Austin Pedestrian Accident Lawyer: You Deserve Justice

Campos Law Group > Areas of Practice Provided by Our Austin Accident Attorney > Austin Pedestrian Accident Lawyer: You Deserve Justice

If you’ve been struck by a vehicle while walking in Austin, it’s imperative to align yourself with a legal professional who can navigate the complexities of pedestrian accident claims. An Austin pedestrian accident lawyer is not only instrumental in clarifying your rights but also in strategizing how to secure just compensation for your injuries and suffering. With their expertise, you can confidently address the intricacies of your case and ensure that your voice is heard in the quest for fairness and accountability.

Campos Law Group serves as an Austin pedestrian accident lawyer team, dedicated to giving you the representation you deserve. If you need legal counsel or help, call us today at 512-233-6947.

The Impact of Pedestrian Accidents in Austin

A pedestrian crossing the street.Each year, Austin’s pedestrian population experiences thousands of accidents, indicating a major public safety issue. With crosswalks and intersections being common sites for pedestrian-vehicle collisions, there’s a pressing need for enhanced safety provisions. The catastrophic injuries resulting from these accidents highlight the importance of obtaining thorough legal representation from Austin pedestrian accident lawyers, who can serve as your dedicated Austin pedestrian accident attorney.

Most pedestrian accidents result in severe injuries or even fatalities, causing significant distress for the victims and their families. As experienced pedestrian accident attorneys, our mission is to advocate for the rights of the injured and seek justice on their behalf in each pedestrian accident case. If you or a loved one has been involved in such an incident, consulting a pedestrian accident lawyer can be a crucial step in obtaining the compensation you deserve.

The Growing Concern for Pedestrian Safety

Pedestrian fatalities in Austin are alarmingly high, with 34 fatalities reported in 2022 alone. Astonishingly, almost 40% of people killed on Austin roads in 2019 were pedestrians. Furthermore, the rate of pedestrian deaths in Texas increased by 10% from the previous year, making Texas the 10th most deadly state for walking commuters.

Across the state, one in five roadway deaths involves pedestrians, a disturbing statistic that underscores the daily hazards they face. To combat this issue, the Texas Department of Transportation launched the ‘Talk. Text. Crash.’ campaign to educate drivers on the dangers of distracted driving.

The Consequences of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents frequently have serious consequences for injured pedestrians. Victims can suffer common pedestrian accident injuries such as:

  • Brain and head injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Soft tissue injuries

These injuries can severely affect their quality of life.

Beyond the physical toll, victims can also face emotional and financial distress. The repercussions of an accident can lead to hefty medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. In 2018, pedestrians accounted for 42% of traffic accident fatalities in Austin, highlighting the consequential severity associated with pedestrian accidents.

Austin Pedestrian Accident Causes: Identifying Negligence

In Austin, pedestrian accidents frequently stem from motor vehicle operators’ negligence. Common causes include distracted driving, improper turns at intersections, and a failure to yield at crosswalks. This negligent behavior shows a disregard for the safety and rights of pedestrians, putting innocent lives at risk.

To establish a driver’s negligence legally, the victim must prove that the driver had a duty to operate the vehicle safely, breached that duty, caused the accident, and that measurable damages resulted. At Campos Law Group, we assist our clients in assembling crucial evidence, such as police reports, eyewitness accounts, and medical records, to validate their claims of negligence.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving significantly contributes to pedestrian accidents. When drivers divert their attention from the road, the risk of accidents escalates. In Austin, common distractions include the use of mobile devices, internal vehicle distractions, or even simple inattention.

In response to this problem, Texas has enacted laws that prohibit texting while driving. Since September 1, 2017, it has been illegal in Texas to read, write, or send a text while driving, with penalties including fines of up to $200.

Failure to Yield at Crosswalks

Despite making up less than 1% of the city’s street network, downtown Austin accounts for over 12% of all pedestrian crashes in the city. These numbers are alarming, and a significant portion of these accidents involve left-turning vehicles at intersections.

These figures clearly show a lack of respect for pedestrians’ rights at crosswalks, especially in bustling downtown areas. This negligence results in severe consequences for pedestrians and highlights the need for improved safety measures and stringent enforcement of traffic laws.

Pursuing Compensation for Austin Pedestrian Accident Victims

Pedestrian accident victims are eligible to seek compensation for both immediate and long-term damages. These damages can cover:

  • Medical bills
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Lost wages
  • Ongoing care
  • Home or vehicle modifications due to disability
  • Expenses related to transportation to doctors’ visits

At Campos Law Group, we can assist our clients in securing financial compensation for accumulating post-accident damages. Our experienced attorneys offer advice on fair settlement offers considering all case factors. To secure the deserved compensation, we work diligently to prove that the damages suffered were a direct result of the pedestrian accident in question.

Economic Damages

Economic damages serve to compensate for tangible financial losses resulting from the accident. These can cover past and future medical expenses, such as hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and follow-up care, as well as any necessary home or vehicle modifications.

Victims may also file a personal injury claim for:

  • Lost wages if they missed work due to the accident
  • Damages for loss of earning capacity if their injuries affect their long-term income potential
  • Compensation for property damage, including the cost of repairing or replacing personal items damaged during the accident.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages, on the other hand, delve into the realm of the intangible, addressing the deep emotional and psychological impacts that are not reflected in bills or financial statements. These damages serve as a form of recognition and compensation for the profound suffering that accident victims endure, such as the agony of enduring pain and suffering, the mental anguish that often accompanies serious injuries, the loss of enjoyment of life when one’s daily pleasures are stripped away, and the loss of companionship that comes with the inability to engage with loved ones as before.

