In the bustling city of Houston, Texas, the streets can be perilous for pedestrians. A simple walk can quickly turn into a nightmare when encountering careless drivers on the road.
The aftermath of a pedestrian accident can leave individuals with devastating injuries, emotional distress, and mounting financial burdens. At The Callahan Law Firm, our experienced team understands the challenges faced by those who have been harmed by negligence.
Unfortunately, many pedestrians don’t know the scope of their rights when it comes to these accidents. Let the Houston pedestrian accident lawyers from the Callahan Law Firm assist you in seeking the justice that you deserve.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Since 2018, the trend of pedestrian deaths in traffic accidents has been alarmingly on the rise. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) confirms that pedestrian deaths now make up a staggering 1 in 6 of all traffic fatalities, underscoring the urgent need for increased awareness and safety measures on our roads.
Tragically, the year 2022 witnessed a devastating toll, with 5,766 accidents involving pedestrians in Texas alone, resulting in 830 lives lost and 1,526 pedestrians left seriously injured. These numbers are not just statistics—they are our fellow Texans, our loved ones, our neighbors.
In 2021, a pedestrian was killed every 71 minutes and injured every 9 minutes from traffic accidents.
Children 14 years old and younger accounted for 15% of pedestrians killed in traffic accidents in 2021.
At The Callahan Law Firm, we stand as advocates for those impacted by these devastating statistics. With a commitment to fighting for justice and upholding the rights of pedestrian accident victims, we are here to offer support, guidance, and legal counsel in the pursuit of accountability and rightful compensation.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Texas
Some common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Road and city infrastructure: Texas roads aren’t the safest option for pedestrians. They are not designed with the safety of pedestrians in mind.
- Failure to yield: Drivers fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians, especially in busy congested areas. Pedestrians who try to cross the street in roundabouts or busy intersections are at risk of getting seriously hurt.
- Speeding: When drivers speed, they reduce their reaction time significantly. Pedestrians who try to cross streets when drivers are speeding are at a greater risk of suffering serious injuries.
- Distracted driving: Drivers aren’t always paying attention. They could be on their phone unbeknownst to the pedestrian.
- Driving under the influence: Just like distracted driving, pedestrians don’t always know that the driver is under the influence. Unfortunately it is not uncommon for drivers to have a drink and get behind the wheel.
- Poor visibility: Missing sidewalks and unmarked crosswalks make it harder for drivers to notice the presence of pedestrians.
- Driver negligence: Drivers don’t always abide by traffic laws. They commit violations like making illegal turns and failing to make a complete stop at a stop sign.
Legal Services Offered
Being involved in a pedestrian accident is traumatizing and the emotional distress from your accident can be just as devastating as the physical injuries.
Unfortunately, seeking compensation for your accident is not as simple as it should be. All too many drivers do not want to be held liable for accidents involving pedestrians.
When you have been hurt in a pedestrian accident, obtaining experienced legal counsel such as the attorneys at The Callahan Law Firm is essential. Our Houston pedestrian accident attorneys treat the people we represent with the care and attention they deserve
Some of our legal services include:
- Investigation: Our Houston pedestrian accident lawyers conduct investigations for our clients and collect necessary evidence before it is destroyed.
- Documentation: Obtaining essential records including accident reports, medical records, medical bills, lost wage documentation, and more.
- Communications: Insurance companies are aggressive when they want to deny accident claims. We handle communications with the insurance company and their representatives so you don’t have to.
- Negotiations: Negotiating for compensation with insurance adjusters can be overwhelming. We negotiate to ensure that our clients receive the maximum compensation owed to them.
With over 25 years of experience, our attorneys have fought on behalf of clients who have been involved in personal injury accidents. People we have represented over the years include those who have suffered a range of serious injuries from spinal cord injuries, crush injuries, brain injuries, scarring and disfigurement, and fatal injuries.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
An unfortunate reality is that many people underestimate the severity of pedestrian accident injuries.
Pedestrians can suffer serious injuries to the head, spine, and lower areas of the body. According to the National Library of Medicine, a fatal combination of head and thorax trauma is common for pedestrians to experience when struck by cars.
Other serious injuries include broken bones, soft tissue injuries, lacerations, back injuries, and amputations.
Insurance companies understand how expensive lifelong medical care is for pedestrians with permanent injuries, which may cause them to delay or deny claims with valid serious injuries.
At The Callahan Law Firm, our dedicated team of Houston pedestrian accident attorneys is committed to guiding our clients through the journey of recovery after their accidents. We understand that true healing involves more than just physical recuperation—it also means obtaining the rightful compensation for the lasting impact of your injuries.
Financial Recovery Options
One of the biggest misconceptions about pedestrian accidents is that they have limited financial recovery options. But there may be several ways that you can seek financial compensation from a Houston pedestrian accident.
The first option is the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. Auto liability policies provide coverage for bodily injury damages from pedestrian accidents, including:
- Medical care expenses
- Loss of earnings
- Physical impairment
- Mental Anguish
- Pain
Texas law requires drivers to possess liability insurance. This type insurance pays for damages caused by a driver whose fault caused or contributed to an accident and injury.
Another option is to cover the costs of your medical treatments through your own health insurance company.
Speaking with a Houston pedestrian accident attorney can help you learn more about the types of coverage that your personal insurance or other insurance policies may cover.
Another option you have for financial recovery is to file a lawsuit against the other driver. Filing a lawsuit doesn’t automatically mean a lengthy trial. When possible, insurance companies would rather reach a settlement than battle it out in a trial. However, reaching a settlement is not always easy.
Unfortunately, all too often insurance companies will accuse the pedestrian of being liable for their accident and deny their claims.
Why Choose The Callahan Law Firm
When you are facing an at-fault driver and their insurance company, you should have experienced legal representation on your side. That is what separates the Houston pedestrian accident attorneys at The Callahan Law Firm. We have a long history of success representing individuals in cases involving negligence.
Our Houston pedestrian accident lawyers are focused on leveling the playing field. We want to secure justice for our clients through the most complex cases.
Our lawyers pride themselves on being accessible for every client. Instead of taking on hundreds of cases, we limit the number of cases we accept. This allows us to dedicate more attention to our clients.
We understand that each pedestrian accident is unique and requires different resources for success.
Talk to a Houston Pedestrian Accident Attorney today
Pedestrian accidents have been increasing over the past 6 years. Sustaining serious injuries in a pedestrian accident can change the trajectory of your life.
When you have been hurt in a pedestrian accident, you need experienced and aggressive legal representation. Our skilled Houston pedestrian accident lawyers will give you and your case the respect and attention it deserves.
Find out how we can help your case by scheduling a free, no-obligation consultation.
FAQs
What happens if you hit a pedestrian in Texas?
If you hit a pedestrian in Texas, you can be held liable and be required to pay the pedestrian’s damages. This damage could range from medical bills to lost wages and potentially much more.
An injured pedestrian can file a claim against your insurance company for the injuries and damages your accident has caused them.
What to do after a car accident in Houston?
If you are injured or believe you may be, seek immediate medical attention. Even if you feel fine at the time of your accident or shortly after, it is best to seek medical attention to be sure.
Call the police so that they can come to the scene and investigate.
Get contact information from the other driver, including name, phone number and insurance information.
Get contact information from witnesses as they can be critical to proving your case.
Notify your insurance company that you’ve been involved in an accident.
