Austin Pedestrian Accidents Caused by Driver Error
Pedestrian accidents in Austin are becoming more and more common. Over the past decade, the influx of new residents has put a strain on Austin’s roads and highways and made getting around town on foot more difficult.
Has a careless driver injured you or someone you love in a pedestrian accident in Austin? Did this accident cause you severe injury or financial loss? If so, contact the attorneys at Loewy Law Firm today. We have years of experience helping Austin residents get monetary compensation for injuries through personal injury claims and lawsuits, and we can use that- experience to help you.
Call us today at (512) 280-0800 for a free consultation, and let us determine if you’re eligible. Don’t let a pedestrian accident knock you down for good. Call Loewy Law Firm today.
Driver Errors that Could Lead to Pedestrian Accidents
Negligence laws in Texas state that everyone has a responsibility to behave in a way that doesn’t harm others, including when driving on Austin’s roads. Motorists who don’t hold to this responsibility can cause severe injury to pedestrians in an instant.
Some common driver errors that can lead to pedestrian accidents include the following:
- Distracted driving – Distracted driving, either due to a mobile device, some distraction in the vehicle, or plain inattention, is a leading cause of pedestrian accidents.
- Speeding – Increased vehicle speed is a standard predictor of pedestrian accidents and injuries.
- Impaired driving – Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or driving while fatigued can easily lead to accidents and injured pedestrians.
- Inclement weather conditions – Inclement weather can reduce visibility and traction and increase stopping distances. The responsibility falls to the motorist to adjust their driving to match bad weather conditions.
- Road construction – Roads or intersections under construction can easily confuse an unwary driver and may not have adequate pedestrian signage.
- Failure-to-yield – Failing to stop at stop signs or red lights makes it likely that pedestrians will be injured.
- Aggressive driving – Especially in urban areas like central Austin, aggressive driving is a frequent cause of pedestrian accidents.
- Inadequate surveillance – Simply forgetting to check your surroundings before setting off in a car can be dangerous or even deadly to any pedestrians in your vicinity.
Common Injuries Suffered in Pedestrian Accidents
A car/pedestrian crash is almost always worse for the pedestrian. The standard passenger car weighs around 4,000 pounds. When something that large strikes a pedestrian, regardless of the speed of travel, the person will at the very least be knocked to the ground and could suffer minor injuries. At high speeds, an impact with a vehicle or a secondary impact with the ground can quickly kill a pedestrian.
Some injuries that commonly result from pedestrian accidents include the following:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Whiplash
- Concussion
- Lacerations
- Abrasions
- Internal injuries
- Organ damage
- Hip and knee injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Head and neck injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Coma
- Death
Compensation for a Pedestrian Accident
We help our clients obtain monetary compensation for injuries caused by another party’s negligence through personal injury claims and personal injury lawsuits. The amount of compensation you may be able to obtain for your pedestrian accident varies widely depending on the circumstances that caused it and the severity of your injuries.
It’s not possible to estimate how much compensation you may receive without a full review of your case, but the rule of thumb is that the more severe your injuries or financial losses, the more compensation you should demand.
Determining the amount to demand is best handled with the help of a qualified attorney. We will review your losses and help you formulate a number that takes into account all your accident-related losses, both tangible and intangible.
An attorney is necessary because not all your losses are easily calculated. The compensation you may be eligible for, or damages, applies to more than material losses. You may be eligible for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress, as well as for economic damages, like lost earnings or medical expenses.
Some examples of economic damages include:
- Lost wages, now or in the future
- Lost opportunity
- Property damage
- Medical bills
- Household expenses
Non-economic damages cover a wide variety of possible losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment
- Loss of consortium
- Mental anguish
- Scarring and disfigurement
In cases of extreme fraud, malice, or gross negligence, you may also be eligible for exemplary damages. These damages are meant to punish the responsible party for their actions rather than compensate you for any loss. They carry a higher burden of proof than compensatory damages, can only be awarded in a trial, and are capped at two times the amount of economic damages plus non-economic damages. Ask your attorney if exemplary damages may be available in your case.
Why Hire an Attorney for My Pedestrian Accident?
Obtaining compensation for a pedestrian accident may seem simple, but in reality, it can be an uphill battle. A lawyer is necessary to understand the ins and outs of personal injury claims and how to make the law work for you.
On top of explaining how the process works, your lawyer will do the work for you. We will conduct a thorough investigation to determine who was at fault and gather all the evidence needed to support your claim. This may include witness testimony, accident reports, medical records, and photo/video evidence. We handle the workload of building your claim so you can rest and recover from your injuries.
Knowing how much compensation to demand from the responsible party takes a lawyer with experience in personal injury law. Medical bills and property damage are easy to tally, but non-economic damages like pain and suffering are subjective and highly variable. Your attorney can review prior case law and relevant statutes to help you seek the maximum possible payout.
Call Loewy Law Firm Today
If a negligent driver has injured you or someone you love, you should contact the attorneys at Loewy Law Firm as soon as possible. We will review your case and discuss your available options, all free of charge. Don’t let a pedestrian accident determine your financial future. Call (512) 280-0800 today.