Skilled Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Serving Houston Residents

Introduction to Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents are a growing concern in Houston, often resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities for those involved. With busy streets, heavy traffic, and frequent incidents of distracted driving or reckless driving, Houston pedestrians face significant risks every time they cross the road. Disobeying traffic signals and failing to yield are common factors that contribute to these tragic events. If you or a family member has suffered injuries in a Houston pedestrian accident, it’s crucial to understand your rights and options. A skilled Houston pedestrian accident lawyer can guide you through the process of filing a personal injury lawsuit, helping you pursue fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Don’t let the aftermath of a serious accident overwhelm you; legal support is available to help you recover and move forward.

Where Pedestrian Accidents Happen​

Pedestrian accidents can occur wherever there are motor vehicles, including cars, trucks, and commercial vehicles. The following are common locations:

• Intersections. Most accidents probably happen at intersections, where impatient motorists plow into a crowd trying to cross. Many motorists who make a right-turn on a red light fail to check that the way is clear, and pedestrians suffer the consequences. Other drivers fall asleep or are intoxicated and don’t hit the brakes in time. Poorly designed intersections and failures to yield the right-of-way at crosswalks are common causes of pedestrian accidents, often involving violations of traffic laws and ignoring traffic signs.
• Streets. Unfortunately, some pedestrians jaywalk, even though they are supposed to cross at the intersection. A pedestrian who flings himself into the road or highway is at increased risk of a collision.
• Shoulders. Pedestrians should use the sidewalk, but there might not be one. In that case, you can walk on the road. Many careless or fatigued motorists drift onto the shoulder, and they can mow down a pedestrian who is walking there.
• Parking lots. Pedestrians are also at risk when simply crossing a parking lot. Many drivers don’t check their mirrors before backing out, and they can slam into a pedestrian trying to get to the bank or grocery store.

Law firms commonly handle cases involving drunk drivers, distracted drivers, and failures to yield in crosswalks. Pedestrian accidents often occur in high traffic volume areas, especially near large events or locations without clearly marked crosswalks.

Regardless of where you were hurt, you might have the right to sue. Contact us to find out more.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents in Houston can happen for a variety of reasons, many of which are tied to the unique challenges of navigating the city’s busy streets. Our pedestrian accident lawyers frequently see cases caused by driver distraction, such as texting or using a phone behind the wheel. Other common causes include drivers failing to yield the right of way, speeding through intersections, impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs, and poor visibility at night or in bad weather. Houston’s heavy traffic congestion, complex intersections, and sometimes inadequate crosswalk markings also contribute to the risk of pedestrian accidents. These factors make it essential for both drivers and pedestrians to remain vigilant and for injured victims to seek experienced legal representation.

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries​

Pedestrians have absolutely no protection when they are struck, making the injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents often serious injuries and life-altering. Conversely, car passengers have the car to shield them, and even bicyclists are usually wearing a helmet. Because pedestrians are so exposed, they can suffer brutal injuries in a crash:

• Lower body injuries: broken legs, knee injuries, foot injuries, torn ligaments and tendons, abrasions, and friction burns.
• Upper body injuries: heart contusions, punctured lungs, back injuries, herniated discs, spinal column injuries.
• Head injuries: concussion, moderate traumatic brain injuries, hemorrhage, paralysis.
• Catastrophic injuries: severe TBIs, paralysis, burns, amputated limbs, and crush injuries.
• Internal injuries: damage to organs or internal bleeding, which may not be immediately visible. It is crucial for injured clients to seek medical attention after a pedestrian accident, as internal injuries can be masked by shock or adrenaline and may become life-threatening if untreated.

The extent of injuries from pedestrian accidents often depends on the speed of the vehicle and the location of the impact.

Many accident victims need an immediate lift to the hospital in the back of an ambulance. Do not try to move around if you are in extreme pain. Instead, ask someone at the scene to call emergency services for you and wait patiently for them to arrive.

Injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents can lead to significant medical expenses and long-term rehabilitation needs for injured clients. The Centers for Disease Control reported that over 137,000 people sought emergency medical care for non-fatal pedestrian crash injuries in a recent year. Common pedestrian accident injuries include fractures, head injuries, and spinal cord injuries.

