DeSoto Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
DeSoto Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Pedestrians rarely expect danger while crossing a street or parking lot, yet crashes can happen in an instant. Committed to making Texas roads safer for every neighborhood we serve, Goff Law stands beside pedestrians after collisions caused by careless drivers.
Your DeSoto personal injury lawyer will explain what actions may help you regain your footing and plan for what comes next. When you connect with your DeSoto pedestrian accident lawyer from Goff Law, PLLC, you will have a team focused on helping you rebuild peace of mind after the chaos of a crash.
Pedestrian Safety Deserves Attention in DeSoto
DeSoto’s growing traffic and walkable neighborhoods have made walking less predictable. Intersections near schools and shopping centers often present risks that drivers overlook. Recognized for securing over $5 million in settlements and verdicts for injured Texans, our firm understands how one careless decision behind the wheel can endanger someone crossing the street.
Crosswalk Rules Every Driver Must Follow
Texas law gives pedestrians the right-of-way at designated crosswalks, but many drivers fail to follow it. Texas Transportation Code § 544.010 requires obedience to traffic-control signals, while § 552.003 states that drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crossings. These laws exist to give you safe passage, yet violations remain a leading cause of pedestrian crashes in Texas.
Drivers who ignore stoplights or make quick turns place pedestrians in danger. A moment of distraction or impatience can cause a serious collision that changes a person’s health and independence. You can use these protections to identify when a driver may have broken the law.
How Growth and Distraction Increase Risk
Development and construction have increased both traffic and foot travel in DeSoto’s busiest areas. Phone use behind the wheel compounds the danger, particularly near I-35E and Belt Line Road. TxDOT’s 2024 pedestrian crash data lists Dallas County among the top five in the state for pedestrian injuries, which shows that crowded roads can often create additional risks for people walking nearby.
Crowded intersections make it harder for drivers to spot pedestrians in time. Narrow sidewalks and limited visibility worsen that problem and reduce the margin for safety when vehicles approach too fast. You can avoid danger by watching for these problem areas and choosing routes with more space between traffic and walkways.
Community Programs Promoting Safer Streets
DeSoto continues to expand programs that improve pedestrian safety. City projects include better lighting near intersections, new school-zone signs, and wider crossings around community centers. The Governors Highway Safety Association’s 2024 report encouraged funding for local safety programs, which is now helping cities across North Texas make visible progress.
Residents, police, and local schools work together to reduce crashes across the city. Regular workshops and safety drives encourage safer driving habits while reminding motorists to look for pedestrians. You can stay informed about these programs to understand how DeSoto is working to create safer streets for everyone.
What Texas Law Says About Protecting Pedestrians
Texas law places responsibility on both drivers and local governments to keep pedestrians safe. Cities like DeSoto must maintain crosswalks and signals that allow you to walk safely. Compared to a truck accident, a collision between a pedestrian and a heavier vehicle often results in more serious consequences, which is why these safety rules matter.
Drivers’ Duty to Use Reasonable Care
Every motorist has a legal duty to watch for pedestrians and take steps to prevent harm. Texas Transportation Code § 552.008 requires drivers to yield when someone is in a crosswalk and to avoid any behavior that could cause injury. Drivers who slow near intersections and pay attention to traffic signals reduce collisions and create safer conditions for pedestrians.
When Pedestrians Share Partial Fault
Texas applies a comparative negligence system under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001. If you are less than 51% at fault, you may still recover compensation, though the amount can be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. This standard allows you to seek fair damages even if you made a small mistake that contributed to the crash.
When the City or Property Owner Shares Responsibility
Cities and property owners must keep walkways and intersections in good condition. Under the Texas Tort Claims Act § 101.0215, a city can be held accountable for hazards such as broken lights or missing signs that lead to an accident. Your DeSoto pedestrian accident attorney with Goff Law, PLLC can explain how evidence of unsafe conditions helps show why a city or property owner may share financial responsibility for your injuries.
Holding Negligent Drivers and Businesses Accountable
Serious pedestrian crashes in DeSoto often involve multiple sources of negligence. A single driver’s carelessness can combine with business pressure or unsafe street design to create dangerous conditions. Recognized for securing over $5 million in settlements and verdicts for injured Texans, our firm understands that responsibility can extend to everyone involved in causing your injuries. Examples of negligent conduct include:
- Delivery drivers speeding through residential neighborhoods.
- Commercial fleet operators ignoring driver rest requirements.
- Companies pushing employees to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines.
- Property owners who fail to trim vegetation blocking crosswalks.
- Businesses allowing poorly lit parking lots where drivers cannot see pedestrians.
- Construction contractors leaving debris near sidewalks or intersections.
- Rideshare pickups stopping in traffic lanes near crosswalks.
- Retail stores designing entrances that force customers into active traffic.
- Delivery vans double-parked near school zones.
- Employers who overlook past driving violations in hiring decisions.
- Shopping centers that fail to repaint worn crosswalk markings.
- Service companies sending drivers without proper safety training.
The Governors Highway Safety Association’s 2024 report shows pedestrian fatalities have increased 80% nationwide between 2009 and 2023. This increase shows why every negligent party must be held responsible to create safer conditions for everyone in DeSoto.
DeSoto Pedestrian Accident FAQ
Pedestrian accidents in DeSoto often raise questions about city safety standards and who is responsible for maintaining them. These questions focus on lighting and driver responsibility while also addressing how DeSoto works to make its streets safer for pedestrians.
Can the city be held responsible for poor crosswalk lighting?
Yes, a city may be responsible if poor lighting contributed to a pedestrian crash. Texas Tort Claims Act § 101.021 allows claims when unsafe road design or neglected maintenance creates danger for people walking in public areas.
What if a delivery or rideshare vehicle hit me while I was walking?
You can seek compensation through the company’s insurance when the driver was working during the crash. Commercial coverage may apply if the driver was completing deliveries or picking up passengers at the time of a rideshare collision.
How do I get a copy of the police report after a pedestrian accident?
You can request a copy through the DeSoto Police Department or online through the Texas Department of Transportation. The report outlines where the crash happened, who was involved, and what violations were noted.
Are surveillance or traffic-camera videos useful in proving fault?
Yes, video evidence can be valuable in showing what occurred before the crash. Footage from nearby businesses or intersections often helps confirm whether the driver obeyed signals or yielded as required.
What can families do to promote safer streets after a fatal pedestrian crash?
Families can meet with city leaders to encourage improvements to crosswalk design and visibility. Public involvement in safety meetings helps DeSoto identify dangerous areas and prioritize upgrades that protect pedestrians.
Stand Up for Safer Streets With Your Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in DeSoto Today
