University of Texas at San Antonio and the City of San Antonio have announced plans for infrastructure improvements designed to reduce vehicle/pedestrian accidents.
UTSA Today reports wider sidewalks, traffic-calming devices, better street lighting and pedestrian-controlled crosswalks are included in the project, which is improving a number of San Antonio streets, including Frio Street.
Pedestrian improvements on Commerce and Buena Vista streets aim to tie the area together downtown.
San Antonio Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents
Texas Department of Transportation reported 678 fatal pedestrian accidents in 2016, up 21 percent year over year. Sixty-five cyclists were killed in Texas, an increase of 25 percent. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration continues to rank Texas as one of the three deadliest states (along with California and Florida) for both types of accidents.
College campuses are prime locations for these types of collisions because of the large number of pedestrians and cyclists. However, pedestrian accidents are on the rise in cities as well thanks to the trend toward walkability and better urban planning.
Liability for Bicyclist or Pedestrian Injuries
Liability in these types of cases can be complicated, depending on where an accident occurred and whether or not the driver remained at the scene.
Unfortunately, Texas was also recently named one of the 10 deadliest states for hit-and-run collisions, two-thirds of which killed bicyclists and pedestrians. In cases where a motorist flees the scene, a victim’s best means of recovery may be uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) benefits through his or her own insurance policy. For pedestrians who do not have their own auto insurance, other types of coverage may be available, and an experienced attorney can help locate that coverage.
Texas auto insurance law requires that drivers carry mandatory minimum coverage of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident. Even this coverage may be inadequate in the event of a serious pedestrian or cycling accident. That’s why all motorists are encouraged to carry UM/UIM coverage. Those who decline must opt out in writing.
It’s essential that your chosen personal injury attorney in San Antonio has the knowledge and experience to identify responsible parties and make a comprehensive claim for damages. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident and are unsure of what to do next, contact an attorney at Tracey & Fox to discuss your options.