Pedestrian Accidents in Harker Heights, TX

Children under the age of 16 are the most common victims of pedestrian accidents. Between lack of parental supervision and lack of road awareness, children are likely to run into the road without checking for vehicles. Often, risky driving contributes to these accidents, such as drivers speeding through school zones or residential neighborhoods.

Older pedestrians are also at increased risk of a pedestrian accident. Due to physical limitations concerning vision, hearing, and reflexes, the elderly may not be aware of oncoming traffic. Accidents involving the elderly have worse consequences than other pedestrian accidents and often result in permanent disability or death.

In most pedestrian accidents, the driver was negligent in his or her duties to drive safely and attentively. Distracted driving is common throughout Texas, as more and more people check their mobile devices on the go. Driver error (such as DUI) is also common, especially at night. Many accidents, however, could have been prevented with proper roadside signage and crosswalks.

Poor city planning, such as a lack of proper sidewalks or failing to provide a crosswalk at an intersection, contributes to a percentage of pedestrian accidents in central Texas. In large cities such as Houston and Dallas, pedestrian accidents occur more frequently—often because a driver does not realize a pedestrian is crossing.

Failure to maintain sidewalks and road signs can lead to pedestrians crossing the road when they should not, without realizing that oncoming traffic is not stopping. In these situations, the victim may sue the city or those responsible for maintaining the roadway. Whether driver negligence or a property defect caused your injury, you may be able to recover damages.