San Antonio Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Most people have witnessed the dangers faced by pedestrians by inattentive drivers and drivers who don’t obey pedestrian crosswalk laws. This danger can lead to tragic and even fatal accidents for some.

You and your family can be seriously injured by a pedestrian accident. It is important to get qualified legal representation as soon after the accident as possible. You should get treatment for your injuries first, but you should next call a law office that will protect your rights as a pedestrian accident victim. The Law Offices of George Salinas assists clients in San Antonio who have sustained injuries from pedestrian accidents. Contact our San Antonio pedestrian accident lawyers today to discuss your case.

Accidents involving pedestrians and vehicles are the most dangerous traffic accidents in San Antonio. The impact of a crash can cause injury to pedestrians, who are often completely exposed and vulnerable. Pedestrian accidents can be fatal or life-threatening.

Prevalence of Pedestrian accidents in San Antonio

Injuries caused by pedestrian accidents accounted for approximately 129,000 visits to emergency rooms in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additional 5,376 pedestrians were killed by their injuries, and pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely to be involved in traffic accidents than motorists. A pedestrian can often expect a lengthy recovery period even if they survive a collision.

It is crucial to understand what factors can increase pedestrian accident risk so you can protect yourself and your family whenever possible. Here are some risk factors:

• Children
• Adults over 65 years old
• Urban areas
• Areas that are not interconnected
• Dark or nighttime conditions

Although pedestrian accidents can occur in crosswalks, most of these crashes occur outside intersections. It could be a pedestrian crossing a street without a crosswalk or a driver hitting someone who is walking on a sidewalk or shoulder. Pedestrian accidents happen at any moment and you need to be aware of your rights.

Seek medical attention for pedestrian injuries

A variety of traumas can occur to pedestrians from impact with a car, hitting other objects, or the ground. Sometimes, pedestrians may roll over cars before they hit the pavement. This can lead to multiple injuries. Among the most common pedestrian injuries are:

• Concussions
• Moderate to severe traumatic head injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injury
• Broken bones
• Tears, strains, and sprains
• Severe contusions
• Back injuries
• Neck injuries
• Dislocations
• Internal organ damage
• Internal bleeding

Even a minor injury, such as a sprain/broken bone, requires immediate medical attention to ensure a correct diagnosis and treatment. These injuries can require physical therapy that lasts for several weeks or even months, and some fractures may need surgery. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort that is not obvious, it is important to seek medical attention.

Many pedestrians suffer more severe injuries than others, some of which can be fatal. If emergency personnel suspect you may have sustained a spinal injury, they will need to take the necessary stabilization measures before transporting you to the hospital. You will be held for several days or weeks until your condition is stabilized and treated. Your injury will be assessed by doctors who will determine if paralysis or other impairments are permanent or temporary.

Pedestrians with serious brain injuries can also be unconscious. TBIs that are severe can put a patient in a coma, sometimes for several weeks or even months. During this time they will need to stay in the hospital and possibly the ICU. Patients who sustain injuries to their spine or brain may have to learn how to live with the permanent effects. They will also need ongoing medical care.

It doesn’t matter what kind of injury you have suffered, it is important to get the medical attention that you need as soon as possible following an accident. It is crucial to not only stabilize your condition but also keep a record of any injuries sustained in an accident.

Pedestrian accident FAQ

The Governors Highway Safety Association recently found that Texas ranks third in pedestrian deaths. Walking is a popular method to get exercise, improve the environment, and save on costs. A pedestrian accident is a possibility due to dangerous drivers and the increased popularity of sport utility cars (SUVs) in the United States.

Here are your rights and what you should know about pedestrian accidents:

Why is the number of pedestrian accidents in San Antonio increasing?

Distracted driving and large SUVs are two of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents.

Distracted driving – According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are three types of distraction.

• Visual: Take your eyes off of the road
• Manual: Take the wheel off your hands
• Cognitive: Take your mind off driving

Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving. According to the CDC, texting behind the wheel can cause distractions of all types. Other distractions include reaching out for items, programming a navigational system, and eating.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety conducted a study and found that texting is a problem for 78 percent of respondents, while only 35 percent admitted to texting behind the wheel.

SUV and pedestrian crashes – In vehicle sales, SUVs have outsold trucks and passenger cars. These large vehicles are more visible and can be deadly to pedestrians if they collide with a driver. 12 independent accident studies have shown that pedestrians are twice as likely to be killed by large SUVs or pick-up trucks.

