San Antonio Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Fighting for Victims Struck by Vehicles

San Antonio’s Deadly Streets for Pedestrians

Walking in San Antonio can be dangerous—even deadly. Our city ranks as the 7th deadliest in America for pedestrians and the deadliest in Texas, home to 4 of the 5 most dangerous city streets for pedestrians statewide. These statistics reflect a crisis that claims dozens of lives and leaves hundreds seriously injured every year.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, San Antonio experienced 606 traffic crashes involving pedestrians in 2023. These collisions resulted in 67 pedestrian fatalities and 94 serious pedestrian injuries. Even more alarming: from 2019 to 2023, pedestrian fatalities in San Antonio increased by 18%, while serious pedestrian injuries rose by 21%.

The statistics at the state level are equally troubling. In Texas, pedestrians are involved in only 1% of traffic crashes but account for 19% of all roadway deaths. A pedestrian is killed in Texas approximately every 10 hours. In 2024, there were 6,095 crashes involving pedestrians statewide, resulting in 773 pedestrian deaths and 1,454 serious injuries.

When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the results are almost always severe. Pedestrians have no protection—no airbags, no seat belts, no steel frame—to absorb the impact. Even relatively low-speed collisions can cause catastrophic injuries or death.

Harper Law Firm represents pedestrian accident victims throughout San Antonio and Bexar County. We understand the devastating impact these accidents have on victims and their families, and we fight for maximum compensation to cover medical expenses, lost income, and the pain and suffering that comes with these traumatic injuries.

True Litigation Firm, Not a Settlement Mill

Insurance companies often try to minimize pedestrian accident claims by shifting blame to victims. They argue pedestrians were jaywalking, distracted, or somehow contributed to their own injuries. These tactics are designed to reduce payouts—not to achieve justice.

Harper Law Firm approaches every pedestrian accident case as a true litigation firm:
• Thorough investigation of accident circumstances and driver negligence • Analysis of traffic patterns, crosswalk availability, and road design factors • Documentation of all injuries and long-term medical needs • Expert consultation for accident reconstruction when needed • Aggressive negotiation backed by genuine trial preparation • Willingness to fight in court when insurance companies won’t offer fair compensation
We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance adjusters know the difference between firms that settle quickly and firms that actually litigate—and they know Harper Law Firm is prepared to go the distance.

Local Knowledge of San Antonio’s Dangerous Pedestrian Areas

Harper Law Firm is based right here in San Antonio. We know which roads and corridors pose the greatest dangers to pedestrians:
• Culebra Road’s deadly pedestrian crossings • The high-injury corridors on Zarzamora Street and Fredericksburg Road • The intersection dangers along W.W. White Road • Areas with inadequate sidewalks, lighting, and crosswalks
This local knowledge strengthens our representation of pedestrian accident victims throughout Bexar County.

San Antonio’s High-Injury Pedestrian Corridors

Severe Pedestrian Injury Areas (SPIAs)

City data reveals a disturbing concentration of pedestrian injuries in specific areas. Just 1% of San Antonio’s roadways account for 42% of all severe pedestrian crashes. These locations are designated as Severe Pedestrian Injury Areas (SPIAs).

The city has identified 90 SPIAs consisting of approximately 53 roadway miles. These areas tend to be concentrated locations where drivers and pedestrians may be unclear about who has the right of way—creating deadly confusion.

Culebra Road: Deadliest Street for Pedestrians

Culebra Road has earned its reputation as San Antonio’s most dangerous road overall, and pedestrian deaths contribute significantly to that grim distinction. The seven-lane road has claimed more than 50 lives since 2014, with many of those fatalities involving pedestrians.

City officials cite the mix of heavy traffic, frequent driveways, limited lighting, spread-out crosswalks, and speeding problems as key factors in pedestrian crashes on Culebra Road. One particularly deadly 1.47-mile stretch from 28th Street to Calaveras recorded 35 pedestrian crashes resulting in 12 severe pedestrian injuries.

Culebra Road has been designated as a “high-injury” corridor, and the city is pursuing federal funding for safety improvements including better sidewalks, improved crosswalks, and pedestrian refuge islands.

Zarzamora Street, Fredericksburg Road, and W.W. White Road

The city’s $1.2 million “Keep Crossing Safe” pedestrian safety campaign targets three major high-injury corridors:
• Zarzamora Street on the South Side • Fredericksburg Road on the West Side • W.W. White Road on the East Side

These corridors have been identified through the city’s Vision Zero program as areas with disproportionate rates of severe pedestrian injuries and deaths. The city is installing life-sized silhouettes at pedestrian crossing points along these roads to raise awareness.

