Houston Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Get the Justice You Deserve After Being Hit by a Car in Houston
When you’ve been injured as a pedestrian in Houston, Texas, you need an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer who understands the devastating physical, emotional, and financial impact of being hit by a vehicle. At 713 Justice, our dedicated Houston pedestrian accident attorneys have successfully recovered millions of dollars for pedestrian accident victims throughout Harris County and the greater Houston metropolitan area.
Why Choose Our Houston Car Accident Law Firm?
Proven Track Record in Houston Car Accident Cases
- Over 25 years serving Houston car accident victims
- Recovered $ millions+ for our clients
- 2400+ successful car accident settlements and verdicts
- Extensive experience with Houston-area insurance companies
- Deep understanding of Texas traffic laws and personal injury statutes
Local Houston Knowledge That Matters
Our Houston car accident lawyers know the local landscape that affects your case:
- Dangerous Houston intersections and highways (I-45, I-10, US 59/I-69, Beltway 8)
- Local Houston police departments and accident reporting procedures
- Harris County court systems and filing requirements
- Houston-area medical facilities and treatment providers
- Regional insurance company practices and tactics
Free Case Evaluation
Houston's Pedestrian Safety Crisis: The Alarming Statistics
The numbers paint a devastating picture of pedestrian safety in Houston and across Texas:
Houston-Specific Statistics
119 pedestrians were killed on Houston city streets in 2024 – that’s nearly one pedestrian death every three days in Houston. This represents a substantial portion of the city’s record-breaking 345 total traffic fatalities.
Nearly 1,700 Houston-area traffic crashes involving pedestrians occurred in 2023, with 202 pedestrians killed in the Houston area alone.
Pedestrians represented 36% of all traffic deaths in Houston in 2022, despite being involved in only a small fraction of total crashes. This disproportionate impact highlights the extreme vulnerability of people on foot.
245 Houston pedestrians suffered serious injuries in 2022, marking an 11% increase from the previous year. The rate of pedestrian injuries has been climbing steadily.
More than half of pedestrian fatalities in Houston occurred on roads with speed limits of 45 mph or higher, and shockingly, 44 pedestrians died on Houston interstates – more than the 43 driver fatalities in those same areas.
Harris County Data
Harris County saw 1,560 crashes involving vehicles and pedestrians in 2023 (January through October alone) – a five-year high. The trend is heading in the wrong direction, with pedestrian accidents increasing year over year.
Most of these deaths happened in daylight, not in the middle of the night. Many occurred on major surface streets – places people need to cross for work, school, or errands.
These aren’t just statistics. Behind every number is a person whose life was forever changed – someone’s parent, child, spouse, or friend. At 713 Justice, we fight to hold negligent drivers accountable and secure the maximum compensation pedestrian accident victims deserve.
Why Choose Our Houston Pedestrian Accident Law Firm?
Proven Track Record in Pedestrian Accident Cases
- Over 25 years serving Houston pedestrian accident victims
- Recovered millions in compensation for clients struck by vehicles
- Extensive experience with catastrophic injury cases
- Deep understanding of Texas pedestrian laws and driver responsibilities
- Known by insurance companies as aggressive advocates who aren’t afraid to go to trial
Local Houston Knowledge That Matters
Our Houston pedestrian accident lawyers know the local landscape that affects your case:
- Dangerous Houston intersections and high-traffic areas
- Local Houston police departments and accident reporting procedures
- Harris County court systems and filing requirements
- Houston-area medical facilities specializing in trauma care
- Regional insurance company practices and low-ball settlement tactics
Common Types of Pedestrian Accidents in Houston
Our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys handle all types of cases involving pedestrians struck by vehicles, including:
Crosswalk Accidents
Drivers failing to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks remains one of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Houston. Texas law requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks under the Lisa Torry Smith Act.
Intersection Accidents
With Houston’s sprawling urban layout, intersection accidents are particularly dangerous for pedestrians. Drivers turning left or right frequently fail to see pedestrians crossing, resulting in devastating collisions.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Tragically, many pedestrian accidents involve drivers who flee the scene. We help victims pursue compensation through uninsured motorist coverage and work with law enforcement to identify fleeing drivers.
Parking Lot Accidents
Shopping centers, grocery stores, and parking garages see frequent pedestrian accidents as drivers back out of spaces or speed through lots without watching for people on foot.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Drivers texting, talking on phones, or otherwise distracted are a leading cause of pedestrian accidents. Houston has seen a dramatic increase in distracted driving incidents, with 20% of crashes now linked to phone usage.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Impaired drivers pose an extreme danger to pedestrians, particularly during evening hours and weekends. These cases often warrant punitive damages due to the driver’s reckless disregard for safety.
