Dallas Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Injured by a Negligent Motorist While Walking the Streets of Dallas, TX?

Pedestrian accidents present a serious concern in Dallas due to the city's busy urban environment. Pedestrians face risks from distracted drivers, complex traffic patterns, and unsafe crosswalks. Texas law protects pedestrians, providing the right to seek compensation for injuries caused by negligent drivers. Understanding the laws and rights about personal injury accidents ensures you can take the proper legal steps.

Dallas ranks among the highest in Texas for both pedestrian fatalities and severe injuries, especially at intersections like Main Street and Deep Ellum. Many accidents occur around schools and major event venues, highlighting the unique traffic dynamics in the city. Knowing the local context helps victims and families understand the full scope of legal and recovery challenges in Dallas.

Statistics show pedestrian accidents continue to pose a significant issue in Dallas, resulting in many fatalities and injuries each year. Pedestrian accident victims need knowledgeable representation to handle the complexities of personal injury law in Dallas.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident in Dallas, TX, you may face a long and challenging recovery. At Lyons & Simmons, LLP, we recognize the devastation these accidents cause, and we are here to help. Our team of Dallas pedestrian accident attorneys is committed to protecting your rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve.

To schedule a free consultation, call (844) 297-8898 or contact us online today.

What Is a Pedestrian Accident?

A pedestrian accident occurs when a person walking, jogging, or otherwise moving on foot is struck by a vehicle. These accidents can happen anywhere, from crosswalks and sidewalks to parking lots and busy intersections. Pedestrians lack the protection vehicle occupants have, making them more vulnerable to injury. Pedestrian accidents often lead to serious injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, spinal injuries, and, in the most severe cases, death.

Many pedestrian accidents happen at traffic-heavy intersections and in areas where sidewalks or crosswalks are poorly marked. In Dallas, busy corridors like Lemmon Avenue and Oak Lawn Avenue see higher rates of collisions involving pedestrians. Local factors such as rush hour traffic, street construction, and increased rideshare activity contribute to conditions where accidents are more likely to occur. Victims in these accidents are often left with life-altering consequences, further emphasizing the need for careful legal and medical support as soon as possible.

Texas Pedestrian Laws

Texas enforces laws designed to protect pedestrians. Knowing these laws proves crucial when establishing liability in pedestrian accident cases. Key pedestrian laws in Texas include:

• Right of Way: In Texas, pedestrians have the right of way when crossing at a crosswalk. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk. Pedestrians also need to exercise caution and make sure it is safe to cross before entering the roadway.
• Jaywalking: Pedestrians generally have the right of way in crosswalks. Crossing the street outside a designated crosswalk, known as jaywalking, can be illegal. Pedestrians not using a crosswalk or failing to obey traffic signals may be partially or fully at fault for an accident.
• Sidewalks: Pedestrians should use sidewalks whenever they are available. If no sidewalks exist, pedestrians are expected to walk on the left side of the roadway, facing oncoming traffic. Not following these rules may affect the outcome of a legal claim.
• School Zones: Special rules apply in school zones. Drivers must reduce speed in these areas, and pedestrians, especially children, should use added caution near schools.
• Pedestrian Signals: Pedestrians must obey traffic signals at intersections. Crossing when the signal is red or reads "Do Not Walk" can result in an accident and may impact liability.

Dallas police often enforce pedestrian right-of-way laws more strictly in certain neighborhoods, especially those close to schools and public transit stops. Local ordinances in Dallas may require drivers to stop for pedestrians even when not at marked crosswalks if a person is already in the roadway. The city has also implemented annual safety campaigns to inform both drivers and pedestrians about these legal requirements. Staying current on these updates can influence how accident liability is assessed and resolved.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents occur for various reasons. However, certain behaviors and conditions are more likely to cause these incidents. Common causes include:

• Distracted Driving: Increased use of smartphones and other distractions causes many drivers to take their attention off the road. Texting, phone calls, or using GPS can lead drivers to miss seeing pedestrians.
• Speeding: Driving above the speed limit reduces a driver's ability to stop quickly and avoid hitting a pedestrian. In busy urban areas like Dallas, drivers must respond fast to pedestrians unexpectedly stepping into the roadway.
• Running Red Lights: Drivers who run red lights or fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks often cause accidents. This occurs frequently at busy intersections in the city.
• Failure to Yield: Drivers sometimes neglect to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks or intersections, resulting in dangerous collisions.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug use affects a driver’s judgment and reaction time, increasing the likelihood of a pedestrian accident.
• Poor Visibility: Low visibility because of weather, fog, or night driving makes it harder for drivers to see pedestrians. Pedestrians may also increase their risk if they wear dark clothing or cross in poorly lit areas.
• Reckless or Aggressive Driving: Aggressive behaviors like tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and road rage raise the risk of pedestrian accidents.
• Pedestrian Inattention: Sometimes pedestrians contribute to accidents. Using cell phones while walking, failing to use crosswalks, or walking while intoxicated can lead to incidents.

