El Paso Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Harmonson Law Firm: Fighting for the Fair Recovery You Are Owed
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident in El Paso and were injured as a result, Harmonson Law Firm can help you seek compensation from the negligent party as quickly and effectively as possible.
Our El Paso pedestrian accident attorney understands that these types of incidents are often most detrimental to the person on foot while the driver of the vehicle suffers minimal damage in comparison. A person has very little chance against a speeding car or even one that is merely pulling out of a parking lot. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, it is important to consult with our lawyers to ensure that you have an experienced ally in your corner. Since 2004, Clark Harmonson has represented injured individuals and their families and he knows how to take on large insurance companies in pursuit of a just recovery.
Contact us at to schedule your complimentary case evaluation with our dedicated El Paso pedestrian accident attorney!
What is a Pedestrian Accident?
A pedestrian accident occurs when a person traveling on foot, in a wheelchair, or using another assistive device is struck by a motor vehicle, bicycle, or other moving object. Unlike car occupants, pedestrians have no physical protection against impact, making these collisions particularly dangerous.
Pedestrian accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Severe lacerations or road rash
- Fatal injuries
Even at low speeds, a car can cause devastating harm. Victims often require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, or lifelong assistance. If you’ve been injured, you have the right to pursue justice and financial recovery.
Pedestrian Laws in Texas
Texas law provides protections for pedestrians but also imposes certain duties to ensure safety on the roads. Understanding these laws is crucial when determining liability in an accident.
Key pedestrian laws in Texas include:
- Right-of-way at crosswalks: Drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing legally at marked or unmarked crosswalks.
- Traffic control signals: Pedestrians must obey “Walk” and “Don’t Walk” signals at intersections.
- Crossing outside crosswalks: Pedestrians crossing outside of a designated crosswalk must yield to oncoming vehicles.
- Sidewalk use: When sidewalks are available, pedestrians must use them instead of walking on the roadway.
- Driver responsibility: Drivers are required to exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians and must honk or slow down when necessary to prevent an accident.
When drivers fail to follow these laws—by speeding, texting, or ignoring crosswalks—they can be held liable for resulting injuries.
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents?
Most pedestrian accidents are preventable. Unfortunately, they often occur due to driver negligence, inattention, or recklessness. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving: Texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting navigation systems can take a driver’s eyes off the road.
- Speeding: Drivers traveling too fast may not have time to stop when a pedestrian enters a crosswalk.
- Failure to yield: Many pedestrian collisions occur when drivers fail to yield at intersections or during turns.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol and drugs significantly reduce reaction time and decision-making ability.
- Poor visibility: Nighttime driving, inadequate street lighting, and weather conditions contribute to many accidents.
- Backing-up accidents: Pedestrians are often hit in parking lots when drivers fail to check blind spots.
If you were hit by a car in El Paso, determining the exact cause of the crash is essential for building a strong legal claim. Our attorneys investigate every detail, gathering evidence such as traffic camera footage, police reports, and witness statements to establish fault.
Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Often Occur in El Paso?
Pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere, but certain areas in El Paso are more prone to these incidents due to high traffic and pedestrian activity. Common locations include:
- Downtown El Paso intersections
- School zones and residential neighborhoods
- Near shopping centers and grocery store parking lots
- Crosswalks along Mesa Street, Alameda Avenue, and Montana Avenue
- Areas around the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)
- Freeway entrance and exit ramps
In many of these areas, heavy foot traffic and distracted driving create a dangerous mix. If your accident occurred in one of these hotspots, Harmonson Law Firm can help you pursue accountability from the at-fault driver.
Liability for a Pedestrian Accident
Determining liability in a pedestrian accident requires a detailed understanding of Texas negligence laws. In most cases, the driver is found at fault for failing to yield or obey traffic laws. However, liability can also involve:
- Employers (if the driver was operating a work vehicle)
- Government entities (if poor road design or malfunctioning traffic signals contributed to the crash)
- Vehicle manufacturers (if a defect caused the driver to lose control)
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault—as long as you are less than 51% responsible. Your compensation, however, may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Put Our Experienced El Paso Pedestrian Accident Attorney on Your Side
At Harmonson Law Firm, we understand how overwhelming the legal system can seem after an unexpected accident. Not only are you dealing with physical injuries, but you are likely facing extreme mental and emotional distress as well. Attempting to navigate the legal process on top of all this can be daunting. Instead, let our experienced El Paso pedestrian accident attorney handle your case. With more than 13 years of experience and an Avvo Rating of 10.0 Superb (a service of Avvo, Inc.), Attorney Clark Harmonson has the skills, resources, and in-depth knowledge of the legal system to fight for you and your family.
Call our firm today at to get started with a free initial consultation.
From Injury to Recovery FAQ's to Help Start Your Journey
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If I am injured by a motor vehicle as a pedestrian, can I sue the driver?If a driver negligently hits and injures or kills a pedestrian, then the at-fault driver is responsible legally for the injuries and losses caused by the accident. Also, a pedestrian’s own automobile insurance provides certain protection to the pedestrian, including medical payments and personal injury protection, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. This may leave…CONTINUE READING
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What damages are recoverable in pedestrian accident cases?Pedestrians injured by negligent drivers are entitled to recover all past and future medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement, and all other legally recognizable harms and losses. If the negligent driver and their insurance company are not willing to fairly pay you in a settlement, a great lawyer from Harmonson…CONTINUE READING
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What if I was partially at fault for a pedestrian accident because I was outside the crosswalk?Proportionate responsibility laws determine the effect of your own potential partial fault in causing an accident. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility for causing an accident. In Texas, a person may not recover anything if he or she is more than 50% at fault for causing an accident. New Mexico has…CONTINUE READING
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What if one of my family members were injured by an uninsured/underinsured motorist as a pedestrian?If a loved one has been injured or killed by an uninsured or underinsured motorist then you may be facing not only physical recovery, grief, and an inability to work and make a living, but also financial struggles. When your pedestrian accident was the result of carelessness or negligence on the part of the driver,…CONTINUE READING
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Can a pedestrian be at fault in a car accident?While pedestrians most often have the right-of-way in traffic, this does not mean that a pedestrian cannot be considered at fault for an accident. While a pedestrian may be the most injured in an accident and have the most medical costs, that doesn't automatically relieve them of all fault. In New Mexico, fault is based…CONTINUE READING
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