Comprehensive Information and Legal Options for Fort Worth, TX Pedestrian Accident Victims

Fort Worth has one of the highest numbers of pedestrian accidents and fatalities in the nation

It was recently reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that Texas has the second highest rate of pedestrian deaths in the nation. Among all states, pedestrian fatalities were highest in California (612), followed by Texas (478) and Florida (476). In 2016 there were 725 pedestrians killed in crashes statewide, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. In more recent findings, the Fort Worth area ranked #25 in the nation for pedestrian deaths. The study found that 1.32 pedestrians are killed in the DFW metro area per 100,000 residents each year. That’s the third worst in Texas, behind Houston and McAllen.

What are some causes of the high number of Fort Worth pedestrian injuries and fatalities?

Some of the reasons that Fort Worth is dangerous for pedestrians include:

• The sidewalks are narrow;
• The Fort Worth urban environment is dominated by motor vehicles;
• Street corners are rounded, which enable vehicle to drive more quickly through right turns;
• Intersections tend to be very wide and require longer passage time for pedestrians;
• Poor pedestrian passageways between Fort Worth neighborhoods.

Learn more about Fort Worth pedestrian accidents here.

What is being done to improve pedestrian safety in Fort Worth?

The Federal Highway Administration has put forth a number of recommendations to improve pedestrian safety in Fort Worth and across the country. The recommendations include improved and expanded:

Pavement markings

Existing sidewalks

Push buttons and pedestrian signals

Turning islands

School Crossing Guards

Street lighting

Medians

Who is most at risk for injury or death in a Fort Worth pedestrian collision?

According to Smart Growth America, some of the most vulnerable pedestrians are:

• Children - Fatal pedestrian injury remains a leading cause of death for those 15 years and younger;
• Older adults - While comprising 10.1 percent of Texas’s population, adults aged 65 and older account for 14.3 percent of pedestrian fatalities across the state from 2003-2010.
• People of color - Like older adults, people of color are disproportionately represented among pedestrian fatalities. 

If you have been injured in a pedestrian collision, you will need a great Fort Worth accident attorney to help

No matter how much we improve the infrastructure and roadways around Fort Worth, pedestrian accidents will continue to happen. When a less serious crash happens, often someone can manage the insurance claim without help. When a serious injury pedestrian accident happens, or when a fatality occurs, it is crucial to get help from an experienced Mullen and Mullen lawyer.