In 2021, there were over 5,000 crashes involving pedestrians in Texas, which resulted in 841 deaths. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), that was an increase of 15% from the year before. Currently, pedestrian deaths now account for 20% of all traffic fatalities in Texas. Over 1,450 people were seriously injured in traffic accidents that involved pedestrians.
According to the state agency, distracted driving and speeding are among the contributing factors to the auto/pedestrian accidents. Per TxDOT, “Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users because they aren’t equipped with protective equipment such as airbags, seat belts and bumpers…All of us share the responsibility to follow the rules of the road and bring the number of pedestrian fatalities to zero.”
The Governors Highway Safety Association has noted pedestrian deaths are also increasing nationally; pedestrian traffic deaths increased by 54% between 2010 and 2020. Texas saw the third-most pedestrian deaths in 2021, behind California and Florida, respectively.
When someone is injured or dies as a result of an accident, financial recovery may be available. Such recovery is particularly important when permanent, life changing injuries are incurred. It is important to contact someone who understands the intricacies of the injured party’s right to recover.
If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, contact an attorney at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner by calling 713-222-7211 or toll free at 1-800-594-4884. Abraham Watkins offers a free consultation to anyone wishing to pursue a claim for such injuries or fatalities.