Austin continues to grow in population, construction, and vehicle traffic. As more people walk for work, errands, and recreation, collisions between vehicles and pedestrians have become more frequent.
In many cases, these incidents occur while someone is crossing at a marked crosswalk or attempting to cross a road where pedestrian infrastructure is limited or poorly maintained.
When a person is struck by a car, the consequences can be life-altering. Knowing what to do if you were hit while crossing the street in Austin and how to move forward in the following days and weeks can significantly impact health, recovery, and financial stability.
Immediate Steps After a Pedestrian Accident in Austin
If you are hit by a vehicle while walking, your first priority should be your health and safety. Call 911 or ask someone to call for you. Emergency responders will assess your condition and take you to the hospital if needed.
Even if you do not feel seriously hurt at the time, some injuries can take hours or days to appear. It is advisable to receive a medical evaluation as soon as possible to document any trauma and begin treatment early.
If you can, gather details from the scene. This includes taking photos of the car that hit you, the intersection or roadway where it happened, skid marks, debris, traffic signs, and any injuries you sustained. Exchange contact and insurance information with the driver. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers.
A police report can be vital for your insurance claim and any legal proceedings. If officers arrive at the scene, explain what happened clearly and factually. Make sure your account is included in the report. If law enforcement does not respond, you can file a report later by contacting the Austin Police Department’s non-emergency number or completing an online crash report.
In many cases, pedestrians suffer severe trauma and are unable to gather any evidence at the time of the accident. When that happens, a pedestrian accident attorney can assist by collecting available documentation, speaking with witnesses, and requesting footage from nearby cameras.
These efforts often begin while the injured person is still recovering—whether in the hospital or at home—and can help lay the foundation for pursuing compensation once medical stability allows for legal follow-through.
Texas Pedestrian Law and How It Applies in Austin
A range of traffic regulations protects pedestrians in Texas. These include the right-of-way at marked and unmarked crosswalks when traffic control signals are not in place or functioning.
Drivers must stop and yield to anyone crossing in these areas. If a pedestrian crosses a roadway without using a crosswalk or disobeys a traffic signal, they may be considered partially at fault if an accident occurs.
Texas follows a modified comparative fault system. This means that if a pedestrian is found to be less than 51 percent responsible for the incident, they can recover damages—but the amount will be reduced to their level of fault.
These rules matter in Austin because many streets lack adequate signage or clear markings for pedestrian crossings. This disadvantages people when attempting to cross safely and complicates fault determinations in accident claims.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Austin
Several behaviors and roadway conditions contribute to collisions between drivers and pedestrians. One of the most frequent causes is distracted driving. This includes texting, using in-vehicle touchscreens, or engaging in other activities that take the driver's attention away from the road. When a driver is not observing, they may fail to yield or react in time to avoid a person walking.
Speeding is another significant factor. Higher speeds reduce the time a driver has to respond and increase the severity of injury when an impact occurs. Many drivers do not slow down as required, even in residential or mixed-use areas with lower speed limits.
Failure to yield at marked crosswalks is also common, especially in areas without traffic signals. Drivers may ignore or overlook pedestrians, especially during turns or in heavy traffic.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, reduces reaction time, and increases the risk of missing road hazards, including people walking across streets.
Finally, poor visibility and road design contribute to Austin’s pedestrian injury problem. Some neighborhoods have few marked crosswalks or lack adequate lighting. In these areas, pedestrians may be forced to cross wide roads with little protection, especially after dark.
Dangerous Intersections and Streets for Pedestrians in Austin
According to the latest statistics, pedestrians in Texas were involved in almost 6,000 accidents, and nearly 15% of those accidents resulted in fatalities.
Certain intersections and corridors in Austin have developed reputations for being especially dangerous to people on foot. These areas have high traffic volume, poor pedestrian infrastructure, or a history of repeated collisions.
Trinity Street and East 7th Street are among the highest-risk locations. This intersection has been the site of numerous pedestrian injury reports. Downtown congestion and inconsistent pedestrian markings create a hazardous environment.
Riverside Drive and South Pleasant Valley Road are other areas with a significant history of accidents. This part of East Austin includes wide roadways and fast-moving traffic, which makes crossing on foot particularly risky.
Cesar Chavez Street and Interstate 35 are downtown zones where large volumes of vehicles, on-ramps, and inconsistent crosswalks intersect. Pedestrians in this area often encounter aggressive drivers or limited opportunities to cross safely.
Parmer Lane and North Lamar Boulevard is located in North Austin and has recorded several serious pedestrian injuries. High speeds and heavy traffic contribute to the danger.
East Cesar Chavez Street and Pleasant Valley Road round out the list of high-risk areas. While Austin has tried to improve signage and slow traffic in this area, pedestrian safety remains a concern.
Austin has adopted a Vision Zero initiative to reduce road deaths and serious injuries, but progress remains uneven. Until better traffic-calming measures and crosswalk improvements are implemented, pedestrians in these areas should exercise caution when crossing Austin streets.
Common Injuries After a Pedestrian Is Struck Crossing the Street in Austin
Pedestrians have no protection against the impact of a car or truck. As a result, even low-speed collisions can lead to serious injuries. One of the most common types is fractures, particularly to the legs, arms, hips, or ribs. These injuries may require surgery and prolonged physical therapy.
