Austin Pedestrian Accident Injury Lawyer

Austin Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

AT THE LAW GIANT, We Win Big!

With thousands of satisfied clients, our Austin pedestrian accident injury attorneys have what it takes to fight for your rights in Texas’s most walkable city.

Our Austin pedestrian accident lawyers can help if you or a loved one were struck by a vehicle while walking in Austin. Whether your accident occurred on busy downtown streets, while crossing South Lamar, or anywhere throughout Travis County, call The Law Giant, Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers at 866-523-4167 or contact us online.

With over $750 million recovered for our clients, we offer free case consultations. There is no risk in scheduling a time to talk and learn more about your legal options after an Austin pedestrian accident.

Austin Pedestrian Accidents: A Growing Concern

Austin’s commitment to being a walkable city has made it one of Texas’s most pedestrian-friendly metropolitan areas. From the bustling downtown core to trendy neighborhoods like South Congress and East Austin, thousands of residents and visitors walk Austin’s streets daily. However, with rapid population growth and increased traffic, pedestrian accidents have become an alarming concern throughout Central Texas.

Every day, pedestrians are injured in Austin due to negligent or reckless driving. Whether you’re walking to work downtown, crossing busy intersections on Guadalupe Street, or enjoying Austin’s walkable neighborhoods, a moment of driver inattention can change your life forever. When drivers fail in their duty to watch for pedestrians, the consequences can be devastating.

Austin pedestrian accidents can be minor, but they often result in serious injuries or death. Regardless of the severity of impact, if a driver’s negligence caused your pedestrian accident, they are responsible for your injuries and damages.

Austin Pedestrian Safety Statistics

Pedestrian safety is a critical issue in Austin. According to recent Texas Department of Transportation data, there were 5,921 accidents involving motor vehicles and pedestrians statewide (roughly one pedestrian accident every 1.48 hours), with Austin accounting for a significant portion due to its urban density and pedestrian-friendly culture.

In Austin specifically, pedestrian accidents occur frequently in high-traffic areas such as:

• Downtown Austin’s busy streets and crosswalks
• South Lamar Boulevard and South Congress Avenue
• University of Texas campus area along Guadalupe Street
• East Austin’s rapidly developing corridors
• Popular entertainment districts like 6th Street and Rainey Street

The most innocent pedestrian victims are often children. Young children are at increased risk in Austin’s family-friendly neighborhoods and school zones throughout the city.

Common Austin Pedestrian Accident Scenarios

Downtown Austin Crosswalk Accidents

Austin’s downtown core features numerous crosswalks where pedestrians and vehicles intersect. Accidents commonly occur when drivers fail to yield at marked crosswalks, run red lights, or make turns without checking for pedestrians. The busy intersection areas around the Austin Convention Center, City Hall, and the State Capitol are particularly high-risk.

University of Texas Area Accidents

The UT campus area along Guadalupe Street (The Drag) sees heavy pedestrian traffic from students, faculty, and visitors. Drivers who are unfamiliar with the area or distracted often fail to account for the high volume of pedestrians, especially during class changes and evening hours.

South Congress and South Lamar Accidents

These popular Austin corridors combine heavy vehicle traffic with significant pedestrian activity from shoppers, diners, and tourists. Restaurant patios, shops, and entertainment venues create numerous opportunities for pedestrian-vehicle conflicts, especially during Austin’s busy evening hours.

Entertainment District Accidents

Austin’s famous 6th Street, Rainey Street, and Warehouse District see increased pedestrian accidents, particularly on weekends and during major events like SXSW or ACL Festival. Impaired drivers and crowded street conditions create dangerous situations for pedestrians enjoying Austin’s nightlife.

Parking Lot and Private Property Accidents

Many Austin pedestrian accidents occur in parking lots of shopping centers, restaurants, and businesses. Areas like The Domain, Barton Creek Square, and numerous strip centers throughout Austin can be hazardous when drivers back out without checking for pedestrians or speed through parking areas.

