Woman Killed in Tyler Pedestrian Accident on E. Gentry Parkway: Holding Negligent Parties Accountable

One moment, she was walking. The next, a car struck her with devastating force. A woman lost her life in a pedestrian accident on E. Gentry Parkway in Tyler, Texas. Police confirmed the incident occurred around 3:45 p.m. on February 18 in the 1400 block of E. Gentry Parkway. The woman was rushed to a local hospital, where she tragically succumbed to her injuries. The driver of the car that struck her was also taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

This wasn’t just an accident—it was a preventable tragedy. At Attorney911, we’ve seen how pedestrian accidents like this one leave families shattered and communities searching for answers. When a life is cut short by negligence, the legal system provides a path to accountability and compensation. If you’ve lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, you don’t have to face this alone. Our Tyler pedestrian accident attorneys are here to fight for you.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Why Pedestrian Accidents Happen: Common Causes

Pedestrian accidents don’t happen by accident. They’re the result of negligence—whether it’s a distracted driver, poor road design, or a failure to yield. In cases like the one on E. Gentry Parkway, several factors often contribute:

1. Driver Negligence

Most pedestrian accidents are caused by driver error. Common forms of negligence include:

• Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, or even eating while driving can take a driver’s attention off the road. In the few seconds it takes to glance at a text, a driver can travel the length of a football field—plenty of time to miss a pedestrian.
• Speeding: Higher speeds reduce reaction time and increase stopping distance. A pedestrian struck by a car traveling at 40 mph has only a 15% chance of survival, compared to a 55% chance at 30 mph.
• Failure to Yield: Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, at intersections, and when turning. Many accidents occur when drivers fail to obey these basic rules.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination. Even a small amount of alcohol can increase the risk of a fatal crash.
• Fatigue: Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and are more likely to make poor decisions.

2. Poor Road Design and Infrastructure

Tyler’s roads, like many in Texas, were often designed with cars in mind—not pedestrians. Dangerous infrastructure contributes to accidents:

• Lack of Crosswalks: Pedestrians are forced to cross busy roads without designated crosswalks, putting them at risk.
• Inadequate Lighting: Poorly lit streets make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians, especially at night.
• Missing Sidewalks: Without sidewalks, pedestrians are forced to walk in the street, increasing the risk of being struck.
• Wide, High-Speed Roads: Roads like E. Gentry Parkway are designed for high-speed traffic, making it dangerous for pedestrians to cross safely.
• Poorly Timed Traffic Signals: Short crossing times or signals that don’t account for pedestrian traffic can force people to rush across the street.

3. Pedestrian Factors

While drivers bear most of the responsibility, pedestrians can also contribute to accidents:

• Jaywalking: Crossing outside of designated crosswalks or against traffic signals increases the risk of being struck.
• Distraction: Pedestrians listening to music, texting, or talking on the phone may not notice oncoming traffic.
• Impairment: Alcohol or drug use can impair a pedestrian’s judgment and coordination.
• Dark Clothing: Wearing dark clothing at night makes pedestrians harder to see.

In the E. Gentry Parkway case, investigators will examine all these factors to determine what went wrong. Was the driver distracted? Was the pedestrian crossing legally? Were there adequate crosswalks and lighting? These questions will shape the legal case moving forward.

Legal Options for the Victim’s Family

When a loved one is killed in a pedestrian accident, the family has legal options to seek justice and compensation. In Texas, the two primary legal claims are:

1. Wrongful Death Claim

A wrongful death claim allows surviving family members to seek compensation for the losses they’ve suffered due to their loved one’s death. Under Texas law, the following family members can file a wrongful death claim:

• Spouse
• Children (including adult children)
• Parents (if the victim had no spouse or children)

Damages Available in a Wrongful Death Claim:
Wrongful death claims compensate for both economic and non-economic losses, including:

Punitive Damages:
In cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may also be available. These are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. For example, if the driver was drunk or intentionally reckless, punitive damages could apply.

2. Survival Action

A survival action is a separate claim that allows the victim’s estate to recover damages the victim would have been entitled to if they had survived. This includes compensation for:

• Pain and suffering the victim experienced before death
• Medical expenses incurred before death
• Lost wages between the accident and death

The survival action is typically filed by the executor or administrator of the victim’s estate.

