Pedestrian accidents occur fairly frequently in Houston and the surrounding areas. Although Houston has its fair share of jaywalkers, a large number of pedestrian-related accidents occur at crosswalks and on sidewalks, and these are predominantly the fault of drivers. Pedestrians can sustain severe injuries and incur substantial losses due to the actions of negligent drivers.
Typical Injuries
Unlike motorists, pedestrians do not enjoy the luxury of navigating the streets in a steel enclosure. Pedestrians struck by a motor vehicle can suffer from various types of physical injuries. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Skull fracture
- Fractured bones
- Broken teeth or jaw
- Fractured tibia, fibula, or both
- Spinal cord injury
- Scrapes and bruises
- 2nd or 3rd-degree burn
In addition to these physical injuries, it is possible for a victim of a serious, perhaps near-fatal, incident to suffer from anxiety or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Keep Track of Medical Records
Once a claim has been filed with the insurance company, it is important to keep organized records of any medical bills obtained in the course of treatment. The negligent driver’s insurance company is generally required to compensate the victim for all losses sustained. The burden is on the victim to demonstrate the damages incurred. This is typically done through medical bills, so it is important to have accurate and complete records. Emotional damages—such as PTSD and loss of enjoyment of life—will require other means of proof.
Discuss Your Situation with a Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one was struck by a motor vehicle while crossing a street or walking on a sidewalk, seek the advice of a seasoned pedestrian accident lawyer today. Being involved in an accident as a pedestrian can be a traumatic experience. Many times, the injuries sustained at the scene of the incident require immediate medical attention. This leaves little to no time for the injured party to obtain the evidence necessary to pursue a proper claim with an insurance company. A lawyer who is experienced in handling pedestrian personal injury matters will have a solid understanding as to the likely outcome of any given case. An attorney who has seen many cases will be able to help guide the client throughout the entire process from initializing a claim to reaching a settlement.
Contact Our Houston Pedestrian Accident Law Firm Today
The law office of Stewart J. Guss offers free initial consultations for personal injury lawsuits. If we decide to take a case, it is on a contingency basis—basically, we do not charge you any money unless we receive a favorable result on your behalf. We will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf with the intent to receive maximum compensation for you. If an insurance company’s offer is unreasonable, we are not afraid to litigate the matter in court. We will not stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve for any injuries suffered as a result of being struck by a motor vehicle, so please call today at 800-898-4877 for more information.