High-Speed Roadway Accidents
Many Houston pedestrian fatalities occur on high-speed roads (45+ mph) where pedestrians are attempting to cross dangerous stretches without adequate crosswalks or traffic signals.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Houston
Immediate Steps After Being Hit
Seek medical attention immediately – Even if you believe your injuries are minor, get examined by a doctor. Some injuries, particularly internal injuries and traumatic brain injuries, may not be immediately apparent. Call 911 or have someone call for you.
Report the accident to police – Contact Houston Police Department or Harris County Sheriff to file an official report. This documentation is critical for your case.
Document everything possible – If you’re able, take photos of your injuries, the vehicle that hit you, the accident scene, traffic signals, crosswalks, and any skid marks. Get contact information and insurance details from the driver.
Gather witness information – Pedestrian accidents often occur in public areas. Get names and phone numbers of anyone who saw what happened.
Preserve evidence – Keep the clothing and shoes you were wearing. Do not wash them, as they may contain important evidence.
Don’t admit fault or sign anything – Do not apologize or make statements about who was at fault. Do not sign any documents from insurance companies without speaking to an attorney first.
Contact 713 Justice immediately – The sooner we begin investigating your case, the better we can protect your rights and preserve critical evidence like surveillance footage that may be erased.
Common Injuries in Houston Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents typically result in severe injuries due to the extreme force differential between a human body and a vehicle. Our Houston pedestrian accident lawyers have extensive experience with all types of pedestrian injuries:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Head injuries are extremely common when pedestrians are struck by vehicles. Even when wearing no protective equipment, pedestrians may suffer concussions, skull fractures, brain bleeding, or permanent cognitive impairment.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Back and neck injuries from the impact can cause herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or complete spinal cord damage resulting in paralysis. These catastrophic injuries require lifetime medical care.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The force of a vehicle striking a pedestrian commonly causes complex fractures of the legs, pelvis, arms, ribs, and other bones. Multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation are often required.
Internal Injuries
Damage to internal organs including the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs can be life-threatening. Internal bleeding may not be immediately apparent but requires emergency medical treatment.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Muscles, tendons, and ligaments can be severely damaged, causing chronic pain and mobility limitations that persist long after the accident.
Road Rash and Lacerations
When pedestrians are thrown to the pavement, severe skin abrasions, cuts, and scarring can occur. These injuries often require skin grafts and leave permanent disfigurement.
Amputations
In the most severe pedestrian accidents, traumatic amputation of limbs can occur, or surgical amputation may be necessary due to the extent of crush injuries.
Wrongful Death
Tragically, many pedestrian accidents in Houston result in death. We represent families who have lost loved ones, helping them pursue wrongful death and survival claims.
Types of Compensation Available in Texas Pedestrian Accident Cases
Our Houston pedestrian accident lawyers fight to recover full compensation for all your losses, including:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses – Emergency room care, ambulance transport, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, assistive devices, home modifications, and all future medical care
- Lost wages – Income lost due to time off work during recovery
- Lost earning capacity – Reduced ability to earn income in the future due to permanent injuries or disability
- Property damage – Damaged personal belongings including phones, laptops, clothing, or other items
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering – Compensation for physical pain, discomfort, and the ongoing impact of your injuries
- Mental anguish and emotional distress – Psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, and PTSD following the accident
- Loss of enjoyment of life – Inability to participate in activities, hobbies, and experiences you once enjoyed
- Disfigurement and scarring – Permanent physical changes that affect your appearance and self-esteem
- Loss of consortium – Compensation for spouses who have lost companionship and support
Punitive Damages
In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct – such as drunk driving, hit-and-run, or extreme recklessness – Texas law may allow for punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.
The Lisa Torry Smith Act: Texas Pedestrian Accident Law You Need to Know
Created in 2021, this important Texas law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians and bicyclists in crosswalks. Violating this law can result in criminal charges if a pedestrian is killed, making it a crime rather than just an “accident.”
