When negligent motorists collide with pedestrians, the resulting injuries are often severe, life-altering, or fatal. Under Texas law, injured pedestrians have the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other related damages. However, asserting these rights and negotiating with insurance companies is often challenging. For this reason, it is crucial to consult a qualified attorney promptly after the incident to protect your legal interests.
Since 2002, the legal team at D. Miller & Associates, PLLC, has been helping accident victims in Texas. We fight relentlessly for you, negotiating out of court for every dollar you deserve or trying your claim in front of a judge or jury. With $650 million awarded in verdicts and settlements and 36,000+ cases won, we are the law firm Texans trust.
Injured as a Pedestrian in Houston? We Can Help
If you were struck by a negligent driver, you may face significant challenges, including extensive medical treatment, high healthcare costs, and limitations on your ability to work or carry out daily activities. However, you don’t have to carry this burden alone.
A Houston personal injury attorney can help by:
- Conducting a comprehensive investigation of the accident, gathering evidence, and establishing the at-fault driver’s liability.
- Evaluating the full extent of your economic and non-economic damages and negotiating with insurance carriers to pursue maximum compensation.
- Providing representation in court, if necessary, and guiding you through each phase of the legal process with skilled advocacy.
- Maintaining clear and consistent communication, keeping you informed, and addressing your questions with professionalism and care.
Ideally, your case will settle before a trial; however, our primary goal is to secure a reasonable and fair settlement.
“We fight for you, when you can’t fight for yourself. It is your voice and our strength! “
Why Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Houston
Houston is a sprawling, bustling city with high-speed roadways, limited pedestrian infrastructure, and heavy traffic, all of which contribute to a higher risk of pedestrian accidents for residents and visitors alike.
Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted driving, such as texting or using navigation apps
- Speeding or running red lights, especially in busy intersections
- Failure to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks or during turns
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Poor visibility, including nighttime conditions or obstructed signage
Houston’s Most Dangerous Areas for Pedestrians
As noted, Houston’s urban layout and lack of pedestrian-focused infrastructure, such as sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian signals, and adequate lighting, contribute to numerous high-risk areas where pedestrians face elevated danger. One of the deadliest stretches is Westheimer Road between Fountain View and Fondren Road, which has seen multiple fatalities.
Other high-risk areas and neighborhoods include:
- Highway 6, from Westheimer to Katy Freeway, is also known for a high number of pedestrian deaths.
- Intersections such as Bellaire Boulevard at Ranchester Drive and Fondren Road at West Bellfort Avenue have consistently ranked among the most dangerous due to high pedestrian volumes and limited crossing protections.
- Areas like Shepherd Drive at Allen Parkway, Taylor Street at Spring Street, and the MKT Trail pose additional risks due to complex traffic patterns and poor visibility.
- Neighborhoods such as Gulfton, Greenspoint, and parts of Southwest Houston often lack adequate sidewalks, lighting, and crossing infrastructure, putting residents at increased risk.
What To Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Houston
The moments after getting hit by a car can be confusing and overwhelming. Taking the right steps after a pedestrian accident in Houston can protect your health and your rights:
- Call 911: Immediately report the accident to law enforcement and request emergency medical assistance, if necessary. Timely medical documentation is critical in establishing a connection between the accident and your injuries.
- Preserve evidence: If physically able, document the scene by taking photographs of your injuries, road conditions, traffic controls, vehicle positions, and any other relevant details. Obtain the names and contact information of witnesses.
- Exchange information: Obtain the driver’s full name, contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance details, just as you would in any motor vehicle collision. This information is essential for any subsequent legal or insurance claim.
- Speak to an attorney: Contact a Houston pedestrian accident attorney before discussing the incident with the driver’s insurance company.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Admitting fault: Don’t apologize or make statements suggesting you were to blame. These can be used against you later.
- Delaying medical care: Waiting to seek treatment may harm your recovery and injury claim.
- Talking to insurance adjustors alone: Insurance companies may try to get you to settle quickly and for less than you deserve. Always consult an attorney first.
- Posting on social media: Avoid sharing information or photos about the accident online. Anything you say, even seemingly harmless statements or images, could be used to question the seriousness of your injuries.