Construction Zone Accidents

Austin’s rapid growth means ongoing construction throughout the city. Construction zones often alter normal pedestrian routes, create confusing traffic patterns, and reduce visibility. Pedestrians navigating around construction sites face increased risks from both construction vehicles and confused motorists.

Common Causes of Austin Pedestrian Accidents

Our Austin pedestrian accident attorneys have identified several factors that frequently contribute to pedestrian accidents throughout Central Texas:

Distracted Driving

Austin drivers using cell phones, texting, or interacting with GPS systems often fail to notice pedestrians. This is particularly dangerous in high-pedestrian areas like downtown Austin, campus areas, and entertainment districts.

Failure to Yield Right-of-Way

Many Austin drivers fail to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, intersections, and when making turns. This is especially common during Austin’s rush hours when drivers are eager to navigate traffic quickly.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Drivers exceeding speed limits on busy Austin streets like Lamar Boulevard, Congress Avenue, or I-35 frontage roads have reduced reaction time to avoid pedestrians. Speed increases both the likelihood of accidents and severity of injuries.

Impaired Driving

Austin’s vibrant nightlife and numerous bars and restaurants contribute to impaired driving incidents. Drunk drivers have significantly impaired judgment and reaction times, making them extremely dangerous to Austin pedestrians, especially in entertainment areas.

Poor Visibility Conditions

Austin’s frequent storms, fog, and darkness can reduce visibility. Drivers who fail to adjust their driving for these conditions put pedestrians at risk, particularly those walking without reflective clothing or in poorly lit areas.

Running Red Lights and Stop Signs

Austin’s growing traffic congestion leads some drivers to run red lights or roll through stop signs, creating dangerous conditions for pedestrians who have the right-of-way to cross.

Common Austin Pedestrian Accident Injuries

When pedestrians are struck by vehicles in Austin, the lack of protection makes injuries typically severe and life-changing. Our Austin pedestrian accident lawyers have handled cases involving:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Head trauma is common when pedestrians are thrown onto vehicle hoods, windshields, or pavement. TBIs can cause long-term cognitive impairment, personality changes, and permanent disability, requiring extensive treatment at Austin-area medical facilities like Dell Seton Medical Center at UT.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The force of vehicle impact can cause severe spinal injuries leading to partial or complete paralysis. These life-altering injuries dramatically affect victims’ ability to enjoy Austin’s active lifestyle and outdoor activities.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Pedestrians commonly suffer multiple fractures, including broken arms, legs, ribs, and pelvic bones. These injuries often require multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation.

Internal Injuries

The impact force can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, and other internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening without prompt medical attention.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Sprains, strains, and muscle damage are common, often requiring physical therapy and long-term treatment that can interfere with work and daily activities.

Facial and Dental Injuries

Contact with vehicles or pavement can cause severe facial injuries, dental damage, and scarring that may require reconstructive surgery and ongoing treatment.

These injuries can be particularly devastating for Austin residents who value the city’s active, outdoor lifestyle. Recovery from serious pedestrian accident injuries may prevent victims from enjoying hiking, biking, and other recreational activities that make Austin special.

What to Do After an Austin Pedestrian Accident

If you’re involved in a pedestrian accident in Austin, taking the right steps immediately can protect your health and legal rights:

Immediate Actions:

1. Call 911: Report the accident to Austin Police and request emergency medical services
2. Move to Safety: If possible, move out of traffic to avoid additional accidents
3. Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, see a doctor immediately
4. Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident location, vehicles, and your injuries
5. Gather Information: Get the driver’s contact, insurance, and license information
6. Collect Witness Information: Get names and contact details from anyone who saw the accident
7. Avoid Admitting Fault: Don’t apologize or make statements about who caused the accident

Follow-Up Actions:

• Obtain a copy of the Austin Police accident report
• Keep detailed records of all medical treatment and expenses
• Document how the accident affects your daily life and work
• Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without legal counsel
• Contact an experienced Austin pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible

Texas Pedestrian Laws and Your Rights in Austin

In Texas, both drivers and pedestrians have a legal duty to exercise reasonable care to avoid accidents. Understanding your rights as an Austin pedestrian is crucial for both safety and legal protection.