Head injuries are another frequent result. A blow to the head can lead to a concussion or more severe forms of traumatic brain injury. Symptoms can include dizziness, headaches, memory problems, or mood changes that persist for months.
Spinal cord damage, including herniated discs or, in rare cases, paralysis, may also occur depending on how the person lands after being hit.
Soft tissue injuries—sprains, tears, and bruising—can cause long-term discomfort and impair mobility, especially in older adults.
In addition to physical harm, psychological trauma is common. Many individuals develop anxiety about crossing streets or experience flashbacks and nightmares. This emotional toll can interfere with work, sleep, and overall well-being.
Legal Options After a Pedestrian Accident in Austin
Injured pedestrians may have several paths to financial recovery, depending on the circumstances of the incident. If the driver is clearly at fault, the first step usually involves filing a claim with their auto insurance provider. Texas law requires motorists to carry liability coverage, which can help cover costs associated with the injured person's medical treatment, income loss, and other damages.
However, insurance companies may dispute liability, offer insufficient settlements, or delay claims. In these cases, a personal injury lawsuit may become necessary. Through litigation, an injured pedestrian can seek compensation directly from the driver and, in some cases, from other responsible parties.
Each case requires a careful evaluation of evidence, including traffic camera footage, medical records, crash reports, and expert testimony. This process helps identify all sources of liability and build a case for full compensation.
Types of Compensation Available in Pedestrian Accidents
Texas law allows injured pedestrians to seek both economic and non-economic damages. Economic or actual damages are measurable losses, such as medical expenses and lost income. This includes hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, follow-up appointments, and any future care needed due to long-term injuries.
Loss of earning capacity is also considered. Suppose the person cannot return to the same job or must take a lower-paying position due to physical limitations. In that case, the difference in lifetime earnings may be included in a settlement or judgment.
Non-economic damages address the personal impact of the injury. Pain, discomfort, disfigurement, and emotional distress are among the losses that fall into this category. Texas does not cap these damages in most personal injury cases unless a government entity is involved or medical malpractice is alleged.
Every claim is subject to a two-year limitation period from the date of injury. Filing after that window closes usually results in the dismissal of the case, regardless of its merit.
Why Prompt Legal Action Matters After a Crosswalk Accident
Waiting too long to initiate legal proceedings can affect the outcome of a case in several ways. Evidence can be lost, witnesses may become unreachable, and video recordings from traffic or security cameras may be erased. The sooner a legal team is involved, the better the chances of preserving necessary documentation.
Delays in seeking medical care can also weaken a claim. Insurance adjusters may argue that injuries were not serious if the person waited days or weeks before visiting a doctor. Consistent medical records help create a clear link between the accident and the harm suffered.
A timely accident claim ensures access to all available options, including negotiations, mediation, or court filings. It also helps the injured party avoid financial strain by seeking compensation for treatment and wage loss early in recovery.
What to Do If the Driver Left the Scene of the Accident
In some Austin pedestrian accidents, the driver does not stop. These hit-and-run incidents present additional challenges. If the driver cannot be identified, compensation may come from the injured person’s own auto policy under uninsured motorist coverage. This type of insurance is optional in Texas but often included in standard policies unless declined in writing.
In these cases, the process still involves gathering police reports, witness statements, and any available video footage. Even without identifying the driver, financial relief may be available. However, insurance carriers may attempt to deny these claims or reduce payouts, especially when physical evidence is limited. Being represented by an experienced Austin pedestrian lawyer can help hold the insurance provider accountable.
A civil claim and criminal charges may proceed if the driver is later identified and arrested. The outcome of the criminal case does not control the civil process, which has a different legal standard and focuses on restitution rather than punishment.
The Next Step: Getting Legal Help
For someone who has been hit by a vehicle while crossing a street in Austin, medical treatment may be just the beginning of a long recovery. Missed work, hospital bills, and daily challenges can create stress and uncertainty. A personal injury claim can provide financial relief and help restore stability.
Taking the first step toward recovery involves learning your legal options. A consultation with a skilled pedestrian injury attorney in Austin allows for a detailed review of what happened and what compensation may be available. Most personal injury firms offer free consultations with no obligation to proceed unless the person chooses to do so.
During that meeting, the law firm will ask about the accident, how your injuries have affected your life, and any treatment received. They may also request documents such as medical bills, accident reports, or insurance correspondence. The more information available, the more effectively the case can be evaluated.
If you or someone you care about was struck by a vehicle crossing the street in Austin, it may be time to seek legal counsel. Lorenz & Lorenz offers support throughout the entire process—from documenting your injuries to negotiating with insurance providers and, when needed, presenting your case in court.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Austin for Help
If you were hit while walking and are now dealing with serious injuries, lost income, or medical bills, you do not have to handle the pain and suffering alone. Lorenz & Lorenz, PLLC helps injured pedestrians pursue financial recovery through claims and legal action when needed.
Our experienced Austin injury lawyers have achieved favorable outcomes for individuals injured in Austin's crosswalks, intersections, and other hazardous areas. Your first consultation is complimentary, and you are not required to proceed unless you decide to. Contact us today at (512) 477-7333 to discover how we can help you.