Driver Responsibilities Under Texas Law
Texas Transportation Code requires drivers to exercise “due care” to avoid colliding with pedestrians on the roadway. Drivers must:
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
- Exercise caution when passing stopped vehicles that may be yielding to pedestrians
- Sound their horn when necessary to alert pedestrians
- Take extra precautions in areas where children are present
The Value of Legal Representation: Why Lawyers Get Better Results
Statistics Show Represented Claimants Receive Higher Compensation
Research consistently demonstrates that accident victims who hire personal injury lawyers receive significantly more compensation than those who handle claims themselves:
- 3.5x Higher Settlements: According to Insurance Research Council studies, accident victims represented by attorneys receive settlements that are 3.5 times higher on average than those who settle without legal representation
- Better Results Even After Legal Fees: Even after paying attorney fees, represented claimants typically net more money than unrepresented victims
- Higher Success Rate: Lawyers successfully resolve claims in over 95% of cases, compared to much lower success rates for self-represented individuals
- Faster Resolution: Experienced attorneys often resolve cases more quickly by knowing how to navigate insurance company procedures and legal requirements
Why Houston Accident Lawyers Get Better Results
Knowledge of True Case Value
Personal injury lawyers understand how to properly calculate damages, including future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and non-economic damages that insurance companies rarely offer to unrepresented victims. We know the full range of compensation available under Texas law
Experience with Insurance Tactics
Insurance adjusters use proven strategies to minimize payouts to unrepresented claimants Lawyers recognize these tactics and know how to counter them effectively We understand insurance company internal policies and settlement authority levels
Legal Leverage
The threat of litigation gives lawyers significant negotiating power Insurance companies know that experienced attorneys will take cases to trial when necessary Adjusters are more likely to make fair offers when they know they're dealing with competent legal representation
Professional Resources
Access to medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and economists who can strengthen your case Ability to properly document and present complex damages Understanding of legal deadlines and procedural requirements that can make or break a case
The Cost of Going It Alone
Unrepresented pedestrian accident victims often fall into common traps:
- Accepting quick, inadequate settlements before understanding the full extent of their injuries
- Undervaluing claims dramatically, leaving hundreds of thousands of dollars on the table
- Making damaging statements to insurance adjusters that are used against them
- Missing critical deadlines that can result in complete loss of the right to compensation
- Failing to properly document injuries and losses, resulting in reduced compensation
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my pedestrian accident case worth?
Every case is unique. While some sources cite average settlements ranging from $15,000 to over $250,000, the value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, degree of fault, and other factors. Cases involving permanent disability or wrongful death can be worth significantly more. We provide a free case evaluation to discuss the potential value of your claim.
What if I was jaywalking or partially at fault?
Even if you were crossing outside of a crosswalk or violated a traffic law, you can still recover compensation in Texas as long as you were less than 51% at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Many pedestrian accidents involve shared fault, but drivers still have a legal duty to exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians.
What if the driver doesn't have insurance or fled the scene?
If you were hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, or if the driver fled the scene, you may be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. We can also help identify fleeing drivers and pursue all available sources of compensation.
Should I accept the insurance company's settlement offer?
Insurance companies typically make low initial offers hoping you'll settle quickly before understanding the full extent of your injuries. Many pedestrian injuries have long-term consequences that aren't immediately apparent. Our Houston pedestrian accident attorneys can evaluate whether an offer is fair and negotiate for the full compensation you deserve.
How Our Houston Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Help
Thorough Investigation
We conduct comprehensive investigations of Houston pedestrian accidents, including:
- Analyzing Houston Police Department accident reports
- Interviewing witnesses who saw the accident
- Working with accident reconstruction experts to recreate the collision
- Obtaining surveillance footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or dashcams
- Examining vehicle damage and driver records
- Investigating road conditions and infrastructure issues
- Documenting all injuries with medical experts
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to blame pedestrians to minimize payouts. Our experienced attorneys:
- Handle all communication with insurance adjusters so you don’t make damaging statements
- Prevent insurance companies from taking advantage of you during a vulnerable time
- Document all damages thoroughly to justify full compensation
- Negotiate aggressively for fair settlements that cover all your losses
- Take your case to trial when insurance companies won’t offer fair compensation
Medical Treatment Coordination
We work with Houston-area medical providers to ensure you receive proper treatment and thorough documentation of your injuries. We can also help arrange treatment on a lien basis if you don’t have health insurance.
Case Preparation and Litigation
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our Houston pedestrian accident lawyers are prepared to take your case to court in Harris County or surrounding jurisdictions. We have extensive trial experience and aren’t afraid to fight for you in front of a jury.
Maximizing Your Recovery
Our goal is to secure the maximum compensation available for your case. We pursue every avenue of recovery, including:
- The at-fault driver’s liability insurance
- The at-fault driver’s personal assets when appropriate
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Government entities for dangerous road conditions
- Business entities for inadequate lighting or security
- Product manufacturers for defective vehicle components
Serving Pedestrian Accident Victims Throughout Houston
713 Justice proudly represents injured pedestrians in Houston and throughout the greater Houston area, including Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland, The Woodlands, Pasadena, Galveston, League City, Missouri City, and all surrounding communities throughout Harris County and beyond.