Thousands of pedestrians are seriously injured or killed in accidents every year in Dallas and throughout Texas. Even when pedestrians are fortunate enough to survive a crash with a car, truck, or another motor vehicle, they may still be left with lifelong pain and permanent disabilities. Many pedestrians also face financial difficulties after an accident due to the high cost of healthcare and lost income. If you have been injured, get in touch with one of our pedestrian accident attorneys in Dallas today.
One of the Best Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Dallas
The Dallas pedestrian accident lawyers at The Wilhite Law Firm are committed to helping crash victims pursue fair and full compensation for their injuries. We will work closely with you through every step of the process, and we will be available anytime you have questions about your case. We treat our clients like people – not just case files. To learn more about how we can help you, contact the Dallas personal injury lawyers at our law firm today for a free initial consultation. We have some of the best pedestrian accident lawyers in Dallas.
How Do You Know If You Have a
Pedestrian Accident Claim?
Pedestrian accident claims are based on the legal concept of negligence. This generally means you can seek compensation for your injuries when someone fails to use reasonable care and caution to avoid harming you. While pedestrians are required to obey certain rules, drivers also have a responsibility to avoid injuring pedestrians. If a driver broke traffic laws or was negligent in some other way, you could potentially hold them liable for the accident and all your related losses.
What Do You Need to Build a Strong Case Against the Driver Who Hit You?
To recover compensation for your injuries in a pedestrian accident case, you will need strong evidence to back your claim. Some of the evidence that is frequently used in pedestrian accident claims includes:
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
- Videos from surveillance or traffic light cameras
- Comprehensive medical care records detailing your injuries
- Accounts from eyewitnesses of the accident
- Testimony from medical experts who can speak to the cause and extent of your injuries
- Testimony from forensic accident investigators
- Police reports of the accident
The sooner you contact an attorney after a pedestrian accident, the sooner the attorney can start gathering evidence to support your case.
Pedestrian Accident FAQs
Here are a few of the most common questions we get about pedestrian accident cases in Dallas:
Pedestrians are required by law to cross at crosswalks or intersections. But the fact that you were jaywalking does not necessarily mean the driver who hit you doesn’t bear some responsibility for the accident. If they were negligent at the time of the accident, you may still be able to recover compensation for your injuries.
Pedestrians should stay on sidewalks where it is possible, and they should always cross the street at intersections or designated crosswalks. If you’re in an accident caused in part by you breaking pedestrian traffic laws, it could make it harder for you to recover full compensation. However, a pedestrian accident attorney can help you craft the strongest possible case.
If you have uninsured motorist coverage under your auto insurance policy, you may be able to recover compensation from your own insurer. Our attorneys will review all available insurance coverage in a free consultation to advise you of your options.
Nothing, if at all possible. To avoid saying anything that could hurt your claim, you should let a lawyer handle all correspondence with insurance companies.
You should generally never accept the initial settlement offer in a pedestrian accident case. In most cases, you can recover additional compensation by getting help from a pedestrian accident attorney and going back to the negotiating table.
The pedestrian accident attorneys at The Wilhite Law Firm work on a contingency fee basis. We will cover the upfront costs of your case, and you won’t owe us anything unless we help you recover compensation for your injuries. Once you have received your settlement or judgment from a trial, your lawyer is paid a percentage of your compensation.
How Much Is My Pedestrian Accident Case Worth?
It is hard to say how much any particular pedestrian accident claim is worth until an attorney has a chance to look over the facts. With that said, the law allows pedestrian accident victims to recover substantial compensation for their injuries, provided they can establish another party’s fault. You could potentially receive compensation for:
- Present and future medical expenses
- Reduced future earning potential
- Wrongful death of a loved one
- Lost wages
- Physical pain and emotional distress
To maximize your chances of recovering full compensation for your injuries, you should hire a pedestrian accident attorney at The Wilhite Law Firm as soon as possible. Our legal team can begin gathering evidence and documenting the losses you have suffered while you are recovering from the accident.
Why Do You Need a Dallas Pedestrian Accident Lawyer to Handle Your Case?
It is crucial to get help from an experienced Dallas pedestrian accident lawyer if a driver hit you. You likely have expensive medical bills, and you may have to miss an extended period of work while you heal from your injuries. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may have permanent disabilities and be unable to work. You may also deserve compensation for the pain and suffering you have been through. Our Dallas personal injury attorneys will help.
A pedestrian accident attorney can help you seek compensation for your injuries by:
- Investigating the accident to determine who may be liable for your injuries
- Gathering evidence to establish liability and document your losses
- Filling your claim correctly and in a timely fashion
- Handling settlement negotiations with the liable party
- Bringing your case to court if necessary and presenting a strong case to the jury
What Are Some Common Injuries in
Pedestrian Crashes?
Pedestrian accidents can cause severe injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Muscle sprains and tears
- Damage to ligaments and tendons
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Injuries to the head and face
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Wrongful death
What Are Leading Causes of
Pedestrian Accidents?
There is no single cause of pedestrian accidents in Texas, but some of the more common causes are:
- Drivers impaired by drugs and alcohol
- Distracted driving
- Driver fatigue
- Speeding and reckless drivers
How Long Do You Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Texas?
The Texas statute of limitations on pedestrian accident claims is generally two years from the date of the crash. If you have not filed a lawsuit by that point, you will most likely lose your chance of recovering compensation for your injuries. So you should get started on your case as quickly as you can by talking to a pedestrian accident attorney at our law firm today.
How to Protect Your Rights If You Are a Pedestrian Hit by a Car
You can take certain steps to put yourself in the best position for seeking maximum compensation for your injuries after a pedestrian accident in Dallas. At The Wilhite Law Firm, we suggest that you:
- Call 911 – The police will respond and begin an accident investigation, and emergency medical personnel can start treating your injuries.
- Take photos – If possible, take pictures of your injuries, the vehicle that hit you, and the surrounding crash environment. These pictures can be vital to your case.
- Get contact information – Get the name of the driver who hit you and their insurance company information. If there are any eyewitnesses, get their names and contact information. They can help corroborate your claim.
- Get medical attention – If you aren’t brought to a hospital, see your own doctor right away. Your doctor can start you on a treatment plan and document the injuries you’ve suffered.
- Watch what you say – Don’t speak to any insurance companies or talk about the case in public. Also, avoid mentioning the accident or your injuries on social media. These statements could hurt your case. Let a lawyer do the talking for you.
- Hire a trusted pedestrian accident attorney – An experienced lawyer can start gathering evidence to build your case while you are healing from your injuries. You need to act quickly, though, to make sure key evidence does not disappear or deteriorate.
Talk to a Dallas Pedestrian Accident Attorney Now
At The Wilhite Law Firm, our extensive experience as pedestrian accident injury attorneys means we have the knowledge and the resources to help you. You’re in pain, you’ve got bills piling up, and you may have permanent injuries. It’s our job to help you demand the money you need to put your life back together. Meanwhile, you can rest and recuperate.
We pride ourselves on our work ethic and our commitment to client service at The Wilhite Law Firm. We will always be available to answer any questions you have. Contact our pedestrian accident injury law firm in Dallas today for a free initial consultation and learn more about how we can help you after a pedestrian accident.