Walking can be a hazardous activity in the Dallas area, primarily due to the actions of careless drivers. The Dallas pedestrian accident lawyers at Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C. are part of a reputable law firm with extensive experience handling pedestrian accident cases. Our personal injury law firm is dedicated to representing injured clients and has a proven track record of winning cases similar to yours. We understand how injured pedestrians can feel victimized by the incident itself, and then again as they attempt to navigate the claim process spearheaded by aggressive insurance adjusters. We work with victims, helping them pursue the justice and compensation they deserve.
If a careless Dallas driver hits you while you are walking, contact our office today at (214) 999-9999 and ask to arrange a free consultation with a pedestrian accident attorney. Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay only if we recover compensation for you.
Introduction to Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents are unfortunately all too common in bustling cities like Dallas, where heavy traffic and fast-moving vehicles create hazardous conditions for those on foot. Despite Texas law granting pedestrians the right to safely use sidewalks, crosswalks, and public pathways, many drivers fail to yield the right of way, leading to devastating incidents. When pedestrian accidents happen, the consequences can be severe, often resulting in life-altering injuries or even fatalities.
Injured pedestrians and their families may face overwhelming challenges, from physical recovery to financial strain. If you or a family member has been involved in a Dallas pedestrian accident, it’s crucial to seek guidance from experienced pedestrian accident lawyers. A knowledgeable legal team can help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and work to recover fair compensation for your losses.
How a Dallas Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help You
The aftermath of a Dallas pedestrian accident can be frightening and confusing. Victims may find it overwhelming just to complete daily tasks, let alone manage multiple doctors’ appointments, phone calls from insurers, and mounting bills. That’s where a Dallas personal injury lawyer can help. At Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C., our team takes the reins. We can help you manage everything from getting the medical treatment you need to building a strong personal injury claim and negotiating maximum compensation for your injuries.
From the start, we provide an initial claim review and personalized legal advice to help you understand your options and what comes next. Our personal injury lawyers are dedicated to helping injured clients seek full compensation for their losses. Our experienced legal team gathers and preserves evidence to create a fact-based claim. We also use expert resources, such as accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals, to strengthen your pedestrian accident claim. Whether it was a car accident or a truck accident that resulted in your traumatic injuries, our team is willing to help Dallas pedestrians pursue all legal options to recover fair compensation.
Common Injuries and Damages
Pedestrian accidents can result in a broad spectrum of injuries, ranging from minor scrapes to catastrophic injuries that change lives forever. Some of the most common pedestrian accident injuries include the following:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Road rash
- Soft tissue injuries
- Severe lacerations
In the most tragic cases, these accidents can even lead to death.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Dallas
Building a compelling pedestrian accident claim can be a challenging task. In the aftermath of a significant accident, it can be difficult to concentrate on the small things that can eventually make a big difference in the outcome of your claim. Understanding the steps you should take after a Dallas pedestrian accident can help preserve vital evidence your attorney can use and put you in a stronger position to fight for the compensation you deserve. Driver negligence is the leading cause of pedestrian accidents in Dallas, underscoring the importance of understanding your rights and the legal process.
After a pedestrian accident, protect your safety and your legal options for pursuing compensation by taking the following steps.
Contact the Authorities
Always contact the authorities at 911 after an accident. They can provide emergency support and control the scene, ensuring that everyone receives the help they need. Law enforcement can also gather essential information from all parties in case your injuries are too severe to allow you to exchange information with those involved. A police report can also be a good source of information and evidence for your pedestrian accident claim.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
The adrenaline from a traumatic incident can potentially mask signs of serious head and internal injuries, making it crucial to seek medical assistance immediately after a pedestrian accident. Never say that you feel fine. Instead, seek immediate medical attention and be sure to document all injuries sustained for both medical and legal purposes. Early intervention can improve your prognosis, and medical records are critical for building a compensation claim.
Document the Scene
If possible, carefully document the scene with photos and videos. Exchange information with those involved and ask witnesses for their contact information and a brief description of what they saw.
Contact a Dallas Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
The best way to protect your rights after an accident is to get in touch with a pedestrian accident attorney in Dallas as soon as possible. An attorney can manage all communication and take over the handling of your claim so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
For immediate legal support and to ensure your rights are protected, contact our law firm today.
Keep a Paper Trail
Keep meticulous records of your treatment, medical costs, time missed from work, and out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident.
Avoid Posting on Social Media
Don’t post anything on social media about the accident or ask the public for legal advice. Social media posts can come back to haunt you. Insurers and opposing attorneys can twist your words in ways that may hurt or discredit your claim.
