From Updated Signals to Sidewalks, Here’s What’s Changing
Every day, children in Fort Worth walk to school, ride their bikes through neighborhoods, and cross busy streets with the hope that drivers will see them and stop. But as any parent knows, roads can be unpredictable, and a moment’s distraction can lead to disaster.
Pedestrian accidents involving children aren’t uncommon, especially in high-traffic areas near schools and parks. When these crashes happen, families often turn to a Fort Worth pedestrian accident lawyer to understand their legal options and fight for accountability. Fortunately, the city is taking action to create safer streets for its youngest residents.
Fort Worth is investing in safer streets
Fort Worth and nearby cities are set to receive more than $10 million in federal funding for street improvements aimed at reducing traffic accidents and injuries. According to the Fort Worth Report, some of this funding will be allocated toward traffic calming projects, new sidewalks, and updated signals, all of which hope to make walking and biking safer for children.
These infrastructure upgrades are part of a larger effort to reduce pedestrian injuries in high-traffic areas, especially around schools and family neighborhoods where kids are most at risk.
Why safer streets matter for kids
Children are more vulnerable than adults in traffic situations. They’re smaller, harder to see, and often don’t have the experience to judge car speeds or safe gaps in traffic. That’s why features like well-marked crosswalks, flashing school zone lights, and raised medians are so important to guide those on foot and those behind the wheel.
Even a low-speed collision can cause serious injuries to a child, including:
- Head injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
When streets are designed with kids in mind, these risks are greatly reduced. Safer infrastructure gives children more room to move, more time to be seen, and more protection in the event of an unexpected crash.
How drivers can help prevent pedestrian accidents
While Fort Worth’s plans are a great step forward, driver behavior still plays a major role in keeping kids safe. Drivers can help prevent accidents with child pedestrians by:
- Slowing down in school zones and neighborhoods: This is especially important, as children are often walking, biking, or playing in these areas.
- Putting away phones while driving: Stay fully engaged and aware of the road and surroundings.
- Staying alert at crosswalks and bus stops: Here, children may be crossing or hanging around.
- Expect the unexpected: It’s not uncommon for kids to dart into the street without warning, especially if they’re chasing a ball, waving to a friend, or simply not paying attention.
Kids may not have the experience to judge traffic safely and are often still developing road awareness, so it’s crucial to stay alert and drive responsibly.
What to expect when filing a pedestrian injury claim for your child
After a child is hit by a car, parents are often left dealing with both emotional trauma and financial strain. In Texas, a pedestrian accident claim can help your family recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, future care needs, and more.
Your attorney will begin by gathering evidence from the scene, interviewing witnesses, reviewing police and medical reports, and calculating damages. If the driver was speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent, they can be held legally responsible for the harm your child suffered. And if the case involves a school zone or poorly designed intersection, additional parties may share liability.
At the Cain Firm, we take care of every step so your family can focus on healing. From investigating the crash to negotiating with insurers, we fight to protect your child’s future.
If your child was injured, our Fort Worth pedestrian accident lawyers are here to help
Our dedicated legal team understands how devastating these accidents can be, and we’re here to fight for the compensation your family needs to recover and move forward. With a strong focus on personalized attention and communication, you can trust that your case is in good hands when you work with the Cain Firm.
If your child was hit by a car and injured, don’t wait to get legal help. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to what happened, explain your potential legal options, and help you fight for the justice and financial compensation your family deserves.