San Antonio Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Pedestrians are vulnerable to serious harm when struck by a vehicle, often resulting in extensive medical treatment, missed work, and financial strain. A driver’s inattention or reckless actions can leave victims struggling with mounting expenses and uncertainty about their legal options.
If you were injured while walking in San Antonio, legal representation can help you recover compensation for medical care, lost wages, and other damages. Ryan Orsatti Law fights for pedestrian accident victims, ensuring they are not left to deal with insurance companies alone.
Were you injured in a pedestrian accident? Call 210-934-6957 today for a free case evaluation with a San Antonio pedestrian accident lawyer.
San Antonio Pedestrian Accident Guide
Why Trust Ryan Orsatti Law With Your Pedestrian Accident Case?
Handling a pedestrian injury claim alone can be overwhelming. Insurance companies often try to reduce payouts or deny liability, leaving victims with financial burdens they should not bear.
Ryan Orsatti Law Provides:
- Extensive experience handling pedestrian injury cases in San Antonio.
- Aggressive negotiations with insurance companies to secure full and fair settlements.
- No upfront legal fees – clients pay only if compensation is awarded.
- Committed representation for pedestrians struck by cars, trucks, rideshare vehicles, or commercial drivers.
Pedestrian accidents often involve severe injuries and long-term effects. Legal representation helps ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in San Antonio
San Antonio has many pedestrian accidents due to heavy traffic, busy intersections, and distracted driving. Some of the most common causes include:
Driver Negligence
Many pedestrian injuries occur because drivers fail to pay attention or follow traffic laws. Common driver behaviors that lead to accidents include:
- Distracted driving – Using a phone, eating, or adjusting the radio can distract a driver from the road.
- Speeding – A driver traveling too fast has less time to stop for a pedestrian.
- Failure to yield – Some drivers ignore crosswalks and traffic signals.
- Driving under the influence – Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s ability to react.
Road Conditions and Visibility Issues
- Poorly marked crosswalks can make it harder for drivers to anticipate pedestrian movement.
- Construction zones may force pedestrians into unsafe walking areas.
- Lack of proper street lighting reduces visibility at night.
Legal action may be necessary to recover damages if a driver or another party was responsible for the accident.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Pedestrian Accident?
Determining fault in a pedestrian accident is not always straightforward. Liability depends on the actions of the driver and the pedestrian, as well as outside factors such as poor road conditions or malfunctioning signals.
When the Driver is Liable
A driver can be at fault if they:
- Run a red light or stop sign at an intersection.
- Speed through a school zone or residential area.
- Fail to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk even without a traffic signal.
- Operate a vehicle while distracted or impaired.
Other Liable Parties
In some cases, other parties may share responsibility:
- Commercial vehicle operators – The company may be liable if a pedestrian is struck by a delivery truck, rideshare driver, or public transportation vehicle.
- Government agencies—If poor road design, malfunctioning traffic signals, or a lack of signage contributed to the accident, a municipal entity may bear responsibility.
An attorney can investigate the accident details to determine who should be held accountable.
What Compensation is Available for Injured Pedestrians?
After a pedestrian accident, victims often suffer physical injuries, financial losses, and emotional distress. Compensation is intended to cover these damages and help victims recover financially.
Common Types of Compensation in a San Antonio Pedestrian Accident
- Medical Expenses
- Emergency treatment, surgeries, and hospital stays.
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation.
- Ongoing and future medical care and prescriptions.
- Lost Income, Wages, and Future Earnings
- Missed workdays due to injuries.
- Loss of earning capacity if the injury prevents returning to previous employment.
- Pain and Suffering
- Compensation for past and future physical pain, emotional trauma, and long-term lifestyle changes.
- Wrongful Death Damages
- If a pedestrian accident results in a fatality, the victim’s family may seek damages for funeral costs and loss of financial support.
Insurance companies often attempt to settle claims quickly for less than victims deserve. An attorney can assess the full extent of damages and negotiate for a fair payout.
How Ryan Orsatti Law Can Help After a Pedestrian Accident
Handling a pedestrian accident claim involves dealing with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and ensuring fair compensation. Without legal representation, victims risk accepting settlements that do not cover long-term costs.
Investigating the Accident
- Reviewing police reports and medical records.
