Texas MV-Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
In Houston, the walkability that many seek when searching for homes comes with increased risk of injury due to the sheer volume of motor vehicles travelling on Houston’s roadways. Walking is important – a great way to exercise, and get from point A to point B. More walking would probably help to lower carbon emissions in our city. That being said, there is risk that comes with walking in the midst of Houston drivers, particularly in some areas and contexts.
On February 19, 2020, for example, an automobile pedestrian death occurred on the 7100 block of Airline near Rittenhouse when a male pedestrian was crossing the street at approximately 7:25 p.m. According to the Houston Chronicle, police believe that two vehicles were racing down Airline. Neither vehicle stopped, and the man’s death is being investigated as a hit and run.
Year after year, pedestrians are injured on Houston roads due to the negligence, carelessness or recklessness of others. The stakes can be devastating in an automobile-pedestrian collision. If a speeding car, truck or SUV collides with a pedestrian, the life of that individual is at serious risk. Because pedestrians are exposed, injuries may be catastrophic if not fatal, involving burns, spinal injuries, orthopedic injuries, traumatic brain injuries, arm injuries, leg injuries and hand injuries. Joshua Collum is an experienced automobile-pedestrian accident lawyer.
According to Texas law, drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with a pedestrian; yield to a pedestrian in crosswalks; stop or slow down before passing another vehicle stopped in a travel lane until the driver has determined whether that vehicle has stopped for a pedestrian; in the presence of a school crossing guard, wait for all persons including the guard to completely clear the road before proceeding. Nevertheless, pedestrians must always be alert and aware of their surroundings.
Pedestrians should avoid wearing headphones or ear pods in potentially dangerous scenarios to decrease risk of injury. Pedestrians should be wary of roadways that are under construction or have dangerous defects that increase risk, as well as negligent or drunk drivers, all of which cause automobile-pedestrian collisions. Pedestrians, when possible, must use the sidewalk and the crosswalk; obey traffic control devices; walk on the left side of the street facing traffic if no sidewalk is available; not cross an intersection diagonally unless the intersection is specifically designed for this. Common causes of Houston pedestrian accidents include a failure by drivers to check for pedestrians in crosswalks; drivers failing to stop at stop signs or lights; texting and other driver distractions; drivers choosing to make turns without paying attention to their surroundings; speeding; driving under the influence.
If you or a loved one has suffered injury or death during an automobile pedestrian collision, it is imperative that you hire an attorney with experience in these specialized cases. Joshua Collum has successfully handled many types of pedestrian personal injury claims and knows how to investigate and prosecute these cases. Some cases require intense investigation, and we may hire investigators to assist in obtaining evidence such as video footage. In many contexts the video evidence will not be saved or stored for long. If you have been injured in an automobile pedestrian accident, don’t wait – call Collum Law Firm, P.C. for a free case evaluation – (346) 954-4076.