Advocating for Pedestrian Rights

In a collision with a moving motor vehicle weighing 4,000 lbs. or more, a pedestrian can suffer severe or fatal injuries. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident in Texas, contact an experienced pedestrian accident attorney as soon as you are able.

What Are the Facts About Pedestrian Accidents?

  • In 2022, an estimated 7,508 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes, as reported by GHSA. This is the highest number of pedestrian fatalities since 1981. 
  • In Texas alone, 834 pedestrians were killed in 2022, representing an 8% increase from the previous year.
  • As of 2021, pedestrian deaths represent nearly 18% of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. 
  • Approximately one pedestrian death occurs every 66 minutes in the U.S., as stated by the CDC.
  • One in six people killed in traffic crashes in 2021 were pedestrians.
  • An estimated 60,577 pedestrians were injured in traffic crashes in 2021, according to the
  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
  • Among children ages 14 and younger killed in traffic crashes in 2021, 15% were pedestrians. 
  • 89% of pedestrian fatalities occurred in single-vehicle collisions. 
  • Hit-and-run drivers struck nearly one in four pedestrians killed in crashes in 2021. 

What Factors Contribute to Pedestrian Accidents?

According to the CDC, the major risk factors for pedestrian accidents are location, speed, vehicle size, and alcohol. The following are contributing factors to the risk and severity of pedestrian accidents:

Vehicle Speed:

Higher speeds increase both the likelihood of pedestrian accidents and the severity of injuries when they occur. 

Roadways:

Most pedestrian accident deaths occur on high-capacity urban roads with speed limits of 45 mph to 55 mph. 

Infrastructure:

Design conflicts between access to commercial establishments (restaurants, stores, etc.) and higher travel speeds to prioritize vehicle movement contribute to pedestrian accidents. The 60 roads with the highest pedestrian deaths from 2001 to 2016 were all adjacent to commercial retail establishments. Most of these roads had multiple lanes, and more than 75% had speed limits posted at 30 mph or higher. 

SUVs:

The SUV market share increased considerably from 2019 to 2022, as stated on Motor1.com. The prevalence of these vehicles on the road has contributed to the severity of pedestrian accidents. A pedestrian hit by a vehicle with a higher front end is more likely to sustain severe head or torso injuries. 

Driver Negligence:

Many pedestrian accidents are caused by drivers who are distracted, fatigued, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs or by drivers who speed, fail to obey traffic signs and signals or fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians.

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What Types of Injuries Can Pedestrian Accidents Cause?

Pedestrians are completely unprotected and vulnerable to serious injuries when struck by a motor vehicle. Common pedestrian accident injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Facial fractures
  • Lacerations and contusions
  • Fractured bones
  • Internal organ damage
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Back and neck injuries
  • Leg and knee injuries
  • Hip and pelvis injuries
  • Amputations
  • Wrongful death

Who Is Liable for Pedestrian Accidents in Texas?

Drivers and pedestrians alike are subject to Texas traffic laws. For example, pedestrians must walk on sidewalks, and vehicles are required to yield to pedestrians crossing the road in designated crosswalks. When a pedestrian accident occurs, either the driver or the pedestrian, or both, may be found to be at fault. A negligent driver who caused a pedestrian accident may be held liable for resulting injuries. Damages may include medical expenses, lost wages or earnings, loss of future earning potential, scarring and disfigurement, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, mental anguish, and other losses. 

Do You Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

If you have been seriously hurt in a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver, your best chance of recovering the maximum compensation is to ensure you have an experienced pedestrian accident attorney fighting for you. At McCraw Law Group, we have over 20 years of experience and a reputation for quality and trustworthiness. We genuinely care about our clients and work hard to get the best possible results. When we represent you in a pedestrian accident claim, rest assured you will not fall through the cracks or feel ignored. 

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Get The Help You Need Contact McCraw Law Group

If you are in need of a personal injury attorney in North Texas, please contact the team at McCraw Law Group today. We are ready to help you in a broad range of serious accident and injury legal issues, and offer multiple ways to reach us.

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If you are in need of a personal injury attorney in North Texas, please contact the team at McCraw Law Group today. We are ready to help you in a broad range of serious accident and injury legal issues, and offer multiple ways to reach us.

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