Hit by a car in a crosswalk? Call the Adley Law Firm Today
Discuss filing your claim, dealing with insurance and your settlement
Houston’s busy streets and intersections see countless pedestrians every day. Crosswalks are meant to provide a safe place for pedestrians to cross, but far too often, drivers fail to respect these zones, resulting in serious accidents. If you or a loved one has been hit by a car while walking in a crosswalk in Houston, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and other losses.
At the Adley Law Firm, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll crosswalk accidents can take. With over 30 years of experience helping Houston accident victims, we’re committed to fighting for justice and securing the compensation you deserve.
Common Locations of Crosswalk Accidents
Houston’s traffic-heavy environment and expansive roadways create unique risks for pedestrians. Despite efforts by the city to improve pedestrian safety, crosswalk accidents remain a pressing issue. Some of the most dangerous areas for pedestrians in Houston include:
- Downtown Houston Intersections: High foot traffic combined with distracted drivers creates a hazardous environment.
- Highways and Feeder Roads: Crosswalks near highways or feeder roads often see drivers speeding, making them less likely to stop for pedestrians.
- Residential Neighborhoods: School zones and neighborhoods with inadequate signage or crosswalk markings are also common sites for accidents.
In a city with such diverse roadways, understanding the specific risks and challenges pedestrians face is crucial for holding negligent drivers accountable.
Causes of Crosswalk Accidents in Houston
Crosswalk accidents happen for a variety of reasons, many of which are preventable. Common causes in Houston include:
1. Distracted Driving
Drivers using their phones, adjusting navigation systems, or engaging in other distractions often fail to notice pedestrians in time to stop.
2. Speeding in School Zones and Residential Areas
Houston drivers frequently disregard speed limits in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic, including school zones.
3. Failure to Yield at Intersections
Texas law mandates that drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked. Many drivers either ignore this law or are unaware of it.
4. Poor Visibility at Night
Houston’s high number of nighttime drivers, combined with poorly lit intersections, increases the risk of accidents.
5. Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a major factor in pedestrian accidents, especially on weekends and holidays in Houston.
6. Poorly Maintained Crosswalks
Some areas in Houston lack clear crosswalk markings, functioning traffic lights, or adequate signage, making it harder for pedestrians to cross safely.
Injuries Commonly Seen in Crosswalk Accidents
A pedestrian hit by a car in a crosswalk is unprotected and often sustains serious injuries. Some common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head trauma from hitting the pavement or vehicle can lead to long-term complications.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can result in paralysis or chronic pain.
- Broken Bones: Fractures in the legs, arms, and pelvis are common.
- Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage: The force of the collision can cause life-threatening internal injuries.
- Emotional Trauma: Many pedestrians experience anxiety, PTSD, or depression following an accident.
These injuries often require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and time off work, leading to mounting expenses and emotional distress.
Steps to Take After a Crosswalk Accident in Houston
If you’ve been hit by a car while walking in a crosswalk, it’s important to act quickly to protect your health and legal rights.
1. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you believe your injuries are minor, get a full medical evaluation. Many injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussions, may not show symptoms immediately.
2. Call the Police
A police report is crucial for documenting the accident and assigning preliminary fault. Officers will gather statements, take note of traffic conditions, and detail the scene.
3. Collect Evidence
Take photos of the accident scene, including your injuries, the vehicle involved, and the surrounding area. If there are witnesses, collect their contact information.
4. Avoid Admitting Fault
Do not discuss fault with the driver or the insurance company. Anything you say could be used against you.
5. Contact a Houston Crosswalk Accident Lawyer
An experienced attorney will handle the legal complexities of your case, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Texas Laws on Crosswalks and Pedestrian Rights
In Texas, pedestrians generally have the right of way in crosswalks. However, fault in a crosswalk accident isn’t always clear-cut.
Driver Responsibilities
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections.
- Turning vehicles must stop for pedestrians crossing with the right of way.
- Speeding or running red lights at intersections with crosswalks is considered negligence.
Pedestrian Responsibilities
- Pedestrians must follow traffic signals and cross at designated crosswalks.
- Stepping into the crosswalk suddenly, without giving drivers enough time to stop, can result in shared fault.
Comparative Negligence in Texas
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If a pedestrian is found to be more than 50% at fault, they cannot recover compensation. However, if they are less than 50% at fault, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
Compensation for Crosswalk Accident Victims
If you’ve been injured in a crosswalk accident, you may be eligible to recover both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
- Medical Expenses: Including current and future treatment costs.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work.
- Rehabilitation Costs: Physical therapy and other recovery-related expenses.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress.
- Loss of Quality of Life: Reduced ability to enjoy daily activities.
- Emotional Trauma: Anxiety, PTSD, or other psychological effects.
In cases of wrongful death, surviving family members may seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.
How Crosswalk Accident Settlements Work in Houston
Most crosswalk accident claims are resolved through settlements with the driver’s insurance company. Factors that influence settlement amounts include:
- Severity of Injuries: More serious injuries often result in higher settlements.
- Degree of Fault: The pedestrian’s percentage of fault, if any, will affect the payout.
- Insurance Policy Limits: The driver’s insurance coverage may cap the settlement amount.
An experienced Houston attorney can negotiate with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement. If negotiations fail, your lawyer may recommend taking the case to trial.
Why Choose the Adley Law Firm for Your Crosswalk Accident Case?
The Adley Law Firm has a proven track record of helping Houston pedestrians injured in crosswalk accidents. We understand the challenges you face and are dedicated to fighting for the compensation you deserve.
What We Offer:
- Thorough Investigation: We collect evidence, review police reports, and work with accident reconstruction experts.
- Strong Negotiation: We handle all communication with insurance companies to secure the best possible settlement.
- Courtroom Experience: If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to trial.
Contact a Houston Crosswalk Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one were hit by a car while walking in a crosswalk, don’t wait to take action. The Adley Law Firm has been helping Houston accident victims for over 30 years, recovering millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts.
Call us today for free consultation. Let us help you navigate the legal process and fight for the justice you deserve.
