Pedestrians face significant risks when walking in downtown Austin and throughout other communities in our active, growing city. When drivers who are speeding, distracted, or impaired hit pedestrians, they can cause severe and sometimes life-threatening injuries.
A pedestrian hit by a car faces a challenging path to recovery, but an experienced Austin pedestrian accident lawyer can provide the legal support they need while they focus on healing. The Patel Firm has a strong track record of success in pursuing pedestrian accident claims on behalf of injured individuals throughout Texas.
Discover more about how we’ll fight for the compensation and justice you deserve after a pedestrian collision. Contact us right away to discuss your situation with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Austin during a free, no-obligation consultation.
Why Should I Hire an Attorney for My Austin Pedestrian Accident Claim?
After a pedestrian accident, you may face overwhelming medical bills, an indefinite time away from work, and uncertainty about your future. Meanwhile, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or shift blame onto injured pedestrians, potentially putting your financial recovery in jeopardy.
Having an experienced Austin pedestrian accident attorney on your side can make a significant difference in how your post-accident recovery proceeds. A lawyer from The Patel Firm will protect your rights and provide the professional handling and attention your claim deserves from the start.
As you focus on recovery, our attorneys can concentrate on building a strong case by doing the following:
- Conducting a thorough investigation of the accident
- Gathering and preserving critical evidence
- Identifying all potentially liable parties
- Calculating the full value of your losses, including future medical expenses and lost income
- Handling all communications and negotiations with insurance companies
- Consulting with medical and accident reconstruction experts
- Filing all necessary legal documents in a timely manner
- Representing you in settlement discussions or at trial, if necessary
- Never charging you anything unless we win your case
In the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, you need a skilled advocate in your corner who’s committed to protecting your interests and pursuing the maximum compensation you deserve. Let The Patel Firm manage your claim so you can concentrate on what matters most – your health and family.
Contact us today to speak with a qualified Pedestrian accident lawyer in Austin. Your case review is free and fully confidential.
What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident?
Your health and safety must always be your top priority. If you’re able, move out of harm’s way and call 911 for emergency assistance. However, many pedestrian accident victims suffer severe injuries and may be unable to take action at the scene. In such cases, prioritize receiving prompt medical attention and following your doctor’s recommendations for recovery.
In the days and weeks following the accident, you should take the following important steps to protect your health, your rights, and your potential pedestrian accident injury claim:
- Obtain and keep copies of all medical records and bills.
- Follow up with doctors and specialists, and follow recommended treatments.
- Notify your employer about your injuries and keep a record of any missed work.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters before speaking to a lawyer.
- Keep a journal of your symptoms, pain, and emotional struggles.
- Contact an experienced Austin pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?
The driver of the vehicle is typically the primary party responsible for an Austin pedestrian accident. Drivers who speed, text while driving, fail to yield at crosswalks, or drive under the influence can easily cause devastating harm to pedestrians. When a driver’s behavior causes an accident, you can hold them legally accountable for your resulting injuries and losses and seek compensation for them.
However, liability isn’t always limited to the driver. Other potentially responsible parties may include the following:
- Employers, if the driver was working at the time of the crash
- Vehicle manufacturers, if a mechanical defect contributed to the accident
- Government entities, if unsafe road design or faulty signals played a role
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?
An Austin pedestrian accident can cause significant physical, financial, and emotional harm. Texas law entitles you to seek compensation for these losses. Depending on the details of your case, your recovery may include compensation for the following:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Property damage
The total value of your claim will depend on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the length of your recovery, the available insurance coverage, and whether you share any fault for the accident. A skilled attorney from The Patel Firm can accurately calculate your expenses and losses and pursue the maximum pedestrian accident compensation available under Texas law.
How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Texas?
You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit. The Texas statute of limitations on pedestrian accident claims is strict, and missing the deadline usually leaves you no options for seeking compensation in court. While some circumstances can extend the deadline, others, such as pedestrian accident cases involving claims against government entities, have even shorter notice requirements.
Because of these strict deadlines and the fact that crucial evidence can degrade very quickly, it’s important to contact a pedestrian accident attorney in Austin as soon as possible. Reach out to The Patel Firm to discuss your options and preserve your right to seek financial recovery for your injuries.
How Many Pedestrians Are Killed in Austin and Texas Each Year?
Pedestrian deaths in Texas have been on the rise for years. In the most recent year for which data is available, the Texas Department of Transportation reported 808 pedestrian accident deaths statewide.
How many pedestrians are killed in Austin? According to a recent report from the Austin City Auditor’s Office, a four-year study revealed just 3.2 percent of all Austin vehicle accidents involved pedestrians. However, nearly 28 percent of pedestrian accidents caused serious injuries or fatalities. Austin’s Vision Zero program recorded 39 pedestrian deaths in one recent year, along with 59 serious injuries.
Despite ongoing efforts to make roads safer for pedestrians, there is still room for improvement, and even a single pedestrian collision is one too many.
What Are the Main Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?
Driver error is the primary cause of pedestrian accidents in Austin. All vehicle operators have a duty to avoid causing harm to others. Still, despite laws specifically designed to protect pedestrians, many motorists fail to exercise appropriate caution while driving.
Intersections, crosswalks, parking lots/garages, and busy downtown areas present the greatest risk to pedestrians, who are highly vulnerable to the following driving behaviors:
- Distracted driving, including texting, talking on the phone, or using in-car technology instead of watching the road
- Speeding, which reduces a driver’s ability to stop or react in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian
- Failure to yield to pedestrians when they have the right-of-way in crosswalks and at intersections
- Impaired driving, as alcohol or drugs affect a driver’s reaction time and judgment
- Running red lights or stop signs to enter intersections when pedestrians are crossing legally
- Reckless or aggressive driving, such as weaving through traffic, tailgating, or making unsafe turns
- Driving without headlights or failing to adjust for darkness, rain, or glare
While most pedestrian accidents stem from driver behavior, other factors can also contribute to their occurrence. For example, defective vehicle parts, poorly designed crosswalks, inadequate street lighting, and the behaviors of other drivers not directly involved can all contribute to or cause pedestrian accidents.
What Are Common Injuries Someone Can Sustain in a Pedestrian Accident?
Pedestrians have no protection against the force of a moving vehicle. This makes them especially vulnerable in the event of a collision. Even in a low-speed or indirect collision, a pedestrian can suffer serious or life-threatening injuries when nothing is protecting them from the impact. As a result, many require extensive medical treatment and long recovery times to heal from their injuries.
Some of the most common Austin pedestrian accident injuries include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Concussions and other head trauma
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Severe lacerations and abrasions
- Soft tissue injuries
- Crush injuries
- Amputations
- Facial or dental injuries
Additionally, pedestrian accident injuries aren’t exclusively physical in nature. Many victims also experience lasting emotional and psychological effects after being hit by a car, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Mental health challenges resulting from a traumatic collision can make it difficult for a person to return to their normal life or feel safe near traffic again.
If you’re experiencing mental health difficulties after an accident, these “invisible injuries” also deserve full consideration in your claim.
Contact an Austin Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Getting hit by a car is one of the most frightening things a person can experience. If you were involved in a collision as a pedestrian, you may feel like your life has completely changed in an instant. At The Patel Firm, our pedestrian accident law firm understands what you’re going through and wants to help make it easier for you to move forward. We’ll manage every aspect of your injury claim and keep you updated throughout the legal process while you focus on your physical recovery.
Contact us today to meet with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Austin at no cost to you. We’re available 24/7 and respond quickly to calls, messages, and emails. Your initial consultation is free and fully confidential, and we never collect a fee unless we recover compensation for you.