Can a Pedestrian Sue If Hit by a Car in Austin, TX?
Austin, TX, takes pedestrian safety very seriously. In 2015, the city launched the “Vision Zero” initiative to reduce pedestrian accidents. Yet, some locals and tourists still wonder, “Can a pedestrian sue if hit by a car in Austin?”
Some pedestrian accidents continue to occur in parts of Austin without sidewalks. Others take place at pedestrian crossings that weren’t designed carefully enough.
If you’re ever involved in one of these accidents, you maintain the right to file a personal injury claim and attempt to prove driver fault in your case. See how this process works below and whether it might apply to your circumstances.
When a Pedestrian Should Consider Suing After Being Hit by a Car in Austin
If you’re asking, “Can a pedestrian sue if hit by a car in Austin, TX?” right now, you should know the answer is “yes.” However, you might not necessarily want to consider filing a lawsuit after a pedestrian accident if you suspect you may have been to blame for it.
You may not have a strong enough pedestrian accident case if, for example, you blatantly disregarded the traffic signals at a crosswalk in Austin and crossed the street when you shouldn’t have. This might suggest negligence on your part and prevent you from launching a successful pedestrian accident lawsuit.
Instead, you should only take legal action after a pedestrian accident when you believe the driver who hit you should assume liability in your case. Speak with a pedestrian accident lawyer about the incident in question and allow them to determine the viability of a lawsuit.
Why a Pedestrian Should Sue in the Aftermath of an Accident Involving a Car
You should think about suing the driver who hit you during a pedestrian accident for a few reasons. First and foremost, it will put you in a position to collect compensation to cover medical expenses and other unexpected accident costs.
But the benefits of suing a driver at fault for a pedestrian accident won’t end there. You may also be eligible to collect compensation for any pain and suffering you’ve endured.
Additionally, Texas allows personal injury plaintiffs to recover punitive damages from defendants. These damages are designed to punish defendants and prevent them from engaging in risky driving behaviors that could cause other pedestrian accidents in the future.
How a Pedestrian Should Sue Following an Accident With a Car in Austin
After learning the answer to the question, “Can a pedestrian sue if hit by a car in Austin, TX?” you might wonder how to begin the process. It starts with hiring the right legal representation to handle your case.
Search for a reputable law firm that has a team of experienced and knowledgeable pedestrian accident lawyers. They will lend a hand with:
- Determining the viability of your pedestrian accident lawsuit
- Filing the proper paperwork for your lawsuit
- Gathering evidence related to your pedestrian accident lawsuit
- Engaging in settlement negotiations with the defendant in your pedestrian accident lawsuit
- Taking your pedestrian accident lawsuit to trial if necessary
A Pedestrian Can Sue If Hit by a Car in Texas — and We’re Here To Help
Stop asking yourself, “Can a pedestrian sue if hit by a car in Austin, TX?” and start speaking with a pedestrian accident lawyer about your case. Dow Law Firm is here to assist those who have been involved in pedestrian accidents in Austin and many of the surrounding areas. Contact us at 512-240-9951 or complete this form to schedule a consultation with an attorney.