A Rising Concern for Pedestrian Safety in Texoma
Pedestrian accidents are on the rise in Texoma, with multiple fatal crashes reported throughout 2024. Wichita Falls, Altus, and surrounding areas have seen an increase in pedestrian fatalities, reflecting a broader trend across Texas. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), pedestrian deaths have risen by 22% over the past five years, with October consistently being one of the deadliest months.
Factors such as reduced daylight hours, driver inattention, and failure to yield play a significant role in these tragic accidents. While both drivers and pedestrians must follow traffic laws, negligent drivers are often responsible for devastating injuries and wrongful deaths.
At Hoover Rogers Law, LLP, our Wichita Falls pedestrian accident lawyers have seen firsthand how these incidents leave families searching for answers and justice. If a negligent driver has caused you or a loved one harm, you deserve an attorney who will fight for the compensation and accountability you deserve. Here’s what you should know about pedestrian safety in Texoma – and what can be done to protect those on foot.
Recent Pedestrian Accidents in Texoma
In 2024, several fatal pedestrian crashes shook communities in the Texoma region:
- A pedestrian was struck and killed on Southwest Parkway in Wichita Falls in October.
- Another fatal pedestrian crash occurred in Altus earlier in the year.
- Wichita Falls Police Department (WFPD) responded to yet another pedestrian death just weeks after the Southwest Parkway incident.
- Two individuals were hit near the Salvation Army on 7th Street, though they survived the crash.
These incidents serve as a grim reminder of the risks pedestrians face daily, especially in areas where driver negligence, poor visibility, and high-speed traffic create life-threatening conditions.
Why Pedestrian Crashes Are More Dangerous
When a pedestrian is hit by a car, the consequences are often far more severe than in vehicle-to-vehicle collisions. Without the protection of a car’s structure, pedestrians are left completely exposed to the force of impact. Even at low speeds, a collision can result in catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal organ damage.
Unfortunately, many of these injuries prove fatal, leaving families grieving an unimaginable loss. In too many cases, these tragedies stem from reckless driving behaviors – speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield the right-of-way. When a pedestrian is seriously injured or killed due to driver negligence, holding the responsible party accountable becomes critical for both justice and prevention.
Why Are Pedestrian Crashes Increasing?
Pedestrian fatalities have been on the rise in Texoma and throughout Texas, driven by multiple factors that make walking near roadways increasingly dangerous:
- Decreased Visibility in Fall and Winter – Shorter daylight hours lead to a spike in pedestrian crashes. According to News Channel 6, October 2023 was the deadliest month for pedestrian accidents in Texas, with 80 fatalities. Reduced visibility makes it harder for drivers to spot pedestrians, especially in poorly lit areas.
- Distracted Driving – Whether it's a driver texting behind the wheel or talking to a passenger, distractions reduce awareness and reaction time, increasing the likelihood of a crash.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving – Drivers who speed, run red lights, or fail to yield at crosswalks put pedestrians in extreme danger. Higher speeds also mean greater impact forces, increasing the severity of injuries in a collision.
- Lack of Proper Infrastructure – Some areas lack sidewalks, marked crosswalks, or pedestrian signals, forcing people to walk near fast-moving traffic with little to no protection.
Legal Options for Pedestrian Accident Victims
When a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle, the victim – or their family in fatal cases – has legal options to seek justice and financial recovery. Under Texas law, injured pedestrians can file a personal injury claim against a negligent driver to recover compensation for:
- Medical Expenses – Coverage for hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity – Compensation for missed work and long-term financial losses if the victim can no longer perform their job.
- Pain and Suffering – Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Funeral and Burial Costs – In fatal accidents, families can pursue a wrongful death claim to help cover funeral expenses and other financial burdens.
How a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help
At Hoover Rogers LLP, we know the life-altering consequences of pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, you need a legal team that will stand up for you. Our firm will handle every aspect of your case – from conducting a thorough investigation and gathering crucial evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, taking your case to court.
We have a proven track record of securing results for pedestrian accident victims, including a $100,000 settlement for a pedestrian injured in a vehicle collision. When negligent drivers cause harm, we fight to make things right.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a pedestrian accident, don’t wait. Contact us today for a free consultation and find out how we can help you seek the justice and financial compensation you deserve.
"Ben Hoover is an excellent attorney, and I would highly recommend his firm for your personal injury case. He truly cares about the folks in Wichita County." — Eleanor A., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