Hit by a Car in a Crosswalk in Houston?
Know Your Rights After a Pedestrian Accident
Crosswalks are designed to give pedestrians a safer place to cross the street. Unfortunately, drivers in Houston frequently fail to yield, run red lights, or turn through intersections without watching for people walking across the road. When that happens, the results can be devastating.
If you were hit while walking in a crosswalk in Houston or anywhere in Texas, you may be able to pursue compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost income, and other damages. The Adley Law Firm represents victims of serious personal injury and car accident cases across Texas, including pedestrians struck in crosswalks.
Drivers have a legal responsibility to watch for pedestrians and follow traffic laws at intersections. When they fail to do so, they may be held responsible for the harm they cause.
Where Crosswalk Accidents Happen in Houston
Houston’s wide roads, busy intersections, and heavy traffic create risks for pedestrians even when they use crosswalks properly. Many accidents occur when drivers are distracted or rushing through intersections.
Common locations for crosswalk accidents include:
- Downtown Houston intersections with heavy foot traffic
- Crosswalks near shopping centers and grocery stores
- School zones and residential neighborhoods
- Major intersections along feeder roads
- Crosswalks near public transit stops
Some pedestrian accidents also occur when people cross streets near parking areas, including incidents involving parking lot accidents where drivers fail to watch for pedestrians entering crosswalks.
Common Causes of Crosswalk Accidents
Most crosswalk crashes happen because drivers fail to follow basic safety rules. These accidents are often preventable.
Distracted Driving
Drivers texting, checking navigation, or adjusting controls often fail to notice pedestrians entering crosswalks.
Failure to Yield
Texas law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Unfortunately, many drivers ignore this rule or simply fail to notice someone crossing.
Speeding Through Intersections
Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the severity of injuries when a pedestrian is struck.
Left or Right Turns Without Looking
Many crosswalk accidents happen when drivers turn at intersections and focus only on other vehicles instead of pedestrians.
Impaired Driving
Alcohol or drug impairment can significantly affect reaction time and judgment.
Injuries Caused by Crosswalk Accidents
Pedestrians have little protection when a vehicle strikes them. Even crashes at moderate speeds can cause severe injuries.
Common injuries include:
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Back and spinal injuries
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries and lacerations
Some serious pedestrian crashes involve impacts similar to high-force head-on collisions, particularly when drivers run lights or accelerate through intersections.
Steps to Take After a Crosswalk Accident
If you are hit by a car in a crosswalk, the actions you take afterward can affect both your health and your injury claim.
Get Medical Attention
Always seek medical care immediately. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away.
Call the Police
A police report documents the accident and may include witness statements and initial findings about fault.
Document the Scene
If possible, take photos of the intersection, the vehicle, and visible injuries. Witness contact information can also be valuable.
Avoid Discussing Fault
Do not admit blame or speculate about what happened. Let investigators determine the facts.
Speak With an Attorney
An attorney can help investigate the accident, preserve evidence, and handle communications with insurance companies.
Texas Crosswalk Laws and Pedestrian Rights
Texas law provides important protections for pedestrians using crosswalks.
Driver Responsibilities
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks.
- Turning vehicles must stop for pedestrians crossing legally.
- Drivers must slow down and watch for pedestrians at intersections.
Pedestrian Responsibilities
- Follow traffic signals when present.
- Cross at designated crosswalks when possible.
- Avoid stepping suddenly into traffic.
Determining fault in pedestrian accidents often depends on evidence such as police reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements.
Compensation After a Crosswalk Accident
Victims of crosswalk accidents may be entitled to compensation for both financial losses and personal suffering.
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses
- Hospital treatment
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost wages
- Future medical care
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
To understand how damages may be calculated, review this guide on car accident compensation.
Every injury case is different. Settlement values depend on the severity of injuries, available insurance coverage, medical treatment, and how liability is determined.
Insurance Claims After a Crosswalk Accident
Most pedestrian injury claims begin with the driver’s insurance company. However, insurance carriers often try to minimize payouts or argue that the pedestrian shares fault.
These disputes may involve:
- Arguments about who had the right of way
- Challenges to injury severity
- Low settlement offers
- Delays in claims processing
Understanding how pedestrian accident insurance claims work can help protect your rights after a crash.
Some crosswalk accidents also involve hit-and-run drivers, which can make the claims process more complicated.
Crosswalk Accident FAQs and Answers
What if the driver claims the light was green?
Traffic signal disputes are common in crosswalk accidents. Evidence such as traffic cameras, witness statements, and police reports may help determine what actually happened.
Can I file a claim if the crosswalk lines were faded or hard to see?
Yes. Drivers still have a duty to watch for pedestrians at intersections, even when crosswalk markings are not clearly visible.
What happens if multiple vehicles were involved in the accident?
In some cases, more than one driver may share responsibility. Investigations may examine driver behavior, traffic signals, and vehicle positions.
Do crosswalk accidents always involve intersections?
No. Some crosswalks exist mid-block near schools, parks, or transit stops. Accidents can happen anywhere pedestrians are legally crossing the road.
Will my case go to court?
Many crosswalk accident cases settle through insurance negotiations, but some may proceed to court if liability or compensation is disputed.
Talk to a Houston Crosswalk Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one were hit by a car while walking in a crosswalk in Houston or anywhere in Texas, the Adley Law Firm can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation for your injuries.
You can learn more about our attorneys or contact our team through our contact page to schedule a free consultation.