An unidentified man was killed after a deadly pedestrian crash alongside Highway 63, just west of Jasper, on Sunday afternoon, August 29.
The fatal crash happened at approximately 3:00 p.m. near Country Road 168, just past the entrance of towards Ryall Acres Subdivision. The unidentified man was reportedly walking west along the westbound lanes when a westbound 2019 GMC pickup truck suddenly struck him for unclear reasons.
The victim sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not been disclosed. The GMC pickup truck driver remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities.
He was identified as 45-year-old Patrick Bell. It’s unclear whether drugs or alcohol contributed to the fatal crash. No arrests have been made at the moment. The accident is currently under further investigation.
Fatal Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Over the past 33 years, pedestrians make up a large percentage of traffic fatalities. But why? It is because pedestrians are more exposed to the dangers on the road than passengers of a private vehicle. According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the federal agency responsible for ensuring the safety of those on America’s roadways, more than 5900 pedestrians were killed in 2016 across the entire United States.
In 2017, Texas alone accounted for 10% of all pedestrian fatalities in the United States. In 2019, there were 5,975 pedestrian traffic collisions in Texas, resulting in 669 deaths, a 5% increase over the previous year. According to law enforcement crash reports, the top causes of pedestrian accidents are people who fail to follow traffic safety laws and are hit while crossing the street, vehicles who fail to cede the right of way, driving distractedly, or speeding. Alcohol is also a common factor.
Jasper County Wrongful Death Attorney for Victims of Fatal Pedestrians Accidents
Every traffic crash is a terrible experience. While it is understandable to feel overwhelmed in the aftermath of a catastrophic accident, hiring an experienced attorney is significant to obtaining a favorable outcome in your case. After a fatal pedestrian accident, the victim’s family must immediately file a wrongful death claim.
Texas only allows victims to complete their claims within a two-year timeframe. If you exceed the deadline, you will be precluded from receiving compensation for the damages the accident has caused you. A wrongful death claim allows the victim’s family to seek financial compensation for damages like loss of income, funeral expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Your lawyer will go over the circumstances leading up to your loved one’s injuries or death, aid you in determining fault and naming the defendant, and answer your questions openly and honestly along the way. Don’t delay calling an experienced Texas car accident attorney; the sooner you consult an attorney, the more your legal rights will be protected. Call Arash Law Texas’s wrongful death attorneys now! Please contact (888) 398-4017 or complete our online intake form to schedule your free consultation.