During large events at venues such as the American Airlines Center, pedestrian accident rates rise as both vehicle and foot traffic increase significantly. Areas near bus stops and light rail stations also see more frequent incidents due to the high volume of pedestrian movement. Dallas has invested in flashing crossing signals at some high-traffic intersections, but not all areas benefit from these safety measures. The combination of city infrastructure and individual actions makes it important to understand all contributing factors when examining these cases.

Types of Damages Available in Pedestrian Accident Claims

Pedestrian accident victims in Dallas may have the right to claim a wide range of damages if another party bears responsibility for their injuries. In personal injury cases, damages refer to the monetary compensation a victim may receive to address not only the immediate expenses but also the long-term impacts of an accident. Damages may include reimbursement for medical bills, costs for future medical care, and lost wages if an injury keeps a victim out of work.

Victims commonly seek compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, physical therapy or rehabilitation expenses, and any reduction in quality of life. When severe or permanent injuries occur, additional costs such as home modifications or assistive devices may arise. In some cases involving reckless conduct, a court may award punitive damages to discourage similar future behavior. Texas follows rules that set certain limits and standards for some damage types, so consulting a knowledgeable attorney can clarify what may apply in a specific situation.

Families pursuing wrongful death claims on behalf of a loved one can also recover damages for funeral costs, lost companionship, and emotional suffering. Each case is unique, and the types of compensation available depend on the details of the accident and the losses experienced. The Dallas legal process ensures that all legitimate categories of damages will be reviewed during settlement discussions or litigation, prioritizing the interests of injured pedestrians and their families.

The Time Limit to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Texas

Texas law imposes strict deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, that control how long a pedestrian accident victim has to formally pursue a personal injury lawsuit. Typically, an injured party in Dallas has two years from the accident date to file a claim against the responsible driver, property owner, or other liable party. Missing this deadline can mean losing the right to recover compensation, regardless of how serious the injury may be.

The two-year statute generally also applies to families seeking wrongful death damages after a fatal pedestrian accident. However, the calculation of the time limit often depends on the specific date the injury or death occurred and who intends to file the lawsuit. In certain cases—such as when the defendant is a city government or a public agency—additional notice requirements and even shorter time frames may apply. Understanding how these rules interact with Dallas procedures can make a major difference in the outcome of a case.

Because statutes of limitations involve technical steps and strict rules, victims and families should gather information and take action as soon as possible after an accident. Prompt legal guidance helps ensure all relevant deadlines are met, which protects the ability to recover damages under Texas law. Delays may also make it harder to obtain evidence or witnesses, which can further complicate the recovery process.

Navigating the Insurance Claim Process in Dallas

After a pedestrian accident in Dallas, most victims begin the recovery process by filing a claim with an insurance company. This may involve the driver’s auto insurer, the pedestrian’s own policy, or if a rideshare or commercial vehicle was involved, a company or business insurance provider. The insurance process can feel confusing and sometimes overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries and ongoing medical care.

Insurers in Texas often conduct their own investigation to determine fault, review police reports, interview witnesses, and assess the extent of a claimant’s injuries. Dallas Police Department reports and city camera footage from busy intersections can play a key role during these reviews. Insurance companies may offer a settlement early in hopes of resolving the claim quickly, but injured people are not required to accept a first offer. Instead, claimants have the right to review settlement details, negotiate for increased compensation, and ensure all future costs are included.

If an insurance company delays payment, requests extensive paperwork, or disputes fault, the process may take time and create added stress for victims. Legal support helps Dallas accident victims understand their rights under the policy, respond to insurance requests, and pursue fair compensation for their injuries and losses. In cases where a city-owned vehicle or public agency is involved, the process may include separate steps unique to Dallas government claims.