Published by Brooker Law, PLLC — Dallas, Texas | Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Last Updated: November 4, 2025

TL;DR

After a pedestrian crash in Dallas, every second matters. Brooker Law, a Dallas-based wrongful death and catastrophic injury firm, outlines the critical steps to take in the minutes, hours, and days following a collision -- from calling 911 and preserving evidence to seeking medical care and contacting an experienced Dallas pedestrian accident lawyer. Protect your health, your rights, and your future by knowing what to do first. Contact Brooker Law for a free, confidential consultation.

The First Minutes After Impact: Call 911 and Get to Safety

If you’ve just been struck by a vehicle while walking, your body and mind go into shock. Pain, confusion, and adrenaline make it hard to think clearly, but what you do in those first few minutes can shape everything that follows.

  1. Call 911 immediately. Even if you think you’re okay, internal injuries and concussions often don’t show symptoms right away. Request both a police and a medical response.
  2. Stay where you are if you’re badly hurt. Moving can worsen spinal or head injuries. Stay still and wait for paramedics to arrive.
  3. Get to a safe location if you’re in danger of being hit again -- but do not leave the scene.
  4. Wait for the police and give them a calm, factual description of what happened. Don’t guess at speed or distance; just describe what you saw and felt.

In Dallas, officers must file a Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3 Form) for any collision involving injuries. That report becomes a key piece of evidence for your claim, and it should be available within 7-10 days of your incident. You can search for Texas Peace Officer's Crash Reports here. To understand the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3 Form), you also need to review the Code Sheet, which you can find here.

The First Hour: Collect and Preserve Evidence

While the police and EMTs handle their work, try to preserve what you can. If you’re physically able or if a friend or bystander can help, capture evidence before it disappears.

  • Take photos of the entire scene: crosswalk, vehicle, skid marks, streetlights, weather, and your injuries.
  • Note the time and location. Include details like the intersection, lane direction, and landmarks (for example, “southbound on Maple near Oak Lawn”).
  • Get driver information: name, address, license number, insurance details (including the insurance company's name and policy number), and vehicle plate.
  • Ask witnesses for contact information before they leave. A single independent witness can make or break a liability claim.
  • Look for nearby cameras. Dallas intersections, storefronts, and even DART buses often have video footage, but most third-party video recordings are overwritten within days. Your lawyer can issue preservation letters immediately to secure crucial video evidence.

These steps transform an uncertain incident into a well-documented case -- the kind that stands up to the insurance company's scrutiny and, if necessary, a jury trial.

The First Day: Prioritize Your Health

After the scene clears, go to the emergency room or an urgent care clinic — even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can mask fractures, concussions, and internal bleeding.

Request a full medical evaluation, including imaging (CT, X-ray, MRI) if you hit your head or lost consciousness. Keep every record, bill, and discharge note. These become proof of both injury and treatment timing — crucial evidence if the insurer later questions causation.

Avoid posting on social media about the crash or your recovery. Even innocent posts (“Feeling better today!”) can be taken out of context by insurance defense teams.

The First Week: Contact a Dallas Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Once your immediate medical needs are addressed, speak with a qualified Dallas pedestrian accident attorney — ideally within days of the crash. Early legal involvement matters for three reasons:

  1. Preservation of evidence: Surveillance footage, vehicle EDR (“black box”) data, and skid marks fade quickly.
  2. Insurance communication: Your lawyer can handle calls and written statements so you don’t say something insurers can twist against you.
  3. Investigation: Experienced firms like Brooker Law immediately contact witnesses, analyze police reports, and inspect the scene with accident reconstruction experts.

Remember, in Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years, but deadlines for government or company-vehicle claims can be much shorter.

What if the driver blames me?

If the driver or their insurer claims you were at fault — for crossing outside a crosswalk or at night — don’t panic. Texas law uses comparative negligence, which means you can still recover damages if you were less than 51 percent responsible.

Pedestrians have the right to use Dallas roads safely, and most “shared fault” arguments fall apart under investigation. At Brooker Law, we analyze scene lighting, traffic signal timing, and driver speed to show the full picture — not just the driver’s version of events.

Common Injuries After Dallas Pedestrian Crashes

Every crash is different, but some patterns appear again and again:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (concussions, skull fractures)
  • Spinal cord and back trauma
  • Pelvic and leg fractures
  • Internal organ damage
  • Psychological trauma and PTSD

Catastrophic injuries often mean months of rehabilitation, lost income, and lifelong pain. You deserve representation from a firm that understands both the medical and legal dimensions of these cases.

FAQ: Dallas Pedestrian Accidents

Should I talk to the driver’s insurance company?
Not before consulting a lawyer. Adjusters are trained to minimize your claim. Let your attorney handle all communication.

Can I still recover damages if I wasn’t in a crosswalk?
Yes — as long as you were less than 51% at fault, you may still be entitled to compensation.

What if the driver left the scene?
File a police report immediately and call a lawyer. You may still have a claim through your uninsured motorist coverage or other legal avenues.

What types of damages can I recover?
Medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and — in severe cases — future care costs or wrongful death damages.

Contact Brooker Law

Brooker Law, PLLC represents victims and families in Dallas pedestrian accident, crosswalk collision, and wrongful death cases throughout Texas. Our firm’s mission is to make Dallas streets safer by holding negligent drivers and companies accountable. Contact Brooker Law today for a free, confidential consultation.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, contact Brooker Law, PLLC.

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