Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
Often, pedestrian accidents happen because of inadequate infrastructure. While the design of Dallas-area roads is not always conducive for pedestrians, drivers are still legally obligated to look out for their safety. This makes most accidents that involve a vehicle hitting a pedestrian the fault of drivers. While driver behavior is the leading cause of all traffic accidents—including pedestrian accidents—there are other causes to consider.
The following is a list of potential causes of pedestrian accidents:
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Running a red light/stop sign
- Defective pedestrian signals
- Failing to check before reversing
- Motor vehicle defects
- Poorly designed intersections
- Drugged driving
- Lack of sidewalk or crosswalk
Some of these are caused by driver negligence or wrongdoing. Still, others are due to negligent manufacturers or the companies responsible for designing and maintaining our city's roadways. Our Dallas pedestrian injury attorneys carefully investigate every case to ensure all contributing factors are brought to light.
2022: The Highest Number of Pedestrian Deaths in 40 Years
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reported that in 2022, nationwide pedestrian fatalities reached their highest point since 1981. More than 7,500 pedestrians lost their lives in traffic accidents in the U.S., which meant an average of 20 people died each day from a vehicle striking them. Texas accounts for a considerable percentage of those high numbers, with the state reporting 828 fatal pedestrian accidents that same year.
As a pedestrian in the Dallas area, you can take the following steps to protect yourself:
- Follow traffic laws as they apply to pedestrians.
- Always use sidewalks when they're available.
- If there's no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far to the right as possible.
- Cross at crosswalks or intersections, looking for cars in all directions.
- Watch for cars backing out of driveways or parking spaces.
- Avoid alcohol, drugs, and even texting or using your phone while walking.
- Never assume that a driver sees you or will yield the right of way.
Can Pedestrians Be Faulted for Accidents?
In certain instances yes, pedestrians can share some of the liability for an accident. With states like Texas that use modified comparative negligence, this means that any fault for the accident can reduce the amount of compensation that an victim can recover. In fact, if someone, even a pedestrian, is considered more than 50% at fault for the accident, then they cannot recover compensation from insurance.
How can a pedestrian share fault for an accident? If a pedestrian failed to yield the right of way, or crossed an intersection in spite of a red, yellow, or “Don't Walk” light, for example, then a pedestrian might be assigned some of the blame for the accident. However, even if a pedestrian does share some fault for the accident, they can still recover some compensation in many cases. Don't let the insurance company tell you otherwise. Talk to a lawyer about your case as soon as possible in order to protect your right to financial recovery.
Call Our Pedestrian Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been in a pedestrian accident, then you can find the legal support and representation you need at Arnold & Itkin. Our Dallas lawyers are here to take care of insurance claims and any other legal issues you're facing so that you can focus on moving forward, while we make sure you get the compensation you need. If you hire us, we charge nothing upfront, and we don't get paid unless you do.
Don't hesitate to request a free, no-obligation case review with one of our pedestrian accident lawyers: (888) 493-1629.
