Carrollton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Consult Kelso Law PLLC for a free consultation with a Carrollton, TX pedestrian accident lawyer.

If you have been struck by a vehicle while walking in Carrollton, your injuries are likely serious. Pedestrians have no barrier between themselves and the vehicle, which means the full force of the collision is absorbed by the human body. Broken bones, head trauma, and spinal damage are common, and the medical costs that follow can be significant.

Kelso Law PLLC has 13 years of experience representing injured plaintiffs. Our Carrollton, TX pedestrian accident lawyer holds negligent drivers accountable and pursues compensation that reflects the full impact of your injuries. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Carrollton, TX

A pedestrian accident case arises when a driver’s negligence causes injury to a person on foot. Under Texas law, drivers owe pedestrians a duty to operate safely and yield the right of way in crosswalks. When a driver breaches that duty by speeding, running a red light, or driving distracted, they can be held liable for the injuries that result.

A pedestrian accident attorney in Carrollton, TX investigates the collision, collects evidence, works with medical professionals to document injuries, and pursues a claim against the at-fault driver. These cases are a subset of car accident claims but involve more severe injuries because the pedestrian has no protection from the impact.

Types of Pedestrian Accident Cases We Handle in Carrollton

Pedestrian accidents in Carrollton happen in a range of settings, and the circumstances of the crash determine who is at fault and what evidence is needed. Below are the most common types of pedestrian accident cases our firm handles.

• Crosswalk accidents. Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks. When a driver fails to stop or accelerates through a crosswalk while a pedestrian is crossing, the resulting injuries are often catastrophic.
• Intersection crashes. Pedestrians crossing at intersections are vulnerable to drivers making left or right turns. These drivers frequently focus on oncoming traffic and fail to see the pedestrian in the crosswalk until it is too late.
• Parking lot accidents. Retail parking lots, shopping centers, and restaurant areas in Carrollton see heavy foot traffic alongside vehicle movement. Drivers backing out of spaces, cutting through lanes, or driving too fast through parking areas cause a significant number of pedestrian injuries.
• Hit-and-run pedestrian crashes. When a driver strikes a pedestrian and flees the scene, the injured person faces both a serious medical situation and additional legal complexity. Identifying the driver through surveillance footage, witness accounts, and law enforcement investigation is critical to recovering compensation.
• Distracted driver crashes. Texting and phone use behind the wheel remain leading factors in pedestrian accidents. A distracted driver may not see a pedestrian until the moment of impact, leaving no time to brake or swerve.
• Impaired driver crashes. Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have reduced reaction time and impaired judgment. Pedestrians struck by impaired drivers may pursue both a civil claim for damages and, in some cases, punitive damages if the driver’s conduct was particularly reckless.
• Backing-up accidents. Vehicles reversing out of driveways, parking spaces, and loading zones strike pedestrians more often than most people realize. Children and older adults are especially vulnerable because they may be outside the driver’s line of sight.
• Rideshare accidents. Uber and Lyft drivers stopping abruptly to pick up or drop off passengers in travel lanes or near busy intersections create hazards for pedestrians in the surrounding area. These claims involve additional insurance layers.

Why Choose Kelso Law PLLC as My Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Carrollton, TX?

Experienced Advocacy for Pedestrian Injury Victims

Founding attorney Rhiannon Kelso has tried more than 25 cases to jury verdict during her 13-year career representing plaintiffs. She is a member of the Dallas Bar Association and the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, and is admitted to practice in all Texas state and federal courts.

Kelso Law PLLC has recovered millions of dollars for injured clients in personal injury and premises liability matters. Rhiannon earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, where she received the CALI Excellence for the Future Award, and her undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona. She became a lawyer to protect the right of every person to a civil jury trial under the Seventh Amendment. That commitment is particularly important in pedestrian accident cases, where insurance companies routinely attempt to shift blame onto the injured person.

As a personal injury lawyer in Carrollton, TX, Rhiannon handles pedestrian accident claims on a contingency-fee basis. You owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Our firm represents plaintiffs only and serves clients in English and Spanish.