Any type of vehicle, or any dangerous driver, should not cause serious injury to anyone. An attorney should be contacted if you sustained serious injuries walking due to a drunken, distracted, drowsy or speeding passenger car driver.

What injuries can be sustained in a pedestrian accident in San Antonio?

You are exposed to the force of a collision if you walk. Accidents such as a collision with another vehicle or a vehicle on the road can cause severe injuries or even death.

A pedestrian accident can cause life-altering injuries.

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – According to the CDC, a traumatic head injury is a head injury that causes brain damage. A person with severe TBI might need 24-hour care in a skilled nursing facility. A typical cost for such a facility in Texas is between $4,700 and $6,500 each month.
• Spinal Cord Injury – An spinal injury can disrupt important communication with your brain. Paralysis can result from a disruption of this communication. Powerchairs, home modifications, and other expenses can quickly reach millions every year throughout a patient’s life.
• Broken bones You may need to recover for a while, depending on the severity of the injury and the type of bone that broke. You may need to take time off work and personal care for future surgeries or extensive physical therapy.
• Intimate injuries – These injuries are not accompanied by any outward symptoms or signs. Although you may be feeling fine after an accident, internal bleeding can occur, putting your organs at risk and possibly causing death. If the EMTs recommend that you accept medical transport to the hospital, internal injuries are another reason. Only a qualified medical professional can diagnose internal injuries using CT scans or other imaging equipment.

Transporting you to an emergency room may save your life and provide valuable documentation that can be used in future litigation. Accept medical attention from emergency personnel and agree to transport you to a medical facility if necessary after an accident, even if it was not your fault.

Is it possible to accept a settlement proposal on my own?

A settlement offer should be accepted only after you have obtained legal representation. Although it is possible to accept a settlement offer without legal consultation, you will lose any chance to seek additional compensation should your medical condition worsen.

It is not a good idea to speak with representatives of insurance companies while you are still recovering from injuries. Insurance companies understand that you are at your most vulnerable right after a traumatic event. Do not fall for their high-pressure tactics. Retain an experienced personal injury lawyer to protect your best interests.

My loved one was killed by a distracted driver What are my rights?

A tragic possibility is the loss of a loved one due to pedestrian deaths caused by distracted or otherwise dangerous drivers. You may be able to file a claim for wrongful death if you have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident. Texas law permits you to file a claim within two years. The law also provides specific information about who can file for compensation. For more information, a personal injury lawyer is the best choice.

How can a San Antonio pedestrian accident lawyer help me?

This field of law is home to personal injury lawyers. A pedestrian accident can cause severe trauma that may result in financial, emotional, and physical injuries. You are not responsible for paying for your injuries if the accident wasn’t your fault.

An experienced San Antonio pedestrian accident lawyer can assist you in this difficult time. Many attorneys offer free case evaluations. You have nothing to lose by speaking with one immediately. Personal injury cases have a two-year statute of limitations. The clock starts when you are injured.

Although you may feel overwhelmed by the costs, injuries, and accidents that you have sustained, it is not uncommon to feel helpless. A pedestrian accident lawyer will not stop until you get the best outcome possible. If your attorney is unable to reach a fair settlement, he or she will be prepared to go to court.

After a Pedestrian/Auto Collision, Financial Recovery

An attorney can help you determine if you have the right to hold the driver responsible for the damages you sustained after you are hit by a car. You can still claim compensation even if you are partially responsible for the crash.

You must prove that the collision was caused by the driver’s negligence to hold the driver responsible. Drivers have the responsibility to use their vehicles with reasonable care in order to avoid injuries and accidents. Negligence is when a driver fails to exercise sufficient care, resulting in injuries. These are some examples of negligence that could lead to a pedestrian accident:

• Distracted driving
• Crosswalks: Failure to yield to pedestrians
• Do not ignore “walk” signals
• Accelerating
• Stop signs or running traffic lights
• Driving under the influence
• Tired driving, falling asleep behind the wheel

Every driver who holds a driver’s license should be aware of the importance to pay attention at intersections. Too many drivers ignore pedestrians’ right-of-way and continue to drive through crosswalks, especially when turning. A distracted driver will be less likely to see a pedestrian crossing or walk signal.

Texas pedestrians can file a claim against the driver’s insurance if they were injured by a negligent driver. However, insurance policies may not cover severe injuries. Personal injury lawsuits may be necessary. Our legal team is available to assist you with every step of your insurance process. We also have the ability to handle civil court proceedings. You or someone you love has been struck by a car while you are walking. Do not hesitate to contact us and ask about your legal rights.