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Getting into a car accident can lead to serious repercussions, including costly damage to one’s vehicle. Major physical injury can result as well but, fortunately, modern cars are designed to absorb collision impact to a large degree and minimize the likelihood of harm to their occupants.
However, pedestrians do not enjoy the protective benefits of roll cages and similar safety equipment. That means a road encounter between vehicle and pedestrian can be especially damaging to the latter.
Common Types of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians can be harmed by moving vehicles in a variety of ways. Common scenarios include, but are not limited to, the following:
- A pedestrian on a crosswalk is struck by a vehicle that fails to yield to them.
- A pedestrian in a parking lot is struck by a vehicle backing out of a parking space.
- A pedestrian walking along the side of a road is struck by a vehicle that swerves out of its lane.
In many cases, the driver is operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol or is not paying full attention to road conditions due to other factors (e.g., eating or texting behind the wheel). Pedestrian accidents are more common after dark when driver visibility is diminished. Regardless of the reason for the accident, it can leave the pedestrian with severe injuries.
Pedestrian Accidents—the Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 5376 pedestrians were killed in vehicular accidents during the year 2015.1 Each year, around 65,000 pedestrians are left with injuries in the aftermath of an accident involving a moving vehicle (U.S Department of Transportation).2
What’s alarming about these statistics is that they show no sign of improving. Some commentators have pointed to the increasing popularity of noiseless electric and hybrid vehicles—which may not be noticed by pedestrians in time—as a factor in these kinds of accidents.
Pedestrian Injuries
It goes without saying that being struck by a vehicle weighing thousands of pounds can inflict major injuries on a pedestrian, such as broken legs and head wounds. Sometimes these injuries have lasting effects. The injured pedestrian may be unable to return to their normal employment for weeks or months—or possibly ever. They may face a long rehabilitation process, which will likely require a lot of time and money.
Why You Need a Pedestrian Injury Lawyer
In the aftermath of an automobile accident, there is much work that must be done. The driver of the vehicle and the injured pedestrian will each give a statement of their version of events. Witnesses, if any, must be contacted as well. Insurance companies will be involved also, and they can be counted on to do whatever possible to minimize the amount of money they have to pay out. It can be difficult for the injured plaintiff to manage all this properly.
When it comes to navigating the post-accident process, it’s best to have experienced pedestrian injury lawyer in your corner. That way, you’ll bolster your chances of obtaining an appropriate settlement.
Contact Us Today
If you need a pedestrian accident lawyer in Houston, TX who will fight for you, please contact Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P., at (713) 574-5089. A free consultation is available with one of our Houston pedestrian accident attorneys.
