Enjoying a walk or a jog outdoors, especially when the weather is nice, is one of life’s grand pleasures. Unfortunately, we live at a time of excellent mobility — it seems someone is always trying to get somewhere, no matter what time it is. Unless you’re able to find a peaceful trail to enjoy, the chances are good you may at some point have to engage with vehicle traffic. And that’s where the danger lies, as it means you are at risk of becoming a victim in a pedestrian accident. We hope this never happens to you, but if it does, consider working with the pedestrian accident lawyers at Godsey Martin.
What to Do After Your Pedestrian Accident
First and foremost, take care of yourself. Consider if you are injured and require medical attention. Either dial 911 yourself or ask someone nearby or the motor vehicle driver to do it for you. You’ll need to call for emergency help anyway since the police will want to investigate the accident.
If you have no injuries or only minor ones, then you will want to document the event. Take pictures of the scene from different angles. Collect information from the other driver, or drivers, including their names, telephone numbers, email addresses, and insurance company information. If there were witnesses, try to get their names and phone numbers, as well as their views of the incident, which could help provide further evidence of what happened.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, consider obtaining legal counsel from experienced pedestrian accident lawyers such as those on the personal injury team at Godsey Martin. Attorneys can help you navigate the process of seeking just compensation for your injuries and avoid common mistakes that might limit your recovery.
For example, among the first steps are to file a claim with the driver’s insurance company. The insurance company does not represent your best interests and will want to dispense with the claim for as little money as possible. What you say to them could limit your options.
Godsey Martin pedestrian accident lawyers will provide a no-obligation consultation to help you evaluate your case. We can work with you on properly documenting the incident by collecting the proper items, such as police reports, medical bills, and documentation of lost wages. We can also analyze insurance coverage to position you for success and get you the compensation you deserve.
How Common are Pedestrian Accidents in Texas?
The number of accidents involving pedestrians in Texas has been declining. However, the accidents that do occur have been getting deadlier, with a greater number of pedestrian fatalities.
Statistics from The Texas Department of Transportation show that 731 pedestrians — two per day — were killed in traffic accidents in 2020, an increase of almost 10 percent over the prior year. Those deaths occurred in connection with 4,852 pedestrian accidents during the year, which also caused more than 1,200 serious injuries. The number of pedestrian fatalities has been climbing for several years in a row.
Nationwide, the numbers are even more staggering. On average, nearly 5,000 pedestrians are killed in traffic crashes each year, and another 76,000 are injured. The long-term consequences of pedestrian accidents are far-reaching.
The Texas DOT analyzed the factors involved in pedestrian accidents, with unsurprising results. Speed plays a significant role in pedestrian traffic crashes, as does distracted driving. Also on the list of causes is failing to yield the right-of-way, which can be attributed to both drivers and pedestrians. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can also become a factor.
Accidents happen, of course. But negligence also comes into play, and that’s where the personal injury attorneys at Godsey Martin can help. We’ll look at your case for evidence that establishes liability, a key factor in any personal injury claim.
The Issue of Fault in Pedestrian Accidents
Another good reason to retain an attorney in a pedestrian accident is to protect your rights. While pedestrians typically have the right-of-way in most instances, it is not absolute. For instance, part of Texas law makes it unlawful for pedestrians to walk over highways, bridges, or other busy roadways. If the accident occurs on one of these locations, it is possible that you as the pedestrian can be deemed wholly or partially liable, meaning the driver can seek compensation from you for their injuries, for damage to the car or other property, and lost wages. Pedestrians can also be subject to fines.
In general, if you as a pedestrian are hurt and the driver of the car is considered liable, you may be able to obtain compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If a loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident, you may be able to recover from the loss of companionship and consortium.
Consult with Godsey Martin about Your Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrian accidents can get complicated very quickly. Let the experienced personal injury attorneys at Godsey Martin, serving both Dallas and Houston, represent your interests. Our team is well-versed in personal injury law stemming from a range of accidents, including those involving cars, bicycles, motorcycles, and trucks. We can also help represent victims in slip-and-fall cases and other events that lead to serious bodily injury. If you were hurt because someone was careless, our team is ready to stand by your side for as long as it takes. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation, during which we will identify the key facts in your case and make a recommendation for how best to proceed. Our team is made up of more than 130 legal professionals with diverse backgrounds who are focused on your needs. Don’t waste another moment guessing about your situation. If you need help, call us or contact us online.
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