Also pay attention to your symptoms in the weeks following the crash. Even a pedestrian who walks away feeling “fine” could quickly develop serious problems. Back injuries and head injuries are types which can worsen in the days following a crash. You should immediately go to the hospital if you are feeling pain.​

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

If you are involved in a Houston pedestrian accident, taking the right steps immediately can make a significant difference in your recovery and your ability to seek compensation. First, call the police to report the accident and ensure that an official police report is filed. Even if your injuries seem minor, seek medical attention right away—some injuries may not be obvious at first but can become serious over time. At the accident scene, gather as much evidence as possible, including photos, videos, and witness statements from anyone who saw what happened. Finally, contact a Houston pedestrian accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights, preserve crucial evidence, and determine the best course of action for your case.

Evidence in a Pedestrian Accident Case

Building a strong pedestrian accident case relies on collecting and preserving key evidence that demonstrates how the accident occurred and the extent of your injuries. Important types of evidence include police reports that document the incident, witness statements that provide firsthand accounts, and medical records detailing the injuries you sustained and the treatment you received. Photos or videos of the accident scene can also be invaluable in showing the conditions at the time of the crash. A Houston pedestrian accident attorney can assist you in gathering this evidence and may work with accident reconstruction experts to clarify exactly what happened. By assembling a comprehensive case file, your attorney can help ensure you have the best chance of securing the compensation you deserve.

Get the Compensation You Deserve​

Negligent motorists should pay compensation to victims, including pedestrians. Injured pedestrians may be eligible to recover financial compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. At The Stano Law Firm, we can seek money damages for your losses, including:

• Full cost of past and present medical care
• Lost income or lost wages, including future lost earnings
• Property damage, if the crash damaged property
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Disfigurement
• Disability

Attorneys can help maximize compensation by carefully assessing the value of your claim, including medical expenses and lost wages. Economic damages cover quantifiable financial losses such as medical expenses and lost wages, while non-economic damages address intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In some cases, victims may also seek punitive damages if the driver’s actions were particularly egregious. The amount of compensation a pedestrian accident victim receives will depend on the seriousness of their injuries and the impact on their life. Most pedestrian accident claims are settled out of court through a personal injury settlement, and pursuing a fair settlement is the goal.

We fully analyze your case to settle on the maximum amount of compensation we can ask for. Share helpful documents with your attorney, such as your medical bills and proof of income. These docs help identify your out-of-pocket expenses. We can then use our experience to request a fair amount for subjective losses like emotional distress, suffering, and disfigurement.​

Keys to Receiving Fair Compensation​

Most pedestrians make a claim on the driver’s liability insurance. However, they quickly experience shock at how difficult it is to get an insurer to pay out compensation, but there are certain steps you can take to improve your odds of success.

• First, after you have called for medical attention, hire an attorney. The insurer is more likely to take your claim seriously if you have an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Houston. Your attorney will handle all communication with the driver’s insurance company and insurance adjusters, defending you against lowball offers or attempts to shift blame. Most pedestrian accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay if you win or settle your case. An attorney can also gather helpful evidence to show the driver is at fault. Pedestrian accident claims often require a thorough investigation, including gathering police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage. Gathering concrete evidence is crucial to building a strong case after a pedestrian accident.
• Second, collect as much evidence as you can at the accident scene. If you can move around, get pictures of the cars involved and anything else that seems relevant.
• Third, remember to go to the hospital to receive treatment. This step shows you are proactively trying to get better. The defendant can’t blame you for the pain and limitations you experience if you received prompt medical care.

 Deadlines for Suing​

The statute of limitations for pedestrian accidents gives you two years to file a lawsuit in court to seek compensation. When you go over this deadline, a judge will likely dismiss your case, and you are simply out of luck. We strongly recommend that you meet with an experienced Houston pedestrian accident attorney to discuss your options. If you are approaching the two-year deadline, our firm can quickly get a case filed.​

Pedestrian Accident Statistics in Texas​

Texas is one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians. There are some simple reasons why. Because of our weather, more people are out walking all 12 months of the year, which means there is more opportunity for people to get hurt.