Right-of-Way Laws in Austin

Pedestrians generally have the right of way when they are in a marked crosswalk or crossing at an intersection with a traffic signal. Austin has numerous marked crosswalks throughout downtown, the UT campus area, and major corridors where pedestrians have legal protection.

Texas law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians who are already in a crosswalk, whether marked or unmarked, at intersections. However, pedestrians must still exercise caution and ensure it’s safe to cross.

Driver Obligations in Austin

Austin drivers have specific legal obligations to prevent pedestrian accidents:

• Due Care: Drivers must use due care to avoid collisions with pedestrians
• Warning Signals: Drivers should sound their horn when necessary to warn pedestrians
• Special Care: Extra precaution required around children and incapacitated pedestrians
• Traffic Law Compliance: Obeying all traffic signals, signs, and speed limits

Comparative Fault in Austin Cases

Texas follows a legal doctrine called “modified comparative fault.” Under this rule, an injured party can still recover compensation as long as they are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. This means that even if you contributed to the accident in some way, you may still recover compensation if the driver bears greater responsibility.

Compensation for Austin Pedestrian Accident Victims

Austin pedestrian accident victims may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages:

Economic Damages

• Medical Expenses: Including treatment at Austin hospitals like Dell Seton Medical Center, St. David’s, and Austin Regional Clinic
• Future Medical Costs: Ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and assistive devices
• Lost Wages: Income lost due to inability to work
• Loss of Earning Capacity: Reduced ability to earn income in the future
• Property Damage: Damaged personal items like phones, clothing, or bags

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and discomfort from injuries
• Mental Anguish: Emotional distress and psychological trauma
• Disfigurement: Scarring and permanent physical changes
• Physical Limitations: Reduced mobility and physical capabilities
• Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in Austin’s outdoor activities and lifestyle

Wrongful Death Damages

When pedestrian accidents result in death, surviving family members may recover compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, loss of companionship, and mental anguish.

The Austin Pedestrian Accident Legal Process

Pursuing compensation after an Austin pedestrian accident typically involves several steps:

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

Our Austin attorneys immediately begin investigating your accident, collecting evidence such as:

• Austin Police accident reports
• Traffic camera and security footage from Austin businesses
• Witness statements and expert accident reconstruction
• Medical records and expert medical testimony
• Cell phone records to prove driver distraction

Insurance Claims

We handle all communications with insurance companies, protecting you from tactics designed to minimize your compensation. Texas requires drivers to carry minimum insurance, but serious pedestrian accidents often exceed these limits.

Litigation if Necessary

If insurance companies refuse to offer fair compensation, we’re prepared to take your case to court. In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the pedestrian accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, making it important to consult with an attorney promptly.

Why Choose Our Austin Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Austin’s unique urban environment creates specific challenges for pedestrian accident cases. Our attorneys understand:

• Local Knowledge: Familiarity with Austin’s high-risk intersections, traffic patterns, and accident-prone areas
• Austin Medical Network: Relationships with top Austin medical professionals for treatment and expert testimony
• Insurance Company Tactics: Experience dealing with insurance companies that operate in the Austin market
• Community Impact: Understanding of how injuries affect Austin residents’ active lifestyle and community involvement
• Proven Results: Track record of significant recoveries for Austin pedestrian accident victims

No Win, No Fee Promise

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. Our fees come only from successful recovery of compensation, allowing you to focus on healing while we fight for your rights.

Get Help After Your Austin Pedestrian Accident

Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you after an Austin pedestrian accident. The experienced attorneys at The Law Giant, Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers are here to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Time is critical in pedestrian accident cases. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and Texas’s statute of limitations gives you limited time to file a lawsuit. Contact our Austin pedestrian accident lawyers today for a free consultation.

Call 866-523-4167 or contact us online. We serve clients throughout Travis County and understand the unique challenges of pedestrian accidents in Austin’s growing metropolitan area.

The Law Giant Stands With You – and we’re ready to fight for the compensation you need to rebuild your life after a devastating pedestrian accident in Austin.