Pedestrians often sustain severe injuries on the city’s streets. A pedestrian is anyone who uses the roads on foot or in a wheelchair or other mobility device. When a car, motorcycle, or bicycle collides with a person, the impact could do significant damage.
In most cases, the common causes of pedestrian accidents in Houston are preventable. Death and injury could be avoided if drivers and pedestrians exercised caution.
When a pedestrian suffers harm due to another party’s negligence, the injured victim could sue for damages, including pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost wages. A dedicated pedestrian accident attorney at Roberts Markland LLP could explain an individual’s legal rights after an incident of this nature and file a claim on their behalf.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control reports that nearly half of all fatal pedestrian collisions involve alcohol. In about one-third of those cases, the pedestrian was legally drunk when the accident occurred. Intoxicated drivers were involved a little more than 10% of the time.
Alcohol slows reaction times and could affect a pedestrian’s balance. In addition, many drunk pedestrians walk on busy roadways at night when it is more difficult for drivers to see them.
Pedestrians in Houston must be cautious when walking on the roadways. Although people must not get behind the wheel when drinking, they should also avoid walking on the roads when impaired. Getting a ride is the safest option.
Driving while distracted in Houston is a significant cause of car crashes and pedestrian incidents. When drivers do not focus their full attention on their surroundings, they might not see a pedestrian until it is too late to avoid them.
Texting while driving is a focus of law enforcement efforts, but any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the road is dangerous. For example, eating, drinking, disciplining children, and grooming contribute to distracted driving and could cause a pedestrian collision.
A distracted driver who hits someone on foot is often liable for the victim’s damages. Any indication that a driver was not paying attention to the road is evidence the injured person could use to prove the driver negligent.
Pedestrian accidents happen more often on roads with higher speed limits. In Houston, pedestrians typically get injured on busy roads.
Vehicle speed affects the probability of a pedestrian accident because the faster a car moves, the longer it takes to stop or notice a person on the road.
Anyone traveling on foot should avoid roads with higher speed limits if possible. In addition, pedestrians protect themselves by crossing at intersections or crosswalks. If a pedestrian must cross a street outside a crosswalk, Texas Transportation Code §552.005 requires a pedestrian to yield the right-of-way to vehicles.
Avoiding the common causes of pedestrian accidents in Houston is crucial to protecting walking on local streets. However, even the most cautious person could be unlucky. If you suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident, reach out to an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
A negligent driver might be responsible for paying compensation for your injuries. A legal professional could review your legal options and advise you about the next best steps. Call today.
