What Compensation is Available in Pedestrian Injury Cases?

Every year, Austin’s population increases dramatically. It is estimated that approximately 110 new residents move to the city every day. In terms of square mileage, the actual city of Austin is small, just 271.8 square miles, about half the size of San Antonio. However, it is very dense for its size – about 1 million people within that entire area. As more people move into the city limits, the possibility for daily traffic collisions and pedestrian mishaps increase as well.

The city of Austin is no stranger to pedestrian accidents. In fact, in 2015, there were 101 traffic fatalities in the city; 32 of these were pedestrians. That’s more than 30% of all Austin roadway deaths that year. Some parts of the city are especially prone to pedestrian and traffic levels convening dangerously close to each other. Notable areas include the stretch of Guadalupe Street next to the UT Austin campus, and the downtown streets near the capitol building.

Pedestrian accidents can happen to anyone, even on what seems to be the most secluded and safe sidewalks and crosswalks. They are serious, and often require not only medical assistance, but the services of an attorney. A few of the most common causes of collisions between motorists and pedestrians include:

• Inclement weather conditions
• Decreased visibility
• Drunk and drugged driving
• Mechanical failure
• Disregard for traffic regulations
• Cell phone preoccupation
• Distracted driving

In general, Texas traffic laws dictate that pedestrians always have the right of way. Unfortunately, crash numbers indicate that this traffic law often cannot and does not prevent accidents from happening. Austin auto accidents in which pedestrians are injured invariably prove more perilous for the pedestrian than the motorist or passengers of the vehicle. Pedestrians may suffer any of a number of damages and injuries from an accident, including:

• Lacerations
• Paralysis
• Broken bones
• Spinal and back injuries
• Head and brain trauma
• Loss of limb
• Pain & suffering
• Death

Fortunately for victims, also according to Texas law, a pedestrian injured in an accident can secure compensation for their injuries and damages as long as they are able to prove the damage was directly caused by the accident. Some common forms of compensation that is available in pedestrian injury cases typically are:

• Hospital bills: If you have spent significant time in the hospital or at the doctor’s office coping with your injuries from the accident, the guilty party or parties can be held responsible for your mounting medical bills.
• Medication expenses: If you are hit by a car when walking on a sidewalk, the pain sustained in the collision often requires costly medication. A lawyer can help pursue financial repayment of the medications. so that these extra costs do not add any further complication to your predicament.
• Rehabilitation: Compensation can include provision for both physical and mental rehabilitation. Pain and suffering often materializes in an assortment of various forms following an accident; thus, rehabilitation can come in many forms. It can take weeks or even years to resolve lingering issues, and those expenses add up.
• Job loss and costs of living: If you find yourself missing time at work while you are in the hospital due to your injuries, you may be eligible for compensation for the time away from work. This includes wage loss during your time of rehabilitation, as well as job loss if you have been fired or replaced because of your injuries or your injuries prevent you from working.

For more information regarding what compensation is available in a pedestrian injury case, contact the experienced attorneys from Carabin Shaw. Our lawyers have over 20 years of experience fighting for the rights of victims in pedestrian injury cases and other forms of personal injury across the state of Texas. We will evaluate your case, determine the value of these damages, and ensure all our clients are compensated fairly and fully for all damages accumulated in a pedestrian accident.

Our attorneys here for you. For a free consultation, contact an Austin pedestrian injury attorney from Carabin Shaw today. You may call our experienced team anytime, day or night, toll-free at 800-682-1260 or at our Austin office number at 512-832-1101.