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A pedestrian hit by a car in the Dallas-Denton area faces some of the most serious injuries possible. You have no bumper, no airbag, and no seatbelt protecting you. When a vehicle strikes a person on foot, the results are often catastrophic, and the road to recovery is long and expensive. If you or someone you love was hurt in a pedestrian accident near Denton, you need to understand your rights, the laws that protect you, and how to take action. The personal injury lawyers at Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys in Denton, Texas are here to help you every step of the way.
Table of Contents
- Why Pedestrian Accidents in Denton, Texas Are So Dangerous
- Texas Laws That Protect Pedestrians and Define Driver Responsibility
- Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in the Denton Area
- What Compensation Can a Pedestrian Accident Victim Recover in Texas?
- Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Denton, Texas
- Why Choose Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys for Your Pedestrian Accident Case
- FAQs About Dallas Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Denton, Texas
Why Pedestrian Accidents in Denton, Texas Are So Dangerous
Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable people on any road. They have no physical protection when a car, truck, or SUV strikes them. The injuries that result, including broken bones, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and internal bleeding, can permanently change a person’s life.
In 2024, there were 6,095 crashes involving pedestrians in Texas, resulting in 772 pedestrian deaths. Pedestrian deaths now account for one in five of all traffic fatalities in the state. That is a staggering number, and it reflects how dangerous Texas roads are for people on foot.
Denton sits at a busy crossroads in North Texas. Highways like I-35E, US-380 (University Drive), and Loop 288 carry heavy volumes of traffic daily. The area around the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University brings thousands of students, cyclists, and pedestrians into close contact with fast-moving vehicles. The intersection at US-380 and North Elm Street, located near Texas Woman’s University and the Denton Center Shopping area, recorded 27 car accidents in a single recent year. Busy commercial corridors like Loop 288 and McKinney Street create similar risks for people crossing on foot.
Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate all driving fatalities by overhauling a city’s safety planning on all streets, roads, and highways. Denton has adopted a Vision Zero Plan to reassess the planning process within the city to ensure a safer environment for all motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. That plan is a step in the right direction, but it does not undo the harm already done to injured pedestrians. If you were hurt, the law gives you the right to pursue compensation from the driver responsible.
Texas Laws That Protect Pedestrians and Define Driver Responsibility
Texas law places clear duties on drivers when it comes to pedestrians. Violating those duties can form the foundation of a personal injury claim. Understanding these statutes helps you see exactly where a driver’s responsibility begins.
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 control signal is present and the pedestrian is in the driver’s lane or approaching closely enough to be in danger. That same statute prohibits a driver approaching from the rear of a stopped vehicle from passing that vehicle when it has stopped to let a pedestrian cross.
Under Texas Transportation Code Section 552.002, when a pedestrian control signal displays “Walk,” a driver must stop and yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian crossing in that direction. Drivers who ignore this requirement and strike a pedestrian are breaking the law.
Texas Transportation Code Section 552.008 goes even further. It requires every driver to exercise due care to avoid hitting a pedestrian on a roadway, to sound the horn when necessary, and to take extra precaution when a child or confused or incapacitated person is on the road. This is a broad duty of care that applies in every situation, not just at crosswalks.
Texas Transportation Code Section 545.428, added by the 87th Legislature in 2021 and amended in 2023, makes it a criminal offense to operate a vehicle with criminal negligence in a crosswalk area and cause bodily injury to a pedestrian. The offense rises to a state jail felony if the pedestrian suffers serious bodily injury. A criminal charge against the driver is powerful evidence in your civil case.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in the Denton Area
Most pedestrian accidents happen because a driver made a choice that put someone else at risk. Recognizing the most common causes helps you understand how negligence works in these cases.
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes. A driver who glances at a phone, adjusts a GPS, or reaches for something in the back seat may never see a pedestrian stepping off a curb. Pedestrian fatalities in Texas totaled 768 in 2024, and distracted driving is a contributing factor in a significant share of those crashes.
Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time and dramatically increases the severity of injuries when a pedestrian is struck. At 20 miles per hour, a driver has a reasonable chance of stopping in time. At 40 miles per hour, the stopping distance more than doubles. On fast-moving roads like US-380 near the Rayzor Ranch area or I-35E near the Golden Triangle Mall, pedestrians face serious danger when drivers exceed posted limits.
Drunk driving is another major factor. Alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction time, and reduces a driver’s ability to see pedestrians, especially at night. The area around the Denton Square, with its restaurants and bars, sees pedestrian foot traffic well into the evening hours. A driver who gets behind the wheel after drinking puts every person on the sidewalk or in a crosswalk at risk. Cases involving drunk drivers often open the door to additional damages beyond standard compensation.
Failure to yield is also a frequent cause. Under Texas law, drivers must yield at crosswalks and when pedestrians have the right of way. Drivers who roll through stop signs, turn without checking, or simply ignore pedestrian signals cause preventable crashes every day.
What Compensation Can a Pedestrian Accident Victim Recover in Texas?
Texas law allows injured pedestrians to seek compensation for the full range of harm they suffered. This is not limited to hospital bills. The law recognizes that a serious injury affects every part of a person’s life.
Economic damages cover the financial losses you can document. These include past and future medical expenses, lost wages from time missed at work, reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job, and costs for rehabilitation, physical therapy, and long-term care. A pedestrian who suffers a traumatic brain injury, for example, may need ongoing care for years. Those future costs are part of your claim.
