Being struck by a vehicle is one of the most serious types of traffic accidents a person can experience. The common injuries from pedestrian accidents in Texas range from injuries that heal with treatment to life-altering conditions that require ongoing care. Even crashes at lower speeds can cause significant physical and emotional harm.
Because these injuries can have long-term consequences, understanding your legal rights is often an important part of recovery. Joe Stephens has more than 40 years of experience representing injured Texans and helps pedestrian accident victims understand their options after being hit by a car.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Pedestrian accidents in Texas often result in severe injuries due to the lack of physical protection.
- Common injuries include head and brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal injuries, and psychological trauma.
- Prompt medical treatment and thorough documentation are essential after a pedestrian accident.
- An experienced Texas pedestrian accident lawyer can help injured pedestrians understand their rights and legal options.
How Dangerous Are Pedestrian Accidents in Texas?
Pedestrian accidents are among the most dangerous types of traffic crashes in Texas. In 2024, Texas Department of Transportation data shows there were 6,095 pedestrian crashes statewide, resulting in 773 deaths and more than 1,400 serious injuries. Although pedestrians are involved in a small percentage of reported crashes, they account for nearly one-fifth of all traffic fatalities in Texas. These numbers highlight why pedestrian accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries and long-term consequences.
Texas law includes specific rules designed to protect pedestrians, including pedestrian right-of-way requirements that can play an important role in determining who may be at fault after a crash. When you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, it’s crucial to know how the law works and what to do next.
Types of Injuries From Pedestrian Accidents
Injuries from pedestrian accidents can range from minor to life-threatening. The severity often depends on factors like vehicle speed, point of impact, and whether the pedestrian was thrown to the ground or into another object.
Head and Brain Injuries
Head injuries are among the most serious injuries seen in pedestrian accident cases. When a pedestrian is struck, their head may come into contact with the vehicle, windshield, or pavement. This can lead to concussions, traumatic brain injuries, or skull fractures. Brain injuries are especially concerning because symptoms are not always immediate and may worsen over time, affecting memory, concentration, and personality.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can have permanent and life-changing consequences. Some pedestrians suffer partial or complete paralysis after a crash, while others experience ongoing nerve pain or limited mobility. Even injuries that do not involve paralysis can require long-term treatment, rehabilitation, and significant lifestyle adjustments.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Broken bones are common injuries when a pedestrian is hit by a car. The legs, arms, hips, ribs, and pelvis are often injured due to the force of impact. Some fractures heal with time and treatment, while others require surgery, metal hardware, and months of physical therapy. In more severe cases, fractures can result in permanent physical limitations.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries are particularly dangerous because they are not always visible right away. Damage to organs such as the lungs, liver, or kidneys can occur during a pedestrian accident and may become life-threatening without prompt medical care. These injuries often require emergency treatment and close monitoring to prevent serious complications.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries include sprains, strains, whiplash, and torn ligaments. While these injuries are sometimes described as minor, they can cause ongoing pain and restricted movement that interferes with work and daily life. In many pedestrian cases, soft tissue injuries take longer to heal than expected and may require extended treatment.
Cuts, Lacerations, and Road Rash
Pedestrians are often thrown to the ground during a crash, which can lead to cuts, deep abrasions, and road rash. In severe cases, these injuries may become infected or result in permanent scarring. Some pedestrians require stitches, skin grafts, or follow-up care to ensure proper healing.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
Not all pedestrian accident injuries are physical in nature. Many people experience emotional and psychological trauma after being hit by a vehicle. Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress are common and can affect sleep, work, and overall quality of life. These injuries are real and are often part of the overall harm caused by a serious pedestrian accident.
Pedestrian accidents often cause serious injuries—and serious financial stress. Attorney Joe Stephens works hard to make sure you’re not left carrying the cost of someone else’s mistake.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Cause Severe Injuries
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries because pedestrians have no physical protection when they are struck by a vehicle. Unlike drivers or passengers, pedestrians do not have seat belts, airbags, or a vehicle frame to absorb impact. As a result, the human body takes the full force of the collision.
In many cases, injuries occur in multiple stages. A pedestrian may be injured when first struck by the vehicle and then suffer additional harm after being thrown to the pavement or into nearby objects. Even crashes at lower speeds can cause serious injuries due to the sudden force involved.
From a legal perspective, these crashes often involve factors such as failure to yield, distracted driving, or speeding. How and why the crash happened can directly affect who may be liable in a Texas pedestrian accident, making a careful review of the facts important in pedestrian accident cases.
Protecting Your Rights After a Pedestrian Accident in Texas
What you do after a pedestrian accident can affect both your health and your ability to pursue a legal claim. From a legal perspective, early decisions often significantly influence the course of a case. Taking the right steps after a Texas pedestrian accident can help protect your rights while you focus on recovery.
Get Medical Care and Follow Treatment Plan
Seek medical care as soon as possible after a pedestrian accident, even if injuries are not immediately obvious. Medical records help connect your injuries to the crash and are a key part of any personal injury claim. Following your treatment plan also supports your recovery and your case.
Document the Accident and Your Injuries
Documentation helps establish what happened and how the accident affected you. Police reports, photos, witness information, and medical records are all important. Keeping notes about pain, missed work, and daily limitations can also strengthen a claim.
Understand What Compensation May Cover
Pedestrian accident injuries often result in medical bills, lost income, and lasting effects. Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The value of a claim depends on factors such as injury severity, fault, and available insurance.
Know How Fault and Right of Way Apply
Texas has specific pedestrian right-of-way laws that often affect fault. Being partially at fault does not always prevent recovery. Understanding how proportionate responsibility works can help clarify your legal options.
Contact Joe Stephens About Your Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrian accidents often cause serious injuries and raise complex legal questions. If you or a loved one was hit by a vehicle in Texas, understanding your injuries, your rights, and how the law applies can make a meaningful difference in what comes next. Joe Stephens has more than 40 years of experience helping injured Texans navigate pedestrian accident claims and understand their legal options.
Call (281) 201-0035 or contact us online for your free consultation. You pay no legal fees unless Joe wins your case.
