Pedestrian Accident
Houston is not a very “walkable” city. The Bayou City has been designed with drivers in mind, and native Houstonians understand that our hometown caters to motorists. Because of this, pedestrians risk potentially life-threatening injuries every time they decide to travel on foot amongst sedans, trucks, and 18-wheelers.
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Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrian accidents can end lives. No human body is built to withstand the impact of an automobile travelling at a high rate of speed, and even low-speed auto-pedestrian collisions can inflict injuries that follow victims for the rest of their lives.
Pedestrians, skateboarders, wheelchair users, and other non-drivers have rights, and Houston motorists have a responsibility to be mindful of all citizens who choose to occupy a public roadway. Distracted and unsafe drivers cannot get away with permanently maiming citizens who are simply trying to get from point A to point B.
If you have been injured as a result of an auto-pedestrian accident, Pusch & Nguyen is here to help. With years of experience serving Texans who have suffered from car accidents and personal injury, our law firm is well equipped to handle your injury lawsuit. Whether it’s an insurance company, government entity, or simply a hard-to-deal-with defendant, we’ve seen it all, and we’re ready to use our expertise to help you get the compensation you deserve. For more information on how we can build your case, call us today at 713-597-8420 to schedule a free consultation with an in-house legal expert. You can also contact us by filling out our online contact form here.
Definition of Pedestrian Accident
A pedestrian accident takes place when a person travelling on foot is struck by an automobile, motorcycle, 18-wheeler, or any other type of motor vehicle. This type of accident is extremely common in Houston, a city notorious for its aggressive drivers. The city is also known for having an infrastructure that is not very pedestrian-friendly. Improvements have been made recently with the recent redesign of the Energy Corridor, but it is commonly agreed upon that Houston pedestrians are not as safe as their counterparts in other cities.
Distracted driving is a common cause of auto-pedestrian accidents. Safe and responsible driving requires the motorist to have 100% of their attention on the road in front of them. Taking your eyes off the road for extended periods of time can have extreme consequences. Texting and social media usage are two major distractions that drivers still seem to struggle with. Individuals who engage in distracted driving may find themselves at-fault in a personal injury lawsuit.
Drunk driving is another frequent cause of pedestrian accidents in Houston. Inebriation can cause a driver to act out of character and make critical driving errors that lead to serious injury or death, such as not seeing a pedestrian crossing the street late at night or veering off the road in a residential area and striking an individual on the sidewalk.
Lastly, another unfortunate cause of Houston pedestrian accidents is road rage. Houston drivers can be impatient and easily angered. If they feel as though a pedestrian is in their way or slowing down their commute, many of them will not hesitate to purposely inflict injury. There have even been severe cases of road rage in Houston, some of which have even involved deadly shootings.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Auto-pedestrian accidents can cause pedestrians to withstand debilitating injuries in part due to the unprotected nature of the average citizen. No one ever expects to be struck by a vehicle on their way to school, work, the grocery store, or the gymnasium, which is why people do not wear protective gear when they’re simply walking around town. However, even if this were commonplace, auto-pedestrian collisions would most likely still be just as dangerous and lethal. Pedestrians can experience severe consequences including medical bills, emergency surgeries, physical rehabilitation, and many other expensive treatments may become necessary as a direct result of an accident.
Traumatic brain injury is a common consequence of auto-pedestrian collisions. Unlike bicyclists, pedestrians do not typically wear headgear when they’re simply taking a walk around the Bayou City. Because of this, a traumatic brain injury can easily occur when a pedestrian is on the receiving end of an auto collision. Even a low-speed accident can have catastrophic consequences on an innocent pedestrian’s health and overall quality of life.
Paralysis may occur as a result of a pedestrian accident. This type of injury is defined as the total loss of nerve and muscle function in one or more limbs. Paralysis typically occurs when an individual suffers damage to their spinal cord. Depending on the damage, an individual may lose function of a single portion of their body. In the most severe cases, an individual will lose functionality in their entire body.
It is important to remember that not all damages are physical. There are many pedestrians who suffer from PTSD and unwanted flashbacks as a direct result of their auto-pedestrian accident. Posttraumatic stress disorder happens when you. This is a serious emotional damage that can negatively affect the life of a victim for years to come. PTSD can cause benign activities to become extremely difficult and emotionally distressing. Something as simple as walking the dog or jogging around the block can become a terrifying chore that elicits flashbacks and feelings of worthlessness.
As an injured pedestrian, it can be extremely tempting to accept a settlement offer. You have a mountain of medical bills, you’re probably out of work, and you have no idea how you will be able to provide for you and your family while you attempt to recover from your injuries. Because of this, initial settlement offers may seem attractive on the surface, but they typically are not worth accepting. Many injury victims accept these offers because they miscalculate just how much money they will need for their recovery. It is very common for victims to underestimate their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Experienced personal injury lawyers understand that victims deserve every penny they can get. Here are some statistics that show the real-life numbers behind auto-pedestrian accidents in America.
In 2020, data journalist Niall McCarthy of Statista reported a sharp increase in pedestrian deaths. In 2019, there were 6,590 pedestrian deaths, the highest total in 30 years.
From 2009 to 2018, there was a 53% increase in pedestrian fatalities. There were 4,109 deaths in 2009 compared to 6,283 deaths in 2018. Pedestrian deaths currently account for 17% of all traffic fatalities. Governors Highway Safety Association.
In 2019, there were 5,975 traffic crashes in the state of Texas that involved pedestrians. These accidents resulted in 669 fatalities.
Unlike many other states, Texas roads are becoming less safe for pedestrians, especially those who are 65 years of age and older. Between 2009 and 2018, senior pedestrian deaths increased nearly 65%.
Pusch & Nguyen | Houston Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
You can never plan on a pedestrian accident occurring in your life, but if it happens, taking immediate legal action can help you recover from your damages. If you were injured by a drunk, distracted, or unsafe driver during your walk around Houston, we can help. At Pusch & Nguyen, our experienced personal injury lawyers will do what it takes to fight for your rights and ensure you receive proper compensation for your damages. With years of legal experience and proven reputation of successful lawsuits, you can be confident in our ability to provide you with a favorable outcome in a court of law. For more information on how we can help your case, call us today at 713-597-8420 to schedule your free consultation.
WHY Pusch & Nguyen Law Firm
IS DIFFERENT
Our aggressive legal team work together seamlessly for the benefit of our clients. Whether your goal is to settle your case as quickly as possible or fight for maximum compensation, even if that means a court date, we can help make the process as easy and painless as possible.
they truly made me feel like they cared
Cynthia G.
Their team answered all my questions quickly
Jerry S.
Our clients praise us for keeping them updated about their cases, communicating openly and honestly, and getting results. With Pusch and Nguyen in your corner, you’ll feel confident and assured in the face of serious injuries and hefty medical bills.