What to Do If You’ve Lost a Loved One in a Pedestrian Accident

If you’ve lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, your world has been turned upside down. While no amount of money can bring your loved one back, holding the responsible parties accountable can provide a sense of justice and financial security for your family. Here’s what you should do:

1. Seek Legal Help Immediately

Time is of the essence in pedestrian accident cases. Evidence disappears quickly, and strict deadlines apply. Contact an experienced pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

2. Preserve Evidence

If you’re able, take the following steps to preserve evidence:

• Take Photos: Photograph the accident scene, the vehicle involved, and any visible injuries.
• Get Witness Information: Collect names and contact information from anyone who witnessed the accident.
• Save Medical Records: Keep records of all medical treatment your loved one received.
• Document Expenses: Save receipts for funeral expenses, medical bills, and other costs related to the accident.

3. Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters

Insurance adjusters may contact you shortly after the accident. Do not give a recorded statement or sign anything without consulting an attorney first. Anything you say can be used against you to minimize your claim.

4. Focus on Your Family

Grief is overwhelming, and the legal process can add to the stress. Let your attorney handle the legal details while you focus on healing and supporting your family.

Real Cases, Real Results: Holding Negligent Parties Accountable

At Attorney911, we’ve seen firsthand how pedestrian accidents devastate families. While every case is unique, our track record demonstrates our commitment to holding negligent parties accountable. Here are a few examples of how we’ve helped clients in similar situations:

$37.5 Million Verdict for Trucking Accident Victim

In a landmark Texas trucking case, we secured a $37.5 million verdict for a client severely injured in a collision with a commercial truck. The case involved clear negligence on the part of the trucking company, including hours-of-service violations and inadequate driver training. This verdict sent a message to the trucking industry that negligence will not be tolerated.

Why This Matters for Your Case:
While the E. Gentry Parkway accident involved a car, not a truck, the principle is the same: when negligence causes harm, the responsible parties must be held accountable. Whether it’s a distracted driver, poor road design, or a vehicle defect, we fight to ensure justice is served.

Multi-Million Dollar Settlement for Wrongful Death

In another case, we represented the family of a victim killed in a pedestrian accident caused by a distracted driver. The driver was texting at the time of the crash, and the accident occurred in an area with inadequate crosswalks and poor lighting. We secured a multi-million dollar settlement for the family, providing financial security and a sense of justice.

Why This Matters for Your Case:
Distracted driving and poor infrastructure are common factors in pedestrian accidents. If either played a role in your loved one’s death, we’ll pursue every avenue to hold the responsible parties accountable.

$10 Million Lawsuit Filed Against University for Hazing

While not a pedestrian accident case, this recent lawsuit demonstrates our commitment to holding powerful institutions accountable. We filed a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity for severe hazing that left a student with life-threatening injuries. The case received widespread media attention, including coverage on KHOU 11, ABC13, and the Houston Chronicle.

Why This Matters for Your Case:
This case shows that we’re not afraid to take on large, well-funded defendants. Whether it’s a university, a city, or an insurance company, we have the resources and experience to fight for justice.

Common Questions About Pedestrian Accident Cases

1. How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Texas?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, if you’re filing a claim against a government entity (like the City of Tyler or TxDOT), you typically have only 6 months to file a notice of claim. Missing these deadlines can bar you from recovering compensation, so it’s critical to act quickly.

2. What if the driver didn’t have insurance?

If the driver who struck your loved one didn’t have insurance, you may still have options:

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage: If your loved one had auto insurance, their policy may include UM/UIM coverage, which can compensate for injuries caused by uninsured drivers.
• Your Own UM/UIM Coverage: If you have auto insurance, your policy may also provide UM/UIM coverage.
• Other Liable Parties: Even if the driver is uninsured, other parties (like the vehicle owner, employer, or government entity) may share liability.

3. Can I still file a claim if the pedestrian was partially at fault?

Yes. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation as long as your loved one was not more than 50% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to your loved one.

For example, if your loved one was found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation would be reduced by 20%. If they were 51% or more at fault, you would not be able to recover compensation.