Taking these precautions can make a significant difference in your recovery and your legal outcome.
Meet Your Legal Heroes
Behind every case stands a team of dedicated legal heroes, ready to take on the insurance companies and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Who May Be Liable for Your Pedestrian Injuries?
Liability for a pedestrian accident may extend beyond the driver, depending on the facts of the case, including:
- The driver’s employer, if the driver was acting within the scope of employment at the time of the incident.
- The vehicle manufacturer or a parts supplier, if a mechanical defect or equipment failure played a role in causing the crash.
- A governmental entity, for negligent roadway design, inadequate maintenance, defective traffic signals, or insufficient signage.
- Property owners or contractors, if unsafe conditions in construction zones or obstructed walkways created a foreseeable pedestrian hazard.
Determining liability in a Houston pedestrian accident requires thoroughly investigating the facts, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and applicable traffic laws.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the lack of physical protection often results in catastrophic injuries. Understanding the most common types of pedestrian accident injuries can help clarify the scope of potential damages in a personal injury claim:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Head impacts can cause concussions, skull fractures, or more serious forms of brain trauma, leading to cognitive impairments, memory loss, and emotional or behavioral changes.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine can result in chronic pain, limited mobility, or permanent paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the injury.
- Fractures and broken bones: Pedestrians often suffer broken legs, arms, hips, or ribs, which may require surgery, physical therapy, and extended recovery times.
- Internal injuries: The force of impact can damage internal organs or cause internal bleeding, sometimes requiring emergency surgery and intensive care.
- Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, contusions, and lacerations may seem minor but can lead to lasting pain and complications without proper treatment.
- Facial and dental injuries: Accidents can result in broken teeth, jaw fractures, or facial disfigurement, often requiring reconstructive procedures.
These injuries can have a profound impact on every aspect of an accident victim’s life, from physical health and emotional well-being to financial stability.
Potential Compensation for Houston Pedestrian Accidents
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be eligible for compensation for your losses and damages, including:
- Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and the cost of future medical care.
- Lost income, including wages from missed work and diminished future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, which covers physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property damage includes repairing or replacing personal items like phones, eyewear, or other belongings.
- Punitive damages, where the at-fault party’s conduct was especially reckless or egregious, as permitted under Texas law.
Wrongful Death
In addition to the pain and emotional trauma it brings, losing a loved one in a pedestrian accident can result in financial woes, particularly if you relied on the person’s income to help pay your bills. A wrongful death claim can provide you with much-deserved financial recovery for your loved one’s death, potentially easing the stress that often follows tragedy.
The state’s statute of limitations on wrongful death and survival actions is generally two years from the day of the incident that caused your loved one’s death.
Why Injured Pedestrians Turn to D. Miller & Associates, PLLC
When injured pedestrians need trusted legal representation in Houston, many turn to D. Miller & Associates, PLLC. With over 66 years of combined experience and more than 36,000 cases won, our firm has built a strong reputation for delivering results. Our team of 83 dedicated professionals works tirelessly to provide compassionate, client-focused support.
We have received several awards and honors that reflect our commitment to excellence and client satisfaction, including:
- Small Business Community Association – Excellence Award
- The National Trial Lawyers – Top 100
- American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys – 10 Best Award for Client Satisfaction, 2017-2018
They underscore our dedication to providing exceptional legal representation and our ongoing commitment to serving our clients with integrity and professionalism.
Client Testimonials
Below are a few of our clients’ testimonials:
- “I wanted to take the time and write that Attorney Raghuthaman was exceptional in his representation for me. He was articulate, fair, and kept informed. He ALWAYS returned my phone calls. I will never use another attorney.”
- “Mr. Rubenstein listened. The case was about me, not him. I appreciated that and that is why we were successful.”
- “Excellent work, I would definitely use D.A. Miller & Associates again.”
See what our injury attorneys can do for you during a free case evaluation. You are under no obligation to retain our services when you call to discuss your case. You may discover your legal options and receive and have your questions answered.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation Today
You don’t have to navigate the legal system alone after a pedestrian accident in Houston. At D. Miller & Associates, PLLC, we are prepared to provide skilled guidance throughout the legal process and advocate diligently for the compensation and justice you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation with our legal team.
