San Antonio Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Protecting Injured Pedestrians in Bexar County Since 2000

Pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere—in a parking lot, on a sidewalk, or in the middle of the street. Even when pedestrians have the right-of-way, this doesn’t protect them from other negligent drivers on the road. Motor vehicle operators may fail to see pedestrians or yield the right-of-way, increasing the risk of serious injuries. 

If you or a loved one was harmed in a pedestrian accident, consulting with a trusted pedestrian accident lawyer is paramount to recovering compensation for medical bills, treatment costs, lost wages, and more. That’s where The Packard Law Firm comes in. With decades of experience protecting the wrongfully injured in San Antonio, our attorneys are well-versed in the legal nuances of these cases to aggressively pursue justice. 

We understand how painful and stressful it can be to navigate the aftermath of an unexpected injury, which is why our team is dedicated to guiding your steps with compassionate counsel at every turn. If you were harmed as a pedestrian in Bexar County, don’t pay the price for someone else’s negligence. Our lawyers can fight tirelessly for the fair settlement you deserve, freeing you to focus on your recovery. 

If you were hit by a negligent driver while walking in San Antonio, you deserve justice. Call (210) 972-8918 to schedule a free consultation.

What Are the Leading Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

Pedestrian accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. Some leading causes include:

• Distracted driving: From texts or phone calls to eating or drinking to adjusting AC or stereo controls, distracted driving can lead to devastating injuries for pedestrians when drivers fail to see commuters or yield the right-of-way at intersections. 
• Drunk driving: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can impair a driver’s reaction time and cause them to be less aware of their surroundings, increasing the potential for pedestrian accidents. 
• Speeding: Driving at excessive speeds can leave drivers with inadequate time to react to pedestrians in their path, increasing the risk of injuries for commuters. 
• Jaywalking: Jaywalking occurs when a pedestrian violates traffic laws by crossing the street outside of a crosswalk or designated area. If you were injured due to jaywalking, partnering with a skilled lawyer is essential to recover compensation under Texas’s modified comparative negligence rule.
• Poorly maintained roads: Pedestrian accidents may result from improperly maintained roadways, such as potholes or cracks. In these cases, local government entities may be liable for damages if they contributed to the accident by failing to address or warn of known roadway hazards. 

What Injuries Are Common in a Pedestrian Accident?

Pedestrian accidents can lead to devastating injuries with life-altering impacts on a victim's long-term health and quality of life, making it crucial to seek medical attention and experienced representation as soon as possible. Common injuries in pedestrian accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Pedestrians can suffer TBIs when they hit their heads on the ground, hoods, or windshields during a collision. Head and brain injuries commonly occur due to the sudden impact and force applied to the skull, potentially leading to long-term cognitive and physical effects.
• Spinal cord injuries (SCIs): These injuries may occur when the force of a collision causes the spinal column to twist or compress. SCIs can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the damage to the spinal cord.
• Broken bones: Being struck by a vehicle can lead to broken bones and fractures for pedestrians, especially in the legs, arms, or ribs. These injuries can cause victims significant pain and often require extensive medical treatment.
• Soft tissue injuries: Bruises, sprains, and other soft tissue injuries are common in accidents involving pedestrians. The impact of the collision can lead to the sudden stretching or tearing of muscles and ligaments as the body absorbs the impact. 

What Compensation Is Available in a Pedestrian Accident Claim?

Depending on the case, various types of compensation may be available in a pedestrian accident lawsuit. Common recoverable damages include: 

• Economic damages for direct financial losses. Common examples include ongoing and future medical care, treatment costs, lost earnings, and loss of earning capacity. 
• Non-economic damages for indirect subjective losses. Common examples include pain and suffering, loss of consortium, scarring and disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress. 
• Punitive damages in cases involving extreme negligence. The court may also award punitive damages if the defendant was especially reckless or careless. These are awarded solely to punish the defendant and deter repeat behavior.

Our attorneys won’t hesitate to take your case to trial if necessary to obtain a fair settlement. As experienced trial lawyers, we have extensive litigation experience backed by a proven record of results, giving you peace of mind that you won’t have to settle for less than you deserve. 

Is Hiring a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Worth It? 

Recovering from a wrongful injury often comes with significant physical, emotional, and financial stress. While it may be tempting to save money by forgoing your right to legal representation, partnering with a trusted attorney is imperative to protecting your rights and recovering full compensation for your injuries. 

A qualified pedestrian accident lawyer can assist with: 

• Investigating the accident: Your attorney can investigate the circumstances of the accident to identify liable parties and collect evidence, such as security camera footage and police reports. 
• Determining liability: In some cases, multiple parties may be liable for damages in a pedestrian accident. Your lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of proving negligence and establishing liability in your case. 
• Gathering evidence: A qualified attorney can gather compelling evidence to support your claim by interviewing eyewitnesses, arranging expert statements, and obtaining relevant medical records. 
• Recovering compensation: Your lawyer can fight to recover full damages in your case by taking all damages into account, including non-economic losses like pain and suffering. 
• Negotiating with insurers: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. Your attorney can handle communications and negotiate effectively with evasive insurers to pursue the fair settlement you deserve. 

