Pedestrian accidents are increasingly common in San Antonio. The city ranks last in Texas for both cyclist and pedestrian safety. In addition, from 2017 to 2021, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) statistics show that pedestrian fatalities rose 34% and cycling fatalities rose 58%. If this has happened to you or a loved one, you need an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in San Antonio from Patterson Law Group to protect your rights. We fight hard to help you get the compensation your case deserves.
Common Causes and Locations
The NHTSA reports that most fatalities occur in urban rather than rural areas. They are more likely in busy areas, such as downtown, nearby schools, and residential neighborhoods.
Additional factors that make it dangerous for pedestrians include the following:
Driving Under the Influence
Driving while intoxicated dramatically increases the odds of a pedestrian accident, especially at intersections with people crossing or waiting to cross a busy road.
Failure to Yield Right-of-Way
Some drivers do not respect the pedestrians’ right-of-way, leading to life-threatening collisions. In most cases, a driver emerging from or entering an alleyway, private road, or driveway must yield to pedestrians. Pedestrians also have the right of way in all crosswalks and at intersections with marked or unmarked crosswalks.
Speeding
Drivers often speed through residential streets near schools and other pedestrian-heavy areas. Additionally, it is easier for speeding drivers to lose control of their vehicles.
Why Are Pedestrian Accidents So Dangerous?
Pedestrians do not have seatbelts, airbags, helmets, or other safety gear to protect them.
Common injuries include the following:
- Head Injuries: Head injuries range from mild to severe and can have permanent consequences, such as impaired cognitive function. Other common effects of traumatic brain injuries include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and personality changes.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord damage can lead to loss of mobility, chronic pain, paralysis, and organ damage. It could take years or months of rehabilitation to recover.
- Broken Bones: Broken bones can take longer to heal, especially in older people. Complex fractures may never fully recover. Failure to set the bones properly may also lead to improper healing and long-term disabilities.
What to Do After a San Antonio Pedestrian Accident
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in San Antonio, you should first seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, getting checked out by a doctor is essential—adrenalin floods the body after an accident and can mask pain. Call the police and ask for a copy of their report. If physically able, gather as much evidence as possible. No detail is too trivial or too small.
Consider the following:
- Take pictures of the scene, including the position of the car, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Collect contact information from witnesses who saw what happened.
- Take pictures or note nearby homes or businesses because they might have surveillance cameras that captured the accident.
You should also contact a San Antonio pedestrian accident lawyer. At Patterson Law Group, we gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue a lawsuit if necessary.
Contact Us at Patterson Law Group for a Free Consultation
At Patterson Law Group, we put our clients first in every case. We take the time to understand your needs and create a response plan that aligns with desired outcomes. Our team of dedicated and skilled San Antonio personal injury lawyers will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve through a settlement or a lawsuit. Additionally, we work on a contingency basis, so there are no upfront legal fees. Contact us for a free consultation.
