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Houston is a vibrant and growing city, with millions of residents and visitors navigating busy streets, intersections, and pedestrian pathways daily. As the city continues to expand, so does the number of pedestrians sharing the road with cars, trucks, buses, and other vehicles. Unfortunately, this urban growth and rising traffic congestion have led to a noticeable increase in pedestrian accidents throughout the Greater Houston area.
If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, having the right legal representation matters. At Johnson Garcia, we bring more than 35 years of experience representing accident victims across Texas. Our Houston-based team understands the specific challenges that come with pedestrian accidents and knows how to navigate the complexities of these claims. We prepare every case with the expectation that it may go to trial.
If drivers, insurance companies, or other responsible parties refuse to negotiate fairly, we will not hesitate to file a lawsuit and pursue justice in court. Our firm is committed to protecting the rights of injured pedestrians and helping them secure the compensation they deserve.
Pedestrian accidents happen for a variety of reasons, but most are the result of driver negligence and unsafe road conditions. In a busy city like Houston, where traffic congestion and distractions are common, these accidents can occur in an instant.
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents. Drivers who text, use mobile devices, adjust their navigation systems, or focus on in-car entertainment instead of the road are less likely to notice pedestrians. In crowded urban areas and at busy intersections, even a moment of distraction can result in a life-altering collision.
Speed limits in school zones and residential neighborhoods are set to protect children and families. When drivers ignore these limits and speed through these areas, they endanger pedestrians who may be crossing the street or walking alongside the road. High-speed impacts result in more severe injuries and fatalities.
Pedestrians have the right of way at marked crosswalks and intersections, yet many drivers fail to yield as required by law. This failure to stop or slow down puts pedestrians at serious risk, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic. These accidents often happen when drivers are in a hurry or not paying full attention to their surroundings.
Intoxicated drivers pose a significant threat to pedestrians. Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, slow reaction times, and reduce a driver’s ability to recognize hazards. Pedestrian accidents caused by drunk or drug-impaired drivers are among the most severe, frequently resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
Running red lights and ignoring stop signs are common traffic violations that lead to dangerous situations for pedestrians. Drivers who disregard traffic signals may strike pedestrians crossing legally in designated crosswalks. These violations are especially common during rush hours or in busy downtown areas.
Intersections are particularly dangerous when drivers make left or right turns without checking for pedestrians. Drivers may focus on oncoming vehicle traffic and overlook pedestrians in crosswalks. These turning accidents are common in urban areas with heavy pedestrian activity.
Many pedestrian accidents occur at night or during inclement weather when visibility is low. Drivers who fail to adjust their speed or remain alert in these conditions are more likely to strike pedestrians. Dimly lit streets, heavy rain, and fog all contribute to these preventable accidents.
Houston’s continuous growth means frequent construction zones that disrupt sidewalks and pedestrian pathways. Poor signage, blocked sidewalks, and unclear detours force pedestrians into roadways, putting them at risk of being struck by vehicles. Both construction companies and property owners can be held liable for creating unsafe conditions.
Pedestrian accidents are not random — they often occur in specific areas where traffic congestion, poor infrastructure, and driver negligence intersect. Houston’s size and rapid development have created numerous high-risk zones for pedestrians.
Houston’s downtown area is one of the most dangerous locations for pedestrians. Heavy vehicle traffic, crowded crosswalks, and distracted drivers combine to create frequent collisions. Busy intersections, especially those near office buildings, restaurants, and retail centers, are high-risk areas where drivers often fail to yield or run red lights.
Children and families are especially vulnerable in school zones and residential neighborhoods. Despite posted speed limits and warning signs, drivers frequently speed through these areas. Many pedestrian accidents involve children walking to and from school or playing near streets without proper traffic control measures.
Bus stops and METRO rail stations are common locations for pedestrian accidents. Commuters frequently cross busy roads or navigate crowded sidewalks near public transit stops. Drivers who do not remain alert or who attempt to pass stopped buses pose a significant risk to pedestrians in these areas.
Pedestrian accidents in parking lots and garages occur when drivers back out without looking, drive too fast, or fail to notice pedestrians walking between cars. These areas are particularly dangerous for small children and older adults. Poor lighting and obstructed views often contribute to accidents in these locations.
Major roadways with few pedestrian crosswalks, such as parts of U.S. Highway 59 and sections of Westheimer, are dangerous for anyone attempting to cross. Pedestrians are sometimes forced to cross high-speed traffic without designated crosswalks, increasing the likelihood of serious accidents.
Construction zones, roadwork areas, and poorly maintained crosswalks are common sites for pedestrian accidents. Inadequate signage, faded crosswalk markings, and temporary barriers confuse both drivers and pedestrians. When drivers do not slow down or remain vigilant, accidents are often the result.
