McAllen Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Are you a victim of a pedestrian accident? If so, hire a McAllen pedestrian accident lawyer to help you fight for just compensation. The Kenny Perez Law Firm is available to answer all of your questions and help you through the complex legal process. As you focus on your recovery, we will diligently and aggressively fight on your behalf to make sure you receive every dollar you deserve.
Typically, pedestrian accidents are among the most severe traffic accidents. Pedestrians do not have anything to shield their bodies upon impact, unlike a person inside a vehicle who has a steel frame protecting them. Therefore, pedestrians are more susceptible to severe or catastrophic injuries and even death.
That means higher medical bills. We can help recover the compensation to pay for them.
Auto-Pedestrian Accidents in Texas
All vehicles should completely stop for pedestrians when using the crosswalk. However, when pedestrians use unmarked crosswalks, this may confuse drivers. Some drivers may not be aware that they should give pedestrians the right of way no matter what crosswalk they use.
All people on the road: pedestrians, drivers, cyclists, etc., must observe crosswalks and traffic signals that grant them the right of way. Pedestrians have the right-of-way when crossing a street or roadway at a crosswalk, regardless if it is marked or unmarked. Pedestrians do not have the right of way to cross at a traffic signal when the sign clearly states that pedestrians are not allowed to walk.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the top factors contributing to pedestrian auto accidents in Texas are:
Determining Liability in Texas
The at-fault party in a pedestrian accident is responsible for paying compensation. Usually, this is the insurance company of the at-fault party.
More often than not, drivers are responsible for pedestrian accidents in Texas. Busy intersections are the most common places where these accidents occur. Every Texas driver must carry at least the minimum insurance liability plan to pay for the damage they cause.
Most people do not realize that a pedestrian can also cause or contribute to an auto-pedestrian accident by not obeying traffic laws. If a pedestrian ignores the crosswalk signals, jaywalks, or walks while distracted, they can cause an accident. It will depend greatly on the circumstances of the accident as to whether or not the pedestrian will be fully liable for the incident. In many cases, the driver will also share the responsibility.
In some accident situations, the government can also be accountable. The government may be the responsible party in pedestrian accidents primarily caused by poorly designed intersections, road hazards, or improperly maintained roadways.
Texas uses a comparative fault law. What does this mean? If the victim is partially at fault for the accident, their financial compensation is reduced accordingly.
For example, a pedestrian is 50 percent at fault for an accident. The courts can then reduce their compensation value to half of what it would be. Or, if the victim is more than 50 percent at fault, they may not be able to recover any compensation for their injuries.
If an auto-pedestrian accident occurs, it is vitally important to connect with a reputable and experienced law firm to get the compensation you deserve. The lawyers at Kenny Perez Law fight aggressively for our clients and strive to get them every dollar they deserve.
Proving Fault in an Auto-Pedestrian Accident
Evidence often comes from eyewitness testimony, videos, pictures, police reports, accident reconstruction, and medical records. The lawyers at Kenny Perez Law work to ensure our clients aren’t blamed for the accident. Insurance companies will often try to pass off blame to the other party and do whatever is necessary to paint this picture. Kenny Perez Law’s aggressive representation deters anyone from manipulating our clients. We build a compelling case asserting our client is the victim deserving compensation.
FAQs
In Texas, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers, not pedestrians. This treatment means that bicyclists must yield to pedestrians and adhere to the road rules, like every other vehicle. In some areas of Texas, bicycles can travel on sidewalks, but they must yield to pedestrians. In other areas of Texas, it is illegal for bikes to use the sidewalks.
Contact us today at (956) 420-6834 so we can assess your accident claim. Our experienced team can fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Kenny Perez Law
(956) 544-9292