Austin Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Consult with a premium and trusted Austin pedestrian accident law firm for help if you or your loved one suffered injuries from a motor vehicle-related crash. Call 361-400-2036 now for urgent assistance.
Based in Corpus Christi, The Patel Firm believes that anyone injured deserves quality legal representation in seeking compensation and justice. Feel free to read the verified testimonials of our satisfied clients in Austin and across Texas or browse through our five-star reviews on Google.
Table of Contents
- Have you been injured in a pedestrian accident in Austin?
- Why Choose The Patel Firm?
- How Can We Help in A Pedestrian Accident?
- About Pedestrian Accidents in Austin
- Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Occur?
- Common Causes Of Pedestrian Accidents
- Types of Damages and Compensation From A Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit
- Role of a Specialized Attorney
- Texas Pedestrian Accident Laws
- Call An Austin-Based Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Now
Why Choose The Patel Firm?
The Patel Firm is comprised of real people who are genuine, passionate and knowledgeable about what we do. We are approachable and are truly dedicated to our clients. Our personalized approach to providing legal solutions yields successful results and a high return rate from our clientele.
The firm’s president and principal attorney, Minesh J. Patel, has represented countless injury victims in various cases, including commercial trucking accidents, workplace accidents, oilfield accidents, insurance disputes, and premise liability accidents.
Over the course of his career, Minesh and his legal team have secured millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts. He is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Rue Ratings’ Best Attorneys in America, and has been recognized as 40 best under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers Association.
Our tireless work ethic quickly becomes evident after you become our client. We are committed to your case, and we do not cut corners.
We understand the financial strain that a pedestrian accident can bring, which is why we operate on a contingency fee basis. Our clients pay no upfront fees, and we only receive payment if we successfully secure compensation on their behalf. Contact us at 361-400-2036 for a free case evaluation, or send us a message through our secure and confidential online form.
How Can We Help in A Pedestrian Accident?
At The Patel Firm, our experienced legal team is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to our clients who have suffered personal injuries. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that can arise from such incidents, and we are committed to bringing justice to our clients’ causes.
Legal Expertise
Our team of skilled pedestrian accident attorneys has a deep understanding of the complexities of motor vehicle-related laws. We leverage our decades’ worth of experience to guide our clients through the entire process, ensuring that their rights are protected and their concerns are properly addressed.
Case Assessment and Strategy
We conduct thorough case assessments to understand the unique circumstances of each case. By developing a customized legal strategy for each client, we strive to achieve the most favorable outcomes, whether through negotiation or litigation.
Communication and Support
We prioritize clear and open communication with our clients, keeping them informed at every stage of their case. Our team provides compassionate support, offering empathy and reassurance throughout the legal proceedings.
Maximum Compensation
We have successfully resolved countless matters and recovered millions of dollars for our clients. Our goal is to secure maximum compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
No Risk Guarantee
Our fee structure is simple: if you don’t get paid, we don’t get paid. We never charge a fee unless we win or settle your matter. We also never charge during our initial consultation. It’s always free to see if you have a case.
About Pedestrian Accidents in Austin
Thousands of Texas residents are seriously injured—or worse, killed—in crashes every year, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.
In particular, Austin, a thriving metropolis known for its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural diversity, has a bustling urban landscape that presents challenges for drivers navigating its roads.
The city is situated at the edge of the picturesque Texas Hill Country, characterized by rolling hills, steep inclines, and winding roads that can prove treacherous for inexperienced riders.
Blind corners and sudden elevation changes can catch riders off guard, increasing the risk of accidents, especially when combined with factors such as speed, poor visibility, or adverse weather conditions.
Moreover, Austin’s rapid growth and urbanization have led to increased traffic congestion, adding another layer of complexity for both pedestrians and motorcyclists.
Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Occur?
Pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere, but some locations are more prone to these incidents. These include:
Crosswalks: Designated areas for pedestrians to cross the street, crosswalks are often the site of accidents when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way. Distracted driving, speeding, and poor visibility can all contribute to accidents at crosswalks.
Intersections: Pedestrian accidents frequently occur at intersections, especially when drivers are making turns and fail to notice people crossing the street. Complex traffic patterns and unclear signage can also lead to confusion and accidents.
Parking lots: Pedestrian accidents can occur in parking lots when drivers are not attentive while backing out of spaces or navigating the lot. Pedestrians may also be distracted or assume that drivers will always yield to them, leading to collisions.
Residential areas: Neighborhoods with high foot traffic can be prone to pedestrian accidents, particularly if there are no sidewalks or if drivers are not cautious. Children playing near the street or people walking their dogs are especially vulnerable in residential areas.
Rural roads: Pedestrian accidents on rural roads often occur due to a lack of sidewalks, poor lighting, and higher speed limits. Drivers may not expect to encounter pedestrians in these areas, leading to collisions.
Urban streets: Busy city streets with heavy foot traffic are common sites for pedestrian accidents. Distracted walking, such as texting while crossing the street, and drivers failing to yield at intersections or crosswalks contribute to these incidents.
Common Causes Of Pedestrian Accidents
At The Patel Firm, we have an in-depth understanding of the common causes of pedestrian accidents, allowing us to build strong cases and fight for the rights of those injured due to someone else’s negligence. Some common causes are:
Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, using their phones, eating, or engaging in other distracting activities are more likely to cause pedestrian accidents. Distracted driving reduces a driver’s ability to react to their surroundings and avoid collisions with pedestrians.
