In Dallas, pedestrians frequently share road space with high-speed traffic. While walking should be one of the safest and healthiest modes of travel, pedestrian accidents in Dallas may result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. People on foot face increasing risks due to driver negligence, inadequate infrastructure, and urban sprawl.

At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, we fight for injured pedestrians and their families across Dallas. If you have been struck by a car, truck, or rideshare vehicle or lost a loved one in a fatal pedestrian crash, our Dallas personal injury lawyers are here to help you hold the at-fault parties accountable. 

Why Pedestrians Are More Vulnerable to Catastrophic Injuries and Fatalities

Pedestrians in Dallas, TX, are among the most vulnerable users of the road. They lack the protection that motor vehicle occupants enjoy. When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, their body takes the full force of the collision.

Heightened Vulnerability by Age

• Children may have difficulty judging speed or distance and may dart into traffic. Their smaller stature also makes them harder for drivers to see, especially near parked vehicles or school zones.
• Elderly pedestrians may move slowly or have impaired vision or hearing, making it more difficult to react quickly or detect oncoming traffic. When struck, they face higher rates of serious injuries like broken hips, traumatic brain injuries, or internal bleeding.

Catastrophic Injuries in Pedestrian Crashes in Dallas, TX

Some of the catastrophic injuries commonly seen in pedestrian accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Pelvic fractures and broken limbs
• Internal injuries or organ damage
• Fatal blunt force trauma
• Crush injuries and amputations 

Because of severe injuries, pedestrian accident victims may require emergency medical treatment, long-term care, and rehabilitation, leading to extensive financial and emotional burdens. Our pedestrian accident attorneys in Dallas will fight to recover fair compensation for medical expenses (current and future medical bills), lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

Laws for Pedestrian Safety in Dallas, TX

Texas law establishes clear rights and responsibilities for pedestrians. These laws can be critical in determining fault in an accident.

Legal Protections for Pedestrians

Under Texas Transportation Code § 552, pedestrians have the right-of-way under specific conditions:

• At marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections, when traffic control signals are absent or not functioning.
• When walking on sidewalks, motorists must yield when entering or exiting driveways.
• School crossing guards have the authority to control pedestrian traffic, and motorists must comply with their instructions.

Legal Obligations of Pedestrians

• Under Texas pedestrian laws, individuals walking on the road must obey pedestrian control signals and cross only when permitted.
• They’re prohibited from suddenly leaving a curb and walking or running into the path of a vehicle that’s so close it’s impossible to yield.
• Walking along highways isn’t allowed unless there’s no sidewalk, in which case they must walk facing traffic.

While pedestrians must exercise caution, their legal protection increases at intersections and designated crosswalks. When a driver disregards these rights, they may be held liable for any injuries caused.

Laws for Motorists to Protect Pedestrians in Dallas, TX

Texas and Dallas laws impose strict duties on drivers to protect pedestrians, especially in areas where foot traffic is expected.

Motorist Duties Include:

• Yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked.
• Stopping and not overtaking vehicles that are yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Observing speed limits in school zones and near pedestrian-heavy areas.
• Exercising due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian and using the horn when necessary.
• Complying with no texting while driving laws, especially in school zones.

In Dallas, the failure to follow these duties can not only result in civil liability but also lead to criminal charges such as reckless driving or failure to yield the right-of-way. Our legal team uses police reports, video footage, and witness statements to establish violations and hold motorists accountable for endangering pedestrians.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Dallas

While every pedestrian accident is unique, many follow recurring patterns of negligence or traffic violations. Our legal team has identified several common causes based on past cases across the Dallas area:

Distracted Driving

Texting, using GPS, or eating while driving causes drivers to miss crosswalks, traffic signals, and pedestrians who are clearly visible.

Speeding

High speeds reduce a driver’s reaction time and increase the severity of impact. Even a few miles per hour over the limit can be the difference between a near-miss and a fatality.

Failure to Yield

Motorists often fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks—especially when turning left or right at intersections.

Running Red Lights or Stop Signs

Drivers who disregard traffic controls often collide with pedestrians legally crossing the street.

Drunk or Drugged Driving

Impairment diminishes a driver’s ability to recognize and react to pedestrians. DWI accidents often result in the most serious pedestrian injuries.

Inadequate Lighting or Poor Visibility

Accidents are more likely at night when drivers cannot clearly see pedestrians due to poor street lighting or dark clothing.

Backover Accidents

Drivers reversing out of driveways or parking spots may fail to see a pedestrian behind them (especially children).

Each of these factors may serve as grounds for a negligence claim. We investigate thoroughly to determine exactly how and why your pedestrian accident occurred.

Dangerous Intersections in Dallas Where Pedestrians Are at a Higher Risk

Certain intersections and roads in Dallas are notorious for pedestrian accidents due to high traffic volume, poor visibility, or inadequate infrastructure. While exact data changes year to year, several areas remain high-risk zones for pedestrians.