Non-economic damages cover losses that do not come with a receipt. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and the impact of disfigurement or permanent disability are all compensable under Texas law. These damages can be substantial in serious pedestrian cases.
In some cases, punitive damages (also called exemplary damages under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 41) may be available. Texas courts can award these when a defendant acted with malice or gross negligence. A drunk driver who strikes a pedestrian, for example, may face a punitive damages claim on top of the standard compensation.
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule under Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 33.001. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages as long as your share of fault is 50% or less. Your total recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies often try to exaggerate a pedestrian’s fault to reduce what they pay. An attorney can push back against those tactics.
If a pedestrian accident results in death, surviving family members may have a wrongful death claim under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 71.002. The recoverable damages in those cases include funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the loss of companionship and care. Families dealing with that kind of loss deserve experienced legal support.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Denton, Texas
What you do in the hours and days after a pedestrian accident can directly affect the strength of your legal claim. Taking the right steps protects both your health and your right to compensation.
Call 911 immediately. A police report documents the scene, records witness statements, and creates an official record of the crash. In Denton, the responding officers will file a Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3 form) with the Texas Department of Transportation. The CR-3 contains reportable data collected by Texas peace officers and processed by TxDOT. This report is a key piece of evidence in your case, and your attorney will need a copy.
Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine at the scene. Adrenaline can mask pain. Injuries like internal bleeding, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal damage may not produce obvious symptoms immediately. A prompt medical evaluation creates a record that connects your injuries to the accident. Gaps in treatment give insurance companies an opening to argue that your injuries were not serious or were caused by something else.
Document everything you can. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, the vehicle that struck you, and any road conditions that may have contributed to the crash. Get the driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details. Collect names and phone numbers from any witnesses. If there are businesses nearby, like those along Carroll Boulevard or around the UNT campus, their security cameras may have captured the crash.
Do not give a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company without speaking to an attorney first. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions in ways that minimize your claim. Anything you say can be used to reduce what they pay you.
Contact Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys as soon as possible. Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003 gives most personal injury plaintiffs two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Missing that deadline generally means losing your right to recover anything. Acting quickly also allows your legal team to gather evidence before it disappears.
Why Choose Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys for Your Pedestrian Accident Case
Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys is a personal injury law firm based in Denton, Texas. We focus on representing injured people and their families in cases involving car accidents, truck crashes, and serious pedestrian injuries throughout Denton County and the surrounding Dallas-Fort Worth area. We know the local roads, the local courts, and the tactics insurance companies use to minimize claims in this region.
Our firm handles pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. There are no upfront fees and no hourly charges. We take on the financial risk so you can focus on healing.
When we take your case, we investigate thoroughly. We gather the CR-3 police report, obtain surveillance footage, consult with accident reconstruction professionals when needed, and document your injuries and losses in detail. We deal directly with the insurance companies so you do not have to. If a fair settlement is not on the table, we are prepared to take your case to the Denton County courthouse on Hickory Street and fight for you in front of a jury.
Pedestrian accident cases can be complex. Fault is often disputed. Insurance companies push back hard. You deserve a legal team that takes your case seriously and works to get you every dollar you are entitled to under Texas law. Call Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys today at (940) 800-2500 for a free consultation. There is no obligation, and we are ready to listen to what happened to you.
Attorney responsible for this content: Chandler Ross, Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys, principal office located in Denton, Texas. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome in any future case. Each case is evaluated on its own facts and applicable law.
FAQs About Dallas Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Denton, Texas
What should I do if a car hit me while I was crossing the street in Denton?
Call 911 right away and get medical attention, even if you do not feel seriously hurt. Ask the responding officer for the crash report number so you can obtain the CR-3 report later. Take photos of the scene, get the driver’s insurance information, and collect witness contact details. Then contact a personal injury attorney before speaking with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. The steps you take in the first 24 to 48 hours can significantly affect the strength of your claim.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in Texas?
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the date the accident occurred. If you miss this deadline, a court will almost certainly dismiss your case, and you will lose your right to recover compensation. There are limited exceptions, such as cases involving minors, but you should not rely on an exception applying to your situation. Contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the pedestrian accident?
Yes, in most situations. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule under Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 33.001. As long as your share of fault is 50% or less, you can still recover damages. Your total recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury finds you 20% at fault and awards $100,000 in total damages, you would receive $80,000. Insurance companies often try to inflate the pedestrian’s percentage of fault to reduce their payout, which is one reason having an attorney in your corner matters.
What if the driver who hit me did not have insurance?
Texas law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, but not every driver complies. If the at-fault driver was uninsured, you may be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage if you have it. You may also have a claim against an underinsured motorist (UIM) policy if the driver’s coverage was not enough to cover your losses. An attorney can review all available insurance policies, including any policies tied to the vehicle, and identify every potential source of recovery for you.
Does Texas law protect pedestrians who are hit in a crosswalk?
Yes. Under Texas Transportation Code Section 552.003, drivers must stop and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks when no traffic signal is controlling the intersection. Under Section 552.002, drivers must yield when a pedestrian has a “Walk” signal. Texas Transportation Code Section 545.428 makes it a criminal offense to negligently injure a pedestrian in a crosswalk area, with the offense rising to a state jail felony for serious bodily injury. These laws establish a clear legal duty on the driver’s part, and a violation of that duty can be used as evidence of negligence in your civil case.