- Examining traffic camera footage and accident scene evidence.
- Interviewing witnesses to confirm details of the incident.
Dealing with Insurance Adjusters
- Preventing insurance companies from shifting blame to the pedestrian.
- Negotiating settlements that include full compensation for medical costs and lost income.
- Filing a lawsuit if a fair settlement is not offered.
Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary
If an insurance provider refuses to offer a fair settlement, legal action may be required to hold the responsible party accountable. Ryan Orsatti Law prepares strong cases backed by evidence to secure proper pedestrian victim compensation.
What Should You Do After a Pedestrian Accident in San Antonio?
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
Recovering from a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming. Financial concerns often become a top priority between hospital stays, follow-up treatments, and time away from work. At this stage, the focus is no longer on emergency care—it’s about securing compensation and getting back on your feet.
Contacting a Lawyer Should Be Your Next Step
Insurance companies begin working immediately to limit their financial responsibility, often before victims can file a claim. Without legal representation, injured pedestrians risk:
- Receiving a low settlement offer that does not cover future expenses
- Delays in claim processing while insurers investigate ways to reduce payouts
- Being blamed for the accident, which could reduce or eliminate compensation
A San Antonio pedestrian accident lawyer ensures that insurance companies handle claims fairly and pursue all available forms of compensation.
Why Insurance Companies Try to Pay Less
Insurance adjusters work for the driver’s insurance company, not for injured pedestrians. Their goal is to:
- Settle claims quickly for as little as possible
- Find reasons to reduce or deny payouts
- Use recorded statements or social media posts against the victim
No additional compensation can be requested once an insurance company settles a claim, even if injuries worsen. This is why it’s crucial to have an attorney review any settlement offer before signing anything.
Gathering Additional Evidence to Strengthen Your Case
Even if a police report exists, additional documentation strengthens a claim. Injured pedestrian victims should:
- Keep all medical bills, prescriptions, and receipts related to the injury
- Follow all treatment recommendations to prevent the insurance company from arguing that the injuries are not serious
- Document pain levels, mobility issues, and lifestyle changes in a recovery journal
An attorney uses this information to negotiate a settlement that accounts for the accident’s full impact.
What Happens if the Driver is Uninsured or Left the Scene?
Hit-and-run accidents and uninsured drivers add another layer of difficulty to compensation claims. In these cases, options may include:
- Filing a claim with the pedestrian’s uninsured motorist coverage
- Investigating other liable parties, such as commercial employers or government entities
- Pursuing a lawsuit against the driver personally, if they can be identified
A lawyer can determine the best course of action and fight for the maximum recovery under the law.
The First Step Toward Compensation Starts with a Consultation
The decisions made after an accident affect financial recovery. Insurance companies rely on injured victims who are unaware of their rights, so early legal representation and guidance are essential.
Ryan Orsatti Law is committed to securing fair compensation for injured pedestrians. Call 210-934-6957 today for a free consultation.
Challenges Pedestrian Accident Victims Face When Seeking Compensation
Recovering financial losses after being hit by a vehicle is not always straightforward. Insurance companies often look for ways to reduce payouts, and liability disputes can make it difficult for injured pedestrians to recover what they are owed.
Disputes Over Fault
Insurance companies frequently argue that the pedestrian was at least partially responsible for the accident. They may claim that the victim:
- Stepped into traffic without warning.
- Crossed the street outside of a designated area.
- Was distracted by a phone or headphones.
Texas has comparative negligence laws, meaning compensation can be reduced if the injured party is found partially responsible. Therefore, it is essential to present clear evidence showing how the accident occurred.
Lowball Settlement Offers
Insurance adjusters often offer settlements that cover only a portion of the total damages. Common reasons for inadequate payouts include:
- Failing to account for future medical care.
- Ignoring lost earning potential.
- Dismissing emotional and physical suffering.
Once a settlement is accepted, it is final—meaning that additional compensation cannot be sought later if the victim’s condition worsens.
Hit-and-Run Cases and Uninsured Drivers
If the driver who caused the accident fled the scene or did not have insurance, recovering compensation becomes more complicated. Options may include:
- Filing a claim through the pedestrian’s uninsured motorist coverage.
