Pedestrian accidents are some of the most severe seen on San Antonio roads. Pedestrians have no protection or barrier from collisions, which means serious injuries and fatalities are common.
At Patterson Law Group, we understand how these accidents can impact victims and their families. Our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys in San Antonio are ready to fight for victims’ rights and help them recover compensation. We also advocate for safer roads and walkways for pedestrians.
Here, you can learn more about pedestrian accidents in San Antonio and how we can help with your case.
San Antonio Pedestrian Accident Statistics
In 2022, TxDOT recorded 5,766 traffic accidents involving pedestrians across the state. Of these accidents, approximately 12% (687 collisions) occurred in San Antonio. In 2023, San Antonio pedestrians accounted for 841 traffic accidents, a significant increase.
Additionally, San Antonio pedestrian accidents account for more than 10% of the injuries and deaths that occurred, which includes 155 serious injuries and 91 deaths. Unfortunately, these numbers are disproportionate to San Antonio’s population, which only makes up 5% of the Texas population.
Across the state, pedestrian traffic fatalities increased by 30% from 2018 to 2022. Today, they account for one in five roadway deaths. These alarming numbers seem to be a continuing trend that must be addressed to prevent future occurrences.
As these accidents plague the public, the city has enacted new safety plans, such as Vision Zero. This plan outlines safety improvements to the city’s transportation system to eliminate all traffic fatalities.
Pedestrian Rights in San Antonio
Pedestrians need to understand their legal rights. This information can help them determine whether they have a case worth pursuing.
At Patterson Law Group, our pedestrian accident attorneys in San Antonio can help you better understand your rights. You can also learn more about them here.
Some assume pedestrians always have the right of way. However, this is not always the case.
According to Texas traffic laws, pedestrians have the right of way when they are in:
- Marked crosswalks
- Unmarked crosswalks
- Intersections
- When following pedestrian control signals
However, if pedestrians are not in one of these situations, they must yield the right of way to vehicles on the road.
Some specific rules to know include:
Pedestrian Rights in a San Antonio Crosswalk
As mentioned, pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks as outlined in Texas Transportation Code §552.003. However, this does not mean they are absolved from all responsibilities. For example, they have the right of way when the “Walk” signal flashes. When the “Don’t Walk” signal appears, pedestrians cannot cross.
Pedestrian Requirements at Intersections
Texas Transportation Code §552.005 states that pedestrians have the right of way in intersections without signals. While this is true, certain rules must be followed.
One rule is that pedestrians must yield the right of way to vehicles on the road if they cross at a location other than a marked crosswalk or at an intersection with no pedestrian signals.
If a pedestrian crosses an intersection without traffic control signals, drivers must yield the right of way.
Requirement for Pedestrians to Remain on the Sidewalk
Texas Transportation Code §552.006, pedestrians are not permitted to walk along or on a road if an adjacent sidewalk is present. When a sidewalk is present, pedestrians must stay to the left side of the road or on the highway’s shoulder, facing oncoming traffic.
Understanding Pedestrian Accidents in San Antonio
Pedestrian accidents are a concerning issue in San Antonio. Despite efforts to improve pedestrian safety, accidents continue to occur, often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.
We have seen the devastating impact of these accidents and are ready to help victims and their families on the path to recovery.
When pursuing compensation for a pedestrian accident, it is helpful to know the most common causes, which is beneficial when determining liability. Common causes of pedestrian accidents in San Antonio include:
Distracted Driving
In San Antonio, distracted driving is a leading contributor to pedestrian accidents. The presence of smartphones means that drivers are often not fully engaged with the road, missing critical moments when pedestrians are crossing.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), distracted drivers are 1.6 times more likely than non-distracted drivers to hit pedestrians in marked crosswalks and almost three times as likely to hit pedestrians on road shoulders.
Speeding
Speeding in areas frequented by pedestrians significantly increases the risk of accidents. When drivers exceed speed limits, their ability to react to pedestrians decreases, often with tragic outcomes.
Speeding significantly increases the risk of losing control of a vehicle. It also makes it harder to stop quickly for unexpected people on the road, increasing the likelihood of speeding-related pedestrian accidents.
Failing to Yield
Another prevalent cause of pedestrian accidents in San Antonio is drivers’ failure to yield the right of way at crosswalks. This violation of pedestrian rights leads to numerous accidents each year.
Drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing the road in a marked crosswalk, even if the driver can turn right or left. Drivers must also yield to pedestrians when they pull into or out of an alley or driveway.