But the layout of our largest cities is also a contributing factor. State statistics illustrate how dangerous it is for pedestrians:

• In 2021, pedestrian fatalities jumped to 824, which was a 15.24% increase from the year before.
• The same year, there were 1,713 suspected serious pedestrian injuries and another 1,937 minor injuries in Texas.
• There were 5,366 total pedestrian accidents in Texas in 2021.
• These accidents cost the state millions of dollars each year in lost worker productivity and medical care.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, just over 6,200 pedestrian accident deaths were reported nationwide in a recent year. In Texas, pedestrian fatalities were reported at 649 in a recent year, with thousands more injured in car accidents and other motor vehicle collisions. Driver errors account for approximately 95 percent of all motor vehicle collisions, including those involving pedestrians.

How to Minimize the Risks of Pedestrian Accidents​

All pedestrians and motorists should follow the rules of the road to prevent accidents. Having said that, pedestrians can take steps by themselves to reduce the risk of a crash, such as:

• Only cross at the intersection and use the crosswalk if one is available.
• Always follow traffic control devices, including obeying traffic signs and signals, especially at crosswalks. If the light tells you not to cross, don’t fling yourself into the intersection.
• Never jaywalk, since motorists are not expecting you to appear in the middle of the road.
• Always look both ways before stepping off the curb, even if you have a light. You never know if a motorist will stop or if they’ll blow through a red light.
• Do not dawdle in the intersection but cross as quickly as you can. If the light changes, then you can expect drivers to try and squeeze past you. It’s best to get to the other side as soon as you can.
• Stay alert in parking lots and when crossing driveways. Anticipate someone backing out without any warning.
• Don’t scroll through text messages or engage in anything distracting. Avoid wearing earbuds and playing music, since that will limit your ability to hear approaching traffic.
• Wear bright clothing or put reflective tape on your backpack or jacket. This will make you stand out, particularly at night or in inclement weather.

Proportionate Responsibility & Pedestrian Accidents​

Some pedestrians contribute to their accidents because they break the law, are distracted, or are careless. The case of a jaywalking pedestrian is a classic example. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system, which means both the pedestrian and the driver can share responsibility for an accident. Under the Texas law, specifically the Texas Transportation Code, liability in pedestrian accidents is determined by statutory provisions that govern pedestrian rights and driver duties. You can seek compensation in some cases even if you were negligent yourself. This is the law of comparative fault, or what Texas calls “proportionate responsibility.”

Proving driver negligence is crucial in these cases. It involves showing that the driver owed a duty of care and failed it due to actions like speeding or distracted driving. Negligent drivers are a common cause of pedestrian accidents in Houston. In Texas, the law allows for multiple parties to share liability in a pedestrian accident, which can affect the compensation available to the victim. Simply put, you can seek compensation provided your share of responsibility is not over 50%. Even then, however, the judge will reduce your compensation by your share of fault. So if you were 50% to blame, you will receive half of what you otherwise would.

Our pedestrian accident lawyer in Houston understands the importance of this law. Many defendants try to pin blame for the accident on the victim. We can pull together all evidence to show this isn’t the case. We can also minimize your fault so that the defendant can’t shirk their responsibilities under the law.​

Dealing with the Insurance Company

Navigating the claims process with insurance companies after a Houston pedestrian accident can be challenging. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts by offering low settlements or disputing the extent of your injuries. Having a Houston pedestrian accident lawyer on your side can make a significant difference. Your attorney will handle all communications with the insurance company, negotiate aggressively for fair compensation, and protect your rights throughout the process. If the insurer refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, your lawyer can take your case to court to fight for the compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Don’t let insurance companies undervalue your claim; get the legal support you need to achieve a fair outcome.

Contact Our Houston Pedestrian Accident Attorney​

Stano Law Firm remains committed to the health and safety of our community members. Pedestrians should not live in fear of horrifying injuries because careless drivers refuse to drive safely. We know that you have large expenses following a crash, and we can fight to get a favorable settlement with a motorist who has jeopardized your health.

If you need legal assistance, please reach out to us today. We provide a free consultation which you can schedule in person or over the phone. This gives us a chance to discuss your accident, the severity of your injuries, and other facts. Based on what we learn, we can recommend going ahead and filing an insurance claim. Contact us today.

Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions for a Houston Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Texas

Q. What should I do immediately after a pedestrian accident in Houston, TX?

A. After being struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian in Houston, seek immediate medical attention even if injuries seem minor, as symptoms like head trauma, back pain, or internal injuries can worsen over time. Document the scene with photos if possible, obtain a police report, and collect witness information. Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters until you consult an attorney. Contact a Houston Pedestrian Accident Attorney at The Stano Law Firm right away so we can begin preserving evidence and protecting your rights under Texas law.

Q. What are the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Houston, Texas?

A. In Houston, pedestrian accidents frequently occur due to distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield at crosswalks or intersections, impaired driving, and reckless maneuvers such as running red lights or turning right on red without checking. Houston’s busy roadways, high-speed arterial streets, and car-centric infrastructure contribute significantly to these incidents. A knowledgeable Houston Pedestrian Accident Lawyer from The Stano Law Firm thoroughly investigates each case to identify driver negligence and build a strong claim.

Q. Do pedestrians have the right of way in Houston under Texas law?

A. Under Texas Transportation Code, pedestrians generally have the right of way in marked crosswalks when facing a “Walk” signal or at intersections without signals. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in these situations. However, when crossing outside a crosswalk, pedestrians must yield to vehicles. A skilled Houston Pedestrian Accident Attorney at The Stano Law Firm can evaluate the specific circumstances of your accident and determine how these rules apply to strengthen your case in Harris County or Southeast Texas.

Q. What types of injuries are common in Houston pedestrian accidents?

A. Pedestrian accidents in Houston often result in severe injuries because victims have no protection from vehicles. Common injuries include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage leading to paralysis, internal organ injuries, lacerations, road rash, and crush injuries. Catastrophic outcomes such as long-term disability or wrongful death are unfortunately frequent. The Stano Law Firm’s experienced Houston Pedestrian Accident Attorney helps victims secure compensation for these life-altering injuries.

Q. What compensation can a Houston Pedestrian Accident Attorney help me recover?

A. Victims of pedestrian accidents in Houston may recover damages for medical bills (past and future), lost wages and diminished earning capacity, property damage (such as damaged belongings), pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, and disability. Under Texas proportionate responsibility rules, compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault if any, but you can still recover as long as your fault is not more than 50%. The Stano Law Firm’s Houston Pedestrian Accident Lawyer works diligently to maximize your recovery.

Q. What is the statute of limitations for a pedestrian accident claim in Houston, Texas?

A. Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003 establishes a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents. This means you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from seeking compensation. Consulting a Houston Pedestrian Accident Attorney at The Stano Law Firm promptly is critical to meet all deadlines and preserve your legal rights.

Q. Why do I need a specialized Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Houston for my case?

A. Pedestrian accident claims are often more complex than standard car accidents because insurance companies frequently attempt to shift blame to the pedestrian or offer low settlements. A dedicated Houston Pedestrian Accident Attorney from The Stano Law Firm has the experience to investigate thoroughly, gather strong evidence of driver negligence, counter comparative fault arguments, and negotiate aggressively for full compensation under Texas law.

Q. How much does it cost to hire The Stano Law Firm as my Houston Pedestrian Accident Attorney?

A. The Stano Law Firm handles pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees upfront and owe nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for you. We also provide free, no-obligation consultations so you can discuss your Houston pedestrian accident with a qualified Pedestrian Accident Attorney Texas without any financial risk. This allows every injured pedestrian in Houston and Southeast Texas access to experienced representation.

Q. Can a Houston Pedestrian Accident Attorney handle cases involving catastrophic injuries or wrongful death?

A. Yes. The Stano Law Firm represents pedestrians in Houston who have suffered catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, paralysis, amputations, or other severe outcomes, as well as families who have lost loved ones in wrongful death cases. Our Houston Pedestrian Accident Lawyer team understands the profound impact these accidents have and fights to secure the resources needed for long-term care and support.

Q. How can I contact a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Houston, TX for help with my claim?

A. Contact The Stano Law Firm today for a free consultation by calling (832) 777-0390, or by filling out the contact form on our website. Our compassionate Houston-based team is ready to listen to your story, explain your options as your trusted Houston Pedestrian Accident Attorney, and begin pursuing the justice and compensation you deserve. Prompt action is essential—do not delay reaching out to a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Texas after a pedestrian accident in Houston or anywhere in Southeast Texas.