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Walking in Denton should be safe. Whether you’re crossing University Drive near the UNT campus, heading to the Denton Square, or walking along a neighborhood sidewalk off Loop 288, you have every right to share the road without fear. But pedestrian accidents happen here, and when they do, the injuries are often severe. A vehicle weighing thousands of pounds against a person on foot is never a fair match. If you or someone you love was struck by a car in Denton, the personal injury lawyers at Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Table of Contents
- How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents in Texas and Denton?
- Texas Laws That Protect Pedestrians
- Who Is at Fault in a Denton Pedestrian Accident?
- Injuries and Damages in Pedestrian Accident Cases
- Why Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys Is the Right Choice for Your Pedestrian Accident Case
- FAQs About Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Denton
How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents in Texas and Denton?
Texas has one of the worst pedestrian safety records in the country, and the numbers back that up. In 2024, there were 6,095 crashes involving pedestrians in Texas, resulting in 772 pedestrian deaths. That works out to roughly two pedestrian deaths every single day across the state. Pedestrians are involved in only 1% of traffic crashes in Texas, but they account for 19% of all roadway deaths. That gap between involvement and fatality rate tells you everything about how dangerous these accidents are.
Denton County is a fast-growing area, and more people on the roads and sidewalks means more risk. Areas near Texas Woman’s University, the University of North Texas, and busy corridors like Carroll Boulevard and Teasley Lane see heavy foot traffic. Students, families, and commuters all walk these streets daily. When a distracted or speeding driver fails to yield, the consequences can be life-changing.
TxDOT tracks these crashes through its Crash Records Information System (CRIS), using data collected from Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Reports (CR-3 forms). These reports document the who, what, where, and how of every reportable crash, including pedestrian accidents. That data matters in your case. It forms part of the evidence foundation that a skilled attorney uses to build your claim and prove what happened.
The bottom line is that pedestrian accidents are not rare events in Texas. They are a consistent, serious problem. If you were hit by a car in Denton, you are not alone, and you have legal options.
Texas Laws That Protect Pedestrians
Texas law places clear duties on drivers when it comes to pedestrians. Under Texas Transportation Code Section 552.003, a driver must stop and yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing in a crosswalk when no traffic signal is present and the pedestrian is on the driver’s half of the road or approaching closely enough to be in danger. That is not a suggestion. It is a legal requirement.
Section 552.008 goes even further. It requires every driver to exercise due care to avoid colliding with a pedestrian on a roadway, to sound the horn as a warning when necessary, and to take proper precautions when a child or confused person is on the road. Drivers who ignore these rules are not just breaking traffic laws. They are creating the conditions for a personal injury claim.
Texas also enacted Transportation Code Section 545.428, which took effect in 2021 and was updated in 2023. Under this law, a driver who operates a vehicle in a crosswalk area and causes bodily injury to a pedestrian through criminal negligence commits a Class A misdemeanor. If the pedestrian suffers serious bodily injury, the offense rises to a state jail felony. The criminal side of a case does not automatically win you a civil settlement, but it does establish that the driver’s conduct was legally wrong, which supports your injury claim.
Under Section 552.001, pedestrians facing a green signal may cross within a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Pedestrians facing a red or yellow signal may not enter the roadway. Both drivers and walkers share responsibility for road safety, but when a driver’s failure causes your injury, the law gives you the right to seek compensation. A knowledgeable car accident attorney can help you understand exactly how these statutes apply to your specific situation.
Who Is at Fault in a Denton Pedestrian Accident?
Fault in a pedestrian accident is not always simple. Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto the pedestrian, claiming the walker was jaywalking, distracted, or crossing outside a crosswalk. Texas law does account for shared fault, but it does not automatically bar you from recovering money just because you played some role in the accident.
Texas follows the proportionate responsibility system, codified in Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 33.001. Under Section 33.001 (Proportionate Responsibility), a claimant may recover damages only if their percentage of responsibility is 50 percent or less. If you are found 30% at fault and the driver is 70% at fault, your compensation is reduced by 30%, but you still recover. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing from the other party. This “51% bar rule” is critical: even if another driver’s negligence was a major factor, your own contribution could eliminate your right to compensation.
This is exactly why insurance adjusters work hard to push your fault percentage above 50%. They know that crossing that line means they pay nothing. Do not let them define the facts without a fight. Common causes of pedestrian accidents in Denton include distracted driving, failure to yield at crosswalks, speeding near school zones, drunk driving, and running red lights. Each of these involves driver negligence that a thorough investigation can document and prove.
