Crashes involving a motor vehicle and an individual on foot can lead to devastating consequences. In Texas, where cities like Dallas and Fort Worth are built around car travel, pedestrians are often at increased risk, especially in intersections, parking lots, and areas without appropriate lighting or traffic control devices.
At Turner-Monahan, PLLC, we represent individuals and families whose lives have been impacted by these often life-altering incidents. Whether you or a loved one has been injured while crossing the street or walking through a parking lot, it is important to understand your legal rights and the responsibilities of drivers.
The Duty of Drivers Toward Pedestrians
Texas law requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians, especially in areas where foot traffic is expected. This includes:
- Yielding the right-of-way at marked and unmarked crosswalks
- Being attentive in school zones and residential neighborhoods
- Reducing speed and watching for pedestrians in parking lots or when backing out of driveways
Unfortunately, distracted driving, speeding, and failure to yield are common causes of auto versus pedestrian crashes.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
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- Distracted driving (texting, eating, GPS use)
- Failure to yield at crosswalks
- Speeding in urban or residential areas
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Lack of proper signage
New Risks: Electric Vehicles and Pedestrian Safety
While electric vehicles (EVs) may offer environmental benefits and technological advancements, they also introduce a unique danger to pedestrians: near-silence at low speeds. Unlike gas or diesel-powered vehicles, EVs produce very little noise when traveling under 20 mph, making them harder for pedestrians—especially for children, the elderly, and visually impaired individuals—to hear approaching. Indeed, at least one study has shown a notable increase in risk to individuals from EVs.
The quiet nature of EVs can be particularly hazardous in:
- Parking lots and garages
- School zones and residential neighborhoods
- Urban areas with high pedestrian traffic or reduce visibility
Drivers of EVs must be especially vigilant, and pedestrians must remain alert even when they don’t hear an oncoming car.
Who Is Liable?
In most cases, the driver of the vehicle is at fault, but every accident must be evaluated based on the facts. Liability can also involve third parties, such as Property owners who fail to maintain safe pedestrian walkways or properly mark their parking lots.
Compensation for Pedestrian Injury Victims
Victims of pedestrian accidents may be entitled to compensation for:
- Past medical bills and the cost of future treatment
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity in the future
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement
In crashes involving a death, family members may pursue a wrongful death claim.
Let Us Help You Navigate the Legal Process
At Turner-Monahan, PLLC, our experienced personal injury attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a crash involving a pedestrian can have. Attorneys Tyler Monahan and Matthew McLain are committed to seeking justice for those injured by negligent drivers.
If you or someone you care about has been hit by a car, truck, or other vehicle, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case and explain your legal options, so you can focus on healing.
Turner-Monahan, PLLC
📍 Serving Tarrant, Dallas, Parker, Johnson, and Denton Counties and Beyond
🌐www.tumolaw.com
Committed. Focused. Results.
Disclaimer
The commentary and opinions are for informational and educational purposes only and not to provide legal advice. You should contact an attorney in your state to obtain legal advice concerning any particular issue or problem. You can become a client and enter the attorney-client privilege only after hiring Turner-Monahan, PLLC, by signing a written agreement.
