In a busy city like Dallas, where traffic is heavy and fast-moving, pedestrian accidents happen more often than they should. Sadly, these crashes can lead to serious injuries or even death because people on foot don’t have the protection a car provides.
If you’ve been hit by a car while walking, you’re likely dealing with more than just physical pain. That’s where we come in. At Freese & Goss, we cut through the confusion and take on the legal fight for you, so you can focus on healing.
With 77 years of combined experience and over $1 billion recovered for injury victims, we know what it takes to hold negligent drivers and their insurance companies accountable.
Call 214-761-6623 or fill out our online form now for a free case review. Let’s talk about what happened and how we can help.
“I was hit by a car three months ago, and Blanca helped me a lot. I received the compensation quickly. The service was excellent. Highly recommend!”
– Yvonne T. | Client
Understanding Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents involve any incident where a person on foot is struck by a vehicle, bicycle, or other modes of transportation. These accidents can occur due to various factors, including distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, drunk driving, and poor road conditions. In Dallas, high-traffic areas, intersections, and busy urban streets are frequent sites of pedestrian accidents.
You might think your case is simple — you were walking, and a car hit you. But even in situations that seem cut and dry, insurance companies are skilled at twisting the facts to prevent paying you what you’re owed. That’s why you should never give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without speaking to an attorney first. They may try to use your own words to argue that you were partially or fully at fault.
Dallas Pedestrian Accidents: What the Numbers Really Say
Walking in Dallas shouldn’t feel dangerous, but for many, it is. The numbers don’t lie: Dallas is one of the deadliest cities in the country for pedestrians. Whether you’re heading to work, crossing a busy street, or taking your kids to school, the risk is higher here than in most U.S. cities.
Let’s break down what’s really happening on our roads, and why it matters:
- According to Vision Zero Dallas, there were 197 fatal crashes in the city in 2024.
- 70 of those involved pedestrians.
- In 2023, there were 139 combined pedestrian and cyclist fatalities in Dallas.
- Although only 2% of Dallas residents walk to work, pedestrians account for 30% of traffic deaths.
Statewide, pedestrian fatalities have risen 69% in the last decade, according to the Texas A&M Transportation Institute.
Several factors make Dallas particularly unsafe for people on foot:
- Walk Score: Dallas scores a 46 out of 100, meaning most errands require a car.
- Transit Score: 39 (limited public transportation).
- Bike Score: 49 (minimal infrastructure for safe cycling).
- Despite these relatively low scores, Dallas still has a higher pedestrian fatality rate than other Texas cities with similar or worse walkability.
Crash data from Texas shows:
- 80.5% of pedestrian accidents occur on roads and highways.
- 19.5% happen at intersections, where drivers often fail to yield or are distracted.
- Larger vehicles, like SUVs and trucks, have made these accidents even more dangerous, reducing the chance of survival for pedestrians hit at higher speeds.
Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Dallas
Most pedestrian accidents are not truly “accidents”—they are caused by a driver’s carelessness or breaking the law. Some of the most common reasons we see for these tragic events in the Dallas area include:
- Distracted Driving: This is a top cause. When a driver is texting, talking on the phone, or looking at a navigation system, they aren’t watching for you. Even a few seconds of distraction can lead to a severe injury.
- Failure to Yield: Texas law requires drivers to stop and yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks. However, many drivers in Dallas fail to follow this rule, either rolling through a turn or not slowing down for someone crossing the street.
- Speeding: When a car is moving too fast, the driver has less time to stop, and the crash is far more likely to cause catastrophic injuries or death.
- Impaired Driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs often have slow reaction times and poor judgment, leading to devastating crashes with pedestrians.
- Left-Turn and Right-Turn Accidents: A driver making a turn often focuses only on oncoming vehicle traffic and misses a pedestrian approaching in the crosswalk.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
- Seek Medical Attention: Immediately after an accident, it is essential to seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but can have long-term consequences.
- Report the Accident: Contact law enforcement to report the accident. A police report can serve as a crucial piece of evidence in any subsequent legal proceedings.
- Gather Evidence: Collect information from the scene, including photographs, witness contact details, and any available surveillance footage. This evidence can be vital in establishing liability.
- Consult a Dallas pedestrian accident attorney: Engaging an experienced personal injury attorney early on can help navigate the complex legal landscape and ensure that your rights are protected.
How Our Dallas Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Prove Liability
In the pedestrian accident lawsuit, establishing liability is a fundamental step. This involves proving that the driver or another party was negligent and that this negligence directly caused the accident and resulting injuries. Key elements include:
- Duty of Care: It must be shown that the defendant owed a duty of care to the pedestrian. Drivers, for instance, are expected to operate their vehicles safely and adhere to traffic laws.