Known High-Risk Intersections Include:

• North Central Expressway & Haskell Avenue: Heavy foot traffic near retail and transit with limited crosswalk time
• I-35E & Colorado Boulevard: Known for speed and poor pedestrian infrastructure
• Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd & Malcolm X Blvd: Located near schools and community centers, but lacking sufficient signage
• Harry Hines Boulevard: Fast traffic, minimal sidewalks, and a history of hit-and-run pedestrian cases
• Jefferson Boulevard in Oak Cliff: Dense pedestrian and vehicle traffic, with several fatal incidents in recent years

Factors That Increase Intersection Danger:

• Poor signal timing for pedestrians
• Lack of marked crosswalks or signage
• High-speed vehicle flow
• Multiple turning lanes
• Bus stops placed in unsafe locations

We work with accident reconstructionists, traffic engineers, and local officials to analyze whether dangerous road design contributed to your accident. In some cases, liability may extend beyond the driver to include the City of Dallas or property owners for failing to maintain safe pedestrian access.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Dallas, TX

Call 911 Immediately

The first step is to call emergency services. This will dispatch both police and EMS. Even if you don’t feel seriously hurt, request a medical evaluation on-site. Many injuries, including internal trauma or concussions, aren’t immediately apparent.

Wait for the Dallas Police Department to Arrive

An official police report is vital. Dallas Police officers will document the accident scene, interview witnesses, and may cite the driver if laws were violated. This report often becomes a key piece of evidence in your claim.

Collect Evidence at the Scene (If Able)

If you can, try to gather:

• Photos of the vehicle, license plate, and your injuries
• Pictures of the intersection or crosswalk
• Contact information for witnesses
• Names and badge numbers of responding officers

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

If you aren’t transported by ambulance, visit a hospital or urgent care center in Dallas, such as Baylor University Medical Center or Parkland Hospital. A full evaluation creates a medical record linking your injuries directly to the accident.

Don’t Speak to the Driver’s Insurance Company

Insurance adjusters may call you quickly and pressure you to give a recorded statement. Politely decline and refer them to your attorney. Anything you say could be used to reduce or deny your claim.

Contact Our Dallas Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Our legal team will immediately step in to protect your rights. We gather crucial evidence, investigate the crash, and begin the process of demanding compensation for your mounting medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The Role of Dallas Traffic Cameras in Pedestrian Accident Cases

Many pedestrian accidents in Dallas occur at intersections monitored by city-owned or third-party traffic cameras. These cameras may capture:

• Whether the pedestrian was in the crosswalk
• The vehicle’s speed
• Whether the driver ran a red light or failed to yield
• Witnesses or additional vehicles involved

Key Locations Where Footage May Be Available:

• Major intersections (e.g., Mockingbird Ln & Greenville Ave, or Lemmon Ave & Oak Lawn Ave)
• Downtown Dallas areas with high pedestrian volumes
• DART bus and rail stops
• School zones and crosswalks near public buildings

How Our Attorneys Secure the Footage:

• We send legal preservation letters to the City of Dallas, TXDOT, or private property owners to prevent the deletion of footage.
• We work with surveillance contractors and video forensics experts to obtain and review the video.
• We compare the driver’s statements with footage to expose contradictions and strengthen your case.

Under Texas traffic laws, camera footage can serve as evidence in a pedestrian injury lawsuit. However, this video is usually deleted within seven to 30 days, making immediate legal action critical.

FAQs on Pedestrian Accident Claims in Dallas

What if I was hit by a vehicle outside a crosswalk?

While crossing at a crosswalk generally strengthens your claim, Texas law still protects pedestrians outside crosswalks in many cases. Drivers are expected to exercise reasonable care at all times. If the driver was speeding, texting, or intoxicated, they may still be held liable even if you weren’t in a designated crossing zone. We evaluate the totality of the circumstances, including lighting, visibility, and driver conduct.

Can I file a claim if the accident happened near private property, like a parking lot or driveway?

Yes. Pedestrian accidents in parking lots or private driveways are often caused by distracted or reversing drivers. If the property owner failed to maintain safe visibility or signage (such as faded crosswalk markings or blind spots), we may also pursue premises liability claims in addition to your pedestrian injury claim.

Can a pedestrian accident result in a wrongful death lawsuit?

Absolutely. In case of pedestrian fatalities in Dallas, TX, certain family members, such as a surviving spouse, children, or parents, can file a wrongful death claim. Our Dallas pedestrian accident attorneys pursue maximum compensation for funeral expenses, medical costs, loss of companionship, and the deceased’s future income.

Can I sue the City of Dallas if poor sidewalk design or lack of signage contributed to the accident?

Possibly. Government entities have limited immunity, but under the Texas Tort Claims Act, they may be held liable for unsafe roadway conditions. For example, if a crosswalk light was broken or signage was obscured, and the City had prior notice but failed to fix it, you may have a valid claim. However, these cases have strict notice deadlines, often as short as 6 months, making swift legal consultation essential.

Our Lawyers Will Fight to Maximize Compensation for Injured Victims in Pedestrian Accidents 

At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, we understand that pedestrian injury claims may involve life-altering consequences. Our legal team takes swift action to investigate personal injury cases involving pedestrian accidents, find compelling evidence, and take on powerful insurance companies to secure fair compensation for injured victims. 

Here’s what we may do in these cases:

• Launch a prompt investigation, including obtaining surveillance footage, police reports, and witness statements.
• Work with medical experts to assess the full impact of your injuries, including future treatment and rehabilitation.
• Calculate all financial damages such as lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and emotional distress.
• Negotiate aggressively with insurers to demand fair settlements, while remaining prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.
• File a lawsuit in court and present a persuasive evidence-based argument before the jury, including testimonies from expert witnesses if needed.

As part of our Dallas pedestrian injury legal support, we handle all communications, paperwork, and legal hurdles for our clients. There are no upfront costs, and we don’t get paid unless we win your case. To schedule your free consultation, call us 24/7 at 1-844-DEMANDA or contact us online.