Every year, hundreds of people walking on Dallas roads are hit by speeding, distracted, or careless drivers. Texas consistently ranks among the top five states for pedestrian fatalities — and the DFW metro area has some of the most dangerous intersections in the country.
From Stemmons Freeway to Lamar Street, from North Central Expressway to Harry Hines Boulevard, serious pedestrian accidents happen every day. And for victims, the consequences can be life-altering: broken bones, brain injuries, lifelong pain, and financial ruin from mounting medical bills.
If this happened to you or a loved one, you need to understand your rights — and why having an experienced Dallas pedestrian accident lawyer from Rad Law Firm can make all the difference.
Step One: Get Medical Care Immediately
The first and most important step after being hit by a car is getting checked by a doctor, even if you think you’re okay. Shock and adrenaline can hide serious injuries that might not appear for hours or days.
What You Should Do Immediately:
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Call 911 – Request police and emergency medical services. Insist on a full accident report.
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Get evaluated at the ER or urgent care. Go to Parkland Memorial Hospital, Baylor University Medical Center, or Medical City Dallas if possible.
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Describe every symptom. Even minor headaches or dizziness can indicate concussion or internal bleeding.
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Follow all doctor’s instructions and attend every appointment. Missed visits will be used by insurance adjusters to devalue your case.
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Keep records and receipts. Your medical documentation is the backbone of your personal injury claim.
Your health comes first — but documenting every injury is also the key to proving how the crash changed your life.
Texas Pedestrian Laws Explained
Texas law protects pedestrians, but it also allows insurance companies to dispute fault aggressively. Understanding how fault and compensation work under Texas law can help you protect your rights.
1. Pedestrian Right of Way
According to Texas Transportation Code §552.003, drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing within marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections. Even if the pedestrian isn’t in a marked zone, drivers have a duty to exercise due care to avoid hitting anyone on foot.
2. Comparative Negligence in Texas
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover compensation if you are less than 51% at fault.
Example: If your damages total $200,000 but you are found 20% at fault, you can still recover $160,000. But if you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.
That’s why evidence collection — photos, witnesses, camera footage — is so critical. It helps prove the driver, not you, was primarily responsible.
3. Statute of Limitations
Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §16.003, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim.
Don’t delay — waiting too long could cause critical evidence (like surveillance footage) to disappear.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Texas
Rad Law Firm’s investigations across Dallas, Fort Worth, and surrounding cities often uncover the same preventable causes:
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Distracted driving: texting, GPS, or social media
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Speeding or reckless driving in urban areas
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Failure to yield when turning or entering intersections
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Running red lights or stop signs
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Drunk or impaired driving
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Low visibility or poorly lit roads
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Hit-and-run drivers fleeing the scene
Even when pedestrians cross mid-block, Texas law requires drivers to maintain a proper lookout and take steps to avoid a collision.
Where Pedestrian Accidents Happen Most Often in Dallas
Pedestrian crashes occur citywide but are especially common in:
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Downtown Dallas – Elm Street, Main Street, Commerce Street
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Oak Lawn – Cedar Springs and Lemmon Avenue
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Deep Ellum – Elm Street and Good Latimer
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North Dallas – Coit Road, Forest Lane
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Fort Worth – University Drive, Camp Bowie Boulevard
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Irving & Arlington – Belt Line Road, Pioneer Parkway
These areas combine high foot traffic with aggressive driving — a dangerous mix for anyone walking.
Common Pedestrian Injuries
Being struck by a vehicle often leads to severe, sometimes permanent injuries. At Rad Law Firm, we’ve seen clients suffer from:
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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussions
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Spinal cord damage and herniated discs
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Broken bones, fractures, and pelvic injuries
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Torn ligaments and muscle tears
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Internal bleeding or organ damage
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Facial injuries and scarring
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression
Even “minor” injuries can lead to months of physical therapy, medical bills, and lost wages.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Pedestrian accident victims in Texas may recover both economic and non-economic damages, including:
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Medical expenses – ER, surgery, rehab, physical therapy, medications
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Lost wages and future earning capacity
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Pain and suffering – physical pain, mental anguish, emotional trauma
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Permanent disability or disfigurement
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Property damage (phone, clothing, personal items)
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Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
Our attorneys build your case to show the full financial and human impact of the crash — not just your medical bills.
Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents in Dallas
Sadly, Texas leads the nation in hit-and-run fatalities. But even if the driver fled, you still have options.
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File a police report immediately. This creates an official record required for insurance claims.
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Request nearby video footage. Many intersections, stores, and transit vehicles have cameras.
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Your own insurance may help. If you carry uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, it applies even when you’re walking.
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Crime Victims’ Compensation Program. Texas offers state funds to help cover medical costs for victims of crimes, including hit-and-runs.