- Breach of Duty: It must be demonstrated that the defendant breached this duty. Examples include running a red light, failing to yield to a pedestrian at a crosswalk, or driving while distracted.
- Causation: There must be a clear link between the breach of duty and the accident. The plaintiff must prove that the defendant’s actions directly caused the injuries sustained.
- Damages: The plaintiff must provide evidence of the damages suffered, such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Because pedestrians have no protection against a moving vehicle, the injuries suffered are often catastrophic and life-altering. You are no match for a ton of metal moving at a high speed. Common injuries in these types of accidents include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These can range from a concussion to severe, permanent brain damage.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or total paralysis.
- Broken Bones (Fractures): It is extremely common to suffer multiple and complex fractures in the legs, arms, and pelvis.
- Internal Injuries: A powerful impact can cause serious damage to internal organs.
- Road Rash and Lacerations: Severe skin and tissue damage from being dragged or thrown onto the pavement.
Recovering from these types of severe injuries is a long, expensive, and stressful process. We take on the legal battle so you can focus entirely on healing.
Pedestrian Laws in Dallas: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
If you’ve been injured while walking in Dallas, it’s important to understand how Texas law protects you, and what rules you must follow, too. These laws not only help keep people safe but can also play a big role in determining who’s at fault in a pedestrian accident.
Your Rights as a Pedestrian in Texas
Texas Transportation Code § 552 outlines your rights when walking in public areas. Here are a few key protections:
- Crosswalks (Marked or Unmarked): You have the right-of-way in crosswalks at intersections, even if they’re not painted. Drivers must stop and let you cross safely.
- Sidewalk Safety: If there’s a sidewalk, you’re required to use it. When sidewalks aren’t available, you must walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
- Driveway Crossings: Drivers must yield to pedestrians on sidewalks when entering or leaving a driveway, alley, or private road.
- School Crossings: School crossing guards have legal authority to direct traffic. Motorists must stop and follow their signals to keep children and others safe.
Your Responsibilities as a Pedestrian
While pedestrians do have strong legal protections, you also have certain duties under the law:
- Obey Signs and Signals: You must follow pedestrian signals like “WALK” and “DON’T WALK” at intersections.
- Avoid Sudden Movements: You can’t step off the curb into the path of a moving car if there’s not enough time for the driver to stop safely.
- Stay Off Highways: Walking along highways or freeways is not allowed unless absolutely necessary, and only if no sidewalk is available.
Driver Responsibilities: How Texas Law Protects Pedestrians
Drivers in Dallas have a high duty of care toward pedestrians, especially in areas with crosswalks, schools, or heavy foot traffic.
Drivers must adhere to the following:
- Yield to Pedestrians in Crosswalks: Whether the crosswalk is marked or not, drivers must stop and let pedestrians cross.
- Don’t Pass Stopped Vehicles at Crosswalks: If another car is stopped to let someone walk, drivers can’t go around it. This is a common cause of serious injuries.
- Watch Speeds in School Zones: Drivers must slow down near schools and be alert for crossing children or school buses.
- Avoid Distractions: Texting or using a phone while driving is illegal in school zones and extremely dangerous anywhere pedestrians are nearby.
- Use Extra Caution: Drivers must do everything they reasonably can to avoid hitting someone on foot, even if the pedestrian isn’t in a crosswalk.
- Yield to Blind Pedestrians: Motorists are required to stop for individuals using white canes or guide dogs.
At Freese & Goss, we don’t just handle pedestrian accident cases; we understand the Texas laws that protect people on foot, and we know how to use them to hold careless drivers accountable. From crosswalk rules to right-of-way violations, we build the strongest case possible.
Call 214-761-6623 or fill out our online form today for your free, no-obligation consultation. Let us put our knowledge of Dallas pedestrian laws to work for you.
Dangerous Intersections in Dallas Where Pedestrians Face Greater Risk
Pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere, but in Dallas, some intersections are especially dangerous for people on foot. These areas often have a mix of fast-moving traffic, limited crosswalk visibility, poor signage, or outdated infrastructure — all of which create serious hazards for pedestrians.
Whether it’s due to heavy foot traffic, speeding drivers, or confusing road layouts, the following locations are known for frequent pedestrian crashes:
- North Central Expressway & Haskell Avenue
- I-35E & Colorado Boulevard
- Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd & Malcolm X Blvd
- Harry Hines Boulevard
- Jefferson Boulevard in Oak Cliff
- I-635 & Skillman Street / I-30 & TX-12 Loop
- Gaston Avenue, Garland Road, Grand Avenue & Buckner Boulevard
How Long Do I Have to Make the Pedestrian Accident Claim?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means that a lawsuit must be filed within this period, or the right to seek compensation may be lost. Certain exceptions and special circumstances may extend or shorten this timeframe, so it is important to consult with the pedestrian accident attorney to understand the specific deadlines applicable to your case.
