Duncanville Pedestrian Accident Lawyer: Protecting Your Rights After an Accident
Pedestrian accidents are among the most devastating types of collisions, often leaving victims with severe injuries and mounting medical expenses. Whether it’s due to a distracted driver, failure to yield, or hazardous road conditions, victims deserve justice and fair compensation. An experienced Duncanville pedestrian accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact us at (972) 848-4848 to discuss your case with experienced personal injury attorneys who care about your recovery.
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What To Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Duncanville
Document the Accident Scene
After a pedestrian accident, it is crucial to document the accident scene thoroughly. Take photos of your injuries, the vehicle involved, and the surrounding area. Collect the names and contact information of any witnesses, as their statements can play a significant role in supporting your claim.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if your injuries seem minor, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly. A doctor can identify hidden injuries and provide medical documentation that serves as critical evidence for your pedestrian accident claim.
Report the Accident to Authorities
Filing a police report is vital after a pedestrian accident. This official documentation helps establish a record of the incident and can be instrumental when determining liability. Police reports often include details about the vehicle’s driver and whether they failed to yield or engaged in other negligent behavior.
Contact a Duncanville Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
A knowledgeable Duncanville pedestrian accident attorney can guide you through the legal process and handle negotiations with insurance companies. Having an attorney on your side ensures that you focus on your recovery while we work to secure maximum compensation for your losses.
How Legal Representation Can Make a Difference After a Pedestrian Accident
Navigating the aftermath of a pedestrian accident without legal representation can be overwhelming, particularly when dealing with injuries and financial stress. An experienced personal injury lawyer provides essential support by investigating the incident, gathering evidence, and advocating for your rights.
Our legal team takes on the burden of negotiating with insurance companies that often attempt to minimize payouts. We focus on ensuring you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain and suffering caused by the accident.
If you’ve been injured, contact us for a free initial consultation. We are committed to guiding you every step of the way and fighting for the justice you deserve.
Contact Our Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Today
Filing a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Texas
Understanding the Statute of Limitations
In Texas, there is a limited amount of time to file a pedestrian accident claim, known as the statute of limitations. Generally, victims have two years from the accident date to initiate a personal injury lawsuit. However, there are exceptions, such as cases involving minors or government entities, which may have shorter deadlines. Missing this window could forfeit your right to recover compensation, so acting quickly is crucial.
Gathering Evidence to Support Your Case
Strong evidence is essential to build a successful pedestrian accident claim. Key evidence includes police reports, medical records, witness statements, and photos or videos from the accident scene. An experienced Duncanville pedestrian accident lawyer will know how to collect and preserve this evidence to strengthen your case.
The Role of Insurance Companies
After a pedestrian accident, the driver’s insurance company may attempt to contact you with a quick settlement offer. While this may seem tempting, these initial offers often fail to reflect the full extent of your damages. Working with a Duncanville pedestrian accident attorney ensures that you have someone negotiating on your behalf to secure a fair settlement that accounts for all your losses.
Compensation Available to Pedestrian Accident Victims
Types of Recoverable Damages
Pedestrian accident victims may be entitled to various types of compensation depending on the circumstances of their case. These include:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for medical expenses covers past and future medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and medications.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may recover compensation for lost income and diminished earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages address the emotional distress, pain, and suffering caused by the accident.
An experienced pedestrian accident injury lawyer will evaluate your case to ensure all damages are accounted for during settlement negotiations or trial.
How Insurance Coverage Impacts Compensation
Texas law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, but in some cases, these policies may not cover the full extent of a victim’s damages. A pedestrian injury attorney can help determine whether additional coverage, such as underinsured motorist protection, is available to maximize your compensation.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Traumatic brain injuries are a common result of pedestrian accidents, especially in high-impact collisions. Victims with TBIs may face long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical challenges that significantly impact their quality of life.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are another severe outcome of pedestrian accidents, often leading to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries typically require extensive medical treatment and long-term care, making it essential to recover full compensation for these lifelong costs.
Broken Bones and Soft Tissue Injuries
Many pedestrian accident victims suffer broken bones, torn ligaments, or severe bruising. While these injuries may heal over time, they can result in prolonged pain, restricted mobility, and high medical expenses.