In the state of Texas, the law does not impose caps on non-economic damages in cases involving pedestrian accidents, providing a measure of solace that the victims’ emotional and psychological traumas can be acknowledged to the full extent. This means that victims have the opportunity to recover non-economic damages that truly reflect the emotional costs they have incurred, without the constraints of arbitrary limits, except in cases where the liable party is a government official or an employee of a government entity. In such exceptional circumstances, the law may impose certain restrictions on the amount that can be claimed, but outside of this, the pathway to recovery of these vital damages remains open and unobstructed for the victims.

Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Pedestrian Accident

Undergoing interactions with insurance companies post-accident can be a daunting task. Insurance adjusters are skilled negotiators, and their goal is often to minimize the amount they pay out on claims. It’s crucial to remain calm, polite, and focused during communications with them.

Once you have legal representation, your attorney can take over communication with the insurance company, manage all negotiations, and work to secure the most favorable outcome for your case.

Insurance Company Tactics

Insurance companies often employ tactics to minimize or deny pedestrian accident claims. They may try to attribute fault to the victim or encourage them to speak freely in hopes of using their words against them to diminish the claim.

They may also offer a quick settlement or present low initial offers to take advantage of a victim’s immediate financial needs or lack of knowledge about the claims process. If a victim does not adhere to prescribed medical treatment, insurance companies may claim the injuries were exacerbated unnecessarily, impacting the compensation amount. Working with an experienced legal team like Campos Law Group can help you get past these initial offers and land compensation that is right for your well-being.

How Campos Law Group Can Help

At Campos Law Group, our clients’ well-being is our priority as we strive to alleviate the burden of complex legal processes and challenging insurance dealings.

We offer comprehensive guidance through the insurance claims process, ensuring clients are supported from the accident’s immediate aftermath to the resolution of their case. Our firm manages all necessary paperwork and deadlines, avoiding common pitfalls like errors or missed timelines that can result in denial of claims.

Time is of the Essence: Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accident Claims in Texas

In Texas, the timeframe for filing a pedestrian accident claim is two years from the date of the accident. This means that if a pedestrian accident claim is not filed within this timeframe, the right to recover compensation will be lost.

Acting quickly and consulting a lawyer promptly after a pedestrian accident is crucial to adhere to the statute of limitations. At Campos Law Group, if all other administrative remedies through the insurance claims process have been exhausted, we make certain a lawsuit is filed before the statute of limitations expires.

Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations

There are exceptions to the two-year statute of limitations. For instance, when a plaintiff is under the age of 18 or declared mentally incompetent, the statute of limitations is tolled until they reach the age of majority or are deemed competent.

In situations where fraud is involved or the injured person is physically or mentally unable to initiate legal action within the usual period, the statute may be tolled to accommodate their circumstances. Additionally, the statute of limitations for filing a claim does not include any period during which the defendant is absent from the state of Texas after the accident.

Campos Law Group: Your Trusted Austin Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

With an understanding of Texas personal injury law, Campos Law Group focuses on an array of cases, including pedestrian accidents. Our firm prioritizes the protection of our clients’ rights and seeks just compensation for injuries sustained.

Our legal strategy includes a thorough investigation of the incident, evidence collection, and developing compelling arguments for securing compensation. Our unwavering dedication to our clients is reflected in our track record of representing numerous clients throughout Austin, providing guidance, and obtaining the compensation they rightfully deserve.

We want to fight for you. Call us today at 512-233-6947 to set up a free consultation with a member of our dedicated team.

Our Commitment to Clients

At Campos Law Group, we set ourselves apart from other legal firms by prioritizing our clients’ well-being and unwaveringly defending their legal rights.

We recommend early legal intervention, which can significantly enhance the likelihood of achieving a larger settlement. This proactive approach allows us to navigate the legal complexities on behalf of our clients, allowing them to focus on their recovery.

Our Proven Track Record

Campos Law Group has a track record of achieving positive outcomes for clients involved in pedestrian accidents. Our clients have expressed strong satisfaction with our team’s dedication and personalized service, including maximum settlements and adept management of case complexities.

Testimonials reflect success in resolving cases swiftly and advantageous results, emphasizing our efficiency and reliability. We take pride in our proven track record and remain committed to delivering exceptional service to our clients.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if you hit a pedestrian in Texas?

If you hit a pedestrian in Texas, you could be held liable for damages caused by negligence or recklessness. This may lead to criminal charges, fines, jail time, or both.

What type of cases do the personal injury lawyers at Campos Law Group handle?

The personal injury lawyers at Campos Law Group handle a wide range of cases including auto accidents, catastrophic injury, premises liability, dog bites, slip and fall accidents, work injuries, sexual assaults, wrongful death, and more.

What is the goal of Campos Law Group?

The goal of Campos Law Group is to alleviate the burden of understanding legal complexities and dealing with insurance companies for their clients, so they can focus on their recovery.

What sets Campos Law Group apart from other legal practices?

Campos Law Group’s commitment to their clients’ well-being and dedication to upholding their legal rights sets them apart from other legal practices. Their focus on client care and legal advocacy is unmatched in the industry.

What is the statute of limitations for filing a pedestrian accident claim in Texas?

In Texas, you have two years from the date of the pedestrian accident to file a claim. It’s important to act within this timeframe to protect your rights.

What should I do if I am involved in a pedestrian accident in Austin?

If you are involved in a pedestrian accident in Austin, it is important to take the following steps: seek medical attention immediately for any injuries, report the accident to the police, document the scene with photos and notes if possible, gather contact information from witnesses, and consult with an Austin pedestrian accident lawyer to discuss your legal options and rights. Taking these steps can help ensure your health is prioritized and your rights are protected.

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