What Is Important to Understand About a Pedestrian Accident Case?

Damages, Liability, and Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Cases

To recover compensation after a pedestrian accident in Texas, you must prove that the driver was negligent. That means demonstrating the driver owed a duty to operate safely, breached that duty, and that the breach directly caused your injuries. In most pedestrian cases, the driver’s duty includes yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks, obeying traffic signals, and maintaining a lookout for people on foot.

Because pedestrians lack any form of physical protection, the injuries in these cases tend to be severe. Recoverable damages may include:

• Emergency medical care, surgery, and hospitalization
• Ongoing rehabilitation, physical therapy, and follow-up treatment
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress
• Permanent impairment or disfigurement

Texas applies a modified comparative fault rule. If you are found partially at fault for the accident, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. If your share exceeds 50 percent, you cannot recover. Insurance companies regularly argue that the pedestrian was distracted, jaywalking, or wearing dark clothing at night in order to shift blame.

What Are Important Aspects of a Pedestrian Accident Case?

Several factors affect the strength and value of a pedestrian accident claim. Understanding them early helps your Carrollton pedestrian accident attorney build the most effective case.

• Scene evidence. Photos of the crosswalk, traffic signals, skid marks, and the point of impact are critical. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras can establish exactly what happened. This evidence disappears quickly if not preserved.
• Medical documentation. Prompt evaluation after the accident documents the connection between the crash and your injuries. Because pedestrian injuries are often severe, ongoing treatment records are equally important in showing the long-term impact.
• Witness testimony. Bystander accounts of the driver’s speed, behavior, and whether the pedestrian had the right of way can be decisive. Collecting witness contact information at the scene is important.
• Insurance tactics. The driver’s insurer will look for any way to reduce or deny the claim. Adjusters may press for statements early in the process that are later used against you.

What Is the Pedestrian Accident Case Timeline?

Pedestrian accident cases in Texas follow a general progression, though the timeline varies based on the severity of injuries and the complexity of liability.

• Consultation and case evaluation, usually within days of the accident
• Medical treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation, which may continue for months
• Investigation, including evidence collection, witness interviews, and review of traffic camera or surveillance footage
• Demand letter and negotiations with the at-fault driver’s insurer
• Filing a lawsuit if the insurer will not offer a fair settlement. Texas imposes a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident for most pedestrian injury claims.
• Pretrial preparation, depositions, and trial or settlement resolution

What Should You Bring to Your Pedestrian Accident Consultation?

Collecting available records before your first meeting helps your Carrollton pedestrian accident attorney begin evaluating the claim immediately.

• The police report or crash report number
• Photos of the accident scene, crosswalk, traffic signals, and your injuries
• Medical records and bills from treatment after the accident
• Names and contact information for any witnesses
• Your health insurance information and any correspondence from the driver’s insurer

At Kelso Law PLLC, pedestrian accident consultations are free and confidential. We review the circumstances, identify the responsible parties, and give you a direct assessment of the claim.

What Are Important Texas Legal Resources for Pedestrian Accident Cases?

Texas law governs pedestrian accident claims through negligence statutes, filing deadlines, and damages rules. The following resources can help Carrollton, TX residents understand the legal standards that apply.

• The NHTSA road safety page publishes nationwide crash data, including pedestrian-specific safety information and collision statistics.
• The CDC transportation safety page provides motor vehicle crash injury data relevant to understanding pedestrian accident harm.
• The Texas Legislature hosts the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, including the two-year statute of limitations and proportionate responsibility provisions.
• The Texas court system provides information on court structure, civil filing procedures, and jurisdiction for personal injury cases.

