An Arlington, TX, pedestrian accident attorney can provide experienced guidance and safeguard your rights if you’ve been hit by a vehicle while traveling on foot. Pedestrian crashes happen far more often than many people might expect. In 2023, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) recorded 5,924 pedestrian-related crashes across the state that caused 808 deaths and more than 1,400 injuries, showing the risks pedestrians face in busy areas like Arlington.
If you’ve been hit by a vehicle in Arlington, you may be dealing with serious injuries, rising medical bills, and questions about where to turn for help. You don’t have to handle these challenges alone.
The team at Branch & Dhillon, P.C. is ready to protect your rights and manage the legal process on your behalf, so you can focus on healing and moving forward. Call (817) 533‑3430 for a free consultation to learn how we can help.
Arlington, TX Pedestrian Accident Guide
- How an Arlington Pedestrian Accident Attorney at Branch & Dhillon, P.C. Can Help You
- Pedestrian Rights and Driver Responsibilities Under Texas Law
- Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Arlington
- Severe Injuries Common in Arlington Pedestrian Accidents
- Can a Pedestrian Be Partly at Fault for an Accident in Texas?
- Texas Statute of Limitations for Filing a Pedestrian Accident Claim
- Contact an Arlington Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today to Start Your Claim
How an Arlington Pedestrian Accident Attorney at Branch & Dhillon, P.C. Can Help You
If you were injured while walking in Arlington because of a driver’s negligence, the experience can affect your health, work, and daily routines in many ways. As you work through painful injuries and rising medical expenses, you may also find yourself fielding calls from insurance adjusters and trying to keep track of mounting paperwork.
An Arlington pedestrian accident attorney from Branch & Dhillon, P.C. can step in to guide you through this difficult process, taking on the legal responsibilities so you can devote your energy to your recovery.
Our team provides clear guidance and strong representation for people recovering from serious pedestrian injuries. We understand the specific issues that arise after accidents on Arlington’s busy streets, and we follow a process designed to protect your interests from the moment you begin working with us. With our attorneys by your side, you have a team focused on building a strong case and pursuing the compensation you may need to move forward.
How We Investigate Pedestrian Accidents in Arlington to Strengthen Your Claim
The information in a police report is only the starting point. We begin our own investigation immediately, working to gather and preserve evidence before it is lost. This often involves visiting key locations in Arlington, such as Cooper Street, Collins Street, or Pioneer Parkway, to photograph the scene, review traffic patterns, and carefully record the road and traffic conditions.
We seek out surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras and contact witnesses who can provide valuable details about what happened. By examining whether the driver was distracted, speeding, or violating traffic laws, we work to build a clear and detailed picture of what caused your injuries.
How Our Arlington Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Deal With Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters often reach out soon after an accident, hoping to secure statements that reduce their company’s liability or to offer quick settlements before you know the full extent of your injuries. Once you hire Branch & Dhillon, P.C., we handle all communication with insurers, manage the required documentation, and conduct every negotiation on your behalf so you can concentrate on treatment and recovery.
How We Calculate the Full Value of a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Arlington
Determining the full value of a claim takes careful work. We collaborate with your medical providers to understand the treatment you will need now and in the future, whether that includes additional surgeries, long-term therapy, or ongoing pain management. We calculate lost income during your recovery and, when appropriate, consult with experts to measure any lasting effect on your earning capacity.
In addition to these financial impacts, we gather evidence of how the accident has affected your daily life, including your pain and emotional hardship. By presenting a comprehensive picture of your losses, we work to pursue a settlement or verdict that reflects the challenges you face and supports you as you rebuild your life.
Pedestrian Rights and Driver Responsibilities Under Texas Law
In Texas, both pedestrians and drivers share the road and each has specific legal duties. Drivers, however, carry a greater responsibility because a car, truck, or SUV can cause devastating harm to someone on foot. The law requires drivers to operate their vehicles carefully and remain alert at all times to avoid injuring pedestrians.
To succeed in a pedestrian accident claim, your attorney must show that the driver was negligent. In other words, the driver failed to act as a reasonably careful person would under similar circumstances, and that failure directly caused your injuries.
An Arlington pedestrian accident attorney will review the details of your case to determine exactly how the driver violated their duty of care and build evidence around that violation.
Crosswalk Laws in Arlington: Marked and Unmarked Protections
Texas law gives pedestrians important protections at crosswalks. Under Texas Transportation Code § 552.003, a driver must yield the right of way to a pedestrian in a marked crosswalk who is on the same side of the roadway as the vehicle or close enough from the opposite side to be in danger.
These rules also apply at unmarked crosswalks. An unmarked crosswalk exists at any intersection where two public roads meet at right angles, even when there are no painted lines. Many drivers do not realize this, but a driver who fails to yield in either type of crosswalk and strikes a pedestrian is generally considered negligent under Texas law.