Why Certain Roads Are More Dangerous for Pedestrians

Several factors make certain San Antonio roads particularly hazardous for pedestrians:
Wide, high-speed arterials. Roads like Culebra Road have multiple lanes and high speed limits that make crossing dangerous and give drivers little time to react to pedestrians.
Inadequate sidewalks. Many San Antonio neighborhoods, particularly on the West and South sides, lack continuous sidewalk networks, forcing pedestrians to walk along roadways.
Poor lighting. Limited streetlighting in many areas makes pedestrians invisible to drivers, especially during evening hours when many fatal accidents occur.
Spread-out crosswalks. Long distances between marked crosswalks force pedestrians to choose between walking far out of their way or crossing in unmarked—and more dangerous—locations.
Multiple driveways. High-density commercial areas with frequent driveways create constant conflict points between turning vehicles and pedestrians.
Transit stop design. Bus stops without safe crossing infrastructure put transit users at risk when crossing to and from stops.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in San Antonio

Driver Inattention and Distraction

Driver inattention is a leading factor in Texas pedestrian crashes. Distracted drivers looking at phones, adjusting GPS, or otherwise not watching the road fail to see pedestrians until it’s too late—if they see them at all.

San Antonio Police Department data indicates driver inattention or distraction contributes to approximately 28% of all crashes in the city. For pedestrian accidents, this percentage may be even higher.

Failure to Yield Right-of-Way

Both drivers and pedestrians can fail to yield right-of-way, but drivers bear greater responsibility given the lethal consequences of their vehicles. Common scenarios include:
• Drivers failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks • Drivers turning right on red without checking for crossing pedestrians • Drivers making left turns across pedestrian traffic • Drivers exiting driveways without watching for sidewalk pedestrians

Speeding

Speed dramatically increases both the likelihood and severity of pedestrian accidents. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling 20 mph has a 90% chance of survival; at 40 mph, that survival rate drops to about 20%.

Many San Antonio arterial roads have speed limits of 40-45 mph or higher, and drivers frequently exceed these limits. Even on roads where speed limits are appropriate, excessive speed leaves drivers unable to stop when pedestrians enter their path.

Impaired Driving

Drunk and drug-impaired driving contributes to pedestrian fatalities, particularly during evening and nighttime hours. Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times and impaired judgment, making them far more likely to strike pedestrians they might otherwise avoid.

Poor Visibility Conditions

Many pedestrian accidents occur during low-visibility conditions:
• Evening and nighttime hours when pedestrians are harder to see • Dawn and dusk when changing light conditions reduce visibility • Inclement weather including rain and fog • Poorly lit areas lacking adequate streetlighting

October is historically the deadliest month for pedestrians in Texas, coinciding with earlier sunsets and more evening pedestrian activity as temperatures cool.

Backing Vehicles

Pedestrians can be struck by vehicles backing out of driveways, parking spaces, and loading zones. Children are particularly vulnerable to backing accidents due to their small stature.

Types of Pedestrian Accidents We Handle

Crosswalk Accidents

Pedestrians using marked crosswalks have the right-of-way, yet drivers frequently fail to yield. We represent pedestrians struck while lawfully crossing in crosswalks, holding negligent drivers accountable.

Intersection Accidents

Complex San Antonio intersections create dangers for pedestrians navigating multiple lanes of traffic, turning vehicles, and signal phases. We handle cases where drivers struck pedestrians at intersections through negligence.

Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents

When drivers flee after striking pedestrians, victims face additional challenges in pursuing compensation. We help hit-and-run victims explore all recovery options, including uninsured motorist coverage.

Parking Lot Accidents

Shopping center and parking garage accidents occur when drivers backing out or circling lots fail to watch for pedestrians. These lower-speed accidents can still cause serious injuries.

Bus Stop Accidents

Pedestrians waiting at or crossing near bus stops face risks from passing traffic. Inadequate infrastructure around many San Antonio bus stops increases these dangers.

Sidewalk and Roadway Walking Accidents

In areas lacking sidewalks, pedestrians walking along roadways can be struck by inattentive or speeding drivers.

Child Pedestrian Accidents

Children are particularly vulnerable to pedestrian accidents, especially near schools, parks, and residential areas. Drivers have a heightened duty of care in areas where children are likely to be present.

Accidents Involving Vulnerable Populations

Elderly pedestrians, individuals with disabilities, and others with mobility limitations face heightened risks and often suffer more severe injuries in pedestrian accidents.

Catastrophic Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents frequently result in catastrophic, life-altering injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Head impacts during pedestrian accidents can cause traumatic brain injuries ranging from concussions to severe brain damage. TBIs can result in cognitive impairment, personality changes, and permanent disability.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The force of vehicle impacts can damage the spinal cord, potentially causing partial or complete paralysis. Spinal cord injuries require extensive medical treatment and often result in permanent disability.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Pedestrians frequently suffer multiple fractures including broken legs, pelvis fractures, arm breaks, and rib fractures. Compound and complex fractures may require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation.

Internal Injuries

The blunt force trauma of vehicle impacts can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, and other life-threatening internal injuries.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Even in lower-speed accidents, pedestrians can suffer significant soft tissue injuries including torn ligaments, muscle damage, and joint injuries.

Disfigurement and Scarring

Road rash, facial injuries, and other trauma can cause permanent scarring and disfigurement.

