Pedestrian Killed In I-35 Service Road Crash
Recently, a man was struck by an automobile near the intersection of William Cannon Drive and the I-35 service road, later being pronounced dead at the scene. Law enforcement declined to release more information on the incident, but it is worth taking notice because pedestrian accidents are very common in Texas and if you are involved in one, it can be overwhelming to try and figure out what your options going forward.
Number Of Deaths Constant
Statistics from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) estimate that in 2018, there were approximately 620 pedestrian fatalities. Total crashes numbered near 5,600, which is a slight decrease from the year before – from 5,774 to 5,684 – but fatalities rose slightly, from 615. While in theory, the fact that there was a very negligible rise in pedestrian fatalities is positive, it can also be seen as a negative, given that several Texas cities (Austin included) have attempted to mount pedestrian safety initiatives.
Because pedestrians do not have protection in the same way as auto drivers, the injuries from even a low-speed impact can be quite severe. Some of the most common types of pedestrian injuries in these types of crashes include broken bones, torn ligaments, and whiplash (and other soft tissue injuries that may not present themselves until days or weeks after a crash). However, in an extreme situation, severe harm may result, including traumatic brain injuries, coma, and death.
Seeking Compensation
If you have been struck by an automobile in Texas as a pedestrian, your very first decision should be to get evaluated by a medical professional, because a failure to do so (even if for a good reason, such as cost) can be used against you. After all, the other side may allege, if your injury was so severe as to be compensable (that is, if you are suing over injuries you allegedly suffered), it would have required treatment. Medical evaluation should be standard in a case where you allege that you have been harmed.
You also should be aware that even if the jury finds that you were wholly or partially liable for your own injuries, you should still be able to recover as long as your percentage of fault in the case was judged to be less than 50 percent – that is, if you are judged to be less than 50 percent at fault, you should still be able to obtain some type of damages for your injuries. Any award, in that case, will be lowered by your percentage (for example, if you are judged to have been 45 percent liable for your own injuries, you would receive 55 percent from the court – 100 percent minus 45, your percentage of fault).
Call A New Braunfels Accident Attorney Today
Pedestrian accidents can be very serious because the weight and movement speed are so grossly unequal. If you need assistance after being hit by an automobile, the dedicated New Braunfels pedestrian accident attorneys at the Bettersworth Law Firm are ready and happy to assist you. Contact our offices today at 888-392-0039 to schedule a free consultation.
Sources:
https://patch.com/texas/downtownaustin/pedestrian-killed-along-interstate-35-service-road
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CP/htm/CP.33.htm
http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/trf/crash_statistics/2018/07.pdf