Reach Out to Kelso Law PLLC to Schedule a Consultation

If you or a family member has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Carrollton, TX, Kelso Law PLLC can evaluate your case at no cost. We handle pedestrian injury claims on a contingency-fee basis, so you owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us to schedule a free consultation. Our office responds to inquiries promptly.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics in Carrollton, TX

Pedestrian collisions produce some of the gravest injuries our firm handles. A person on foot absorbs the full force of the vehicle, and the result is frequently permanent or fatal. Carrollton’s road network has wide arterials that carry steady commuter traffic and feed into the President George Bush Turnpike and Interstate 35E, where higher speeds and limited crossings put pedestrians at risk.

The statewide data explains why these claims call for prompt investigation by a Carrollton pedestrian accident attorney, before evidence disappears and accounts change.

According to TxDOT crash data, the most recent figures show:

• 6,095 crashes involving pedestrians across Texas in 2024, resulting in 772 deaths and 1,455 serious injuries.
• Pedestrians accounted for about one percent of all traffic crashes but 19 percent of roadway fatalities.
• Driver inattention, speeding, and failure to yield the right of way ranked among the leading causes.
• Nationally, federal research on safety countermeasures ties roughly eight percent of pedestrian deaths to people struck while walking along the roadway, a share sidewalks and shoulders can reduce.

Mistakes That Can Damage Your Pedestrian Accident Claim

Insurers in pedestrian cases work to reduce or deny payment, most often by assigning blame to the injured person. The following errors make that easier and can lower the value of an otherwise strong claim.

1. Giving a recorded statement too soon. Adjusters call early, before you understand the extent of your injuries. A remark meant to sound cooperative can be recast as an admission of fault.
2. Delaying medical treatment. Gaps in care let the insurer argue the crash did not cause your condition. This matters most with injuries that appear later, which are common after a pedestrian impact.
3. Leaving the scene without documentation. Crosswalk markings, signal timing, and vehicle position all support liability. Nearby surveillance footage is often recorded over within days.
4. Discussing the case on social media. A single post can be taken out of context to question how badly you were hurt.
5. Assuming partial fault ends the claim. Texas recognizes comparative fault, which allows recovery when your share of responsibility stays below the statutory limit.
6. Waiting to seek counsel. Evidence degrades, witnesses relocate, and the filing period keeps running.

Carrollton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer FAQs

How Much Does a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Carrollton Cost?

Nothing up front. We accept these cases on contingency fees, meaning our fee comes only from a recovery we obtain for you. The percentage is set in writing before we begin. This structure lets an injured pedestrian retain counsel while out of work and facing medical bills.

Is the Free Consultation Really Free?

Yes. The initial consultation costs nothing and creates no obligation. We review what happened, examine any records you have, and tell you plainly whether a claim is worth pursuing. If your situation would be better served elsewhere, we will say so.

How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Texas?

The general deadline is two years from the date of the crash. A claim filed after the statute of limitations expires is usually barred, regardless of its merits. Limited exceptions exist, so confirm the deadline that governs your case early.

What if the Driver Says the Crash Was My Fault?

Texas applies modified comparative responsibility. You may still recover if you are 50 percent or less at fault, with your award reduced by your share. The proportionate responsibility statute sets that ceiling. Because insurers rely on this defense, evidence of the driver’s conduct and a working command of Texas fault laws often prove decisive.

Do I Have a Claim if I Was Crossing Outside a Crosswalk?

Often, yes. Crossing mid-block does not end a claim on its own. Drivers must watch for and avoid people they can see, and pedestrian right-of-way laws define when each party must yield. Responsibility is frequently divided, and investigation can show the driver had time to react.

What if the Driver Was Uninsured or Fled the Scene?

Recovery may still be available. Your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage can apply, and a hit-and-run investigation using cameras, witnesses, and police records can identify the driver. Texas does not require uninsured motorist coverage, so confirming what your own policy includes is an early priority. These claims involve added insurance layers, another reason to involve counsel quickly.

Who Pays My Medical Bills While the Case Is Pending?

Usually your health insurance, medical payments coverage, or letters of protection arranged with providers carry costs until the case resolves. We help coordinate that care. The at-fault driver’s insurer generally does not pay bills as they come due. When health insurance does pay, it may assert a lien against your recovery, and we work to reduce those claims so more of the settlement reaches you.