Psychological Trauma

Pedestrian accident victims often experience PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other psychological effects from the traumatic event.

Texas Pedestrian Laws and Your Rights

Pedestrian Right-of-Way

Texas law establishes when pedestrians have the right-of-way:
• Pedestrians in marked crosswalks have the right-of-way • At intersections without crosswalks, pedestrians crossing within the intersection have the right-of-way • Drivers must yield to pedestrians who have lawfully entered the roadway

However, pedestrians also have duties:
• Pedestrians must not suddenly leave a curb and walk into the path of a vehicle that is so close it’s impossible for the driver to yield • Pedestrians crossing outside crosswalks must yield to vehicles • Pedestrians must obey pedestrian control signals where present

Driver Duties to Pedestrians

Texas drivers have legal duties to pedestrians:
• Exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian • Give warning by sounding the horn when necessary • Exercise proper precautions when observing children or incapacitated persons on the roadway

Texas Statute of Limitations

Pedestrian accident victims in Texas generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically bars any recovery.

Modified Comparative Negligence

Texas follows modified comparative negligence rules. Pedestrians can recover damages even if partially at fault, as long as they weren’t more than 50% responsible. Compensation is reduced by the pedestrian’s fault percentage.

Insurance companies often try to blame pedestrians for their own injuries—arguing they were jaywalking, distracted, or otherwise negligent. Experienced legal representation protects against these tactics.

Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Victims

Pedestrian accident victims may be entitled to substantial compensation:
Economic Damages: • Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization • Surgical procedures and intensive care • Ongoing medical care and rehabilitation • Physical therapy and occupational therapy • Future medical expenses for long-term injuries • Lost wages during recovery • Reduced earning capacity from permanent disabilities • Home modifications for disability accommodations • Medical equipment and assistive devices • In-home care assistance
Non-Economic Damages: • Physical pain and suffering • Mental anguish and emotional trauma • Post-traumatic stress disorder • Loss of enjoyment of life • Disfigurement and permanent scarring • Loss of consortium for spouses
Wrongful Death Damages: When pedestrian accidents prove fatal, surviving family members may recover damages including funeral and burial expenses, lost financial support, loss of companionship, and mental anguish.

What to Do After Being Struck by a Vehicle

At the Accident Scene:
Call 911 immediately—pedestrian accidents often cause severe injuries requiring emergency response
Do not move if you have potential spinal injuries; wait for medical personnel
If possible, get the driver’s information including name, contact details, license plate, and insurance
Collect witness names and contact information
Document your injuries and the scene if you’re able
Do not apologize or admit any fault

After the Accident:
Seek comprehensive medical evaluation—adrenaline can mask serious injuries
Follow all treatment recommendations
Document all medical visits, treatments, and symptoms
Keep records of missed work and lost income
Do not give recorded statements to insurance adjusters without legal counsel
Contact Harper Law Firm for a free case evaluation

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I was jaywalking when struck by a vehicle?

You may still recover compensation even if you were crossing outside a crosswalk. Texas comparative negligence allows recovery as long as you weren’t more than 50% at fault. Drivers always have a duty to exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians.

What if the driver who hit me fled the scene?

Hit-and-run victims can pursue compensation through their own uninsured motorist coverage. We also investigate to help identify hit-and-run drivers when possible.

How much is my pedestrian accident case worth?

Case value depends on injury severity, medical expenses, lost income, long-term impact, and available insurance coverage. Pedestrian accidents often involve catastrophic injuries warranting substantial compensation. We provide honest case evaluations during free consultations.

What if I don’t have health insurance to pay for treatment?

You can still receive medical treatment and pursue compensation. Many medical providers work with personal injury patients on payment arrangements pending case resolution. Your eventual settlement or verdict can cover medical expenses.

How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit?

Texas law provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, we recommend consulting an attorney promptly to ensure proper evidence preservation.

Serving All San Antonio and Bexar County

Harper Law Firm represents pedestrian accident victims throughout the San Antonio area:
• Downtown San Antonio and the Riverwalk area • West Side corridors including Culebra Road • South Side neighborhoods along Zarzamora Street • Fredericksburg Road corridor • W.W. White Road corridor on the East Side • All San Antonio neighborhoods and Bexar County communities

Contact Harper Law Firm for Your Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been struck by a vehicle in San Antonio, you deserve experienced legal representation that understands the serious nature of pedestrian injuries and is prepared to fight for maximum compensation.

San Antonio ranks as the 7th deadliest city in America for pedestrians. Our streets claim dozens of pedestrian lives and leave hundreds seriously injured every year. When negligent drivers cause these devastating accidents, you need a true litigation firm on your side—not a settlement mill looking for quick resolutions.

Harper Law Firm offers free, no-obligation consultations where we’ll review your accident, explain your legal rights, discuss potential compensation, and provide honest case assessment.
Contact Harper Law Firm today. Your San Antonio pedestrian accident lawyers are ready to fight for you.