Issues with Infrastructure
Inadequate infrastructure, such as poor street lighting and poorly marked crosswalks, can also lead to pedestrian accidents. These conditions make it difficult for drivers to notice pedestrians, particularly at night or during poor weather conditions.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents often cause life-changing injuries. Our attorneys undertand the immediate and long-term impacts of these injuries and how they can affect the victim, their family, and their ability to live life as they did before the accident.
Understanding common injuries is crucial for providing effective legal support and advocacy. The most common injuries include the following:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
One of the most severe outcomes of pedestrian accidents is traumatic brain injuries. TBIs can range from mild concussions to more severe injuries that result in long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Fractures and broken bones are also common in pedestrian accidents, with the lower extremities being particularly vulnerable. The force of impact from a vehicle can lead to complex fractures requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries, including sprains, strains, and tears, are frequent yet often overlooked consequences of pedestrian accidents. While they may not always be immediately apparent, the pain and mobility issues they cause can be significant.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries, which can lead to partial or complete paralysis, represent some of the most devastating outcomes of pedestrian accidents. The impact on the victim’s quality of life, as well as on their family, is immense.
At Patterson Law Group, we are committed to supporting victims of pedestrian accidents through every step of their journey to recovery. Understanding the common injuries enables us to build stronger cases, advocate effectively, and ensure our clients receive the full compensation they deserve.
The Role of a San Antonio Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
When you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, the path to recovery can seem overwhelming. Medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional toll of the accident can be significant.
That’s where we come in.
As your San Antonio pedestrian accident lawyer, we will navigate the complex legal landscape on your behalf. We work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Our law firm can help in several ways, including the following:
Personalized Legal Representation
At Patterson Law Group, we understand that each pedestrian accident case in San Antonio is unique. We offer personalized legal representation tailored to our client’s circumstances and needs.
Our first step when taking on your case is to evaluate the situation and consider all the details. This includes:
- Where and how the accident occured
- The extent of your injuries
- The impact of the accident and injuries on your life
This comprehensive approach ensures we can advocate for your rights and interests.
Navigating Insurance Claims
Dealing with insurance companies can be one of the most challenging aspects of recovering from a pedestrian accident. Our experienced team has extensive knowledge of insurance companies’ tactics to minimize payouts.
We handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf, negotiating to secure the compensation you rightfully deserve. Our goal is to alleviate the stress of the claims process, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Securing Fair Compensation
Our commitment to our clients extends beyond just legal advice. We work tirelessly to recover fair compensation for all your losses. This includes:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Our understanding of Texas law related to pedestrian accidents allows us to build a strong, evidence-based case that showcases the extent of your damages. Whether through settlement negotiations or courtroom litigation, we are prepared to fight for the best possible outcome for you.
Advocacy and Support
At Patterson Law Group, we do more than just represent you legally; we advocate for your well-being. Recognizing the emotional and physical toll a pedestrian accident can take, we provide support throughout the legal process. Our team is always here to answer your questions, offer guidance, and ensure you feel confident and informed.
Pedestrian Safety and Prevention
At Patterson Law Group, our commitment extends beyond representing victims of pedestrian accidents; we’re equally dedicated to preventing these incidents in the future. We have seen the repercussions of accidents on individuals and communities firsthand. It’s our mission to advocate for safer streets and educate the public on safety measures.
Proactive Measures for Pedestrian Safety
Creating a safer environment for pedestrians involves effort from pedestrians, drivers, and the entire community. We support initiatives to improve infrastructure, such as better lighting and well-marked crosswalks, to enhance pedestrian visibility and safety.
Additionally, we advocate for implementing traffic calming measures like speed bumps and pedestrian islands, which can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Our role as pedestrian accident attorneys in San Antonio involves legal representation and participation in local safety campaigns and discussions to promote these crucial changes.
Encouraging Legislative Action
Our advocacy doesn’t stop at community education and infrastructure improvements; we also push for stronger pedestrian safety laws. By working with local officials and stakeholders, we work to enact and enforce legislation that protects pedestrians, including lower speed limits in high pedestrian traffic areas and stricter penalties for distracted driving.
Our Commitment to You
At Patterson Law Group, our commitment to our clients is unwavering. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a pedestrian accident can take on an individual and their family.
Our team of experienced San Antonio pedestrian accident lawyers is here to provide support, guidance, and expert representation. We are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for your case and ensuring that you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal aspects.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident in San Antonio, do not hesitate to contact Patterson Law Group.