What Is the Potential Compensation a Dallas Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Help Me Recover?
At Freese & Goss, we help injured pedestrians recover money for:
- Medical bills, including hospital visits, follow-up care, and future treatment
- Time missed from work and any lost income while you recover
- Ongoing therapy or rehab, if you need help getting back on your feet
- Changes to your lifestyle, especially if your injuries make it harder to do things you once enjoyed
- Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
- Scars, disfigurement, or lasting disabilities that may affect your confidence or day-to-day life
- Personal property damage, like broken glasses, phones, or other belongings
In some cases, if the driver’s actions were especially dangerous, like speeding through a crosswalk or driving under the influence, you may also be able to recover punitive damages, which are meant to punish that behavior and help prevent it from happening to someone else.
Why Hire a Dallas Pedestrian Injury Law Firm?
Being hit by a vehicle while simply walking down the street can be a life-changing experience. It often results in serious injuries, emotional distress, and overwhelming financial strain. As medical bills pile up and you miss time from work, it’s easy to feel uncertain about what to do next.
Hiring an experienced Dallas pedestrian accident lawyer can be one of the most important steps you take toward recovery. A recent Martindale-Nolo study found that more than 9 out of 10 people who hired a personal injury lawyer received a settlement or award, compared to only about half of those who handled their case alone. Even more striking, those with legal representation received an average of $77,600, while those without averaged just $17,600.
That’s because pedestrian accident cases are rarely simple. They involve complex questions about right-of-way, driver negligence, local traffic laws, and insurance tactics.
Let Our Dallas Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Help You Get Your Life Back on Track
Our team brings 77 years of combined experience and a proven track record of over $1 billion recovered for injured clients across the country. As a nationally recognized trial firm, we’re not afraid to take on tough cases or go up against big insurance companies.
The Dallas pedestrian accident attorneys at Freese & Goss do not treat clients as just another case number. We understand that each pedestrian accident holds an individual’s unique story, and we are here to listen and provide personalized legal counsel tailored to your specific circumstances.
Don’t suffer alone; take the first step towards reclaiming your life after a pedestrian accident. Contact Freese & Goss today for a free consultation online or by calling 214-761-6623, and let us guide you through the path to legal recovery.
Dallas Pedestrian Accident FAQs
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Pedestrian Accident?
Liability in a pedestrian accident isn’t always limited to the driver. Depending on the situation, others may share responsibility, including the vehicle owner, the driver’s employer (if they were working at the time), a government agency responsible for road design or maintenance, or even a construction company or property owner if unsafe conditions contributed to the crash. In some cases, the pedestrian may also be partially at fault.
Can I Still Recover Damages If I Was Partially at Fault in My Pedestrian Accident?
In Dallas and across Texas, the law follows a system called modified comparative fault. This means you can still recover compensation for your injuries as long as you were not more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your total recovery will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault and your total damages were $100,000, you could still recover $80,000.
How Long Will My Pedestrian Accident Case Take to Resolve?
The timeline for a pedestrian accident case can vary depending on how complex the case is, the severity of your injuries, and whether the case goes to trial. Some cases settle within a few months, while others can take a year or more — especially if liability is disputed or ongoing medical treatment is involved. Most cases resolve during negotiations, but if a lawsuit is needed, it can take up to two or three years. While it’s natural to want a quick resolution, taking the time to fully understand the value of your case often leads to a better outcome.
What Evidence Is Important In A Pedestrian Accident Case?
Strong evidence is the foundation of any successful pedestrian accident claim. Key pieces often include the police report, photos or videos from the scene, witness statements, and your medical records. Physical evidence like damaged clothing or debris, along with nearby traffic signs, signals, or surveillance footage, can also help prove what happened. In some cases, expert testimony, weather and road condition reports, or even phone data from the driver may come into play.
How Do I Deal With Medical Bills While My Case Is Pending?
If you have health insurance, it’s a good idea to use it and keep careful records of any co-pays or out-of-pocket costs. In some situations, medical providers may agree to treat you under a lien or with a letter of protection from your attorney, meaning they’ll wait to be paid from your future settlement. If you’re eligible, programs like Medicare or Medicaid can help cover costs, though they may place a lien on any recovery. Your attorney may also be able to negotiate payment plans or reduced rates with providers, and in some cases, personal injury protection (PIP) from your auto insurance may cover immediate expenses. Our Dallas pedestrian accident lawyers can help guide you through this process and work to ensure those costs are included in your final compensation.