Driver Responsibilities to Prevent Pedestrian Accidents in Arlington
Even when a pedestrian is not in a crosswalk, drivers must still use reasonable care to avoid a collision. Texas law requires drivers to watch for people on foot and stay aware of their surroundings. A distracted driver, whether using a phone, adjusting the radio, or talking to a passenger, may not see a pedestrian until it is too late.
Drivers speeding through neighborhoods or busy areas such as the University of Texas at Arlington campus or the Arlington Entertainment District put pedestrians at even greater risk. Higher speeds reduce reaction time and make it far more difficult to stop in time to prevent an accident.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Arlington
Pedestrian crashes usually happen because of preventable driver mistakes. Understanding what caused the accident is a key part of proving liability and pursuing potential compensation. Our firm investigates all potential forms of negligence, including:
- Distracted driving: Drivers texting, using a GPS, or doing anything else that takes their focus off the road create danger for everyone around them.
- Failure to yield: Rolling through stop signs, turning without checking for pedestrians, or ignoring walk signals are all common causes.
- Speeding or aggressive driving: Driving too fast reduces the time a driver has to see and react to someone in the road, which often results in more serious injuries.
- Driving under the influence: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination, making accidents much more likely.
Proving that the driver engaged in one of these unsafe behaviors is how an Arlington pedestrian accident attorney demonstrates fault and holds them accountable.
Severe Injuries Common in Arlington Pedestrian Accidents
Unlike drivers or passengers, pedestrians have no physical protection during a collision. The human body cannot withstand the force of a moving vehicle, even at lower speeds. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows pedestrians are far more likely than vehicle occupants to suffer severe or fatal injuries in a crash.
These injuries often require long-term care and may lead to permanent disabilities. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries that can cause memory problems, difficulty concentrating, or changes in personality.
- Spinal cord injuries that may result in partial or complete paralysis and ongoing medical needs.
- Broken bones and orthopedic injuries that often require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation.
- Internal injuries and organ damage that can be life-threatening and require immediate surgery.
Because these injuries can have long‑term effects on your health, livelihood, and everyday life, it’s crucial to work with a legal team that understands how to thoroughly document your medical needs and accurately assess the full impact of the accident.
Can a Pedestrian Be Partly at Fault for an Accident in Texas?
Insurance companies often try to argue that the injured pedestrian was partly at fault. They may claim you crossed outside a crosswalk, ignored a signal, or stepped into traffic without warning. Texas law follows a system called proportionate responsibility, explained in Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001.
Under this system, you may recover compensation as long as you are found to be 50 percent or less responsible for the accident. If you are found more than 50 percent responsible, you cannot recover anything. If you are partly at fault but less than 51 percent, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your damages are valued at $200,000 but you are found to be 10 percent at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $180,000.
An experienced Arlington pedestrian accident attorney knows how to address these arguments and build a strong case that limits any fault assigned to you, protecting your right to a fair financial recovery.
Texas Statute of Limitations for Filing a Pedestrian Accident Claim
If you have suffered serious injuries in a pedestrian accident, it is important to act quickly to protect your legal rights. In Texas, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline, known as the statute of limitations, is strictly enforced by the courts.
Missing this deadline can end your opportunity to seek compensation, regardless of how severe your injuries are or how clear the driver’s fault may be. Once the two‑year period passes, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case, and you will no longer be able to pursue payment for medical bills, lost income, or any other damages connected to the accident.
Although two years might sound like plenty of time, building a strong claim takes far longer than many expect. A thorough investigation must be completed, evidence gathered and preserved, witnesses interviewed, and medical records compiled to show the full extent of your injuries.
In many cases, you may also need to reach maximum medical improvement before the total cost of your treatment can be calculated. Negotiations with insurance companies can stretch out over many months, especially when liability is disputed or the injuries are severe.
Reaching out to an Arlington pedestrian accident attorney soon after the crash gives you the best chance to secure valuable evidence while it is still available. Prompt action also allows your attorney to manage all communication with insurance companies from the start, protecting you from tactics that could weaken your claim.
Contact an Arlington Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today to Start Your Claim
When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the consequences can be severe, resulting in serious injuries, mounting expenses, and an uncertain future. The legal system offers a way to hold the driver accountable and pursue compensation, not to punish the driver but to secure the financial resources needed to pay for medical care, manage expenses during recovery, and plan for the future.
You are not required to accept whatever an insurance company offers or handle complex legal issues alone. If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Arlington or anywhere in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, you have the right to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney in Arlington, TX and learn about your options.
The team at Branch & Dhillon, P.C. is ready to explain your rights, guide you through each step, and build a case designed to meet your long‑term needs. Call us today at (817) 533‑3430 to schedule a free, no‑obligation consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.
Branch & Dhillon, P.C. – Arlington, TX Law Firm
Address: 625 W Main St Arlington, TX 76010
Contact No: (817) 533-3430