Walking in Dallas can be dangerous. Every year, careless drivers hit pedestrians in busy areas like Deep Ellum, Uptown, and Downtown. If you've been hurt while strolling through one of Dallas’ busy areas of town, a Dallas pedestrian accident lawyer can help. At Bailey & Galyen, we fight for injured pedestrians' rights. We'll work to get you money for medical bills and lost wages. Don't face this alone. Call us today to discuss your case for free.
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Dallas Pedestrian Accident Guide
- Why Choose Bailey & Galyen for Your Dallas Pedestrian Accident Case
- How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents in Dallas?
- Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Dallas?
- Do I Have a Pedestrian Accident Case?
- Should I Take the Insurance Company’s First Offer?
- What Compensation Is Available to Pedestrian Accident Victims
- Who May Be At Fault in a Pedestrian Accident?
- What if I'm Partly to Blame for the Accident?
- How Can a Lawyer with Bailey & Galyen Help with My Dallas Pedestrian Accident Case?
- Dallas Pedestrian Accident Lawyer FAQs
- Contact the Dallas Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at Bailey & Galyen Today
Why Choose Bailey & Galyen for Your Dallas Pedestrian Accident Case
Bailey & Galyen has over 40 years of experience helping injured people in Texas. Our team knows how to handle pedestrian accident cases in Dallas. We've won millions for our clients and will fight hard for you, too.
Our lawyers understand the laws that protect pedestrians. We'll look at all the details of your case, from traffic camera footage to witness statements. Our goal is to get you the most money possible for your injuries. We deal with insurance companies so you can focus on getting better.
At Bailey & Galyen, you're not just a case number. We give each client personal attention. You can call us anytime with questions. We offer free case reviews and only get paid if we win for you. Choose Bailey & Galyen to have a strong legal team on your side.
How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents in Dallas?
Pedestrian accidents in Dallas are surprisingly common. Dallas is the ninth-largest city in the country, but it has the second-highest rate of pedestrian deaths among the 20 largest cities in the U.S. Dallas has a 4.73 pedestrian death rate per 100,000 people, second only to Phoenix, with a pedestrian death rate of 6.03 per 100,000 people. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, 661 pedestrians were struck by motor vehicles in Dallas last year—up from 620 the previous year. While a total of 181 drivers, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians were killed on Dallas streets last year, and 14,159 were injured, pedestrians made up just under 2% of Dallas traffic fatalities and 47% of the injuries.Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Dallas?
Pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere in Dallas, but some areas see more incidents than others:
- Downtown Dallas: With its busy streets and many pedestrians, downtown is a hotspot for accidents. Areas near public transit stops are especially risky.
- Deep Ellum: This popular nightlife district sees many pedestrians, especially at night. Drunk or distracted drivers pose a serious threat here.
- Uptown: With its mix of residential and commercial areas, Uptown has heavy foot and car traffic. Accidents often occur at busy intersections.
- Oak Lawn: This densely populated neighborhood has many walkers. Crosswalks on major streets like Cedar Springs Road can be danger zones.
- Near DART Stations: Areas around public transit stops often see more pedestrian traffic and, sadly, more accidents.
- School Zones: Despite lower speed limits, areas near schools can be risky, especially during drop-off and pick-up times.
- Major Intersections: Crossings on big roads like Mockingbird Lane or Lemmon Avenue can be dangerous for pedestrians.
Do I Have a Pedestrian Accident Case?
Most pedestrian accident cases are based on negligence. This means someone didn't act with reasonable care, and you got hurt because of it. To have a strong claim, we need to show four things:- Duty: The driver had a duty to be careful. All drivers must watch for pedestrians and follow traffic laws.
- Breach: The driver failed in this duty. Maybe they were speeding, texting, or not paying attention.
- Causation: This failure directly led to your accident. If the driver had been careful, you wouldn't have been hurt.
- Damages: You suffered real harm. This could be injuries, medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Should I Take the Insurance Company’s First Offer?
Don't rush to take the insurance company's first offer. It's smart to talk to a lawyer first. Here's why:
- Lawyers know your rights. We can tell if an offer is fair. Insurance companies often lowball victims, hoping you'll settle fast. But you might deserve much more.
- Your injuries may be worse than you think. Some problems show up weeks or months later. A lawyer can help you understand the full impact of your injuries.
- We know how to value your claim. Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering—it all adds up. We'll make sure nothing is missed.
