The San Antonio River Walk is one of the most popular attractions in Texas. Along with the promenade, San Antonio offers many other attractions, including The Alamo, Travis Park, and the Shops at Rivercenter.
As such, San Antonio sees a lot of pedestrian traffic, particularly in the downtown areas. Of course, San Antonio experiences a lot of vehicle traffic as well, and many pedestrians sustain massive injuries each year in San Antonio when a negligent car driver collides with them.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a San Antonio pedestrian accident a careless driver, motorcyclist, or bicyclist caused, you need to understand your rights and options for getting the financial recovery you need.
The San Antonio pedestrian injury attorneys at Lorenz & Lorenz Accident & Injury Lawyers PLLC, have extensive experience handling pedestrian accident claims throughout San Antonio and the surrounding areas. Contact us today for a free consultation about how we can help you get the full and fair compensation you deserve.
How We Can Help You
Our compassionate attorneys understand what you’re going through, and we have helped hundreds of clients just like you with a high rate of success. You can trust us to take an active interest in your case and deliver personalized attention throughout the process.
We will take the time to listen to you to understand your story so we can help you tell it. Each pedestrian accident case is unique, and we will develop strategies tailored to your specific needs and goals.
We will then thoroughly investigate your case and gather the evidence necessary to support it. You can then rely on us to file your claim timely and negotiate with the insurer to help you get the highest possible settlement. We can’t promise results, but we can promise to fight hard for you at each turn to help maximize your recovery—including taking your case to court if necessary.
Considering all you and your family have endured, you need a legal professional on your side you can trust. The attorneys at LLorenz & Lorenz Accident & Injury Lawyers PLLC, are here for you, and we are committed to doing all we can to help you achieve the best outcome. Please call our office or contact us online to receive a free consultation.
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents in San Antonio?
Pedestrian accidents in San Antonio can result from a variety of factors. Anyone who’s ever driven in San Antonio can attest to the city’s close-knit and winding network of streets and roads. That combined with a population of more than 1.4 million, and pedestrians face many risks walking around town.
Some common causes of pedestrian accidents in San Antonio may include:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers who are distracted by activities such as texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting the radio are more likely to miss pedestrians in their vicinity.
- Speeding: Speeding reduces a driver's reaction time and increases the severity of pedestrian accidents. Higher speeds make it harder for drivers to stop in time to avoid a collision with a pedestrian.
- Failure to Yield Right of Way: Drivers failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks, intersections, and other designated crossing points can lead to accidents.
- Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver's judgment, coordination, and reaction time, increasing the risk of pedestrian accidents.
- Poor Visibility: Lack of proper street lighting, inadequate signage, and poorly marked crosswalks can contribute to accidents, especially during nighttime or adverse weather conditions.
- Pedestrian Negligence: Pedestrians also play a role in accidents when they fail to follow traffic rules, cross streets outside of designated areas, or engage in distracted walking (e.g., looking at their phones while crossing).
- Poor Infrastructure Design: Inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, such as poorly designed crosswalks, lack of pedestrian signals, and insufficient signage, can contribute to accidents.
- Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as rain or fog, can reduce visibility for both drivers and pedestrians, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Large Vehicles and Blind Spots: Large vehicles such as trucks and buses often have larger blind spots that make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians.
- Inadequate Law Enforcement and Education: Lack of strict law enforcement regarding traffic rules and pedestrian safety can contribute to a higher incidence of pedestrian accidents. This includes insufficient public education campaigns and/or insufficient pedestrian infrastructure.
To reduce the risk of suffering injuries in pedestrian accidents, pedestrians must assess their surroundings and watch out for potential dangers. Still, even with the most steadfast precautions, you can still become involved in a pedestrian accident that was not your fault.
If someone caused a pedestrian accident in San Antonio that hurt you, contact an experienced personal injury attorney immediately.
What Kinds of Pedestrian Accident Injuries Can I Receive Compensation For?
Pedestrians involved in accidents with vehicles can suffer a range of injuries, and the severity often depends on various factors such as the speed of the vehicle, the point of impact, and whether protective measures were in place.
Common injuries we’ve helped clients obtain compensation for at Lorenz & Lorenz Accident & Injury Lawyers PLLC, include:
- Soft Tissue Injuries: These include injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendons and can range from minor sprains to more severe strains.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: The impact of a vehicle can lead to fractures and breaks in the bones, especially in the extremities (arms, legs) or the pelvis.
- Head Injuries: Pedestrians are at risk of head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), especially if they strike their head on the vehicle or the ground upon impact.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: The force of a collision can result in damage to the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or other neurological complications.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can cause internal injuries to organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys, which may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
- Cuts and Abrasions: Pedestrians may suffer cuts and abrasions, especially if they come into contact with the vehicle or the road surface during the accident.
- Whiplash: Sudden stops or impacts can cause the head and neck to jerk forward and backward, resulting in whiplash injuries that affect the soft tissues of the neck.
