Austin Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Injured While Walking the Streets of Austin, TX?

Austin is an incredibly walkable city. From its downtown streets to the roads around St. Edward’s and the University of Texas, you are likely to see pedestrians on and near streets across town at all hours of the day and night. In fact, even some of the city’s most popular hiking and biking trails, such as the Lady Bird Lake running trail, are immediately adjacent to busy city streets.

While this overlap makes Austin a very active and fun city, it unfortunately exposes pedestrians to a very real threat: dangerous drivers. Although drivers are supposed to do everything possible to keep pedestrians safe while they are behind the wheel, the reality is that far too many pedestrians are injured and killed every year after being struck by careless, distracted, and aggressive drivers in Austin.

If you or someone you love was injured as a pedestrian in an accident involving a car or another motor vehicle, the Law Offices Of Vic Feazell, P.C. is ready to help you fight for the compensation you need to cover your accident-related losses. We are dedicated to protecting the rights of pedestrian accident victims in Austin, and we’re committed to pursuing maximum compensation on your behalf.

Call (254) 938-6885 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with our Austin pedestrian accident lawyers.

What is a Pedestrian Accident?

A pedestrian accident occurs whenever a person who is not in a vehicle (walking, running, jogging, or even sitting/lying down) is struck by a motorized vehicle. These vehicles can include passenger cars, commercial trucks, motorcycles, or buses.

Because pedestrians have zero protection—no airbags, no steel frames, and no seatbelts—the results of these accidents are almost always catastrophic. While some people assume pedestrian accidents only happen at high speeds, even a low-speed collision involving a 3,000-pound vehicle can cause life-altering injuries. These often include traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord damage, multiple broken bones, and internal organ failure.

Texas Pedestrian Laws

Texas law provides certain protections for pedestrians, but it also imposes responsibilities on them. Understanding these rules is essential when determining liability in an accident.

Important state pedestrian laws include:

• Right-of-way in crosswalks: Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks when no traffic signal is present.
• Obeying traffic signals: Pedestrians must follow traffic control devices, including “Walk” and “Don’t Walk” signals.
• Use of sidewalks: When sidewalks are available, pedestrians are required to use them rather than walking in the roadway.
• Walking on roadways: If no sidewalk exists, pedestrians should walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.

Violations of these laws by either party can impact fault and compensation in a pedestrian accident claim.

Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Often Occur in Austin?

Austin’s unique geography and rapid development have created several "hot spots" for pedestrian danger. High-traffic corridors and areas with heavy nightlife often see the highest rates of accidents. Common locations include:

• I-35 Frontage Roads: Notorious for high speeds and poor lighting, these areas are incredibly dangerous for those on foot trying to cross into downtown.
• The University of Texas (UT) Area: With thousands of students walking between classes, the intersections near Guadalupe Street (known as "The Drag") are frequent sites of collisions.
• Downtown Austin: Areas like 6th Street, Rainey Street, and Congress Avenue see heavy foot traffic and distracted drivers looking for parking or navigating congestion.
• Lamar Boulevard and Riverside Drive: These major thoroughfares often lack adequate pedestrian crossings relative to their length and speed limits.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Most pedestrian accidents in Austin are entirely preventable. They are usually the result of human error or negligence. Frequent causes include:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers checking phones for GPS directions or text messages fail to see pedestrians in time to stop.
• Speeding: Higher speeds reduce a driver’s reaction time and significantly increase the force of impact.
• Failure to Yield: Drivers turning right or left at intersections often look for other cars but fail to check for people in the crosswalk.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver's judgment, depth perception, and reaction speeds.
• Poor Visibility: Nighttime accidents are common in Austin, especially where street lighting is insufficient or where pedestrians are wearing dark clothing.

Who is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?

Determining liability in a pedestrian accident can be complex. Multiple parties may be responsible depending on the circumstances.

Potentially liable parties include:

• Drivers: Most commonly at fault for negligence, such as failing to yield or driving distracted
• Employers: If the driver was working at the time of the accident
• Government entities: For poorly designed roads, malfunctioning traffic signals, or lack of signage
• Vehicle manufacturers: If a defect contributed to the accident

Our Austin pedestrian accident attorney will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and identify all liable parties to maximize your claim.

Compensation Available for Injured Pedestrians

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages. These can include:

• Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
• Lost wages: Income lost due to time away from work
• Loss of earning capacity: If injuries impact your ability to work long-term
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress
• Disability or disfigurement: Long-term or permanent impairments
• Wrongful death damages: Funeral expenses and loss of companionship (for surviving family members)

At the Law Offices Of Vic Feazell, P.C., we work to ensure that every aspect of your damages is accounted for in your claim.

Pedestrian Accident FAQs

What should I do after a pedestrian accident in Austin?

Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Call law enforcement, gather contact information from witnesses, and document the scene if possible. Then, consult with an attorney before speaking to insurance companies.

How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Texas?

In most cases, Texas law allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering compensation.

What if I was hit while jaywalking?

You may still have a case. Under Texas law, drivers still have a duty to avoid hitting pedestrians even if they aren't in a crosswalk. While your compensation might be reduced if you are found partially at fault, you can still recover damages if the driver was also negligent.

What if the driver fled the scene?

You may still have options, including filing a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage. An attorney can help identify potential sources of compensation.

What if the driver who hit me doesn't have insurance?

If the driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. If you don't have this coverage, your attorney may explore other options, such as suing the at-fault driver personally, depending on the circumstances.

What if the pedestrian accident occurred on a busy street or intersection?

If the accident occurred in a high-traffic area, there might be additional evidence available, such as traffic lights, pedestrian signals, or crosswalks. Your attorney will analyze the intersection’s safety, whether traffic laws were violated, and other contributing factors to determine liability.

How much is my pedestrian accident case worth?

The value of your case depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost income, and long-term impact on your life. Our firm can provide a more accurate estimate after reviewing your case.

Contact an Austin pedestrian accident attorney at (254) 938-6885 to get started with a free case evaluation.