When to seek help from a San Antonio Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
Taking a walk on one of San Antonio’s many charming streets can be a wonderful experience. Statistics show, however, that it can also be a nightmare waiting to happen. Pedestrian accidents are all-too-common in Texas, and when they occur the fallout can be devastating for those involved.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in San Antonio, contact one of the experienced attorneys at Khattar Law, PC today.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries in San Antonio
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, pedestrian accidents have been on the rise for years. In 2020 alone there were 4,852 automobile accidents in Texas involving pedestrians. Worse still, those accidents resulted in 1,211 serious injuries and 731 deaths. Pedestrian deaths now account for nearly 20% of all traffic fatalities.
While the injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents can vary greatly, some of the most common include:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Soft tissue damage
Talk to one a lawyer with an experienced Injury law firm in San Antonio today.
Common Cases that San Antonio Pedestrian Accidents Lawyers Take
Although pedestrian accidents happen in many ways and places, there are certain circumstances in which they are more common. These include:
- Left-hand turn. Left hand turns represent a uniquely dangerous problem for pedestrians. At many intersections a pedestrian may have a crosswalk signal indicating it is safe to walk, while a driver making a left hand turn may simultaneously have a green light. Regardless, the driver generally has a duty to yield to the pedestrian.
- Distracted drivers. Distractions such as cell phones, radios, food and drink, passengers, billboards, or roadside incidents cause drivers to move their attention from the road. It only takes a fraction of a second for this to result in a tragic pedestrian accident.
- Unmarked crosswalks. Many intersections do not have marked or painted crosswalks. Regardless, drivers generally have a duty to yield the right of way.
- Impaired driving. Drugs and alcohol have a serious negative impact on a driver’s ability to safely navigate a vehicle.
The Main Steps to Take if You Have Been Injured in a Pedestrian Accident
If you are a pedestrian hit by a moving vehicle, the moments immediately following the collision can be frightening and overwhelming. However, these moments can also be crucial to protecting your legal rights and ensuring the safety of everyone involved. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, taking the following steps is important:
- Stay calm and move off the street. While it may seem impossible, it is important to remain calm after any accident. Moving yourself and any vehicle off of the street will reduce the likelihood of a subsequent accident.
- Attend to any injuries. Once you are safely away from traffic, you can attend to your injuries and those of any other participants in the accident until medical care arrives.
- Contact the police. Contacting the police will allow you to obtain an official accident report which may prove useful in a future insurance claim or legal proceeding.
- Gather and record evidence and contact info. Ask the driver of the vehicle for his or her identification and write down the information or take a picture with your cell phone. You should also obtain the driver’s insurance information if possible. Additionally, it is advisable to take photographs of the driver’s vehicle and license plate, the accident scene, and any injuries incurred. Finally, get contact information for any potential witnesses if you can.
- Seek appropriate medical care. As soon as possible following a pedestrian accident, you should seek appropriate medical care from a qualified medical professional. This will not only result in the best chance for a complete medical recovery, but will also best document your injuries and demonstrate the injuries were caused by the accident.
- Obtain legal representation. Before you settle with any insurance company or attorney representing another party, contact an experienced San Antonio pedestrian accident attorney to make sure you are receiving everything you are entitled to.
San Antonio Pedestrian Accident FAQs
- What if I am partially at fault for my injuries?
Texas law recognizes the doctrine of comparative fault. Essentially, this means that an injured party who is found to be partially at fault for her injuries may have her damage award reduced by her percentage of fault.
- What if I am more than 50% at fault?
If an injured person is found to be more than 50% at fault, then she may be barred from any recovery under Texas law.
Contact a San Antonio Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you are looking for legal advice regarding a pedestrian accident in San Antonio, TX, please contact the experienced lawyers at Khattar Law, P.C.. Call us at 210-923-1234 or visit khattarlaw.com and fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation and get help as soon as possible.