Pedestrian accidents often result in some of the most serious and life-altering injuries due to the vulnerability of the human body against the weight and force of a moving vehicle. These injuries can lead to long-term medical care, permanent disabilities, and lasting emotional trauma.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are common in pedestrian accidents, particularly when victims are struck and thrown onto hard surfaces. Symptoms can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage that causes memory loss, cognitive impairment, and personality changes. TBIs often require ongoing medical care and rehabilitation.
The impact of a vehicle can cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis. Victims with spinal cord injuries may lose mobility and require assistive devices or home modifications. These injuries dramatically alter a person’s independence and quality of life.
Broken bones are frequent in pedestrian accidents, especially in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. While some fractures heal with casting and rest, others require surgery and months of rehabilitation. Severe fractures can lead to chronic pain or permanent disability.
The force of a collision often causes internal bleeding and damage to vital organs. These injuries can be life-threatening and are not always immediately visible. Immediate medical evaluation is critical to detect and treat internal trauma before complications arise.
Pedestrians who are struck by vehicles or thrown onto the pavement often suffer deep lacerations and abrasions. Severe cuts can require stitches, skin grafts, and cosmetic surgery. Scarring and disfigurement may lead to long-term physical and emotional distress.
Crush injuries are common in severe pedestrian accidents, particularly when a victim is pinned between a vehicle and another object. These injuries can result in the loss of limbs and require amputation. Amputations profoundly affect mobility, employment, and daily living.
The emotional impact of being struck by a vehicle often extends well beyond physical injuries. Many victims experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and recurring nightmares. Psychological counseling and therapy are often necessary for recovery and should be accounted for in compensation claims.
Understanding the laws that govern pedestrian safety and driver responsibility is essential for building a successful claim. Texas pedestrian accident laws outline clear rules for right-of-way, crosswalk usage, and the legal responsibilities of all parties involved.
Under Texas law, drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and at intersections where pedestrians are legally crossing. However, pedestrians are also required to obey traffic signals and not step into traffic unexpectedly. Violations by either party can affect liability and the outcome of a claim.
Motorists must stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and may not pass other vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. Failure to yield to pedestrians is a traffic violation that frequently leads to accidents and legal liability. Drivers must exercise caution, particularly in areas near schools and parks where pedestrian activity is high.
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that a pedestrian who is found partially at fault for the accident can still recover compensation — as long as they are not more than 50 percent responsible. The total compensation is reduced in proportion to the pedestrian’s level of fault. For this reason, insurance companies often attempt to shift blame to pedestrians, making experienced legal representation critical.
Texas law sets strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents. Victims generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline can result in losing the right to recover compensation. Acting quickly ensures evidence is preserved and legal deadlines are met.
All accidents involving injury or significant property damage must be reported to law enforcement in Texas. The police report becomes a key piece of evidence in pedestrian accident cases. This official documentation records witness statements, driver accounts, and officer observations that can help establish liability.
Determining liability in pedestrian accidents often involves multiple parties and complex legal issues. Victims must identify all responsible parties and hold them accountable for their role in causing the accident.
The most common source of liability is driver negligence. This includes distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, running red lights, and impaired driving. Drivers who violate traffic laws and fail to exercise reasonable care can be held financially responsible for the injuries they cause.
When a commercial vehicle is involved in a pedestrian accident, the employer may be liable for the driver’s negligence. Companies can also be held accountable for poor hiring practices, inadequate training, and unsafe business practices that contribute to accidents.
In some cases, unsafe road design, lack of pedestrian signals, or poorly maintained crosswalks contribute to accidents. Local and state government agencies responsible for road maintenance and safety can be held liable, though these claims require adherence to strict notice and filing requirements.
Construction sites that block pedestrian pathways or create hazards without proper signage can be held responsible for resulting injuries. Companies have a duty to maintain safe pedestrian access and clearly mark detours to prevent accidents.
Property owners have a legal obligation to maintain safe premises, including parking lots and pedestrian pathways. Accidents caused by poor lighting, potholes, or obstructed walkways can result in liability for the property owner or management company.
Pedestrian accident cases often involve more than one liable party. For example, a distracted delivery driver employed by a negligent company may strike a pedestrian in an area with poorly marked crosswalks maintained by a government agency. Multi-party liability claims require careful investigation, coordination with experts, and experienced legal strategy to pursue compensation from all responsible entities.
Pedestrian accidents often lead to devastating physical injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial hardship. Under Texas law, victims are entitled to pursue compensation that addresses both their measurable financial losses and the personal impact of their injuries. Understanding these categories helps ensure that every aspect of a victim’s suffering is accounted for in a legal claim.
