Corpus Christi, TX Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Walking is the most basic form of transportation. At some point during the day, nearly all of us are pedestrians. While vehicles are getting safer, people on foot remain just as vulnerable to serious or fatal injuries if struck by a car or truck. Unfortunately, pedestrians represent an increasing portion of the total traffic accident injuries and deaths.
Corpus Christi Roads Prove Dangerous for Pedestrians
No one expects to get hit by a car while walking. We learn while very young to look both ways and to cross the street with the lights. But highways in Corpus Christi have grown wider and intersections busier.
Half of the fatal traffic accidents that occurred in Corpus Christi in 2018 involved a person trying to cross a roadway or intersection on foot, according to Corpus Christi Police Department data published by the Caller Times.
Across Texas, 621 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in 2018, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) says.
The problem of pedestrian accidents continues, with a 36-year-old pedestrian left in critical condition in May 2019, a man in his 30s struck and killed by an intoxicated driver in November, and a 60-year-old man found dead on the side of the road after a hit-and-run on January 15, 2020, to cite a few incidents.
At Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C., our compassionate Corpus Christi injury attorneys help pedestrians who have been hurt in automobile accidents and the families of pedestrians who have been killed. We have seen the trauma that negligent drivers cause the people they hit and the grieving families of those killed.
As experienced Corpus Christi personal injury lawyers, we help victims of pedestrian accidents hold negligent drivers accountable and pursue compensation for their losses.
What Are the Most Dangerous Corpus Christi Roads for Pedestrians?
The Caller Times used Corpus Christi Police Department data to identify the Corpus Christi roads that were the scenes of the most pedestrian crashes in 2016-2018. The newspaper said more people were hit by cars on South Padre Island Drive than any other road in Corpus Christi during those three years.
Police reports indicate that 26 pedestrians were hit by motor vehicles on South Padre Island Drive, the access road to TX Highway 358. Two pedestrians were killed.
Other dangerous roads in Corpus Christi listed in the report were:
- TX Highway 358. 15 pedestrian crashes with 5 deaths
- Ayers Street. 24 pedestrian crashes with 2 deaths
- Staples Street. 24 pedestrian crashes with 2 deaths
- Leopard Street. 21 pedestrian crashes with 2 deaths.
Corpus Christi Police Capt. Russell Sherman said pedestrians are least likely to survive being hit by a motor vehicle on a high-speed roadway. Speed limits on TX 358 reach up to 65 mph, for example. Sherman said people on foot should never try to cross a freeway because it is hard to judge the speed of a vehicle travelling at high speed.
In one of the fatal pedestrian collisions in 2018, the person was using a crosswalk. The others were attempting to cross the road without using a crosswalk.
Texas Law and Pedestrians
Corpus Christi does not have a local ordinance barring jaywalking; city ordinance §53-15 addresses how motorists should pass pedestrians and bicyclists using local roads.
Texas law requires vehicles to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks. Pedestrians are to obey “walk,” “don’t walk” and “wait” signals if present or cross only when there is a green traffic signal for their direction if at a controlled intersection.
The law says, “A pedestrian shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle on the highway if crossing a roadway at a place other than in a marked crosswalk or in an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.”
The law also says a pedestrian may not suddenly enter a crosswalk when a vehicle is approaching and is so close that it is impossible for the vehicle operator to yield.
However, the law also admonishes drivers to:
- Exercise due care to avoid colliding with a pedestrian on a roadway
- Give warning by sounding the horn when necessary
- Exercise proper precaution upon observing a child or an obviously confused or incapacitated person on a roadway.
In the end, it is up to everyone on the road to reduce the number of pedestrian accidents in Corpus Christi and throughout Texas.
Tips for Pedestrian Safety To Avoid Being Hit by a Car
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers 10 tips for staying safe along and while crossing roads and highways:
- Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
- Walk on sidewalks when they are available.
- If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
- Keep alert at all times. Don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes and ears off the road.
- Whenever possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, where drivers expect pedestrians. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
- If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross.
- Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to make sure they see you.
- Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials or carry a flashlight at night.
- Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots. Assume that they do not see you.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment.
CONTACT HERRMAN & HERRMAN IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF ACCIDENTS:
We can help you if you have been harmed by the following:
- Car accidents – Our lawyers have extensive experience handling car accident cases. We will work to identify the party or parties at fault for the crash and build a case to demonstrate persuasively how the parties caused the accident and your injuries. We will seek fair and full compensation through a negotiated settlement or at trial if necessary.
- Truck accidents – Thousands of large commercial trucks travel the roads of Texas every single day. Unfortunately, careless truck drivers and trucking companies disregarding safety put innocent people at risk of serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, let our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers stand up to the trucking companies and insurers on your behalf.
- Motorcycle accidents – Motorcycle riders often suffer grievous injuries in crashes caused by other motorists. Too many motorcycle accidents in Corpus Christi are caused by careless drivers who don’t look for motorcycle riders or violate their right of way. Our personal injury lawyers will work to cut through the bias and stigma against motorcycle riders. Our goal is to seek the financial compensation that you’ll need to recover from a serious motorcycle accident and injuries such as bone fractures, road rash, or traumatic brain injury.
- Product liability – Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to make products that are safe for their intended uses and to warn consumers of any risks that may come with the product. When products have design or manufacturing defects or undisclosed dangers, the product manufacturer may be legally responsible for injuries suffered by consumers. Our attorneys can help you evaluate whether you have a valid product liability claim.
- Brain injury – Brain injuries can leave accident victims with disabilities that leave them unable to work or perform many tasks of daily living. Seeking compensation for a brain injury in an accident often proves incredibly complex. The brain injury survivor may seek compensation for anticipated future medical care and the medical care already provided. Our personal injury lawyers can help you through the difficult recovery process following a brain injury and will fight to make sure you have the resources you need.
- Spinal injury – Spinal cord injuries could cost millions of dollars of care over the course of the victim’s lifetime, especially when those injuries result in partial or complete paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. If you or your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, you deserve compassionate legal representation. Our attorney can help you determine whether you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injury and expenses related to living with the disability, such as making a home more accessible.
- Wrongful death – If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party, your family deserves to seek accountability and compensation from those at fault for the wrongful death. Our caring and dedicated attorneys can help guide you and your family through this difficult and painful time and seek justice for your loved one.
ABOUT HERRMAN & HERRMAN PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS
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