Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Fort Worth

Most pedestrian accidents involve being struck by a moving car as opposed to a bus or other vehicle. When a pedestrian is struck, the injuries can be quite severe due to the body being impacted twice: once when the car strikes them, and again when the body hits the ground. The Centers for Disease Control report that there were 70,000 pedestrian injuries in 2010, with 4,280 resulting in death. Most fatal injuries result from the impact of the car and usually involve a traumatic brain injury, while most non-fatal disabling injuries occur in the lower limbs such as legs, knees, and feet.

Who Is At Risk?

The Texas Department of Transportation (TDOT) reports that most pedestrian accidents occur when walking in the roadway. Texas law states that a pedestrian may not walk in the roadway or on a bike lane if an adjacent sidewalk is available. Texas law also requires that a pedestrian walking in the roadway must walk on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic when a sidewalk is not available.

TDOT advises crossing at intersections and crosswalks only. If you are struck by a car while jaywalking, the driver may not be liable and their auto insurance may not cover your injuries.

Who is most at risk for injury or death?

• Alcohol-impaired drivers and pedestrians – 47% of all pedestrian crashes resulting in death were alcohol related
• Older adults – pedestrians 65 and older account for 11% of all pedestrian injuries and 19% of all deaths that occur
• Children – nearly one in five children between the ages of 5 and 9 are killed in auto/pedestrian accidents every year

Higher vehicle speeds also contribute to an increase in the severity of injuries in addition to increasing the possibility of being struck. It should be noted that most pedestrian deaths occur in urban areas, at non-intersection locations, and at night.

Safety First

While Texas drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, being ever vigilant is important to your safety. Staying to the right side of the crosswalk is advisable as is making eye contact with the driver before crossing. TDOT recommends the following simple rules of safety for pedestrians:

•  Cross at intersections and crosswalks
• Look left, then right, then left again before crossing the roadway
• Watch for traffic when stepping off a bus or from behind parked cars
• When a passenger in an auto, always exit on the curb side of the street
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing

Have You Been Injured?

Pedestrian accidents differ greatly from car accidents and can result in devastating injuries including broken bones, lacerations, spinal injuries, severe head injuries, paralysis, and even death.  The Fort Worth pedestrian accident lawyers at Zinda Law Group have successfully represented many victims of pedestrian accidents.  We have experience in pedestrian accident claims, and we can help you receive compensation for your injuries. Call us at (800) 863-5312 for a free, no-fee consultation.