Another Pedestrian Accident Results in the Death of a Local Man
In the early morning hours of Tuesday, January 15, a 31-year-old man was killed after he was struck by a semi-truck while walking along North Interstate 35 southbound in Austin. Police arrived at 6:30 a.m., but David Sell was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Driver Couldn’t See the Pedestrian
The driver of the semi-truck told police he wasn’t able to see Sell, since it was still dark at the time of the accident. The truck was traveling in the southbound center lane of Interstate 35 when it struck Sell. Police said they don’t expect to file charges against the driver, but the investigation is still ongoing.
Pedestrian Accidents Are Rarely Minor
Pedestrian accidents often have dire consequences. Unlike passengers riding in a motor vehicle, a pedestrian doesn’t have any protection from a crash. Pedestrians who are struck by motor vehicles often sustain severe injuries including fractured bones, internal bleeding, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and unfortunately, sometimes even death.
If a person is lucky enough to survive a pedestrian accident, he or she will likely face years of tough physical and emotional pain during the recovery process.
In addition to the physical pain and mounting medical bills, victims of pedestrian accidents are often forced to endure losing a significant income from work. In fact, the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center estimates that pedestrian accidents cost victims an average of $58,700 in economic losses alone.
In fatal pedestrian accidents, the impact is even greater. Pedestrian accident fatalities can result in estimated economic losses that could reach as much as $4.5 million.
Fighting for Your Rights as a Pedestrian
While initially it seems the driver of the semi-truck was not at fault for the pedestrian accident, according to police, that doesn’t mean the company he works for won’t be liable for Sell’s loss of life. There were 129,000 pedestrian accidents that resulted in serious injury in 2015, according to the CDC, and another 5,376 that resulted in the death of a pedestrian.
Pedestrian accidents can have lifelong, ripple effects on not only the victims of the accident but on their family members as well. From handling medical costs when trying to get physically better to dealing with the emotional trauma and long-term suffering, pedestrian accidents are serious cases. This is before you consider having to juggle money to handle potential lost income, to – at its most serious – handling end-of-life services and dealing with the loss of a loved one.
Get the Help You Need from Personal Injury Lawyers in Round Rock TX
Texas law allows victims who are found to be 49 percent or less at fault in an accident to try and collect a percentage of the damages he or she – or their family members – have incurred as a result of the accident.
At the Elissa I. Henry Law Firm, our personal injury lawyers in Round Rock TX are experienced in handling all the nuances of lawsuits resulting from pedestrian accidents. Call us today at (512) 766-4529 to schedule a consultation.
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