Houston Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Crosswalk Accidents

Crosswalks are designed to provide pedestrians with a safe way to cross busy streets, but they often become the site of accidents due to driver negligence. Many crosswalk accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way, run red lights, or make improper turns without checking for pedestrians. These accidents can result in severe injuries, as pedestrians are fully exposed and vulnerable to the impact of a vehicle. Even when marked crosswalks are present, drivers who are distracted or speeding can fail to notice pedestrians, leading to devastating collisions.

Intersection Accidents

Intersections are another common location for pedestrian accidents, often due to the complexity of traffic patterns and driver error. Accidents at intersections frequently involve vehicles turning left or right without adequately checking for pedestrians. These incidents are particularly dangerous, as vehicles are often traveling at higher speeds when crossing intersections, increasing the likelihood of serious or fatal injuries.

Parking Lot Accidents

Parking lots, though seemingly low-speed environments are surprisingly dangerous for pedestrians. Drivers backing out of parking spaces, distracted by searching for spots or navigating tight spaces, may fail to notice pedestrians walking behind or beside their vehicles. Poor visibility, such as blind spots created by large vehicles, also contributes to these accidents. Slip and fall hazards, combined with the risk of vehicle collisions, make parking lots a significant area of concern for pedestrian safety.

School Zone Accidents

School zones are meant to be safe spaces for children and pedestrians, but they can become dangerous when drivers fail to obey reduced speed limits, ignore crossing guards, or become distracted. Children are particularly at risk in these areas due to their unpredictability and smaller size, which can make them harder for drivers to see. Accidents in school zones often result from careless or speeding drivers who fail to prioritize safety in these critical areas.

Backing-Up Accidents

Backing-up accidents occur when drivers reverse their vehicles without checking for pedestrians behind them. These accidents are especially common in driveways and parking lots, where pedestrians may not anticipate a vehicle suddenly moving in reverse. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to these types of accidents, as they may not react quickly enough to avoid an approaching vehicle.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Hit-and-run accidents involving pedestrians are a serious issue, leaving victims without immediate assistance and complicating the legal process of obtaining compensation. These incidents often occur because drivers are uninsured, impaired, or fearful of legal consequences. Victims of hit-and-run accidents face not only physical and emotional trauma but also the challenge of identifying the at-fault driver to hold them accountable.

Sidewalk and Off-Road Accidents

Pedestrians on sidewalks or walking alongside roads can still be involved in accidents if drivers lose control of their vehicles. These accidents often occur due to distracted or impaired driving, mechanical failures, or sudden swerving to avoid obstacles. Such incidents are particularly dangerous as pedestrians often have no warning or time to react, making the impact unavoidable and severe.

Head and Brain Injuries

Head injuries are among the most serious outcomes of pedestrian accidents. These can range from concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which may result in long-term cognitive impairment, memory loss, or difficulty with speech and coordination. Victims often require extensive medical care, including neurological evaluations, imaging tests, and rehabilitation, making head injuries one of the most life-altering consequences of pedestrian accidents.

Spinal Cord and Back Injuries

Spinal cord injuries from pedestrian accidents can lead to chronic pain, herniated discs, or even paralysis, depending on the severity of the impact. Injuries to the lower back and cervical spine are common, often causing limited mobility and requiring physical therapy or surgical intervention. Spinal injuries not only affect physical capabilities but also have a profound impact on a victim’s quality of life and earning potential.

Fractures and Broken Bones

Fractures are one of the most frequent injuries in pedestrian accidents due to the direct force of a vehicle striking the body. Broken bones can occur in the legs, arms, ribs, or pelvis, often requiring surgeries, immobilization, or physical therapy. In severe cases, compound fractures can lead to complications such as infections or permanent deformities, further prolonging recovery.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and torn ligaments, are common in pedestrian accidents. These injuries may affect the neck, shoulders, knees, or ankles and can cause prolonged discomfort and restricted movement. While soft tissue injuries may not be immediately visible, they can have lasting effects, often requiring physical therapy and extended recovery periods.

Internal Injuries and Organ Damage

The blunt force trauma from being struck by a vehicle can lead to internal injuries, including damage to vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, or spleen. Internal bleeding is another common and potentially life-threatening result of pedestrian accidents. These injuries often require emergency surgery and intensive medical care to prevent fatal outcomes.

Facial and Dental Injuries

Facial injuries are common when pedestrians are thrown to the ground or hit directly by a vehicle. These can include fractures to the nose, jaw, or cheekbones, as well as severe lacerations. Dental injuries, such as broken or knocked-out teeth, are also frequent and can require extensive restorative procedures. Scarring and disfigurement from facial injuries can lead to both physical pain and emotional trauma.

Cuts, Bruises, and Abrasions

While cuts, bruises, and abrasions may seem minor compared to other injuries, they can still cause significant discomfort and complications. Deep lacerations may require stitches and can lead to infections if not treated promptly. Abrasions, or “road rash,” caused by contact with rough surfaces, can result in painful injuries that take weeks to heal.

Psychological Trauma

The emotional impact of a pedestrian accident should not be overlooked. Victims may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression as a result of the incident. Psychological trauma can affect a victim’s ability to return to normal daily activities and often requires therapy or counseling for recovery.