You cross the street at a crosswalk. You have the walk signal. Then everything changes. A car runs a red light. Metal hits flesh. You are thrown to the pavement. You wake up in an ambulance.
Pedestrian accidents are devastating. You have no protection. No seatbelt. No airbag. Just your body against thousands of pounds of steel. The injuries are often catastrophic. Broken bones. Traumatic brain injuries. Spinal cord damage. Even death.
After the accident, you face medical bills. Lost wages. Physical therapy. Pain that does not go away. You need compensation. You need a pedestrian accident lawyer. But not just any lawyer. You need the right lawyer for your case.
Why Pedestrian Accident Cases Are Different
Car accident cases are common. Pedestrian accident cases are different. Here is why.
The Injuries Are More Severe
Pedestrians have no protection. A crash at 30 miles per hour can be fatal. Survivors often face permanent disabilities. Long-term medical care. Lifetime lost wages. Your case value is likely much higher than a typical car accident. This is why you need an experienced pedestrian injury law firm.
Fault Is Not Always Clear
Drivers often blame pedestrians. They say you darted into traffic. They say you were not paying attention. They say you were wearing dark clothing. You need a pedestrian accident lawyer who can prove what really happened.
Insurance Companies Fight Harder
Because the stakes are higher, insurance companies fight harder. They may offer a quick, low settlement. They hope you take it before you understand your injuries. Do not fall for this trap. Hire a pedestrian accident attorney who knows their tactics.
What to Look for in a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Choosing the best pedestrian accident lawyer is critical. Here are the most important factors to consider.
Experience with Pedestrian Accidents
Not every personal injury lawyer handles pedestrian cases. Ask about their experience. How many pedestrian cases have they handled? What were the results? A lawyer who understands the unique challenges of these cases will get you better results. Look for a pedestrian accident law firm with a proven track record.
Trial Experience
Insurance companies know which lawyers try cases and which ones settle. Lawyers who are willing to go to trial get better settlement offers. Ask potential lawyers: How many trials have you handled? When was your last trial? Are you afraid to take my case to court? The best pedestrian accident attorney is not afraid of a jury.
Resources to Build a Strong Case
Pedestrian accident cases require investigation. You need accident reconstruction experts. You need medical experts. You need economists to calculate future lost wages. A small pedestrian injury law firm may not have these resources. Make sure your lawyer can afford to build a strong case.
Clear Communication
You have questions. You deserve answers. Your pedestrian accident lawyer should return your calls. They should explain things in plain English. If you feel ignored during the first meeting, it will only get worse.
No Upfront Fees
Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency. This means you pay nothing upfront. They only get paid if you win. If a lawyer asks for money before settling your case, be careful.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer
Meet with several pedestrian accident lawyers before deciding. Here are questions to ask:
- How many pedestrian accident cases have you handled?
- What was the outcome of your most recent pedestrian case?
- Have you taken a case to trial in the last two years?
- Who will handle my case day to day? You or a junior associate?
- How do you communicate with clients? How quickly do you return calls?
- What percentage do you take if we win?
- What costs will I be responsible for if we lose?
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, keep looking. Finding the right lawyer for pedestrian hit by car cases takes time.
Red Flags to Avoid
Do not hire a pedestrian accident lawyer who:
- Promises a specific outcome. No lawyer can guarantee a win.
- Pressures you to sign immediately. Take your time.
- Does not explain things clearly. You need to understand the process.
- Has bad reviews. Check Google, Avvo, and the State Bar.
- Avoids talking about trial experience. Some lawyers settle every case. That is not always in your best interest.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Understanding how these accidents happen helps prove fault. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving (texting, phone calls, eating)
- Speeding
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Failing to yield at crosswalks
- Driving under the influence
- Backing up without looking
- Poor visibility at night
Your pedestrian injury attorney will investigate the cause. They will gather police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and phone records.
Compensation in Pedestrian Accident Cases
If you were hit by a negligent driver, you may recover:
- Medical expenses. Past and future. Emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, medications, and assistive devices.
- Lost wages. Income you have already lost. Also loss of future earning capacity if you cannot return to work.
- Pain and suffering. Physical pain and emotional distress.
- Disfigurement. Scarring or amputation.
- Loss of enjoyment of life. Inability to do things you once loved.
- Wrongful death damages. For surviving family members if a loved one was killed.
A skilled pedestrian accident claims attorney will calculate the full value of your damages.
Statute of Limitations: Do Not Wait
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to compensation forever.
Do not wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. The clock is ticking. Contact a pedestrian accident law office attorney as soon as possible.
How to Choose the Right Accident Lawyer: FAQs
Do I really need a pedestrian accident lawyer?
Yes. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers. You need someone on your side who knows the law and knows how to negotiate. Studies show that people with pedestrian injury accident attorneys get significantly more compensation.
How much does a pedestrian accident attorney cost?
Most work on contingency. You pay nothing upfront. The lawyer takes a percentage of your settlement or verdict. If you do not win, you pay nothing.
How long does a pedestrian accident case take?
Every case is different. Simple cases may settle in a few months. Complex cases involving serious injuries can take a year or more. A good pedestrian accident legal help attorney will not rush a settlement.
What if I was partially at fault?
Texas follows modified comparative fault. You can still recover compensation as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Plano Pedestrian Accident Attorney: We Fight for You
At Starr Law, P.C., we have extensive experience handling pedestrian accident claims in Collin County and across Texas. We understand the unique challenges of these cases. We know how to prove fault. We know how to calculate the full value of your damages. We are not afraid to take your case to trial.
We treat our clients like people, not case numbers. We return your calls. We answer your questions. We fight for every dollar you deserve.
You focus on healing. We will handle the rest.
If you or a loved one has been hit by a car while walking, do not wait. Contact Starr Law, P.C. today for a free, confidential consultation. Call us at 214-982-1408.
References
- Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code, Section 16.003 (Two-Year Statute of Limitations)
- Texas Transportation Code, Title 7 (Vehicles and Traffic)
