Cedar Hill, Texas Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrians have the right to use public streets, intersections, and sidewalks, and they should be free to do so without fear that they will be struck by a vehicle. Unfortunately, thousands of people suffer serious injuries or lose their lives in pedestrian accidents each year. These accidents are usually caused by negligent drivers who fail to protect the safety of people who are on foot. The impact of a pedestrian accident can be life-changing, leaving a victim with painful injuries, emotional trauma, massive medical bills, an inability to work, and the possibility of permanent disabilities.

For those who have been hit by cars while walking, it is important to understand the legal options for obtaining financial compensation. At Jerry D. Andrews, P.C., we provide representation for injured pedestrians, helping them navigate complex legal cases and hold negligent drivers accountable for causing them to suffer harm. As a Board-Certified personal injury lawyer, Attorney Andrews understands how to prepare cases for trial and maximize the compensation that his clients can receive.

Where Pedestrian Accidents Can Occur

While a pedestrian can be struck by a vehicle virtually anywhere, certain locations may present greater risks due to high traffic volume and limited visibility. Pedestrian accidents may take place in areas such as:

• Crosswalks and Intersections: Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, but they may not check to make sure the road is clear before turning.
• School Zones and Parks: When children are walking to and from school, drivers are required to take extra care and reduce their speed. When drivers violate school zone speed limits or fail to watch for children in areas around parks, they may cause serious or fatal pedestrian accidents.
• Parking Lots and Shopping Centers: Drivers may back out of parking spaces without checking behind their vehicles, or they may fail to pay attention when moving through crowded spaces.
• Busy Roads and Highways: On roads with multiple lanes of traffic, pedestrians may be at risk when crossing due to drivers who violate traffic signals.

Why Drivers May Strike Pedestrians

Most pedestrian accidents are preventable. They often occur because drivers fail to observe basic traffic laws or exercise the appropriate caution in areas where people are likely to be walking. Driver negligence that can lead to pedestrian injuries may include:

• Distracted Driving: A driver who looks away from the road to check text messages or engage in other activities may not notice a pedestrian in time to stop.
• Speeding: When a driver is traveling at an excessive speed, they may not be able to slow down or swerve to avoid a pedestrian. People who are struck by vehicles traveling at high speeds are more likely to suffer severe bodily harm.
• Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Drivers who ignore traffic signs or signals at intersections may strike pedestrians who are crossing the road.
• Driving Under the Influence: When a driver is drunk or intoxicated by drugs, they may not be able to see a pedestrian, and they may be unable to react in time to avoid striking and injuring someone on foot.
• Poor Visibility: When driving at night or in harsh weather, drivers should take care to watch for pedestrians. Negligence that can put pedestrians at risk is even more likely to result in serious injuries during periods of low visibility.