Hutto Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Compared to people inside motor vehicles, pedestrians are especially likely to suffer serious and potentially life-threatening injuries if they end up involved in a traffic collision. Without airbags, seatbelts, or anything else separating them from the full force of a crash, the odds of a pedestrian being catastrophically hurt in this are high, especially when drivers around them act in careless or reckless ways.
If an irresponsible driver struck you while you were walking carefully, exploring your legal options with a personal injury attorney’s guidance may be a good idea. If you have grounds for civil litigation, a dedicated Hutto pedestrian accident lawyer can help you maximize your chance of receiving fair compensation and minimize the risk of common legal roadblocks impacting your case.
Holding a Driver Liable for a Pedestrian Collision
Whether they are on a cross-country road trip or just going around the corner to run an errand, all drivers statewide have a duty under the law to act responsibly and reasonably at all times. This duty requires them to adhere to traffic regulations, pay attention to other vehicles and people around them, and keep their focus on the road at all times.
Any reckless, careless, or illegal action that runs contrary to this duty, like driving while distracted or operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, constitutes a breach of this duty of care. A breach that directly leads to a pedestrian collision can be considered legal negligence. If a driver’s negligence caused injuries to a pedestrian, this motorist is likely then liable to pay for all economic and non-economic forms of harm traced back to the wreck. Common examples of compensation include payment for:
- Past and future medical bills for accident-related injuries
- Personal property damage
- Lost income and/or working capacity
- Emotional/psychological trauma
- Lost consortium
- Physical pain and suffering
- Reduced enjoyment of daily life
A Hutto lawyer can play a central role in collecting evidence to prove negligence and accurately value a pedestrian’s losses after an accident.
Possible Obstacles to Effective Recovery
Like drivers, pedestrians struck by motor vehicles can be found negligent if their own recklessness or carelessness contributed to the accident in question. For instance, if a pedestrian stepped out into the road suddenly or tried to cross at a crosswalk without the right signal, they might face some blame for their injuries. According to Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §§33.001 through 33.017, this would likely lead to them collecting less compensation than they normally would. Their award would be reduced by their percentage of fault.
Furthermore, TX Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §16.003 sets a two-year filing period for pedestrian accident litigation, beginning from when a prospective plaintiff was first involved in an accident. Support from a capable Hutto attorney can be key to overcoming these procedural obstacles when filing a pedestrian accident claim.
Seek Help from a Hutto Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Pedestrian accidents are often traumatic experiences with long-lasting repercussions. The idea of suing someone else for their role in a crash can understandably be intimidating but enforcing your legal rights through filing a civil claim can be crucial to protecting your future.
A conversation with a Hutto pedestrian accident lawyer could provide you clarity and confidence about your next steps. Call us today to schedule an initial consultation.
