Pasadena Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Walking is great exercise, environmentally friendly, and sometimes it is more convenient to walk somewhere than getting into the car, fighting traffic, and trying to find parking. Anyone who is walking has the right to be safe on the roads.

Sadly, careless and reckless drivers often hit pedestrians and cause significant injury or loss of life. These drivers are legally liable for the results of their actions and could owe the injured person or their surviving family significant compensation.

If you were hit by a car while walking on or near the street, a Pasadena pedestrian accident lawyer could discuss your legal options with you. If driver negligence led to the incident, our aggressive personal injury attorneys could determine if you can collect compensation for your pain and suffering.

Common Pedestrian Injuries

A person walking outside has no protection against the force of a vehicle slamming into their body. As a result, injuries to a pedestrian are often devastating.

People who were hit while walking could suffer bone fractures, dislocations, and injuries to their joints. Soft tissue injuries are common, especially to the neck, shoulder, and lower limbs. Depending on the part of the body that absorbed the impact, severe abdominal or thoracic injuries could occur. Galena Park pedestrian accidents frequently result in traumatic brain damage and spinal cord injuries.

Pedestrian accident injuries usually require hospitalization and extensive medical treatment. A long rehabilitation period might be necessary and the injured person might not be capable of working or managing their household during this time. A Pasadena attorney could ensure that damages cover all the expenses the injured pedestrian incurred due to the accident.

Protect Yourself by Obeying the Law

People sometimes believe that pedestrians always have the right of way in Texas but that is untrue. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and when pulling out of driveways or parking spaces, and they may not pass another car that is stopped for a pedestrian. However, if a pedestrian is crossing outside of a crosswalk, they must not enter the road in front of oncoming traffic.

Texas Transportation Code § 552.006 requires pedestrians to use sidewalks when available. Pedestrians may use the street if there is no sidewalk but must proceed facing oncoming vehicles and remain as far to the left as possible. People traveling in the street should make themselves as visible as possible by dressing in bright or reflective clothing and carrying a flashlight during non-daylight hours. Wheelchairs should have flags or other indicators.

The law allows drivers to assign partial responsibility to accident victims, which reduces the portion of the victim’s damages the driver must pay. A Pasadena pedestrian injury attorney could ensure that the negligent driver does not shift responsibility onto the pedestrian unfairly. Someone who follows the law and takes common-sense precautions is more likely to receive 100 percent of their damages.

Seek Immediate Legal Help After a Pedestrian Accident

A person who suffers injuries in a Deer Park accident is wise to seek legal representation as quickly as possible. Doing so is especially important when injuries are severe.

The driver’s insurance company might approach the injured person or a family member soon after the accident, expressing sympathy and offering a quick settlement. The best response is to avoid any contact with the insurance company until after speaking with a Pasadena attorney.

An insurer could use any conversation to gather incriminating statements to use later to escape liability for the accident. In addition, any settlement offer is likely to be inadequate. A severely injured person could not reliably calculate their damages until the injuries’ permanent impacts are clear.

Rely on a Pasadena Pedestrian Accident Attorney for Guidance

If a vehicle collided with you while you were walking, jogging, or traveling in a wheelchair in La Porte or South Houston, the driver may have been at-fault. Although pedestrians have a responsibility to be cautious, drivers must be attentive to their surroundings and avoid hitting them.

A Pasadena pedestrian accident lawyer understands how to hold negligent drivers accountable for the harm they cause by engaging in tough negotiations with their insurance companies. Call today to get Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP working for you.