Any time a car hits a pedestrian, the pedestrian is in the most vulnerable position. When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the injuries to the person who is hit can be life-altering, while the driver most likely remains unhurt. The injured pedestrian has to deal with medical bills, temporary or permanent disability, pain and suffering, lost wages, and a variety of other losses. A seasoned Austin pedestrian accident lawyer, like those found at Ross • Scalise Employment Lawyers, can help injured pedestrians seek compensation for injuries caused by driver negligence.
Driver Negligence
Driver distraction is the number one cause of a vehicle striking a pedestrian. A driver who is looking at oncoming traffic before making a turn may not see someone who is crossing the street. Texting while driving, emailing, scrolling through social media, and a number of other mobile distractions take drivers’ eyes away from the road, making them prone to missing pedestrians using crosswalks.
Other distractions such as eating, personal grooming, fiddling with the radio, using GPS, and drowsy driving all contribute to reckless driving – furthering the chances of pedestrian accidents. Speeding or running red lights or stop signs increase the chance that a driver will hit a pedestrian.
Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol result in cars swerving onto sidewalks and other dangerous situations. If someone under the influence caused your pedestrian accident in Texas, you have rights and consult with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer in Austin, TX.
Unsafe Texas Roadway Conditions
While most pedestrian accidents are the result of negligent driving, dangerous conditions on property contribute to some of them. When the owner of a private property doesn’t provide adequate lighting, install speed bumps, or offer enough signs to protect crosswalks, pedestrians are in danger. Issues such as known pedestrian “danger areas” not being properly marked, or other negligence can result in an increased danger to pedestrians.
If lack of lighting, speed control, signs or roadway markings on private property contributed to a car hitting a pedestrian, the personal injury claim filed by your Austin pedestrian accident lawyer may involve more than just the driver.
School and Construction Zones
Children are the most vulnerable pedestrians. Speeding through neighborhoods and school zones is extremely dangerous. Using cellphones in school zones is against the law in many communities. Drivers using cellphones, or any other kind of distracted driving or driving under the influence in school zones or residential areas is a recipe for disaster. It is always a driver’s responsibility to be on the lookout for pedestrians, especially children.
When vehicles pass through construction zones, the law requires them to slow down to the temporary posted speed limit. Even with signs warning drivers of doubled speeding tickets in construction zones, many drivers fail to drive safely. Construction workers are often in and around the roadway for extended periods of time. One distracted or reckless driver can result in the serious injury or death of a construction worker.
Ross • Scalise Employment Lawyers | Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Austin, TX
If you or someone you love was the victim of driver negligence in a pedestrian accident, there are laws that protect your rights. Pedestrians who are hit by cars often suffer grave injuries, such as permanent disability, paralysis, or brain damage.
To learn more about how you can take legal action against distracted drivers in Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and beyond, contact us as soon as possible to discuss your pedestrian accident case. Whether you’ve sustained a minor or major injury, the accident and injury lawyers at Ross • Scalise Employment Lawyers will work hard to help you seek fair compensation.