A pedestrian traffic accident could be more tragic than a motor vehicle accident due to the person’s body not being protected. The weight of a car slamming into you is frightening, painful, and emotionally traumatic. Some of these accidents could be fatal.
You might be wondering who would be at fault in such an accident or who has the right-of-way. Pedestrians have certain right-of-way privileges no matter where they are traveling. It is important to remember that if a vehicle hits you.
You have rights under the law to collect financial compensation for your injuries, pain, and suffering. While you can represent yourself, having an attorney who can prepare your case and fight for you could help you receive the compensation you deserve.
At Loncar Associates, an Odessa pedestrian accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and explain complex legal terms or concepts to you so that you can understand what your case involves. You will know what to expect as we work on your behalf.
We’ve been handling cases like this since 1988. Started as a “one-man” operation, Loncar Associates took off and grew to a reputable force across the Texas area, operating in several cities.
With many big wins under our belts and a reputation for aggressively pursuing compensation, we have carved out a place for the business in Texas. More than that, we respect our clients’ privacy and treat them with integrity while maintaining ethical principles. When you work with us, we will help you hold those in your accident accountable and seek fair compensation for you.
Our firm works on a contingency basis, which means you do not have to pay anything upfront. You can contact us. Call us at (877) 239-4878 today for a free consultation. We can discuss your accident and how we can help you with legal recourse.
Pedestrian Accidents and Fatalities
While we know vehicle accidents occur daily in the United States, how often do pedestrians get hit? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports there were 33,654 fatal car accidents in 2018. It also reported that pedestrian fatalities account for 6,283 of that number.
Of course, many more are injured, but the statistics just report fatalities. According to a CNBC news report, this number represented an increase of 41% since 2008 and now accounts for 16% of all traffic fatalities.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show a further breakdown of the data as follows:
- People aged 65 and older who were involved represent 20% of fatalities
- More people died in urban areas than in rural and non-intersection locations
- Most fatal pedestrian accidents occurred at night
- Eighty-five percent of fatalities involving pedestrians were a result of a front-end impact
- Side and back impact accidents accounted for less than 5% each
For a free legal consultation with a Pedestrian Accidents lawyer serving Odessa, call 877-239-4878
How Pedestrian Accidents Occur
Accidents involving pedestrians can occur for a variety of reasons. A few of them are:
Impaired Driving
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lead to accidents of any kind, including those involving pedestrians. The National Safety Council (NSC) states that alcohol impairment attributes to 42% of these fatalities. Driving while impaired affects the reflexes, judgment, and sharpness needed to avoid hitting someone you may not see as readily as a car.
Low Visibility
Pedestrians are harder to see than a vehicle. If it is dark out, it’s going to increase the chances of an accident, unless the driver is alert. Also, it helps if the pedestrian isn’t dressed in all black.
Speeding
When a vehicle is moving at a high rate of speed, it can be a danger to all involved—especially a pedestrian. A speeding situation intensifies danger on the road. The problem that arises is that if the driver sees the pedestrian at the last minute, they won’t have time to stop or slow down. Also, the consequences can be worse with a speeding car.
Distracted Driving
Driving distracted, whether while using a cellphone or eating, is a danger to everyone on the road. These actions can easily lead to disastrous results involving a pedestrian.
If these or any other type of driving situation occurred and led to you getting hit, then you might be able to recover financial awards to help you recover from your accident. An Odessa pedestrian accident lawyer is ready to begin building a strong case for you. Call Loncar Associates at (877) 239-4878 for a free case consultation.
Odessa Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-239-4878
Texas Law and Pedestrian Accidents
If you wondered who was at fault in your accident, you most likely had the right-of-way because you were a pedestrian. Texas Transportation Code § 552.002 states, “A pedestrian facing a ‘Walk’ signal may proceed across a roadway in the direction of the signal, and the operator of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian.” Several other traffic laws mandate that cars must yield to pedestrians.
Check with your attorney for more information. You can contact Loncar Associates with any questions you have.
Contact our Odessa Pedestrian Accident Attorneys today
Schedule a Case Consultation with Loncar Associates
At Loncar Associates, we understand that you may be recovering from a painful accident and feel disheartened by what happened. The sooner you call, the sooner an Odessa pedestrian accident lawyer can start working on your case.
We will manage the document collection, court filings, and negotiation process, and ensure you file your personal injury lawsuit by the statute of limitations deadline, which is two years in Texas.
Two years may seem like a long time, but it takes time to build a case, so it’s better to start the process early. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your chance to seek financial recovery.
Call or text 877-239-4878 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