Follow Doctor’s Orders
Initial medical documentation of your injuries can help establish the link between your injuries and the accident. However, continued documentation of the extent of your injuries is also essential to your claim. Failing to stick to your doctor’s order or treatment plan can give an insurer an opening to say your injuries are not serious, minimizing the value of your claim.
Who Is at Fault When a Pedestrian Is Hit by a Vehicle?
Several significant factors contribute to establishing liability when a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle. Driver negligence, including distracted driving (such as mobile device use) and drunk driving, is a leading cause of pedestrian accidents in Dallas. A negligent driver is one who fails to exercise reasonable care, making them legally responsible for injuries caused to pedestrians.
Depending on the circumstances, the fault often lies with the driver of the motor vehicle, especially if a pedestrian was obeying traffic laws and was in a crosswalk. Drivers usually have a higher duty of care to watch for pedestrians and ensure their safety by avoiding distractions and following traffic laws, posted signs, and signals. Establishing liability is crucial in a personal injury case involving a pedestrian accident.
What if the Driver Blames the Pedestrian?
There are situations in which a pedestrian’s actions may contribute to the accident, or a driver may attempt to shift more blame onto the pedestrian than onto themselves to avoid liability. An attorney can help protect a victim’s rights by collecting and preserving evidence that establishes the driver’s actions played a significant role in causing the accident and the victim’s injuries. Do not admit fault or apologize after a pedestrian accident. Let your attorney manage all communication and collect evidence that establishes liability.
Can I File a Claim if I Was Outside a Crosswalk?
Yes. You can file a claim even if you were hit outside of a crosswalk. Drivers are still responsible for maintaining reasonable caution and watching out for pedestrians. However, specific Texas regulations can result in a reduction of the compensation a victim can recover if their actions contributed to the accident’s cause.
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule in civil cases. Under this rule, even if a victim’s action contributes to the cause of the accident, they can still recover compensation for their injuries as long as their percentage of fault does not exceed 50 percent. However, the rule also states that compensation diminishes by the same percentage as the individual’s fault for causing the incident.
What Compensation Is Available for Pedestrian Accident Victims?
Pedestrian injuries tend to cause severe injuries that have a significant impact on the lives of victims. Victims are entitled to seek full compensation for all damages, including permanent injuries that may require ongoing medical care and life adjustments. Beyond the physical trauma, pedestrian accident victims often face significant financial burdens, such as expensive medical bills, lost income due to time away from work, and ongoing medical expenses for rehabilitation or long-term care. Emotional distress and pain and suffering are also common after such traumatic events. A Dallas pedestrian accident lawyer can help injured pedestrians pursue compensation for all these damages, ensuring that victims pursue meaningful compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential for future work
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Since pedestrian accidents can result in injuries that impact a victim’s long-term health and financial stability, it is crucial to work with an experienced Dallas pedestrian accident attorney and follow their guidance. Insurers may attempt to pressure vulnerable victims into accepting a speedy, but lowball, settlement if they don’t have legal representation on their side. The result is often a victim who feels bullied into taking an offer that doesn’t come close to covering their future medical expenses, suffering, or lost earning capacity.
How Long Do Pedestrian Accident Cases Take to Resolve
The timeline for resolving a Dallas pedestrian accident case can vary widely depending on several factors, including the case’s complexity, the severity of the injuries, and whether the parties are willing to reach a settlement. Some pedestrian accident cases may be resolved in a matter of months if a fair settlement is reached quickly. However, cases involving serious injuries or disputed liability may take a year or more, especially if a lawsuit is necessary. In some instances, it can take two to three years to reach a verdict in court. A Dallas pedestrian accident lawyer can keep you informed throughout the legal process, helping you understand what to expect and working diligently to secure fair compensation for your losses. With experienced legal guidance, you can navigate the process with confidence, knowing your case is in capable hands.
How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Texas?
Accident victims have a limited timeframe for seeking compensation for their injuries through a personal injury lawsuit. Texas law allows individuals two years (2) from the date of the accident to file their case. Filing a case beyond the two-year deadline can result in the court dismissing the case.
Talking to a pedestrian accident lawyer early helps you preserve your compensation recovery options. It also enables you to preserve crucial evidence that can be lost or destroyed during that time period if you wait to involve a lawyer in your case.
Talk to Our Dallas Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today
The Dallas crosswalk accident lawyers at Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C. have been helping accident victims since 1971. With over 50 years of experience, our legal team understands what it takes to hold careless drivers accountable for the pain and suffering their actions cause unsuspecting pedestrians. Before choosing an attorney, you should look for reviews and ratings of the attorneys you are considering. Clients agree, which is why we have so many positive reviews and testimonials from former clients.
After a pedestrian accident, contact our law firm today—reach our Dallas office at (214) 999-9999 or contact us online for help. We offer pedestrian accident victims a free initial consultation.