losses.
Contact Our Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Dallas Now
The AMS Law Group team in Dallas, ready to help clients after serious pedestrian accidents across the city.
You don’t have to go through this alone. Time limits apply, and delays can hurt your case. AMS Law Group offers a free consultation to discuss your options. Let us deal with the insurance companies while you focus on healing.
Call us today at 888-960-8363 or fill out our online form to get started.
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Dallas Pedestrian Accident FAQs
How much does it cost to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer?
AMS Law Group works on a contingency fee basis. You won’t pay upfront. We only get paid if we recover money for your case.
What if the driver who hit me doesn’t have insurance?
We can look at other options, like your own uninsured motorist coverage or other parties who may share blame. Our team knows how to find all possible paths to compensation.
Can I still recover compensation if I was jaywalking?
Yes, possibly. Texas law allows recovery even if you were partly at fault, as long as your share of fault was less than 51%. The amount may be reduced, but you may still receive damages.
What if I was hit in a parking lot?
Private property rules may apply, and the property owner might also hold some responsibility. We investigate every possible angle, including poor lighting or dangerous walkways.