Pedestrians are some of the most vulnerable people on the road. When drivers fail to yield at crosswalks or drive carelessly, it can lead to devastating consequences. If you were hit while crossing the street, you may be dealing with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and emotional trauma.
Understanding your legal rights after a pedestrian accident can help you take control of the situation and seek the compensation you need. A Texas pedestrian accident attorney can guide you through your options, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for what you deserve.
What Are Your Rights as a Pedestrian in Texas?
Texas law provides specific protections for pedestrians—especially when they’re using designated crosswalks. Drivers are required to yield the right of way when a pedestrian is legally crossing at an intersection or marked crosswalk.
Unfortunately, not all drivers follow the rules. Whether they’re distracted, speeding, or simply not paying attention, negligent drivers can cause serious harm to pedestrians. But when a driver hits you in a crosswalk, you have the legal right to pursue compensation.
The Right to File a Personal Injury Claim
If a driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you can file a personal injury claim to recover damages. These claims can help you recover both economic and non-economic losses, including:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, hospital stays, rehab)
- Lost wages if you can’t work due to your injuries
- Pain and suffering for physical pain and emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life if your injuries lead to long-term effects
The Right to Compensation Even if You’re Partially At Fault
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means you can still recover compensation if you were partially at fault—as long as you were less than 51% responsible for the accident.
For example, if you were distracted by your phone while crossing but the driver was speeding and failed to stop, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault—but you can still recover damages.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in a Crosswalk
Taking the right steps after an accident can help protect your rights and strengthen your claim.
Get Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel okay, some injuries—like head trauma or internal bleeding—may not show symptoms right away. Getting medical help ensures your injuries are documented and treated promptly.
Report the Accident
Call 911 and make sure the police respond to the scene. An official accident report can provide important details that support your version of events.
Gather Evidence (If You Can)
If you’re able, try to collect evidence at the scene. This includes:
- Photos of the crosswalk, your injuries, and any vehicle damage
- Contact information for the driver and any witnesses
- Details about the time, location, and road conditions
Speak to a Texas Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by blaming the pedestrian or downplaying your injuries. A knowledgeable attorney can advocate for your rights and help you build a strong case for full compensation.
Common Causes of Crosswalk Accidents
Understanding how pedestrian accidents happen can be helpful for both prevention and legal strategy. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted driving – texting, GPS use, or other distractions
- Speeding – drivers may not have time to stop for pedestrians
- Failure to yield – especially at crosswalks without signals
- Left-hand turns – drivers may focus on traffic and miss pedestrians
- Poor visibility – accidents often occur at night or in bad weather
Regardless of the cause, if a driver’s negligence led to your injuries, you shouldn’t be left to handle the fallout alone.
Why You Need a Texas Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Navigating a personal injury claim after a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming. A dedicated lawyer can:
- Investigate the accident and gather key evidence
- Handle negotiations with insurance adjusters
- Accurately calculate your damages—including future costs
- Take your case to trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered
At The Law Giant Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers, we fight for the rights of injured pedestrians across Texas. We understand how life-altering these accidents can be—and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Hit by a Car While Crossing the Street? Call The Law Giant Today
You don’t have to face the aftermath of a pedestrian accident on your own. Let us stand by your side and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call 866-523-4167 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. At The Law Giant, we’re committed to helping you recover—physically, emotionally, and financially.
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