4. How much is my wrongful death claim worth?

The value of a wrongful death claim depends on several factors, including:

• The victim’s age, income, and earning potential
• The victim’s role in the family (e.g., primary breadwinner, caregiver)
• The severity of the victim’s injuries and pain before death
• The degree of negligence involved
• The available insurance coverage

While no amount of money can replace your loved one, wrongful death claims can provide financial security for your family. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for families in similar situations, and we’ll fight to maximize your compensation.

5. What if the driver was working at the time of the accident?

If the driver was on the job at the time of the accident, their employer may share liability under the doctrine of respondeat superior. This applies if the driver was:

• Making a delivery (e.g., for Amazon, FedEx, or UPS)
• Driving a company vehicle
• Working for a rideshare company (e.g., Uber or Lyft)

Employers often have higher insurance limits than individual drivers, making them a critical target for compensation.

6. Can I sue the city if poor road design contributed to the accident?

Yes, but claims against government entities are subject to strict rules. In Texas, you typically have only 6 months to file a notice of claim against a government entity. If poor road design, inadequate crosswalks, or poor lighting contributed to the accident, we’ll investigate and pursue a claim against the responsible government agency.

The Dangers of E. Gentry Parkway and Tyler’s Roads

E. Gentry Parkway is a major thoroughfare in Tyler, connecting residents to schools, businesses, and healthcare facilities. However, like many roads in Texas, it poses significant risks to pedestrians. Here’s why:

1. High-Speed Traffic

E. Gentry Parkway is designed for high-speed traffic, with speed limits often set at 45 mph or higher. At these speeds, drivers have less time to react to pedestrians, and the force of impact is far more deadly.

2. Lack of Pedestrian Infrastructure

Many areas of E. Gentry Parkway lack adequate crosswalks, sidewalks, and lighting. Pedestrians are forced to cross busy roads without protection, increasing the risk of accidents.

3. Distracted and Impaired Drivers

Tyler’s roads, like those across Texas, are plagued by distracted and impaired drivers. In 2023 alone, Texas saw over 100,000 crashes involving distracted driving, many of which resulted in injuries or fatalities.

4. Poor Lighting

Poorly lit streets make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians, especially at night. This is a common issue in Tyler and contributes to many pedestrian accidents.

5. Inadequate Enforcement

Traffic laws are often poorly enforced, allowing dangerous driving behaviors to go unchecked. Speeding, failure to yield, and distracted driving are common on Tyler’s roads.

Holding Negligent Parties Accountable

When a pedestrian is killed in an accident, the responsible parties must be held accountable. This isn’t just about compensation—it’s about justice. It’s about sending a message that negligence will not be tolerated. It’s about preventing future tragedies.

At Attorney911, we’re committed to fighting for families like yours. We’ll investigate the accident, identify all liable parties, and pursue every avenue for compensation. Whether it’s a negligent driver, a government entity, or a vehicle manufacturer, we’ll hold them accountable.

Additional Resources

For more information on pedestrian accidents and your legal rights, check out these resources from Attorney911:

• The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries – While focused on trucking accidents, this video explains how negligence leads to catastrophic injuries and what victims can do to protect their rights.
• What to Do After a Car Accident? – A step-by-step guide to protecting your rights after an accident, including pedestrian accidents.
• The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits – Pedestrian accidents often result in traumatic brain injuries. This guide explains your legal options.
• What Is Fair Compensation for Pain and Suffering? – Learn how pain and suffering damages are calculated in wrongful death and personal injury cases.

Final Thoughts: Justice for Your Loved One

The loss of a loved one in a pedestrian accident is a tragedy that no family should have to endure. While no amount of money can bring your loved one back, holding the responsible parties accountable can provide a sense of justice and financial security for your family.

At Attorney911, we’re here to fight for you. With 25+ years of experience, a former insurance defense attorney on staff, and a proven track record of success, we have the resources and expertise to take on even the most powerful defendants. We’ll investigate the accident, identify all liable parties, and pursue every avenue for compensation.

You don’t have to face this alone. Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. We’re available 24/7, and we work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Justice starts with a call. Make yours today.