San Antonio Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Pedestrian Accidents in Texas

In recent years, Texas has seen a sharp increase in the overall number of pedestrian accident fatalities. In fact, our state has consistently ranked among the top 10 most dangerous states for pedestrians in the U.S. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (DOT), a shocking 660 pedestrians lost their lives in traffic accidents in 2019, and approximately 5,300 more were injured.

These numbers demonstrate the serious risks pedestrians face every day. If you were injured or if someone you love was killed in a collision with a car, truck, motorcycle, or another motor vehicle, you deserve justice and fair financial compensation for your losses—and Maloney Law Group, P.L.L.C. can help. We encourage you to reach out to our San Antonio pedestrian accident attorneys today to learn more during an initial, no-obligation consultation.

Call (210) 361-2997 or contact us online to get started. 

How Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen?

While many factors can and do contribute to pedestrian accidents, the number one cause of these collisions is negligence. All too often, careless or reckless drivers fail to take proper precautionary measures when sharing roadways with people on foot—with disastrous consequences.

Some of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents include:

Although motorists have a responsibility to yield to pedestrians whenever possible, there are some circumstances in which pedestrians should yield to oncoming vehicles. Unfortunately, failure to yield and general pedestrian negligence contribute to a significant number of pedestrian accidents each year.

The fact remains, however, that drivers have a larger responsibility when it comes to avoiding accidents with people on foot. Because pedestrians are far more likely than motorists to sustain severe, life-altering injuries in the event of a crash, vehicle drivers are the ones who should take every possible precaution to avoid collisions.

Who Is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?

As previously mentioned, motor vehicle operators are often liable for pedestrian accidents. However, there are some scenarios in which a pedestrian may be considered partially or even fully at fault for an accident.

In Texas, pedestrians must abide by the following laws:

• When sidewalks are present, pedestrians must use them and should avoid walking in or along roadways where there are adjacent sidewalks
• Pedestrians must yield the right of way to vehicles when crossing a roadway anywhere other than a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection
• Pedestrians must also yield to vehicles when attempting to cross a roadway where there is a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing
• Unless there are traffic control devices specifically authorizing it, crossing intersections at a diagonal angle is prohibited

That being said, the law specifically provides that motorists must “exercise due care,” including using their vehicles’ horns and utilizing proper precaution around a child or apparently confused, incapacitated, or intoxicated person.

Because of this issue of due care, motorists are often legally liable for pedestrian accidents. However, they may attempt to argue that a pedestrian “darted out” into a roadway, was unlawfully soliciting along a highway, or failed to use a provided crosswalk at an intersection to cross the street. At Maloney Law Group, P.L.L.C., we know how to fight back against insurance company tactics to dispute, devalue, or deny your claim, and we are prepared to do everything possible to recover the full, fair compensation you are owed.

Common Pedestrian Injuries

Sadly, pedestrians often suffer severe or even fatal injuries when they are struck by large, heavy motor vehicles.

Some of the most common pedestrian accident injuries include:

These and other catastrophic injuries have serious, long-lasting implications. Often, victims will need extensive emergency medical care, as well as ongoing treatment. They may be unable to work and earn a living for themselves or their families for weeks, months, or even years; in some cases, they may never be able to return to work at all.

At Maloney Law Group, P.L.L.C., we understand the massive physical, emotional, and financial impact of pedestrian accidents. Because of this, our attorneys are ready to fight for every penny you deserve. While this cannot undo the pain and suffering you have experienced, it can provide you with the financial resources and ability to get back on your feet and move forward with your life.