Every day, thousands of Austinites walk to work, school, shops, and around their neighborhoods, enjoying the city’s vibrant culture and beautiful outdoors. But pedestrian accidents can swiftly and dramatically change lives. If injury occurs while walking in Austin, obtaining appropriate compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain is vital to your recovery and future stability. Falcon Law Group fights tenaciously for pedestrian accident victims, providing legal representation throughout every step, from insurance negotiations to courtroom trials. Schedule your consultation today. Se Habla Español.
Pedestrian Rights and Responsibilities in Austin
Under Texas law, both pedestrians and drivers share responsibilities for safety on the road. Drivers have a heightened duty to avoid collisions with pedestrians by paying attention, obeying traffic laws, and yielding when required, such as at crosswalks and marked walkways. They must proceed with caution in areas with higher pedestrian activity and use horns or other warnings to alert pedestrians if necessary.
Meanwhile, pedestrians have a duty to exercise reasonable care for their safety as well. This includes crossing streets in designated crosswalks when available and not suddenly stepping into traffic where it is unsafe or unlawful to do so. Remaining alert and cautious helps reduce the risk of accidents.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Austin
Typical factors contributing to pedestrian accidents include:
- Crossing outside of marked crosswalks or intersections
- Drivers distracted by phones or other in-vehicle distractions
- Speeding or reckless driving reducing stopping time
- Failure to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks or walkways
- Drivers backing out of parking spaces or driveways without checking
- Vehicles turning without adequately scanning for pedestrians
- Ignoring traffic signals or pedestrian crossing signs
With Austin’s rapid growth and increased traffic volumes, awareness and vigilance from both motorists and pedestrians are essential to avoiding accidents.
Jaywalking: What It Means and Its Role in Accidents
Jaywalking refers to crossing a street unlawfully or outside of designated crosswalk areas. While commonly practiced, jaywalking is illegal in Austin and many parts of Texas, except where no crosswalks are present at intersections. Jaywalking can be a factor in pedestrian accident liability, but it does not automatically bar victims from recovering damages.
Texas follows a modified comparative fault system, meaning if a jaywalking pedestrian is less than 51% at fault for their accident, they may still pursue compensation from negligent drivers. However, jaywalking may reduce the amount of damages awarded proportional to the pedestrian’s share of fault.
It is critical for pedestrian accident victims who may have been jaywalking to consult an experienced attorney for a case evaluation rather than assume fault negates their claim.
How Is Fault Determined in Austin Pedestrian Accidents?
Determining liability involves investigating:
- Whether the pedestrian had the right of way
- Whether the driver failed to yield, was speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent
- Traffic and roadway conditions at the time of the accident
- Witness statements, surveillance footage, and police reports
Falcon Law Group’s pedestrian accident attorneys excel at gathering evidence to establish fault and aggressively advocate for injured pedestrians.
Common Injuries Resulting from Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians face significant risk of injury because they lack physical protection against vehicles. Severe injuries often suffered include:
- Traumatic brain injuries, concussions, or skull fractures
- Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries, potentially causing paralysis
- Broken bones and complex fractures
- Crushing injuries that could lead to amputation
- Road rash, deep lacerations, and severe tissue damage
- Internal injuries and bleeding
- Disfigurement and severe burns
These injuries frequently result in long hospital stays, extensive rehabilitation, permanent disability, and emotional trauma, drastically affecting lives and livelihoods.
Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Victims in Austin
Pedestrian injury victims may qualify to recover damages covering:
- Medical expenses including hospitalization and ongoing care
- Lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and vocational rehabilitation
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Wrongful death damages for families of victims
- Punitive damages where gross negligence is involved
Falcon Law Group’s personal injury attorneys are committed to pursuing all recoverable damages to help victims and their families restore their lives.
Why Choose Falcon Law Group for Austin Pedestrian Accidents?
At Falcon Law Group, clients are treated like family. We understand the profound disruption pedestrian accidents cause and provide personalized, compassionate legal advocacy rooted in deep local knowledge of Austin’s roads and traffic patterns. Our experienced attorneys are equipped to handle complex pedestrian injury claims, guiding clients through each step—from case evaluation through settlement or litigation.
Don’t delay protecting your rights after a pedestrian accident. Contact Falcon Law Group today to schedule your free consultation and start your journey toward justice and recovery. We proudly serve Austin and nearby communities with unwavering dedication.