- Lawyers are skilled negotiators. We deal with insurance companies every day. We know their tactics and how to counter them.
- There's no risk in talking to us. At Bailey & Galyen, we offer free case reviews. We only get paid if we win for you.
What Compensation Is Available to Pedestrian Accident Victims
If you've been hit by a car while walking, you may be able to get money for your losses. Here are the main types of compensation:- Medical Costs: This covers all your health care needs. It includes hospital bills, surgeries, meds, therapy, and future medical care.
- Lost Wages or Income: If you missed work due to your injuries, you can claim these lost earnings. This also covers future lost income if you can't return to your job.
- Pain and Suffering: This is for the physical pain and emotional distress you've gone through. It's harder to calculate but can be a big part of your claim.
- Property Damage: If your personal items were damaged in the accident, like a phone or laptop, you can claim these costs.
- Disability: If your injuries cause long-term or permanent disability, you may get extra compensation.
- Wrongful Death: If a loved one died in a pedestrian accident, family members may be able to claim funeral costs and lost financial support.
Who May Be At Fault in a Pedestrian Accident?
Pedestrian accidents aren't always simple. Many parties could be to blame:
- Drivers: Often, drivers are at fault. They might be speeding, distracted, drunk, or not yielding to pedestrians.
- City or County: Poor road design or broken traffic signals can cause accidents. In these cases, local government might be responsible.
- Construction Companies: If road work isn't properly marked, it can lead to pedestrian injuries.
- Vehicle Makers: Faulty brakes or other car defects might cause a crash.
- Employers: If a driver was working when the accident happened, their company might be liable.
What if I'm Partly to Blame for the Accident?
Don't worry if you think you might be partly at fault. You may still get compensation. Here's what you need to know: Texas uses a "modified comparative negligence" rule. This means:- You can still recover money if you're less than 51% at fault.
- Your compensation is reduced by your share of blame.
- If you're 51% or more at fault, you can't recover damages.
- In a settlement: You, your lawyer, and the insurance company negotiate fault.
- In a lawsuit: If your case goes to trial, a jury decides fault percentages.
- Crossing outside a crosswalk
- Ignoring walk signals
- Walking while distracted (like looking at your phone)
How Can a Lawyer with Bailey & Galyen Help with My Dallas Pedestrian Accident Case?
A Bailey & Galyen lawyer can be your strongest ally after a pedestrian accident. Here's how we help:
- Investigate Your Case: We'll gather evidence like police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage. This helps prove who's at fault.
- Handle Insurance Companies: We deal with adjusters, so you don't have to. We know their tactics and how to counter lowball offers.
- Calculate Your Damages: We'll add up all your losses—medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering. We make sure nothing is missed.
- Negotiate for You: Our skilled lawyers will fight for the best possible settlement. We're not afraid to go to court if needed.
- Explain Your Rights: We'll help you understand Texas pedestrian laws and your options at every step.
- No Upfront Costs: We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
- Prove Negligence: We'll build a strong case to show how the driver failed to keep you safe.
- Meet Deadlines: There are time limits for filing claims. We'll make sure everything is done on time.
Dallas Pedestrian Accident Lawyer FAQs
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Dallas?
In Texas, you usually have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. But it's best to start your claim as soon as possible. Evidence can disappear, and witnesses may forget details. Contact us right away so we can begin working on your case.
What if the driver who hit me doesn't have insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may still have options. We can look into other options, such as:- Your own uninsured motorist coverage
- Other responsible parties (like the driver's employer)
- The driver's personal assets
How much is my pedestrian accident case worth?
Each case is unique. The value depends on factors like:- How serious your injuries are
- Your medical bills and lost wages
- Long-term effects on your life
- Who was at fault
Should I talk to the driver's insurance company?
It's best to limit what you say to the other driver's insurance. They may use your words against you. Let us handle these talks. We know how to protect your rights and avoid mistakes that could hurt your claim.What if I was hit in a crosswalk?
Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. If you were hit while properly using a crosswalk, the driver is likely at fault. But even if you weren't in a crosswalk, you may still have a case. Texas law requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians. Let us review your situation to determine your legal options.Contact the Dallas Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at Bailey & Galyen Today
Being hit by a car while walking can change your life in seconds. At Bailey & Galyen, we understand how tough this time is for you. We're here to help you both legally and financially.