Leon Valley is a city located northwest of downtown San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas. With a population of around 11,000 residents, Leon Valley is a historic neighborhood that was founded in the late 1940s. The community offers a quiet suburban lifestyle just minutes from the heart of a major city, but accidents still happen.
Pedestrian accidents are unfortunately common occurrences in cities and towns across Texas. Leon Valley is no exception. As a pedestrian, you have legal rights if you are injured in an accident with a motor vehicle. It’s important to understand those rights so you can take appropriate action if you are the victim of a pedestrian collision in Leon Valley.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Leon Valley
There are a few primary factors that contribute to pedestrian accidents in Leon Valley:
Driver Negligence
Drivers who are distracted, drowsy, reckless, or impaired are more likely to cause accidents with pedestrians. Failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks is a common form of negligence.
Dangerous Roads
Some roads in Leon Valley have design flaws that make them unsafe for pedestrians, such as a lack of sidewalks, crosswalks, or proper lighting. Wide roads with higher speed limits also increase the severity of pedestrian accidents.
Pedestrian Error
Pedestrians also bear some responsibility for avoiding accidents. Crossing outside of crosswalks, crossing against signals, or darting out into traffic unexpectedly makes accidents more likely.
Nighttime Hazards
Limited visibility at night increases the dangers for pedestrians. Over 70% of U.S. pedestrian fatalities occur at night. Reflective gear and lighting can help.
Signs of a Negligent Driver
If you are hit by a car as a pedestrian, there are certain signs that may indicate driver negligence. These include:
- Not yielding at crosswalks when pedestrians are present
- Speeding, especially in areas with pedestrian activity
- Distracted driving such as texting or eating
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Disregarding traffic signals and stop signs
- Fleeing the accident scene without stopping to render aid
Documenting the Accident Scene
If you aren’t injured badly after an accident, try to document the scene with photos or video using your cell phone. Capture images of the vehicle damage, skid marks, location of impact, street signs, and any other relevant details. This evidence can help prove your case later. Get contact details and statements from any witnesses as well.
Seeking Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel badly injured after a pedestrian accident, it’s crucial to get evaluated by a doctor immediately. Adrenaline can mask serious problems like internal bleeding or fractures. Having prompt medical records will also help if you pursue a claim later. Some injuries like head trauma may not show symptoms for days. Keep following up with your doctor and document all treatment related to the accident.
Contacting a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
A pedestrian accident lawyer in Leon Valley from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys in San Antonio can advise you of your legal rights and options after an accident. An accident injury attorney can deal with insurance companies on your behalf while you focus on recovery. They will investigate the accident, build a case for negligence and compensation, and take legal action if it is warranted. We offer free consultations and representation on a contingency fee basis.
Steps in a Pedestrian Injury Claim
If the driver’s insurance company does not voluntarily offer fair compensation, a Leon Valley pedestrian accident attorney from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys can take the following steps:
- Send a demand letter detailing your injuries, losses and right to damages. This provides a deadline for response.
- File a personal injury lawsuit if the demand is rejected or ignored.
- Gather evidence like accident reports, medical records, earnings losses, and video footage.
- Take depositions of drivers and witnesses under oath.
- Negotiate a settlement or take the claim to trial if needed.
- Ensure any settlement or court award is paid out promptly and completely.
A strong case results in full and fair compensation. An experienced personal injury lawyer tilts the odds in your favor.
Damages You May Recover
If you are injured as a pedestrian in Texas, the at-fault driver is liable for your damages under legal doctrines of negligence and negligence per se. Compensable damages can include:
- Medical expenses from accident-related treatments
- Lost income and reduced future earnings capacity
- Pain, suffering and diminished quality of life
- Disability or disfigurement resulting from injuries
- Wrongful death damages if a fatality is involved
- Property losses like medical equipment or clothing
- Costs of household services you can no longer perform
- Damages for loss of companionship if a loved one is killed
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
Pursuing fair compensation allows accident victims to recover financially and physically. Pedestrians have legal rights. Protect yourself by taking action.
Choosing the Right Lawyer
It’s important to choose an experienced personal injury attorney to handle your pedestrian accident claim. Factors to consider include:
- Strong record of favorable verdicts and settlements
- Deep knowledge of personal injury and negligence law
- Resources to thoroughly investigate your case
- Willingness to go to trial if needed
- Focus on pedestrian accident cases specifically
- Respectful and responsive communications
- Contingency fee structure
This is where the team at Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys can help. We have many years of combined experience and our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers will look after every aspect of your case from start to finish.
Statute of Limitations
Texas has a two year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, so it’s important to act quickly after a pedestrian accident. A road accident attorney from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys in San Antonio can advise you of the deadlines and ensure your claim isn’t jeopardized by waiting too long to take legal action.
Protect Your Rights
Suffering a pedestrian accident can be a life-altering traumatic experience. While the physical and emotional toll can be overwhelming, it’s important to promptly consult an attorney and assert your legal right to damages. An experienced personal injury lawyer from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys can handle the legal process, so you can focus on healing and putting your life back together. Justice provides critical closure.
Call us today on 1-800-4THE-WIN (1-800-484-3946) to discuss your case.
