Pedestrian Accidents in Lubbock, TX
Even with recent improvements both in Lubbock and around the state, our roads and highways are just not designed for foot traffic, so many drivers don’t even think to look for pedestrians on or near the roadways. In 2019 alone, 5,975 traffic crashes involving pedestrians occurred in Texas, which led to 669 deaths and 1,317 serious injuries. At least one national study found Texas to be in the top ten most dangerous states in the country for pedestrian accidents.
Pedestrians struck by cars, motorcycles, vans, buses, and trucks face a seriously high risk of severe injury and death because the weight and speed of a motor vehicle combine to produce a deadly force of impact on a person without any protection.
When do Pedestrians Have the Right of Way?
Pedestrians generally have the right of way if they are following the rules of the road. Pedestrians should walk in crosswalks, cross the street only when they have a lit walking signal, and avoid interrupting the flow of traffic. Drivers are supposed to obey the speed limit, use turn signals, pay close attention to the road, and yield to pedestrians. So, if everyone does what they are legally supposed to, this should prevent pedestrian accidents, right? Unfortunately, that’s not how things work out. Pedestrians are extremely vulnerable when motor vehicle operators fail to exercise reasonable care, resulting in another person’s injuries. The negligent driver can be held legally responsible for the resulting injuries with the help of an experienced Lubbock pedestrian accident lawyer.
If a driver failed to follow the law and that failure caused a pedestrian collision that resulted in injuries, the driver can be held legally responsible for all resulting damages. If the driver was working for a company and/or driving a company vehicle at the time of your pedestrian accident, the employer and/or owner of the vehicle can also be held responsible and that party likely has significantly more insurance coverage than a private individual. This is one of the most important reasons why working with a lawyer matters – legal counsel can and will find all responsible parties and ensure they are held accountable for the damage they caused and/or contributed to.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
While the causes of roadway accidents can be many, the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted Driving: Texas has one of the highest fatality rates for pedestrians, and distracted driving is one of the most common causes of these pedestrian-related car crashes in the state. Drivers cause crashes because they are putting on makeup, adjusting the radio, playing on their cell phones, and more. While Texas has distracted driving laws to serve as a deterrent, and drivers are not allowed to use cell phones unless they are at a stoplight or in some cities at all while driving, reckless individuals still kill pedestrians and bicyclists every year due to being distracted while driving.
- Driving Under the Influence: Nearly half of all pedestrian fatalities (about 47% according to the CDC) involve someone being intoxicated. Both criminal and civil issues arise when a drunk driver hits a pedestrian; and, therefore, many try to flee the scene in a hit and run accident. Even if a driver only thinks they are “buzzed,” they are very likely at the blood alcohol limit for intoxication of 0.08 in Texas and are guilty of driving under the influence.
- Speeding: We all know the feeling of needing to rush to get somewhere while driving; however, most of us restrain ourselves and choose to drive the speed limit anyway. The faster the speed a vehicle is traveling, the more likely the change of a pedestrian crash and the more serious the potential resulting injuries will be.
- Bad Weather or Other Unsafe Road Conditions: According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) 22% of vehicular accidents each year are weather-related. The vast majority of these weather-related crashes occur on wet pavement caused by rainfall. In addition to weather, unsafe road conditions like potholes, uneven road surfaces, sinkholes, and more can also make for a hazardous driving and walking experience.
- Failure to Yield: When a driver fails to give a pedestrian the right of way and appropriate space and time to proceed, this is known as a failure to yield. In Texas, drivers must yield to pedestrians who are in either marked or unmarked crosswalks or on the same half of the roadway as the vehicle approaching them. Failure to yield not only exposes a driver to civil liability in the form of financial compensation to injury victims but also comes with criminal penalties including costly fines.
Get Help from A Lubbock Pedestrian Injury Lawyer
Pedestrian accident cases are not straightforward and often require the experience of a car accident lawyer to facilitate resolution. Pedestrians may have a difficult time fighting a legal battle for compensation against an individual, a company, and/or an insurance company while in the hospital or from their injuries recovering at home. Your first priority should be getting well, not struggling with financial difficulties, including medical bills, loss of wages from missing work, and other losses. The experienced pedestrian accidents attorneys of Liggett Law Group have years of experience helping injury victims fight for their right to compensation from the at-fault drivers who hurt them.
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Testimonials
“Ted Liggett Law Group assisted my Mom when she was injured in an auto accident 10 months ago. They are a professional, and helpful, kind group of good people. Mr. Liggett is easy to work with, and handled her case with ease, and integrity, which I appreciated. My Mom and I recommend this law group to anyone in need of legal assistance.” Gala Rogers
If you or a loved one was injured in a pedestrian accident, contact the Lubbock Pedestrian Accident Attorneys at Liggett Law Group today. The pedestrian accident lawyers at Liggett Law Group have a combined 25 years of legal experience fighting for justice. We dedicate our time and take each case personally, advocating for the victims and their families.