Economic damages cover the financial losses that result directly from a pedestrian accident. These damages often include substantial medical expenses, such as emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, and assistive devices.
In addition to medical costs, victims may recover compensation for lost wages if their injuries prevent them from working. In cases where injuries lead to long-term disability or limit future earning potential, damages for diminished earning capacity are also available. Rehabilitation costs, including occupational therapy and home healthcare, may also be included in economic damages.
Future medical care is another critical component. Serious injuries often require ongoing treatment, including follow-up surgeries, rehabilitation services, and mental health counseling. At Johnson Garcia, we work with medical professionals to calculate these long-term care needs and pursue full compensation on behalf of our clients.
Non-economic damages compensate victims for the personal, intangible losses that cannot be measured in dollars alone. Pain and suffering damages account for the physical pain, discomfort, and permanent limitations caused by serious injuries.
Victims of pedestrian accidents also frequently endure mental anguish and emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Compensation for these psychological impacts acknowledges the lasting emotional toll of the accident.
Loss of enjoyment of life is another important form of non-economic damages. When injuries prevent victims from participating in activities they once loved — whether spending time with family, pursuing hobbies, or engaging in community events — they deserve compensation for that profound loss.
Punitive damages are awarded in cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct. These damages are not intended to compensate the victim directly but to punish reckless or intentional behavior and deter similar actions in the future.
Examples of conduct that may warrant punitive damages include drunk driving, excessive speeding in pedestrian-heavy areas, and hit-and-run incidents. In cases where a pedestrian accident results in a fatality, surviving family members may also pursue wrongful death compensation. This can cover funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional pain of losing a loved one. At Johnson Garcia, we pursue these damages aggressively, holding negligent and reckless parties accountable for the harm they cause.
Pedestrian accident claims present unique challenges that make them more complicated than standard vehicle collision cases. Victims and their families often face aggressive defenses and multiple barriers to recovery.
One of the most common complexities in pedestrian accident cases is the dispute over fault. Drivers and their insurers may argue that the pedestrian was crossing outside a marked crosswalk or failed to obey traffic signals. Texas’ comparative negligence law allows for partial fault to be assigned, and insurance companies use this to minimize payouts. Successfully countering these arguments requires experienced legal representation and thorough evidence collection.
Many pedestrian accidents involve more than just the driver. If the vehicle is a commercial truck, delivery van, or rideshare vehicle, employers, contractors, and insurance companies may also be involved. Sorting through multiple layers of liability and insurance coverage is a time-consuming and complex process that requires legal expertise.
Proving that a driver was distracted, impaired, or otherwise negligent is often challenging. It may require obtaining phone records, surveillance footage, or black box data. Witness statements and police reports help, but insurance companies frequently contest these claims. An experienced legal team knows how to secure this evidence and present it effectively.
Insurance adjusters work to protect their company’s bottom line. They often offer low settlements or deny claims outright, especially in pedestrian accident cases where fault may be disputed. Without strong legal representation, victims may accept far less than they deserve. At Johnson Garcia, we negotiate aggressively and are prepared to take cases to court if the insurer refuses to negotiate fairly.
In complex cases, accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals play a crucial role in proving liability and demonstrating the extent of injuries. These experts can explain how the accident occurred and project long-term impacts on the victim’s life. Building a case with this level of professional support is essential for success.
The steps you take immediately following a pedestrian accident can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation. Acting quickly and carefully helps protect your legal rights and strengthens your claim.
Your health should be your first priority. Even if injuries seem minor, seek medical care right away. Some conditions, like internal injuries or concussions, may not be immediately apparent. Prompt medical documentation also serves as critical evidence in your claim.
Always report the accident to law enforcement. A police report provides an official account of the incident, including statements from the driver, witnesses, and responding officers. This report becomes key evidence in settlement negotiations and litigation.
If possible, gather the driver’s name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance details. This information is essential for filing a claim and determining liability.
Independent witness accounts can support your version of events if the driver disputes fault. Collect names and contact information from anyone who saw the accident happen. Their testimony can be crucial in building a strong case.
Photographs and videos of the accident scene provide visual evidence of vehicle positions, damage, skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signals. This documentation helps recreate the incident and proves valuable when negotiating with insurers or presenting evidence in court.
The sooner you involve an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer, the better. Legal counsel can help protect your rights, gather evidence before it disappears, and handle communications with insurers. At Johnson Garcia, we step in immediately to build a strong case and advocate for full and fair compensation.