In many cases, securing experienced representation can mean the difference between achieving a fair settlement and walking away empty-handed. At The Packard Law Firm, we have decades of experience handling pedestrian accident claims in Bexar County, giving you peace of mind that your rights are protected. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Texas?

In San Antonio, the statute of limitations for filing a pedestrian accident lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the accident (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003). However, there may be exceptions to this rule depending on the circumstances of your case. Consulting with a qualified pedestrian accident attorney is a must to ensure your claim is filed correctly and within the appropriate deadline.

Can I Sue if I Was Partially At Fault for a Pedestrian Accident?

While many people assume pedestrians always have the right-of-way, this isn’t always the case. Jaywalking and other traffic violations can lead to pedestrians sharing full or partial liability in a pedestrian accident lawsuit. Luckily, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. 

Texas follows the modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that victims can seek compensation as long as they are less than 51% at fault. If you are more than 50% at fault in an accident, you won’t be eligible to recover compensation. If you are found partially liable for the accident, the final settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault. 

For example, if you were 25% at fault in a pedestrian accident claim totaling $100,000 in damages, you may only recover $75,000 ($2,500 or 25% less than the original value). Securing representation from a knowledgeable attorney is paramount to seeking the maximum compensation available to you.

If I Was Hit by a Car at a Designated Crosswalk, Is the Driver Automatically At Fault? 

Not necessarily. While drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in designated crosswalks, there may be other factors at play that could affect liability. For example, if the pedestrian was crossing against a red signal or jaywalking outside of a designated crosswalk, they may share some responsibility for the accident. It’s critical to partner with a skilled attorney who can thoroughly investigate your case and determine fault. 

Will San Antonio’s “Walkable City” Initiative Affect My Case if I Was Hit in a Designated Pedestrian Area? 

San Antonio launched its "Walkable City” initiative in 2016 to make the city more pedestrian-friendly by improving infrastructure and promoting safe walking environments. Several updates were made in 2024, including the installation of advanced crossing signals and more visible crosswalk paint. 

Even with this initiative in place, pedestrian accidents are still inevitable. If you were hit by a car in a designated pedestrian area, the “Walkable City” initiative may strengthen your claim. However, this ultimately depends on the specific circumstances of your case. Seeking sound counsel is essential to protect your rights and pursue a fair settlement. 

I Was Injured in a Pedestrian Accident Near the River Walk. What Should I Do?

With its scenic paths and historical landmarks, the River Walk is a popular attraction for tourists and San Antonians alike. However, the high volume of foot traffic in this area puts pedestrians at a higher risk of accidents. If you were injured in a pedestrian accident near the River Walk, here are some important steps to take: 

1. Seek medical attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, seeking immediate medical care is critical to prioritize your health and create a formal record of your injuries. 
2. Report the accident: If no one has already done so, report the pedestrian accident to local law enforcement.
3. Exchange information: If possible, exchange contact and insurance information with other involved parties, including any eyewitnesses who saw the accident occur.
4. Gather evidence: Take photos or videos at the accident site to support your claim later on, such as skid marks and vehicular damage. 
5. Secure legal representation: Consulting with a pedestrian accident lawyer is a must to hold negligent parties accountable and exercise your right to compensation. 

Are There Any Specific Legal Considerations if I Was a Tourist When I Was Hit? 

Whether you were enjoying a scenic night out on the River Walk or visiting the historic Alamo, tourists may face unique challenges after a pedestrian accident. Depending on your country of origin and travel insurance coverage, it can be complicated to obtain the care you need, let alone navigate the legal complexities of the claims process in San Antonio. Having an experienced attorney by your side who understands the legal nuances of Texas personal injury law is crucial to seeking justice and protecting your rights. 

I Was Using My Cell Phone During the Accident. Will This Affect My Case? 

Similarly to distracted driving, distracted walking can also contribute to pedestrian accidents. If you were using your cell phone at the time of the collision, it’s important to understand the potential implications in your case. 

Even if you were distracted by your phone during a crash, you can still seek compensation under Texas’s modified comparative negligence rule as long as you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, this can still impact your final settlement amount, making it crucial to seek sound counsel as soon as possible. 

Why Hire The Packard Law Firm?

If you suffered a wrongful injury in Bexar County, don’t wait to pursue justice. At The Packard Law Firm, we have decades of experience to vigorously protect your rights while fighting for the maximum compensation you need to take back your life after an unexpected accident. From filing a claim to negotiating effectively with insurance companies, you can trust our firm to guide your legal steps with compassion and wisdom from start to finish. 

Injured in a pedestrian accident in San Antonio? Contact us online to discuss your case with our seasoned attorneys. Pay nothing until we achieve a fair settlement.