Gathering the right evidence is essential. That means the TxDOT CR-3 crash report, surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras, witness statements, medical records, and photos of the scene. A car accident lawyer who handles pedestrian cases regularly knows what evidence matters and how to get it before it disappears.
Injuries and Damages in Pedestrian Accident Cases
Pedestrians have no seat belts, no airbags, and no steel frame protecting them. When a car hits a person, the body absorbs the full force of the impact. The injuries that result are often catastrophic. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal injuries, and severe soft tissue damage are all common outcomes. Even so-called “minor” pedestrian accidents can leave victims with lasting pain, limited mobility, and mounting medical bills.
Texas law allows injured pedestrians to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses (both current and future), lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving reckless or grossly negligent conduct, a court may also award exemplary damages under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 41.
Think about what a serious pedestrian accident actually costs. A hospital stay at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Denton, located at 3000 North I-35, can generate tens of thousands of dollars in bills within days. Add follow-up care, physical therapy, and lost time from work, and the financial pressure becomes enormous. Insurance companies know this. They often make quick, low offers hoping you will accept before you understand the full scope of your losses.
Your damages are worth fighting for. The team at Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys evaluates every category of loss, including future medical costs that many victims overlook entirely. If someone you love was killed in a pedestrian accident, Texas law also allows certain surviving family members to pursue a wrongful death claim. Call us at (940) 800-2500 to discuss what your case may be worth. Past results in other cases do not guarantee the same outcome in yours, as every case depends on its own facts and circumstances.
Why Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys Is the Right Choice for Your Pedestrian Accident Case
Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys is a personal injury law firm based right here in Denton, Texas. We know this community. We know the intersections where accidents happen, the roads that see the most foot traffic, and the local courts where cases are resolved. When you work with us, you are working with attorneys who are familiar with Denton County and who take your case personally.
We handle pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. There are no upfront costs and no hourly billing. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict we obtain, so we are motivated to fight hard for the best possible result. You should never have to worry about legal costs when you are already dealing with medical bills and lost income.
From the moment you contact us, we get to work. We gather evidence, communicate with insurance companies on your behalf, and build the strongest possible case. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Having an experienced legal team in your corner changes that dynamic. We are also prepared to take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation.
If you were injured near the Denton County Courthouse, on I-35, near the UNT campus, or anywhere else in the Denton area, you deserve a team that will stand up for you. Residents across the region trust car accident attorney services from Chandler Ross, and we extend that same commitment to pedestrian accident victims. You can also reach clients we serve through our car accident lawyer services in Fort Worth and our car accident lawyer team in Irving. Call us today at (940) 800-2500 for a free consultation. There is no obligation, and we are here to answer your questions.
FAQs About Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Denton
What should I do immediately after being hit by a car in Denton?
Call 911 right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Get a police report filed, because the TxDOT CR-3 crash report is a key piece of evidence in your case. Accept medical attention at the scene and follow up at a hospital or urgent care as soon as possible. Take photos of the scene, the vehicle, and your injuries if you are physically able. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Contact Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys at (940) 800-2500 to get guidance on your next steps.
Can I still recover damages if I was crossing outside a crosswalk when I was hit?
Possibly, yes. Texas uses the proportionate responsibility system under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 33.001. As long as your share of fault is 50% or less, you can still recover compensation, though your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. The key is proving that the driver was also at fault, which requires solid evidence. Do not assume that crossing outside a crosswalk automatically bars your claim. An attorney can assess the specific facts of your case and tell you where you stand.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in Texas?
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing that deadline typically means losing your right to sue entirely. Two years may sound like a long time, but evidence fades, witnesses move on, and building a strong case takes time. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances of preserving the evidence you need. Call Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys at (940) 800-2500 as soon as possible after your accident.
What if the driver who hit me did not have insurance?
This situation is more common than most people realize. If the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to seek compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, if you have it. Texas law does not require drivers to carry UM/UIM coverage, but it does require insurers to offer it. An attorney can review all available insurance policies, including your own, to identify every possible source of recovery. Do not assume you have no options just because the driver lacked coverage.
How much does it cost to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer at Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys?
Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys handles pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover money for you. There is no cost for your initial consultation, and you will never receive a bill just for talking to us. Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we obtain on your behalf, so there are no out-of-pocket expenses to get started. This arrangement means everyone, regardless of financial situation, can access quality legal representation after a serious accident.
Content on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Results in any particular case depend on the specific facts and applicable law. Past results in other matters do not guarantee a similar outcome in your case. Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys is responsible for this content. Principal office: Denton, Texas.
