Were You Hit by a Car as a Pedestrian?
Get the Legal Help You Need. Call the Houston Attorneys at the Adley Law Firm for a free consultation.
Walking is generally regarded as a safe mode of transportation; however, pedestrians in Houston and throughout Texas frequently suffer injuries or fatalities in traffic-related incidents. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), individuals struck by vehicles represent 20% of all roadway fatalities within the state. If you have been involved in such an accident, it is essential to engage an experienced attorney who can advocate for your rights and assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Kevin Adley of Adley Law Firm is committed to representing pedestrians injured in accidents in Houston and its surrounding regions. Insurance companies often seek to diminish settlement amounts; however, we are dedicated to ensuring that you receive equitable compensation for your injuries.
- The Impact of Negligent Drivers on Pedestrians
- Crosswalks, Sidewalks, and Traffic Control Devices
- Procedures to Follow After a Pedestrian Accident
- Pedestrian Accident Settlements and Compensation
- How Adley Law Firm Fights for You
The Impact of Negligent Drivers on Pedestrians
In Houston, pedestrian accidents may arise from various forms of driver negligence, including the following factors:
- Speeding: Operators exceeding speed limits may be unable to stop in time to prevent a collision with a pedestrian.
- Distracted Driving: Engagement with mobile devices or other distractions can significantly increase the risk of accidents involving pedestrians.
- Aggressive Driving: Motorists exhibiting aggressive or reckless behavior can inflict severe injuries upon pedestrians.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drugs can impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and overall ability to safely operate a vehicle, making them more likely to cause accidents with pedestrians.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers who do not yield to pedestrians at crosswalks or intersections place them at a higher risk of being struck.
Pedestrians generally have minimal protection during collisions with cars, which can lead to serious and potentially life-altering injuries, including spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), fractures, and damage to internal organs. The recovery process from such injuries is often extensive and may result in long-term disabilities.
Crosswalks, Sidewalks, and Traffic Control Devices
Many pedestrian accidents occur due to drivers failing to observe essential traffic rules that protect pedestrians. These include:
- Crosswalks: Pedestrians have the right of way when using designated crosswalks, but drivers who ignore this can cause devastating accidents.
- Sidewalks: Even when walking on sidewalks, pedestrians may face dangers from drivers who lose control of their vehicles or mount the curb.
- Red Lights & Stop Signs: Drivers who run red lights or fail to stop at stop signs may hit pedestrians crossing at intersections.
- Hit Crossing the Street: Pedestrians are often hit while legally crossing the street, especially when drivers are distracted or disobey traffic signals.
Procedures to Follow After a Pedestrian Accident
If circumstances permit, it is advisable to follow these steps to safeguard your rights:
- Contact Law Enforcement: The police can secure the accident scene, ensure that you receive necessary medical attention, and prepare an official report.
- Seek Medical Attention: Some injuries may not exhibit immediate symptoms, even if the individual feels otherwise well. A medical professional will document the injuries for your records. Additionally, failure to obtain prompt medical care may adversely impact any potential compensation claims.
- Gather Information: Acquire the driver’s contact and insurance details, document the vehicle’s make and model, and collect the contact information of any witnesses.
- Capture Photographs: Utilize your mobile device to take images of the accident scene and any visible injuries sustained.
- Consult Legal Counsel: Engage with a qualified attorney promptly to clarify your legal rights and available options.
Pedestrian Accident Settlements and Compensation
After a pedestrian accident, victims often face significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Depending on the severity of the injuries and the circumstances surrounding the car accident, victims may be entitled to a range of compensation. The goal of a pedestrian accident settlement is to help victims recover the financial losses associated with the accident and to provide compensation for the pain and suffering endured. At Adley Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping clients maximize their settlements.
Types of Compensation
Victims of pedestrian accidents may be eligible for several types of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: This covers both current and future medical costs related to the accident, including emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, medications, and follow-up treatments.
- Lost Wages: If the victim is unable to work due to the injuries sustained in the accident, they may be entitled to compensation for lost wages during recovery. In cases of long-term or permanent disability, compensation may also cover future lost income.
- Pain and Suffering: This form of compensation is intended to address the physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the accident. It includes compensation for mental anguish, anxiety, depression, and any loss of enjoyment of life.
- Rehabilitation Costs: Victims who require ongoing physical therapy or rehabilitation to regain their physical abilities can seek compensation for these services.
- Property Damage: If any personal property, such as clothing or belongings, was damaged during the accident, compensation may be awarded for the repair or replacement of these items.
- Wrongful Death: In cases where the accident results in a fatality, the family of the victim may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages related to the wrongful death of a loved one.
Factors Affecting Settlements
Several factors influence the amount of compensation a pedestrian accident victim may receive, including:
- Severity of Injuries: The more severe the injuries, the higher the potential settlement. Injuries that result in long-term disability, permanent disfigurement, or ongoing medical care generally lead to larger compensation amounts.
- Liability: Establishing clear liability is critical in determining the outcome of a settlement. If the driver is found entirely at fault, the chances of receiving a full settlement are higher.
- Insurance Policy Limits: The driver’s insurance policy limits can impact the amount of compensation the victim can receive. If the policy limits are low, it may be necessary to explore other avenues of compensation.
- Comparative Negligence: Texas follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning if the pedestrian is found partially at fault for the accident, their compensation may be reduced in proportion to their degree of fault.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, it is crucial to seek the assistance of an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of settlement negotiations. At Adley Law Firm, we are committed to fighting for the compensation our clients deserve and ensuring that they are not taken advantage of by insurance companies.
How Adley Law Firm Fights for You
Pursuing accountability for negligent drivers and navigating the complexities of insurance companies can present significant challenges. Frequently, drivers may deny responsibility or attempt to shift blame to the injured party. Moreover, insurance companies, motivated by profit, may employ various strategies to reduce the compensation owed to individuals.
Kevin Adley and his team are committed to addressing these obstacles and ensuring clients receive the compensation they deserve. The following outlines our approach:
- Thorough Investigation: We meticulously gather relevant evidence, analyze accident reports, and conduct interviews with witnesses to comprehensively understand the incident.
- Robust Case Development: Our expertise enables us to effectively demonstrate negligence and construct a compelling case for our clients.
- Comprehensive Damage Assessment: We evaluate current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and the associated pain and suffering to provide a complete picture of the damages incurred.
- Assertive Negotiation: Our team negotiates with insurance companies to secure the maximum possible compensation for our clients.
We prioritize clear communication and provide regular updates throughout the legal process. Kevin Adley is readily accessible to clients, ensuring personalized attention and support.
Suppose you have sustained injuries in a pedestrian accident in Houston or the surrounding areas. In that case, we invite you to contact the personal injury lawyers at the Adley Law Firm for a complimentary consultation. We can accommodate meetings at our office or at a convenient location, including your home or hospital room.
