Austin Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Pedestrian accidents in Austin can change a life in an instant. Serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about the future can overwhelm anyone.
At The Patel Firm, Minesh Patel and our team of pedestrian accident attorneys fight for injured pedestrians and their families. We combine deep knowledge of Texas law with compassion for those we serve. We know the streets, intersections, and neighborhoods where these crashes happen and we know how to hold negligent drivers accountable.
If you were injured while walking in Austin, you deserve answers and experienced legal guidance. We’re here to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially. Call us at (512) 887-1447 for a free case review.
What To Do Right Now After a Pedestrian Crash in Austin
The first moments after a pedestrian accident are critical. Acting quickly can protect your health and your legal rights.
Call 911 and request Austin Police Department officers to the scene. Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked by a medical professional. Injuries like concussions or internal bleeding may not be obvious right away.
Document the scene if possible. Take photos of vehicle positions, skid marks, traffic signals, and your injuries. Get contact details from witnesses and the driver. Preserve the clothing and shoes you were wearing.
Under Texas Transportation Code §550.062, police must file a crash report if injuries occur. This report can become important evidence in your case.
Finally, contact The Patel Firm or one of our pedestrian accident lawyers at The Patel Firm as soon as you can. We can begin protecting your rights immediately.
Can I Still Win If I’m Partly at Fault?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation if you were less than 51% at fault for the accident.
If you are found partially responsible, your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. A $100,000 award with 20% fault would be reduced to $80,000.
The Austin pedestrian accident attorneys at The Patel Firm investigate thoroughly to reduce or eliminate any fault assigned to you. The less fault attributed to you, the more you can recover.
Deadline: How Long Do I Have to File in Texas?
Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §16.003, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Waiting too long can result in losing your right to compensation. Evidence can disappear, witnesses can become harder to locate, and your legal leverage can weaken. Contacting an attorney early helps preserve your claim and allows us to start building a strong case immediately.
Who Pays and What We Can Recover
If a driver’s negligence caused your injuries, their insurance company is typically responsible for your damages.
We pursue both economic damages, such as medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In cases involving reckless or intentional conduct, such as drunk driving, we may also seek punitive damages. Families who lose a loved one in a pedestrian accident may be entitled to wrongful death damages, including funeral expenses and loss of companionship.
Types of Pedestrian Accident Cases We Handle
The pedestrian accident lawyers at The Patel Firm handle a wide range of cases in Austin and across Texas.
Common scenarios include:
- Crosswalk accidents at busy intersections
- Hit-and-run incidents
- Drivers failing to yield when turning
- Speeding or distracted driving collisions
- Parking lot and driveway accidents
Uncommon but serious cases we also handle:
- Sidewalk e-scooter or shared-mobility collisions
- Chain-reaction highway incidents involving pedestrians, especially along I-35 feeder roads
- Accidents with delivery trucks or rideshare drivers
- Crashes in poorly lit or malfunctioning traffic signal areas
- Injuries linked to defective vehicle design affecting pedestrian safety
No matter the circumstances, Minesh Patel and our Austin pedestrian accident attorneys know how to investigate and pursue the compensation you deserve.
How We Prove Fault — And Win Your Case
To hold a driver accountable, we must prove duty, breach, causation, and damages. We show the driver owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, directly caused your injuries, and that you suffered measurable losses.
Our team collects APD crash reports, obtains surveillance or dashcam footage, interviews witnesses, and works with accident reconstruction experts. In hit-and-run cases, we explore uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and other avenues for recovery.
We leave no stone unturned when fighting for justice on your behalf.
Why Pedestrian Crashes Happen in Austin
Pedestrian accidents often result from driver negligence: distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, failure to yield, or poor visibility.
In Austin, certain areas are especially dangerous for pedestrians. High-risk zones include:
- Downtown entertainment districts like 6th Street and Rainey Street
- South Congress and South Lamar corridors
- UT campus and Guadalupe Street
- Busy shopping centers such as The Domain and Barton Creek Square
Minesh Patel’s local knowledge of these hotspots helps us anticipate challenges and collect the right evidence quickly.
Serious Injuries We See
Pedestrian accidents can cause life-altering harm. We frequently represent clients with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal injuries, and severe soft-tissue damage.
We work closely with your doctors to document the full extent of your injuries and the medical care you’ll need in the future. This documentation is essential for securing fair compensation that covers both current and long-term needs.
Our Process: From Free Case Review to Settlement or Trial
When you contact The Patel Firm, we begin with a free case review to understand your situation and explain your options.
From there, we launch an investigation, coordinate your medical care, and calculate your damages. We present a demand to the insurance company and negotiate aggressively. If they refuse a fair settlement, we are ready to file suit and take your case to trial.
Throughout the process, you’ll receive regular updates and honest advice from our pedestrian accident attorneys.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do pedestrians always have the right of way?
Not always. Texas law gives pedestrians the right of way in marked crosswalks and some other situations, but there are exceptions. We review the specifics of your accident to determine liability.
What if the driver fled the scene?
You may still recover compensation through uninsured motorist coverage or other legal strategies.
How much is my case worth?
It depends on your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other factors. We can estimate value after a full review of your case.
How long will my case take?
Simple cases may settle in months; complex or disputed cases can take a year or more.
Do I have to go to court?
Many cases settle without trial, but we prepare every case as if it will go before a jury.
How are fees handled?
We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win.
Local Resources for Pedestrian Accident Victims
- Austin Police Department crash reports (APD)
- Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) crash data
- Major hospitals and trauma centers: Dell Seton Medical Center, St. David’s Medical Center, Ascension Seton Medical Center
These resources can be valuable for gathering documentation and continuing medical treatment.
About Our Austin Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Minesh Patel and the pedestrian accident lawyers at The Patel Firm are committed to protecting victims’ rights. With trial experience, bilingual capabilities, and deep community ties, we are ready to stand by you through every step of your case.
Call Today for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Austin, don’t wait. Contact The Patel Firm for a free, no-obligation case review.
Call (512) 887-1447 now. We’re available 24/7 to help you take the first step toward justice.