Failure to yield: Accidents often occur when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks, intersections, or when turning. This can be due to impatience, inattention, or a lack of understanding of traffic laws.
Impaired driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications have impaired judgment and slower reaction times. These factors significantly increase the risk of road accidents.
Inclement weather: Poor weather conditions, such as rain, fog, or snow, can reduce visibility and make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians. Slippery roads also increase stopping distances, making it more difficult for drivers to avoid collisions.
Reckless driving: Speeding, running red lights, and ignoring traffic signs can all lead to pedestrian accidents. Reckless drivers have less time to react to pedestrians and are more likely to cause severe injuries in the event of a crash.
Poorly designed intersections: Intersections with inadequate lighting, unclear signage, or obstructed views can contribute to pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians may be less visible to drivers, and confusion about the right-of-way can lead to collisions.
Types of Damages and Compensation From A Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit
When it comes to personal injury cases in Austin, two crucial elements form the foundation of every claim: liability and damages. Liability refers to the legal responsibility of the person or party who caused the injury, holding them accountable for the resulting consequences.
Damages, on the other hand, serve as the basis for the monetary compensation that the injured party seeks to remedy the harm they have suffered.
While no financial amount can truly undo the pain and suffering caused by a pedestrian accident, it is the closest possible means of addressing the injury-related expenses and losses incurred by the victim.
Here are the types of compensation that you can recover:
Punitive Damages
When a pedestrian accident is caused by someone acting with deliberate disregard for the victim’s safety, the court may award punitive damages. Also known as exemplary damages, these are typically reserved for high-dollar cases involving severe injuries such as traumatic brain damage or paralysis.
Punitive damages are not part of personal injury settlements; instead, courts use them to deter the at-fault party and others from engaging in similar behavior in the future.
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages, which aim to reimburse the injured party for their losses, come in two forms: special (economic) and general (non-economic).
Special damages have a pre-determined value and include:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages and Income
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses
- Property Damage
General damages, while more challenging to quantify, are the natural consequences of the at-fault party’s negligence. These may include:
- Pain and Suffering
- Mental Anguish
- Disfigurement or Scarring
- Physical Impairment or Disability
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- Loss of Consortium
By understanding the types of damages available and the evidence required to prove them, pedestrian accident victims can work with experienced personal injury attorneys to secure the compensation they deserve.
Role of a Specialized Attorney
Pedestrian accidents can be incredibly complex legal matters, requiring a deep understanding of transportation and personal injury laws, and the ability to navigate the intricacies of establishing negligence.
To determine liability, it is essential to demonstrate that the other party breached their duty of care, which directly resulted in the victim’s injuries.
Further complicating matters is the involvement of insurance companies, which often seek to minimize their financial exposure by contesting the legitimacy of claims or downplaying the extent of the victim’s injuries.
Thus, the importance of retaining a skilled and experienced pedestrian accident attorney cannot be overstated. Their specialized knowledge enables them to expertly handle evidence collection, liability assessment, and legal argumentation.
Texas Pedestrian Accident Laws
If you have sustained an injury in Texas, it’s crucial to understand the state’s specific laws to ensure you receive proper compensation.
Statute of Limitations
Texas adheres to a Statute of Limitations, mandating the filing of a pedestrian accident case within two (2) years of the initial injury. If you fail to bring a claim within this timeframe, it can result in the forfeiture of your right to pursue it.
Notably, the two-year limit is not the sole consideration. Different rules apply if a state or local government is implicated in the injury. For instance, in Austin, a notice must be provided within 45 days if the injury was caused by the city government’s employee, vehicle or equipment.
Modified Comparative Negligence
Failing to exercise the degree of care expected of someone in order to minimize the risk of harm to another is considered “negligence,” the legal basis for many accident cases.
Texas employs the modified comparative negligence rule to determine liabilities, which allocates damages based on each party’s degree of fault. This means that if you are found partially at fault for the injury, then your damages can be reduced.
However, if you’re the plaintiff in a lawsuit (the person wronged or injured), you may not recover damages if your percentage of fault is found to be greater than 50%.
It’s best to hire the services of a seasoned pedestrian accident attorney in Austin to navigate and untangle all the legal technicalities associated with your lawsuit. You can trust The Patel Firm to proficiently handle your case as you can focus on your recovery.
Call An Austin-Based Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Now
Contact an Austin pedestrian accident law firm to expertly handle your case. The Patel Firm focuses on providing legal guidance and utmost care during unthinkable tragedies, empowering clients with efficient legal solutions.
We understand that negotiating with insurance companies, understanding legal complexities, and investing significant time and resources all contribute to the overwhelming nature of managing a pedestrian accident case – but we’re here to help.
With our vast resources and a determined team of skilled attorneys, we’ll be able to strongly advocate for your rights. We believe in safeguarding the community from harm and dedicate our practice to helping injured survivors seek justice.
Contact us at 361-400-2036 for a free case evaluation, or send us a message through our secure and confidential online form. We are always ready to take your call.
The Patel Firm Austin Car Accident Lawyer
611 S Congress Ave Suite 215D
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 887-1447
