Texas had a pedestrian fatality rate of 1.64 per 100,000 population in 2011, which was tied for number 12 in highest for the country. It had the third-highest number of pedestrian fatalities overall.
Pedestrian accidents can lead to a variety of back injuries with different degrees of severity. The victims of these accidents, however, have legal rights that they can exercise to achieve financial compensation for their damages from an at-fault driver, such as one in violation of Texas’s pedestrian right-of-way laws.
Drivers need to be aware of Texas pedestrian laws in order to reduce the risk of accidents and injury, as well as to avoid legal ramifications and lessen potential liability.
Two common aspects of the law that come into play regarding pedestrians and drivers are right-of-way and exercising care. Far too many pedestrians are seriously injured with broken bones, head trauma, or even killed each year because they failed to abide by the simple rules of the road. Many devastating accidents can be avoided if people simply were to adhere to traffic laws and pay attention to their surroundings.
One of the more common types of injuries to sustain in a pedestrian accident is broken bones. Certain parts of the body have a higher incidence of fractures, with a variety of factors that can impact the severity of those injuries.
Injuries from pedestrian accidents can be devastating. Broken bones, head trauma, and damage to internal organs are examples. But some might also experience disfigurement, which can impact victims physically and emotionally.
There are several situations in which you’ll need a lawyer after a pedestrian accident, such as when there are catastrophic injuries or disputes over fault. However, to ensure claims are handled fairly and expediently, it’s always a good idea to at least run your case by an attorney and determine your legal options and whether you could benefit from legal help.
Signs of internal bleeding and organ damage can vary depending on the type of injury and its severity. But with the important functioning each organ provides, it’s imperative that any damage is diagnosed as quickly as possible. Even when injuries in an accident don’t appear serious, it’s always best to see a doctor for evaluation.
Pedestrian accidents may result in outward injuries, such as lacerations and bruises. But they can also cause more serious injuries like internal bleeding or organ damage, especially when the impact has been significant. That’s why it’s always important to get checked out by a doctor no matter the appearance of the injuries and how you feel after the accident.
Here’s a not-so-fun fact: in 2011, a total of 4,432 pedestrians were killed, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association. That’s equivalent to a pedestrian being fatally hit by a car about every fourth day in every state. Sadly, many times distracted driving and driver carelessness is the reason some pedestrians are hit by a car.
Since the first cars made their debut on America’s roads at the turn of the 20th century, pedestrians and motorists have had to accommodate each other and share the roads. The pedestrian/motorist relationship has never been without its problems, though. The power and speed of motor vehicles created an environment in which crossing a road could lead to serious pedestrian accidents, causing injury and death.