Should I Give the Driver’s Insurer a Statement?

Report the crash to your own insurer, but be cautious with the other side. You are not obligated to give the at-fault driver’s insurer a recorded statement, and doing so without advice can harm your claim. A Carrollton pedestrian accident attorney can manage that communication for you.

Why Are Pedestrian Claims Harder Than Ordinary Car Accident Claims?

The injuries are graver, so damages for pain and suffering and future care run higher, and insurers contest them harder. Liability also turns on right of way and visibility rather than simple vehicle positioning. These cases reward thorough investigation and courtroom credibility.

What Should I Do Right After Being Struck by a Vehicle?

Call 911, accept medical evaluation, and photograph the scene if you are able. Record the names and numbers of any witnesses, and avoid assigning fault on the record. Knowing what to do after a crash helps protect both your health and your claim.

Important Resources for Carrollton Pedestrian Accident Cases

Most Dangerous Locations for Pedestrian Accidents in Carrollton

Federal data from the pedestrian safety program shows most pedestrian deaths occur away from intersections, often at mid-block points where drivers do not expect a crossing. Several Carrollton corridors combine dense foot traffic with fast vehicle movement. A hazardous road never excuses driver negligence, but recognizing where risk concentrates can prevent harm.

Higher-risk streets:

• Belt Line Road, a commercial corridor with frequent turns near retail and dining.
• Josey Lane, which mixes medical, retail, and residential traffic across busy intersections.
• Trinity Mills Road, a heavily traveled east-west route with transit stops and shopping centers.
• Marsh Lane and Old Denton Road, arterials where marked crossings sit far apart.

Higher-risk highways:

• President George Bush Turnpike (SH 161), where high speeds meet frontage-road crossings.
• Interstate 35E, whose access roads and ramps funnel pedestrians into fast merges.
• Dallas North Tollway corridor along the eastern edge of the city.

The U.S. DOT pedestrian program details roadway designs shown to reduce these collisions.

What Are Important Local Resources for Carrollton Pedestrian Cases?

A list of local contacts is useful after a pedestrian crash. For serious injuries, regional trauma centers provide the fastest emergency care.

• Carrollton Police Department files crash reports within the city. Non-emergency line: 972-466-3333.
• Carrollton Regional Medical Center offers 24-hour emergency care at 4343 N. Josey Lane. Main line: 972-492-1010.

Kelso Law PLLC does not endorse these organizations and provides the list only for convenience. Call 911 in an emergency.

About Kelso Law PLLC

Our firm was founded by attorney Rhiannon Kelso, who represents injured people rather than the insurers opposing them. In addition to the Texas state courts, she is admitted to the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas and belongs to the Dallas Trial Lawyers Association. Her results include a multimillion-dollar verdict in a Dallas County premises case. Alongside pedestrian claims, we represent injured Carrollton residents in matters ranging from slip and fall to dog bite injuries.

What Our Clients Say

★★★★★

“I was involved in a bad motor vehicle accident. The other driver tried to blame me for it so I hired Ms. Kelso to fight for my case. I highly recommend Ms. Kelso for any personal injury case. She is very experienced, dedicated and obtained the best outcome for me.”

Felix Chavez

Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Additional Resources for Carrollton Pedestrian Accident Cases

• You Felt Fine at the Scene but Hurt the Next Day: Can You Still File a Claim?
• What Determines the Value of an Injury Claim?
• How to Evaluate a Settlement Offer
• Why Witness Statements Can Make or Break a Personal Injury Claim
• Do Backup Cameras Prevent Accidents?

Contact Kelso Law PLLC

If a vehicle struck you or a family member while you were walking in Carrollton, TX, our firm is prepared to help. We handle pedestrian accident claims on a contingency basis, so you owe no fee unless we recover compensation for you. The first consultation is free. We will assess the crash, explain your options directly, and give you a candid view of the claim. Contact us to arrange a time to discuss your claim.