The distractions of everyday life can make it difficult to avoid accidents. Most people, even those who work from home, neglect to pay attention to their surroundings and this can lead to costly crashes. Out of the 1.4 million pedestrian injuries that happen in the U.S., 53% are caused by collisions with motor vehicles, causing death and numerous other issues that come with it. More than half of these accidents happen in urban areas like Houston, with injured pedestrians making up 15% of the population there.
You may have to consult a pedestrian accident lawyer Houston to find out if you qualify for compensation. A lawyer can also help you figure out who was at fault for the accident and can act as a representative during negotiations with insurance companies.
How Do Pedestrian Accidents Occur in Houston?
The most common form of pedestrian accident takes place on crosswalks, which is when a vehicle hits someone crossing the street. These accidents account for 27% of all pedestrian accidents in the U.S., with another 46% taking place at intersections or right-turn lanes to prevent traffic from backing up too much.
Many other pedestrian accidents occur on sidewalks and driveways, where pedestrians step out in front of cars or simply disobey the rules of the road. Pedestrians are also injured when they stray into the street, often by crossing an intersection after a stop sign. These accidents account for 12% of pedestrian injuries, with another 15% occurring when a vehicle hits a person who was knocked down and is no longer visible.
Other dangerous areas of Houston for pedestrians include sidewalks that aren’t properly maintained and intersections with stop signs at several different locations or none at all.
What is the Role of Lawyers in Pedestrian Accidents?
Lawyers, who are experienced in handling such cases, are the best people to represent injured pedestrians and assist them with obtaining sufficient compensation. Even if you’re only a pedestrian who suffered minor injuries, you can pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Several factors can affect how much money you receive after an accident. The first is whether or not you were at fault for the accident as a pedestrian or driver. If your wrongdoing was minor or insignificant in nature, then your attorney may be able to settle out of court instead of pushing it through to trial and demanding a larger amount of money on your behalf.
