Auto Pedestrian Accidents

         Texas, unlike many other states, does not automatically give pedestrians the right of way.  Therefore, the driver of the vehicle will often contend that the pedestrian “jumped” out in front of him or was crossing when the pedestrian had a “Don’t Walk” sign.  When the case is witnessed, liability may not be an issue.  However, many witnesses just catch the tail end of the collision and notice the “Don’t Walk” sign is flashing.  In the absence of a thorough investigation, such an incomplete observation can lead to the erroneous conclusion that the light was flashing “Don’t Walk” at the time the pedestrian stepped off the curb.  Also, many pedestrian accidents are not witnessed or the witness fails to identify themselves to an investigating police officer.  As the victim is often incapacitated at the scene, the officer usually only hears the story of the driver of the vehicle, who shapes his description to favor his own situation.  As a result, it is important for the pedestrian victim of an automobile or truck accident to consult an attorney early on so as to allow for a complete investigation.

         Pedestrian cases also often involve serious injuries including orthopedic injuries, traumatic brain injuries, disfigurement and in the worst cases, paralysis or death.  Children are often the victim in pedestrian cases.  Handling a child’s claim requires a different strategy than cases involving an adult, because of the child’s lack of capacity and the desire to insulate the child from the claim’s process.  For more information concerning the unique nature of claims involving children please go to the following link concerning Injuries to Children. Therefore, it is important to have an attorney able to evaluate and prove all of the damages which a client has faced since the accident along with those damages and injuries the client will have to face for the rest of their life.  This is why it is important to select a law firm, such as Bemis, Roach and Reed, which is made up of attorneys who are Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law.

You may also want to view our page on General Information on Motor Vehicle Claims and our page on Frequently Asked Questions Following a Collision.