A pedestrian is particularly vulnerable to the dangers present on roadways. Negligent drivers who hit pedestrians can cause severe and even fatal injuries. Whether you suffered an injury at a crosswalk, sidewalk, or other designated walking area, you may be entitled to financial compensation when a person’s negligence is to blame.
To investigate and pursue your claim, speak with an accomplished Houston pedestrian accident lawyer right away. Our office has a team of personal injury attorneys ready and able to take on your case.
Laws for Pedestrians in Houston
Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §522 indicates designated walking areas for pedestrians in and around Houston. Specifically, pedestrians should:
- Avoid jaywalking
- Keep to the right on roadways
- Cross at crosswalks when available
- Use sidewalks
- Stay on the curb
- Obey traffic signals at crosswalks and intersections
These rules are meant to protect pedestrians from drivers on the road. A driver’s failure to respect the rights of pedestrians is a common cause of otherwise avoidable accidents. When a motorist strikes a pedestrian who is following these rules, the motorist is likely to be found totally liable for the pedestrian’s damages, leaving no room for allegations of contributory negligence on the part of the person on foot. A trusted Houston pedestrian accident attorney can help people who are injured understand their rights and obligations under the law.
What Causes Pedestrian Injuries?
A pedestrian may face many hazards when others on the road do not exercise reasonable care. Driver negligence can cause injuries to pedestrians in various ways, including but not limited to:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Fatigued or drowsy driving
- Changing lanes inside an intersection
- Failure to yield
Compensation Available in Pedestrian Injury Cases
Compensation is available in cases where the pedestrian and their Houston attorney can successfully prove that the defendant’s negligence caused their injuries. Once liability is established, they must then prove the nature and scope of the pedestrian’s damages to win a comprehensive financial award.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are actual losses incurred by the injured pedestrian and include medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and rehabilitation costs. These are expenses that can be easily identified with a documented value through available records.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate an injured pedestrian for intangible losses that do not have a set value. These include pain and suffering, loss of companionship and support, wrongful death, and more.
Statute of Limitations in Pedestrian Accidents
Most pedestrian accident lawsuits are subject to a two-year statute of limitations period under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §16.003. This deadline limits the amount of time an injured pedestrian has to file a lawsuit for compensation. These time limits are meant to facilitate the timely collections and preservation of evidence that may be lost or destroyed over time.
To avoid missing the statutory deadline, an injured pedestrian should reach out to a seasoned attorney quickly after an accident in Houston. By speaking with an attorney early, they can avoid the dismissal of their case due to the statute of limitations expiring.
Consult a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Houston
Pedestrians are protected by state and local laws. When drivers violate those laws or their basic duty of care, the resulting injuries to nearby pedestrians can be substantial and life-threatening. You may be entitled to a significant financial award for the harms you have suffered as a result of someone else’s negligence.
Speak with an experienced Houston pedestrian accident lawyer at our office about your options for pursuing compensation.