The actions you take — or avoid — after a pedestrian accident can significantly impact your ability to recover full compensation. Many victims make avoidable mistakes that insurers and defense attorneys later use against them. Understanding these pitfalls helps protect your claim.
After an accident, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed or apologetic, even if the crash was not your fault. However, statements like “I didn’t see you” or “I’m sorry” can be interpreted as admissions of fault. Avoid making any assumptions or statements about who caused the accident. Let law enforcement and legal professionals handle fault determinations based on evidence.
Some victims wait to seek medical care, hoping injuries will heal on their own. This delay not only risks worsening your condition but also weakens your claim. Insurance companies may argue that delayed treatment indicates your injuries were minor or unrelated to the accident. Immediate medical attention creates clear documentation linking your injuries to the incident.
Insurance adjusters may contact you shortly after the accident, appearing sympathetic and helpful. Their goal, however, is to minimize payouts. They may ask leading questions or request recorded statements designed to reduce or deny your claim. Do not speak with adjusters or provide any recorded statements without consulting a pedestrian accident lawyer.
Insurers often offer quick settlements that seem appealing but fail to account for long-term medical needs, lost income, and emotional damages. Accepting these offers without legal review can leave you without adequate resources for recovery. An experienced attorney can evaluate any offer to ensure it fairly compensates you for all current and future losses.
Social media posts can be used against you. Insurers and defense attorneys monitor social media activity, looking for content they can twist to suggest that your injuries are not as severe as claimed. Avoid posting any details about the accident, your recovery, or your activities until your case is resolved.
Pedestrian accident cases are complex, requiring immediate action and skilled legal strategy. At Johnson Garcia, we bring more than 35 years of experience handling these challenging cases for clients across Houston and the surrounding areas.
Our team does not rely solely on police reports. We conduct independent investigations, gathering accident scene photographs, traffic camera footage, and physical evidence. We also interview witnesses and secure documentation to build a complete and compelling case.
We collaborate with medical experts who can assess the severity of injuries and project long-term care needs. Accident reconstruction specialists help us demonstrate exactly how the incident occurred, supporting claims of driver negligence or unsafe conditions.
Thorough review and analysis of police reports, traffic camera recordings, and witness testimony allow us to uncover any inconsistencies or overlooked details. This diligence helps us counter insurance company tactics and strengthens the evidence supporting your claim.
At Johnson Garcia, we go beyond the obvious medical bills. We work with financial and medical professionals to calculate lost wages, diminished earning capacity, future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
Insurance companies are experienced in tactics designed to minimize compensation. We take over all communications and negotiations, ensuring that our clients do not fall victim to pressure tactics or lowball settlement offers.
While we work to resolve cases through negotiation, we prepare each case for trial from day one. If the insurance company or opposing party refuses to negotiate fairly, we will file a lawsuit and aggressively pursue justice in court.
We understand that pedestrian accident victims are often overwhelmed and uncertain about the legal process. Our team provides clear communication, answers all questions, and keeps clients informed throughout each stage of the case. You will never be left wondering what comes next.
Selecting the right law firm after a pedestrian accident can make all the difference in your recovery and financial future. At Johnson Garcia, we stand out through experience, local knowledge, and courtroom readiness.
With more than three decades of focused experience, our attorneys understand the intricacies of pedestrian accident claims and how to overcome challenges posed by insurance companies and complex liability issues.
Our firm is based in Houston and has a thorough understanding of local traffic conditions, problem intersections, and common accident locations. This knowledge allows us to build stronger cases that reflect real-world conditions familiar to judges and juries.
We have successfully represented victims against negligent drivers, commercial entities, and property owners, securing substantial compensation for our clients. Our history of results speaks to our ability to hold all responsible parties accountable.
While many firms settle cases quickly, we prepare every case for trial. Our willingness to litigate — and our reputation for aggressive courtroom advocacy — encourages opposing parties to negotiate fairly and positions our clients for strong outcomes.
We believe financial barriers should never prevent injury victims from receiving quality legal representation. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. Our fees come only if we recover compensation for you.
At Johnson Garcia, every client receives personal attention and clear communication. We provide regular updates, remain accessible to answer questions, and are committed to supporting clients throughout the legal process.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Houston, you do not have to face the challenges of recovery and legal action alone. The process can feel overwhelming, but having experienced legal representation on your side makes all the difference.
At Johnson Garcia, we are here to help. With more than 35 years of experience handling pedestrian accident cases, our Houston-based team is prepared to fight for you. Whether through tough negotiations or aggressive litigation, we are committed to holding negligent drivers and other responsible parties accountable.
Call us today at 832-844-6700 or contact us online for a free consultation. Let Johnson Garcia stand with you, protect your rights, and help you move forward with confidence.
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