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

Last Updated: November 12, 2025

TL;DR

Older adults face the highest risk of death and serious injury in Dallas pedestrian crashes. Brooker Law, a Dallas-based wrongful death and catastrophic injury firm, explains why seniors are more vulnerable, how roadway design and driver behavior make aging dangerous, and what families can do legally and practically to protect their loved ones. Contact Brooker Law for a free, confidential consultation.

‍The Overlooked Crisis on Dallas Streets

Dallas’s pedestrian safety crisis hits one group especially hard -- older adults. According to city data and national studies, pedestrians aged 65 and older account for a disproportionate share of pedestrian deaths in large metro areas. That’s not just a statistic — it’s a reflection of mobility, speed, and roadway design.

When an older pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, they are far more likely to suffer life-threatening injuries or die from complications that younger victims survive.

In Dallas, where wide roadways like Hampton Road, Buckner Boulevard, and Ledbetter Drive invite high speeds, aging residents face an environment that simply wasn’t built for slower reaction times or reduced visibility.

Why Older Pedestrians Are at Higher Risk

1. Physical Vulnerability

The human body changes with age. Bones become more brittle. Reflexes slow. Vision and hearing decline. An impact that might cause bruising for a younger adult can cause fractures, internal bleeding, or head trauma for someone in their seventies or eighties.

2. Slower Crossing Speeds

Many Dallas intersections are timed for fast traffic — not for pedestrians who walk slower. If the “walk” signal ends before an older adult reaches the other side, they can be stranded in the middle of high-speed traffic. According to federal safety data, most U.S. crosswalks assume a walking speed of 3.5 feet per second. However, older adults often move closer to 2.8 feet per second.

3. Vision and Lighting Challenges

Nighttime crashes make up a majority of fatal pedestrian incidents in Dallas. For older adults, glare, dim lighting, and reduced contrast sensitivity make it even harder to judge distance and speed, particularly on poorly lit roads or where sidewalks end abruptly.

4. Driver Misjudgment

Many drivers underestimate how slowly older pedestrians move or assume they’ll stop mid-crossing. Add distracted driving to the mix, and that faulty assumption may become deadly.

The Legal Duty Drivers Owe Older Pedestrians

Under Texas Transportation Code § 545.351, drivers must control their speed and maintain a proper lookout to avoid colliding with any pedestrian -- especially in circumstances where the person’s vulnerability is obvious, such as children or the elderly.

Courts have long recognized that drivers owe a heightened duty of care when they can see a child, elderly person, or disabled individual in or near the roadway. That means a driver can be found negligent even if the older adult wasn’t in a marked crosswalk or the light had just changed.

At Brooker Law, we’ve seen juries respond strongly to cases where the driver had every opportunity to see the pedestrian but chose speed or distraction over caution.

Common Injury Patterns in Older Pedestrian Crashes

The injuries we see most often include:

  • Broken ribs, hips, or other complex fractures;
  • Traumatic brain injuries (even with minor impacts);
  • Spinal injuries;
  • Internal bleeding and organ damage; and
  • Psychological trauma and post-crash fear of walking.

For older adults, recovery takes longer and complications are more severe. Hospitalizations often lead to a loss of independence, forcing life changes that go far beyond the physical injury.

What Families Can Do After a Crash

1. Get Immediate Medical Attention

Even low-speed impacts can cause delayed internal injuries. Don’t assume your loved one is “okay” because they’re conscious or walking.

2. Document the Scene

Take photos, get witness names, and identify nearby security cameras. If your loved one can’t do this, a family member or attorney should step in quickly.

3. Preserve Medical and Financial Records

Keep hospital bills, rehab records, and any correspondence with insurers. These documents build the foundation for a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

4. Seek Legal Advice Early

Insurance companies often minimize claims involving older victims, suggesting “pre-existing conditions” caused their injuries. A lawyer can counter those tactics with expert medical testimony showing exactly how the crash caused harm.

5. Address Emotional Recovery

Fear of walking, loss of confidence, and social withdrawal are common after serious crashes. Families should treat emotional care as part of recovery, not an afterthought.

What If My Parent Was Partly at Fault?

Even if an older pedestrian crossed outside a crosswalk or misjudged timing, Texas comparative fault law allows recovery if they were less than 51 percent responsible. Courts recognize that slower walking or reduced vision doesn’t excuse reckless driving. Negligence still lies with the person who had the best chance and legal duty to prevent the crash.

How Brooker Law Helps Families

We approach elder pedestrian cases with both compassion and precision.
Our team:

  • Investigates scene design, signal timing, and lighting conditions;
  • Works with medical experts to explain age-related vulnerability;
  • Calculates lifetime care costs and loss of independence damages; and
  • Brings trial experience to ensure negligent drivers and their insurers face full accountability.

When the unthinkable happens, we help families move from confusion to clarity and from loss to action.

FAQ: Elder Pedestrian Crashes in Dallas

Where do most crashes involving older adults happen?
Primarily on wide, high-speed roads near residential or commercial corridors such as Buckner, Ledbetter, and Hampton.

Can families bring a claim if the victim passes away weeks later from complications?
Yes. If the crash directly contributed to the decline or death, Texas law allows a wrongful death or survival claim. However, a doctor will need to provide expert medical testimony proving causation.

What if my parent was using a mobility aid or walker?
Drivers must still yield and anticipate slower movement. Visibility aids like walkers or scooters often strengthen a negligence case. However, equip walkers or scooters with reflective tape where possible.

Are there special damages for loss of independence?
Yes. Texas law allows recovery for loss of enjoyment of life and diminished ability to perform daily activities (i.e., physical impairment).

Contact Brooker Law

Brooker Law, PLLC represents victims and families in Dallas pedestrian accidents, elder-injuries, and wrongful death cases throughout Texas. Our mission is to make Dallas streets safer for older adults 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. Every case is unique. For advice about your specific situation, contact Brooker Law, PLLC.