Pedestrian deaths are second only to occupant deaths in vehicular accidents. While crossing the street is an everyday occurrence for many, it is not something that can be taken for granted. Every year, thousands of pedestrians are injured and killed.
If you are injured, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries. Be sure you get all the information you can about the accident. Secure any evidence available, find out the names and contact information of witnesses, and get the names and insurance information of the driver involved.
Witnesses to the accident are especially important to furnish evidence as to whose negligence caused the injuries. In general, pedestrians always have the right of way. You will likely be questioned at the accident scene and later by insurance investigators and/or police as to whether you use caution and diligence when crossing the street; whether you used proper crossing locations, etc. You may want to contact an attorney to assist you.
The Texas transportation code § 552.008 places a duty on the drivers to always exercise care to avoid collisions with pedestrians. If necessary, the drivers must honk their horns to alert the pedestrians. The drivers must also be cautious of children or “obviously confused or incapacitated person” on the roadway.
Joe I. Zaid & Associates are dedicated to helping injured victims who are suffering because of someone else’s negligence. It is our belief that negligent people, companies, and businesses deserve to be held accountable for their actions, and a Houston personal injury attorney from our firm will do whatever it takes to obtain justice for your injuries in Texas and across the nation.
The Right of Way Laws in Texas
A personal injury attorney will be able to determine whether a driver violated the right of way laws in Texas. The right of way law in Texas states that drivers must yield to pedestrians that are in marked or unmarked crosswalks. Furthermore, drivers must also yield to pedestrians on the same half of the roadway as the vehicle or approaching half of the roadway from the opposite side.
Unfortunately, drivers in Houston and throughout Texas fail to follow the right of way laws or ignore when pedestrians have the right of way. The driver’s careless and reckless behavior results in devastating consequences. Victims of pedestrian accidents often have life-changing injuries or many of them die from an impact.
If you or a loved one were injured due to the negligence of a driver in Houston or across the nation, Joe I. Zaid & Associates are here to help you. We will immediately investigate your case and find out if the driver violated the right of way. We will also recover the maximum compensation that you and your family deserve. Contact us today.
How Often Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
It is very important that motor vehicles and pedestrians understand the right of way laws in Texas. Knowing and understanding these laws can help in preventing collisions that have taken too many lives in the state of Texas.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, between 2013 and 2017:
- 27,723 pedestrian accidents happened in Texas, about 5,545 per year on average.
- 2,808 of pedestrian accidents were fatal, about 562 per year.
- 5,385 collisions resulted in serious injuries, about 1,077 per year.
Pedestrian accidents often occur in Houston, Texas. In fact, according to the Houston Chronicle, Houston is the fifth-highest metropolitan area with one of the most pedestrian accidents across Texas.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Occur?
Most pedestrian accidents occur due to a car driver’s negligence. Pedestrians are given the right of way in crosswalks and at red lights in most cities. Sometimes, cars do not appropriately watch for pedestrians or attempt to make illegal traffic moves when walkers have the right of way. Pedestrian accidents can easily happen if the driver of the vehicle is not properly watching their surroundings and is being negligent in operating their motor vehicle.
Dealing With a Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrian accidents are among the most dangerous accidents for obvious reasons. A person is no match for a car’s momentum and is much more easily injured than if in a two-car accident. If you have been hit by a car while walking, an ambulance should be called immediately even if you feel “ok”. No matter what kind of injury you have, injuries like neck and shoulder issues demand expert attention.
Do not attempt to walk to a hospital if you’ve been hit as a pedestrian, as you could cause further injury to yourself before you get medical help.
A police report should also be filed at the scene to help document the incident.
At your convenience, you should take photographs of the place where you were hit. Clearly show the crosswalk, the place of impact, and any other signs or crossing signals that can help to strengthen your claim.
Retaining a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today!
All car drivers must have auto insurance. Since the auto insurance company’s main objective is to pay out as little money as possible, they will attempt to minimize your settlement. When you have representation from a personal injury attorney, you now have someone who knows the law and can fight for a just settlement for your case.
If the above process feels overwhelming don’t fret – that’s what legal counsel is for. A qualified pedestrian accident lawyer like Joe I. Zaid & Associates can protect your rights as a pedestrian and get you the settlement you deserve.
Did you know Joe used to work for the insurance companies?
It is hard enough to deal with being a pedestrian in a busy city. Constantly dodging and ducking cars in order to get from A to B is exhausting as you go through your day. If you’re unfortunate enough to be involved in a pedestrian accident, be smart enough to retain legal counsel and take care of your rights!
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, you should immediately contact a Houston personal injury attorney for help! Joe I. Zaid & Associates is comprised of talented attorneys with the experience necessary to pursue your personal injury case successfully.
To schedule a FREE, confidential, no-obligation consultation with a personal injury attorney from our firm, call us at (346) 756-9243 or submit a FREE case consultation form.