Houston pedestrian accident lawyer for serious injuries
Overview
Pedestrians face serious risks in traffic
Pedestrian accidents often occur at crosswalks, intersections, and parking areas throughout Houston. Even low-speed impacts can cause significant injuries.
Benjamin Roberts Law represents pedestrians injured by negligent drivers across Harris County and surrounding areas.
Pedestrian crashes are a serious and growing problem in Texas. According to Texas Department of Transportation data, more than 5,000 pedestrians are struck by vehicles each year in Texas, and around 800 pedestrians are killed. Harris County consistently reports some of the highest pedestrian fatality totals in the state. Because a walking person has essentially no protection against a vehicle, even a crash at 20 to 30 miles per hour can cause life-changing injuries, and higher speeds are often deadly.
Common Causes
Why pedestrian accidents happen in Houston
Houston is one of the most dangerous cities in the country for pedestrians, and the causes are predictable: drivers failing to yield at crosswalks and intersections, running red lights, speeding through residential neighborhoods and school zones, and texting or scrolling while behind the wheel.
Parking lots, strip malls, and intersections without adequate pedestrian signals are particularly high-risk areas. At night, poor street lighting and drivers failing to keep a proper lookout make an already dangerous situation worse.
Insurance companies will almost always try to shift blame to the pedestrian — arguing they were jaywalking, hard to see, or not paying attention. We know these arguments because our attorneys previously defended insurance carriers. That's why our firm will immediately work to secure surveillance footage, 911 call records, cell phone data, and experts to perform crash reconstruction so we can stop the insurance from blaming the victim and pay the justice deserved.
Injuries and Recovery
Pedestrian injuries are almost never minor
A pedestrian has no protection against a vehicle moving at any speed. The result is almost always serious: traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures, spinal cord damage, broken legs and pelvis, internal organ injuries, severe road rash and permanent scarring, and in the worst cases, wrongful death.
Because the initial impact is followed by a secondary impact with the pavement, injuries are more severe — requiring emergency hospitalization and months or years of rehabilitation. Many victims face permanent disability or limitations that affect their ability to work, care for family, or live independently.
Settlement value in a pedestrian case depends on injury severity, the available insurance coverage, and how well the claim is documented and presented. Insurers know pedestrian cases carry high damages — which is exactly why they fight harder to minimize them. Experienced handling from attorneys who understand the defense side can make a significant difference in the outcome.
Talk With an Attorney
Pedestrian accident questions
Who is at fault in pedestrian accidents?
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. If the driver was negligent — by speeding, running a light, or failing to yield — they can be held liable for your injuries. Even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover damages as long as your share of fault is 50% or less. Insurance companies will try to shift as much blame as possible onto the pedestrian. Our attorneys know these tactics because we used to use them — and we know how to counter them.
Can I recover damages if I was crossing mid-block or outside a crosswalk?
Yes, in many cases. Jaywalking may reduce your recovery, but it doesn't eliminate it. Texas law still requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid hitting a pedestrian regardless of where they're crossing. The insurance company will argue you were 100% at fault — that's rarely the truth. Surveillance footage, witness statements, and crash reconstruction often tell a very different story.
What compensation is available in a pedestrian accident case?
Depending on the severity of your injuries, compensation may include medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, physical impairment, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving a fatality, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim under Texas law. The value of your claim depends on how well it's documented and presented — which is why thorough preparation matters more than a quick settlement.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Texas?
The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in Texas is two years from the date of the accident. If you miss that deadline, you lose the right to file. Certain circumstances — such as cases involving government vehicles or minors — can change that timeline. Contact an attorney as early as possible so your rights are protected and critical evidence is preserved.
What if the driver who hit me left the scene?
Hit-and-run pedestrian cases are more common than most people realize. If the driver fled, you may still be able to recover compensation through the uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your own auto policy or a household member's policy. Police reports, traffic cameras, and nearby business surveillance footage can also help identify the driver. Time is critical in these cases — evidence disappears quickly, so contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Speak With an Attorney
Free consultation available
If you were injured as a pedestrian, Benjamin Roberts Law can review your case.
