Auto Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians injured by careless drivers may be entitled to compensation. Call us for a free consultation.

Walking is the most basic form of transportation. Everyday millions of Americans walk to get around, but despite the common existence of pedestrians, drivers are not always as cautious as they should be on the roadway. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports more than 4,700 pedestrians were killed in auto pedestrian accidents in 2013. This accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities.

Because of the size and force generated by motor vehicles, collisions involving pedestrians can cause devastating injuries. Unfortunately, pedestrians don’t always receive the complete compensation they deserve to pay for their pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and other injuries and damages. If you or someone you love was injured in an auto pedestrian accident, an experienced Houston pedestrian accident attorney at Mejias Lindsay PLLC can help.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents are most commonly caused by carelessness. Drivers are expected to exercise reasonable care while driving, but they do not always do so. Some of the most common causes of auto pedestrian accidents include:

• Cell phones – Using a cell phone while driving is dangerous for everyone on and near the roadway. Drivers using cell phones take their hands off the wheel, eyes off the road, and mind off the task of driving, causing thousands of car accidents each year.
• Other distractions – Talking to a passenger or changing the radio while driving might not seem like reckless behavior, but the reality is it only takes a moment for behaviors like these to cause catastrophic injuries.
• Ignoring traffic lights and signs – Whether it’s a traffic light or a stop sign, drivers should always obey signals and signs on the road. Running a stop sign or turning right on red when it’s not allowed could cause a direct impact with a pedestrian.
• Not being aware of surroundings – Drivers need to always be aware of their surroundings. Drivers who aren’t aware of their surroundings might not have enough time to stop for pedestrians.
• Driving under the influence – Not only is driving under the influence dangerous, it’s illegal. Drunk drivers who injure pedestrians can face both criminal and civil charges for their actions.

Who Is Most At Risk?

Any one can be a victim of an auto pedestrian accident. However, children and the elderly are particularly at risk. Because children are usually unfamiliar with traffic rules, they are not always as cautious around cars and roadways as they should be. Additionally, drivers may not always be able to see children in their mirrors and out of their vehicle windows because of their small size. The elderly are also particularly vulnerable to pedestrian accidents because they are not always able to move quickly out of the way in the event of an oncoming car.

Auto Pedestrian Accident Injuries

In most cases, the injuries caused by auto pedestrian accidents are incredibly severe. Victims can suffer from broken bones, lacerations, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, neck and back injuries, paralysis, and even death. For many victims, the road to recovery will long and require ongoing medical treatment, physical therapy, additional surgeries, prescription medications, and specialty medical equipment.

The medical treatment required after a motor vehicle accident can place a huge financial burden on the victim. In addition, victims likely will not be able to return to work for some time, resulting in lost wages when they need the money most.

What To Do After An Accident

Pedestrians injured by motor vehicles go through a traumatic ordeal. After an accident, call for the police and paramedics, or if you are unable, wait for help to arrive. If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, it’s crucial to always seek medical attention. Even if you feel you are uninjured, let a medical professional examine you to ensure you are not suffering from any internal injuries. Once you receive medical treatment, you need to contact a pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible. An attorney will be able to collect witness statements, gather any relevant evidence, and coordinate with both the police and insurance companies to get you complete compensation for your injuries.

Don’t Fight The Insurance Company Alone

Many people feel they can successfully negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company themselves, but this is far from the truth. Most insurance companies will only meaningfully respond to aggressive legal representation. To make sure your compensation covers all of your expenses, let a Houston pedestrian accident attorney fight on your behalf.

If you or someone you love was injured or killed in a pedestrian accident, the attorneys at Mejias Lindsay PLLC can help. We can analyze your unique circumstances and help you understand your legal options. Call us today to schedule a free consultation. We are fluent in both Spanish and English.