How Texas Laws Protect Pedestrians
Right of Way at Crosswalks
Under the Texas Transportation Code, pedestrians generally have the right of way at marked and unmarked crosswalks. Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the street lawfully and avoid endangering their safety.
Responsibilities of Pedestrians and Drivers
While pedestrians are protected under Texas law, they are also responsible for using due care, such as obeying traffic signals and crossing streets in designated areas. Conversely, drivers must exercise caution and avoid actions that put pedestrians at risk, such as speeding or running red lights.
Failure to Yield and Other Violations
When drivers fail to yield the right of way or commit other traffic violations, they may be held liable for any resulting injuries. An experienced Duncanville pedestrian accident attorney can help identify these violations and use them to establish the driver’s negligence.
How Our Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Help Accident Victims Navigate the Legal Process
Investigating the Pedestrian Accident Thoroughly
A key role of a pedestrian accident lawyer is conducting a detailed investigation to determine fault. This includes gathering crucial evidence like police reports, medical records, and eyewitness testimony. In cases where liability is disputed, we collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists to strengthen your claim.
Handling Insurance Negotiations
Dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming, especially when you are recovering from injuries. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim or blame you for the accident. Having an experienced pedestrian accident attorney on your side ensures your rights are protected, and you have a dedicated advocate fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Representing You In Court If Necessary
While many pedestrian accident claims are resolved through settlements, some cases require litigation to achieve a fair outcome. Our pedestrian accident attorneys are prepared to take your case to court if needed, ensuring all avenues are pursued to secure the best possible result.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents in Duncanville. Drivers using their phones, eating, or engaging with in-car technology often fail to notice pedestrians, leading to dangerous collisions.
Failure to Yield to Pedestrians
Drivers have a legal obligation to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and intersections. When drivers ignore these laws, pedestrians are at significant risk of injury.
Speeding
Speeding is another major contributor to pedestrian accidents. Vehicles traveling at excessive speeds have less time to stop, and the impact of collisions is often far more severe.
Poor Visibility and Unsafe Road Conditions
Low lighting, bad weather, and poorly marked crosswalks create hazardous conditions for pedestrians. When drivers fail to adjust their behavior to account for these challenges, pedestrian accidents are more likely to occur.
Duncanville Pedestrian Accident Injury Attorney FAQs
Can I File a Claim If I Wasn't in a Crosswalk?
Yes, you may still be able to recover compensation even if you weren’t in a crosswalk at the time of the accident. While pedestrians are generally expected to cross at designated areas, Texas law acknowledges that drivers still owe a duty of care to avoid hitting pedestrians wherever they may be. Our attorneys can assess the specifics of your case to determine how to proceed.
What If the Driver of the Vehicle Fled the Scene?
If the driver fled the scene, you might still have options to seek compensation. Uninsured motorist coverage may provide financial relief in hit-and-run cases. Additionally, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney can work with law enforcement to track down the driver responsible for the accident.
What Should I Do If Insurance Companies Try to Deny My Claim?
Insurance companies may use various tactics to deny or undervalue claims. It is essential to provide strong evidence, such as medical records and accident reports, to refute their arguments. A pedestrian accident attorney can handle these negotiations on your behalf, ensuring you receive a fair settlement.
Can I File a Claim If I Didn't Seek Medical Attention Right Away?
Delays in seeking medical attention may impact your claim but do not necessarily prevent you from filing. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries were not serious or were unrelated to the accident. Our pedestrian accident attorneys can help counter these arguments by gathering other forms of evidence to support your claim.
Call Us Today for a Free Case Review
Recovering from a pedestrian accident is physically, emotionally, and financially draining. You shouldn’t have to face these challenges alone. An experienced Duncanville pedestrian accident attorney can guide you through the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected and you have the best chance at securing the compensation you deserve.
At Allbee Law Firm, we understand the pain and uncertainty pedestrian accident victims face. That’s why we’re dedicated to handling every aspect of your case, from gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court if necessary. Our compassionate approach ensures that your needs remain our priority throughout the process.
Take the first step toward justice by contacting us today at (972) 848-4848. We offer a free consultation to evaluate your case, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options. Let us help you recover the compensation you need to move forward.