Rad Law Firm has helped numerous clients recover significant settlements through UM/UIM claims after hit-and-run pedestrian injuries.
How Rad Law Firm Investigates Pedestrian Cases
We handle every case with precision, speed, and strategy. Here’s what we do differently:
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Immediate Scene Investigation
We send investigators to photograph, measure, and map the crash site before evidence disappears. -
Video and Data Retrieval
We secure traffic-camera footage, dash cams, and nearby business surveillance. -
Accident Reconstruction Experts
Our experts analyze speed, sight distance, and stopping time to prove negligence. -
Medical Record Compilation
We document every injury, procedure, and medical prognosis to connect your condition directly to the crash. -
Aggressive Negotiation and Litigation
Insurance companies know our reputation — we don’t accept lowball offers. If necessary, we take your case to court.
The Insurance Company’s Playbook — And How We Counter It
After a pedestrian accident, insurers often move fast to minimize payouts. Here’s how they try to win — and how we stop them.
| Insurance Tactic | Our Response |
|---|---|
| “You crossed outside the crosswalk.” | We use photos, measurements, and witness statements to show visibility and driver fault. |
| “You weren’t seriously injured.” | We work with specialists who document every injury and future limitation. |
| “Your medical bills are too high.” | We present expert testimony showing all care was medically necessary. |
| “We can settle quickly.” | Quick settlements often leave out future care — we calculate total lifetime damages before any deal. |
Our mission is simple: maximize your recovery and minimize your stress.
Mistakes That Can Destroy a Strong Case
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Leaving the scene without reporting it
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Failing to get prompt medical treatment
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Talking to insurance adjusters without an attorney
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Posting about your accident on social media
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Ignoring doctor’s orders or missing therapy sessions
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Waiting too long to call a lawyer
Even a small misstep can give insurers the leverage to deny your claim. Always get legal advice before making any statement or decision.
Wrongful Death Pedestrian Accidents in Texas
If a loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident, your family may have a wrongful death claim under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §71.004. You may recover damages for:
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Funeral and burial expenses
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Lost future income
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Loss of companionship and support
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Emotional suffering and grief
Rad Law Firm’s compassionate attorneys guide families through these claims with respect and determination — ensuring justice for those taken too soon.
How Long Does a Pedestrian Accident Claim Take?
Every case is different. Timelines depend on injury recovery, insurance cooperation, and whether litigation is necessary.
Typical Timeline:
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Investigation: 1–2 months
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Medical treatment and documentation: 3–6 months
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Settlement negotiation: 6–12 months
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Litigation (if required): 12–24 months
We prioritize efficiency without sacrificing value — pushing for the maximum possible settlement as fast as your recovery allows.
Why Choose Rad Law Firm for Your Dallas Pedestrian Accident
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Over 36 years of experience representing Texas injury victims
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Hundreds of millions recovered in verdicts and settlements
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Bilingual legal team serving English and Spanish-speaking clients
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No fee unless we win — zero upfront costs
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Aggressive trial lawyers who don’t back down from big insurance
We’re not a settlement mill. We’re a results-driven law firm that fights — and wins — for real people across Dallas and the entire state of Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions (Pedestrian Accidents in Texas)
Q: What if I was jaywalking when the driver hit me?
A: You may still recover compensation under Texas’s comparative fault law if you were less than 51% responsible.
Q: Can I file a claim if the driver was uninsured?
A: Yes. You can use your own uninsured motorist coverage, or we may pursue other liable parties.
Q: How long do I have to sue after being hit by a car?
A: Two years from the date of the crash in most cases — shorter for government-related claims.
Q: Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company accepted fault?
A: Yes. Admitting fault doesn’t mean they’ll pay fair value. A lawyer ensures you’re compensated for all damages, including pain and future care.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Rad Law Firm?
A: Nothing upfront. We only get paid when you win.
Areas We Serve Across North Texas
We represent pedestrian accident victims throughout:
Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, Arlington, Garland, Mesquite, Plano, Richardson, Carrollton, Grand Prairie, Frisco, Denton, and all of North Texas.
Whether your accident happened in downtown Dallas, on LBJ Freeway, or at a suburban intersection, our legal team is ready to fight for you.
Take Action Now — Protect Your Health and Your Rights
If you’ve been hit by a car while walking in Dallas or anywhere in Texas, don’t wait to get legal help. Evidence fades quickly, and Texas deadlines move fast.
Call Rad Law Firm today for a free consultation. Our Dallas pedestrian accident attorneys will:
✅ Investigate immediately
✅ Protect your rights
✅ Handle the insurance companies
✅ Fight for the compensation you deserve
No fees unless we win. You focus on recovery — we’ll handle the rest.