- Emotional Trauma: In addition to physical injuries, pedestrians may experience emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety, as a result of the accident.
- Fatal Injuries: Unfortunately, some pedestrian accidents can be fatal, particularly in cases of high-speed collisions or severe trauma.
The severity of these injuries can vary widely, and some individuals may require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Drivers must adhere to speed limits, remain attentive, and yield the right of way to pedestrians to help prevent these types of injuries. If you suffered any of these injuries or any kind of injury in a pedestrian accident in San Antonio, contact Lorenz & Lorenz Accident & Injury Lawyers PLLC, right away.
What Types of Compensation Can I Receive for My San Antonio Pedestrian Accident Injuries?
If you suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident in San Antonio, you may receive compensation based on the circumstances of the accident, the extent of your injuries, and the insurance coverage involved.
Here are common types of compensation you may recover:
- Medical Expenses: Your attorney could help you get compensation for all past, current, and future medical expenses related to the pedestrian accident, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and therapy.
- Lost Income: If your injuries result in missed work days or a reduced ability to work, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you lost. This includes not only your current lost wages but also potential future earnings if your injuries permanently affected your ability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: You may receive non-economic damages, such as physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Calculating pain and suffering can be subjective, and the amount awarded often depends on the severity and impact of the injuries.
- Property Damage: If the accident damaged or destroyed your personal property, such as clothing or personal items, you may get reimbursement for the cost of repairing or replacing those items.
- Wrongful Death Damages: If a pedestrian accident kills a close family member, certain surviving family members recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional impact of the loss.
- Legal Fees and Costs: In some cases, the responsible party's insurance may cover your legal fees and court costs associated with pursuing a personal injury claim.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, the court may award punitive damages. These punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior.
To pursue compensation, you need to work with a San Antonio personal injury attorney who can file a personal injury claim with the at-fault party's insurance company. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement through negotiations, your lawyer may need to file a lawsuit on your behalf.
Consult a pedestrian accident attorney in San Antonio who can assess the specifics of your case, guide you through the legal process, and help you seek the appropriate compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact Lorenz & Lorenz Accident & Injury Lawyers PLLC, to discuss your case for free.
How Can I Get Compensation for My San Antonio Pedestrian Injuries?
If you sustained injuries in a pedestrian accident in San Antonio and are seeking compensation, here are general steps you can take:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. This creates a record of your injuries and their connection to the accident.
- Report the Accident: Report the accident to the local police. A police report can be valuable when filing a claim with insurance or pursuing legal action.
- Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the involved driver. Obtain the names and contact details of any witnesses as well.
- Document the Scene: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to the vehicle, your injuries, and any relevant road conditions or signage.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt. Stick to the facts when discussing the accident.
- Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company, even if the other party is at fault. Provide them with accurate information about the incident.
- Keep Records: Keep a record of all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, prescription costs, and any other out-of-pocket expenses. You need this to determine the amount of compensation you deserve.
Consult an Attorney
As soon as possible, contact a San Antonio personal injury attorney with experience handling pedestrian accidents. They can provide guidance on your specific situation, advise you on the strength of your case, and help you navigate the legal process.
An attorney can be a valuable resource to help with all aspects of your claim and pursuing compensation, including:
- Gathering Evidence: A lawyer can help collect evidence that supports your claim. This may include medical records, photos, witness statements, and any other relevant documentation.
- Filing a Claim: As mentioned previously, have your attorney file a claim with the at-fault party's insurance company.
- Negotiating Your Settlement: The insurance company may offer a settlement that’s too low to cover your injuries and losses. If the offer is inadequate and the insurer refuses to negotiate, your attorney may need to file a personal injury lawsuit for you in civil court.
- Representing You at Trial: If your case goes to trial, your attorney can engage in discovery, depose witnesses, and advocate for you before a judge or jury.
Remember that each case is unique, so consult a San Antonio personal injury attorney to get advice tailored to your situation. They can explain your rights, assess the strength of your case, and guide you through the legal process.
How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in San Antonio?
For most personal injury claims based on negligence, such as pedestrian accident claims, Texas allows you two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in civil court. This is true for wrongful death lawsuits as well. However, cases involving government entities typically have much shorter deadlines. In either case, waiting until the deadline is near can limit your options and make it challenging to gather evidence and build a strong case.
You must contact a personal injury attorney in San Antonio immediately to discuss your case and get the process started. If you miss the deadline, you will likely forfeit your right to pursue compensation and have no legal recourse to get the money you need.
Contact Lorenz & Lorenz Accident & Injury Lawyers PLLC, Today
You and your family have suffered too much already because of a driver’s carelessness or recklessness. You deserve to recover financially for all you have lost and endured, and you can trust the attorneys at Lorenz & Lorenz Accident & Injury Lawyers PLLC, to be there for you each step of the way.
Don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your case at no cost. We need to get started soon to preserve evidence and increase your chances of getting the successful results you deserve.
Contact us today at (210) 320-1529 for your free consultation.