Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Odessa, TX
If you’ve been hit by a car or involved in an accident as a pedestrian in Odessa, Texas, you’re likely experiencing a challenging time filled with questions and uncertainties.
As your pedestrian accident lawyer in Odessa, our team at Braker White is here to help you navigate through the complex legal processes and secure the compensation you may be entitled to, all while providing some peace of mind during this difficult time.
Before accepting the initial settlement offer from the insurance company, contact us for a free case review. It could mean the difference between thousands of dollars in much-needed compensation.
You Can Get Legal Support Today
To begin the process of pursuing compensation after your pedestrian accident, contact us today for a free case review. It only takes a call or a click, so you don’t have to leave the house!
You Have a Legal Right to Compensation
When you’ve been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek damages for your injuries. We work hard to protect that right and secure the settlement you need and deserve.
We Work on Contingency
By working on contingency, we can offer compassionate and competent legal representation to our Odessa neighbors without charging any upfront fees. You only pay if we win!
Table of Contents
Potential Compensation in an Odessa Pedestrian Accident Case
After a pedestrian accident in Odessa, you might wonder what kind of money you can get to help with your troubles. Here's a breakdown of the different types you might receive:
- Medical Expenses: If you were hurt, you might have big medical bills. We can help get you money to cover these costs, from the ambulance ride to any future medical care you might need.
- Pain and Suffering: Accidents don't just hurt your body; they can also be emotionally hard. You might get money for the pain and suffering you went through.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries kept you from working, we could help you get money for the time you couldn't earn a paycheck.
- Disfigurement: Sometimes, accidents leave scars or other changes to your appearance. You might be able to get money for how these changes affect your life.
- Diminished Future Earning Power: If your injuries mean you can't earn as much money in the future, we can help you get compensation for that loss.
- Mental Anguish: Accidents can be traumatic. We can help you seek money for the stress and mental pain the accident caused.
- Property Damage: If your personal things, like a phone or clothes, got damaged in the accident, we can help get you money to replace them.
What Does a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Cost?
We understand why you might be worried about legal fees when dealing with a potentially expensive and stressful time like this. That’s why our Odessa pedestrian injury lawyers work on a “contingency fee” basis. This means you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case and secure compensation for your damages. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.
This approach helps us provide the peace of mind you need while focusing on recovery.
Have You Suffered Serious Injuries from a Pedestrian Accident?
Don't wait! Contact Braker White today to take steps towards the justice and compensation you may be owed.
Pedestrian Safety Laws in Texas
In Texas, there are specific laws designed to protect pedestrians. These laws dictate right-of-way rules at crosswalks, pedestrian responsibilities when no crosswalk is present, and requirements for walking along roadways. Knowing these laws can help you understand your rights and stay safe. Our pedestrian accident attorneys will help you navigate these laws to better understand and strengthen your case.
In Texas, drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks. This means if you're walking and there's a crosswalk, cars should stop to let you pass. It's important for both drivers and pedestrians to pay attention at crosswalks. Even though pedestrians have the right of way, it's always good to make sure the driver sees you before you start crossing.
Texas law also says that if there's no crosswalk, pedestrians should yield the right of way to vehicles. So, if you're crossing the street where there isn't a crosswalk, you need to wait until it's safe and there are no cars coming. This helps prevent accidents.
Pedestrians in Texas are not allowed to suddenly leave a curb or other safe place and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that's close. This is to avoid surprise situations that could cause an accident. It's always best to wait until there's enough space and time to cross safely.
Another important rule is about walking on roads. When there are sidewalks, pedestrians should use them. If there's no sidewalk and you have to walk on the road, you should walk on the left side facing traffic. This way, you can see the cars coming towards you, and they can see you.
At traffic signals, pedestrians should follow the same signals as drivers. If the light is red, you should wait. Only cross when the signal turns green or when the pedestrian signal shows it's safe to walk. Even then, look both ways to make sure all vehicles have stopped.
Pedestrian Accident Statute of Limitations: How long do I have to file a claim?
In Texas, there's a 2-year statute of limitations for filing a pedestrian accident claim. We recommend initiating legal proceedings as soon as possible to ensure compliance with this timeframe, so reach out to our pedestrian accident law firm today.
What To Do If You're in a Pedestrian Accident in Odessa
If you're in a pedestrian accident, get medical help right away. Then, document the scene with photos, if you’re able. It’s also very important to speak with police and file a police report. Don't talk about your case with anyone else - not the other parties involved in the accident or the insurance companies. Contact an Odessa pedestrian injury attorney as soon as you can.
Understanding Odessa Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents are when a person is struck or involved in an accident, without having been in a vehicle themselves. These accidents can happen in many ways: walking, jogging, just crossing the street, etc. Because pedestrians are far more exposed than someone in a vehicle, injuries from pedestrian accidents are often significant.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Some common injuries in pedestrian accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Cuts and bruises
- Back and spinal injuries
- Crushing injuries
- Wrongful death
How Pedestrian Accident Injuries Happen
Pedestrian accidents are a significant concern in urban and suburban areas, where vehicle and foot traffic share a lot of the same space. The cause of any accident also has a substantial effect on your personal injury claim. For example, if your accident is determined to have been caused by a vehicle’s mechanical failure, the vehicle manufacturer may be found responsible, instead of the driver.
Below you’ll find some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents:
- Traffic Law Violations: One of the primary causes of pedestrian accidents is traffic law violations. Drivers who ignore speed limits, fail to yield at crosswalks, or disobey traffic signals significantly increase the risk of colliding with pedestrians.
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving, including the use of mobile phones, eating, or any activity that takes the driver's attention away from the road, is another major contributor to pedestrian accidents.
- Poor Road Conditions: Poor road conditions, such as inadequate lighting, lack of sidewalks, hazardous road surfaces (potholes, loose gravel, standing water, oil, worn/faded road markings, etc.), or poorly designed intersections, can lead to pedestrian accidents.
- Mechanical Failures: Vehicle mechanical failures, though far less common, can be a factor in pedestrian accidents. Mechanical failures like brake failure, steering issues, tire failure, or other mechanical problems can lead to a loss of control and lead to a pedestrian accident.
Why Hire an Odessa Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
Navigating the aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be complex. Hiring an experienced Odessa pedestrian accident lawyer provides a major advantage in navigating through legal intricacies, safeguarding your rights, and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
At Braker White, our professional knowledge of local laws and experience in insurance negotiations means we're uniquely positioned to advocate for your interests effectively. We're committed to providing personalized legal counsel and fighting tirelessly for the justice and fair compensation you are entitled to. Trust us to be your dedicated ally in this challenging time.
Do You Have a Case?
If you're thinking about a legal claim, we can help you figure out if you have a case. Contact the trusted attorneys at our pedestrian injury law firm for a free case review. Remember, it’s important to act quickly, as there are time limits in place for filing a claim.
Proving Liability in a Pedestrian Accident Claim
Establishing liability is a fundamental component in a pedestrian accident claim. To successfully navigate your case, you must demonstrate 4 key elements: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages.
- Duty of Care: We start by proving that the defendant had a legal responsibility to act reasonably and avoid causing harm. For motorists, this includes obeying traffic laws and being vigilant of pedestrians.
- Breaching Duty of Care: Next, we need to establish that the defendant failed to uphold their duty. This could involve actions like speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield to a pedestrian.
- Causation: The third step involves linking the defendant's breach of duty directly to your accident. We'll demonstrate how their negligence was the primary cause of the incident.
- Damages: Finally, we'll quantify the impact of the accident on your life. This includes tangible losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, as well as intangible damages like pain and suffering.
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