- Identifying other liable parties, such as a commercial employer if the vehicle was used for work purposes.
These cases require additional investigation to ensure that all possible avenues for recovery are pursued.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Motor vehicle collisions often cause significant harm. The extent of the injuries depends on the vehicle’s speed, the point of impact, and whether the pedestrian was thrown onto the pavement.
Head and Brain Injuries
A direct impact or sudden fall can cause:
- Concussions.
- Skull fractures.
- Traumatic brain injuries that affect memory, speech, and motor function.
Spinal Cord Damage
The force of a collision can lead to:
- Loss of movement in some regions of the body.
- Ongoing nerve pain or weakness.
- The need for assistive devices such as wheelchairs or braces.
Broken Bones and Soft Tissue Damage
Fractures and ligament tears can require extensive recovery time. Common injuries include:
- Broken ribs, arms, or legs.
- Torn ligaments in the knees or shoulders.
- Deep lacerations leading to scarring.
Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage
Blunt force trauma may not show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. Common complications include:
- Damage to the liver, spleen, or kidneys.
- Internal hemorrhaging requiring surgery.
Even injuries that seem minor at first may worsen over time, requiring ongoing medical care.
How Pedestrian Accident Claims Work in Texas
Filing an injury claim involves several steps, each affecting the amount of compensation that can be recovered.
Gathering Evidence to Support the Case
Strong claims rely on documented proof of how the accident occurred and the extent of the injuries. Key evidence includes:
- Traffic camera footage.
- Statements from people who saw what happened.
- Medical records detailing treatment and prognosis.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Once a claim is filed, insurance adjusters may request additional documentation or question certain aspects of the case. Having legal representation helps ensure that:
- Insurance companies do not delay or deny legitimate claims.
- Settlement offers reflect the full extent of the damages.
- The injured pedestrian is not pressured into accepting an unfair payout.
Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary
If an insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, the next step may be legal action. This involves:
- Preparing legal arguments backed by expert testimony.
- Presenting the case in court if a settlement cannot be reached.
- Seeking the maximum amount allowed under Texas law.
Many cases settle before going to trial, but having strong legal representation can encourage better offers from insurance companies.
What to Do If a Pedestrian Accident Results in a Fatality
Losing a loved one in a pedestrian accident leaves families with unexpected expenses and emotional distress. Texas law allows surviving family members to seek compensation for:
- Funeral and burial costs.
- Loss of financial support.
- Emotional suffering.
Wrongful death claims are filed by immediate family members, including spouses, children, and parents. These cases require proof that the accident resulted from another party’s negligence.
Contact A San Antonio Pedestrian Accident Attorney For a Free Consultation
Pedestrian accidents often leave victims with long-term injuries, financial strain, and uncertainty about their legal rights. Insurance companies do not always offer fair settlements, making legal representation a critical step in securing compensation.
Ryan Orsatti Law represents injured pedestrians in San Antonio, ensuring they recover the damages they deserve. If you or a loved one was hit by a car, truck, or other vehicle, legal help is available. Call 210-934-6957 today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents in Texas
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Texas?
Texas law generally allows two years from the date of the accident to file a claim.
What if I was hit outside of a crosswalk?
Pedestrians can still file a claim, even if not in a designated crossing area. The amount of compensation may be affected if partial fault is assigned.
How much is my pedestrian accident case worth?
The value of a claim depends on:
- The severity of the injuries.
- The cost of medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- The impact on income and future employment.
Will my case go to court?
Most claims are settled through negotiations, but a lawsuit may be necessary if the insurance company does not offer fair compensation.
What if I can’t afford a lawyer?
Ryan Orsatti Law works on a contingency basis, meaning clients do not pay unless compensation is recovered.
Ryan Orsatti Law – San Antonio Office
Address: 4634 De Zavala Rd
San Antonio, TX 78249
P: (210) 525-1200
Client Testimonial
“Ryan Orsatti and his team were valuable in handling my case. Mr. Orsatti worked every angle to ensure a settlement that ended in my favor. Too, he and his team respected my time and availability throughout the settlement process and required little of me. In doing so, I was able to fully focus on my recovery without the emotional drain and stress. I would not hesitate to recommend the law firm to any one person.” -Chela L. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Read more of our Google reviews.
