Pedestrian Accidents.

Motor vehicle accidents don’t always involve two or more motor vehicles, sometimes injuries are sustained when a car, truck, or motorcycle strikes an innocent pedestrian. A pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle can result in devastating injuries or death. The following information was written to help you understand the facts regarding these types of accidents and what to do in the event you’re struck by a motor vehicle while out walking or riding your bicycle.

Pedestrian Accidents are More Common Than You Think

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, Pedestrian deaths are continuing to rise in Texas and now account for one in five of all traffic fatalities. In 2021, there were 5,370 crashes involving pedestrians in our state, resulting in 843 deaths, a 15 percent increase in pedestrian fatalities over the previous year. Another 1,467 people were seriously injured.

Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users because they aren’t equipped with protective equipment such as airbags, seat belts, and bumpers. All of us share a responsibility to follow the rules of the road and bring the number of pedestrian fatalities to zero. TxDOT offers the safety tips below to prevent a deadly encounter.

Data provided by the Federal Highway Administration shows that each year, pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities make up roughly 19 percent of all traffic fatalities with approximately 6,000 pedestrian deaths and 850 bicyclist deaths. Another 76,000 pedestrians and 47,000 bicyclists are injured in roadway crashes annually.

The fact is that far too many people suffer unnecessary injury due to the negligent driving of others. We all need to do our part to watch out for pedestrians on the road.

Where Pedestrian Accidents Most Commonly Occur

Chances are you won’t encounter a pedestrian walking down the middle of the highway. (But you never know.) However, there are locations you should recognize as being more populated than others. Some of these include:

  • Shopping Centers
    • It’s a given when traveling through a shopping center that you’re going to encounter a substantial number of people coming and going from the surrounding buildings.
  • Sporting Events
    • Sporting events are another location where you will find large numbers of people gathered.
  • Residential Streets
    • Both kids and adults often ride their bikes down residential streets. Animals can also dart out between parked cars requiring you to make quick adjustments to your driving.
  • Parking Lots
    • As with shopping centers, any parking lot is going to be filled with people walking to and from their vehicles.
  • Schools & Crosswalks
Understanding Your Rights

Section 552 of the Texas Transportation Code spells out the “Rules of the Road” as they relate to pedestrians. This chapter provides information concerning the following and more:

  • PEDESTRIAN RIGHT-OF-WAY IF CONTROL SIGNAL PRESENT
  • PEDESTRIAN RIGHT-OF-WAY AT CROSSWALKS
  • PEDESTRIAN USE OF SIDEWALKS
  • SOLICITATION BY PEDESTRIANS
  • ORDINANCES RELATING TO PEDESTRIANS

The City of Austin has also published an informative booklet titled “Pedestrian Safety and the Law” which offers information about what every driver and pedestrian should know about pedestrian laws and safe behaviors.

If you’ve been in a pedestrian accident, contact the Law Office of Brian Brunson, PLLC. Our knowledgeable team will help assess your case and determine how to best help you.