Hit While Walking in Houston? Get Legal Help from a Trusted Advocate
Being hit by a negligent or reckless driver while walking can turn a normal day into a medical and financial crisis. Maybe you were just crossing the street near your neighborhood grocery store or walking to work in downtown Houston when everything changed.
At AP Law Group, we understand how disruptive and frightening pedestrian accidents are, especially when they result in serious injuries. You may be dealing with physical pain, hospital bills, missed work, anxiety about your future, and more questions than answers.
Our experienced Houston pedestrian accident lawyers can answer your questions and address your concerns. We will listen to your experience, evaluate your case, and explain your best legal options. We’re here to help you move forward with hope and confidence.
Whether your collision happened in downtown Houston, near the Galleria, or at a residential crosswalk, we’re ready to stand by your side and fight for the compensation you deserve.
The Rising Risk of Pedestrian Accidents in Houston
Pedestrian injuries are a growing concern in Houston, one of Texas’s busiest cities for vehicle traffic. The city’s sprawling layout, wide roadways, and fast-moving traffic create danger zones in both urban and suburban neighborhoods.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, pedestrian deaths continue to rise year over year. In one recent year, over 900 pedestrians were killed in Texas traffic crashes, and many of those fatalities happened right here in the Houston metro. The risks to pedestrians and bicyclists have grown nearly 60% in less than a decade.
The most dangerous roads for pedestrians in Houston include:
- Westheimer Road
- Main Street near the Museum District
- Richmond Avenue
- FM 1960 near Spring
- Bellaire Boulevard
Areas with poor lighting, limited crosswalks, or heavy speeding are especially hazardous. Unfortunately, even careful pedestrians can be struck by inattentive, impaired, or reckless drivers—and in these situations, filing a lawsuit may be the most effective way to hold the driver accountable and recover damages.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Houston
Pedestrian accidents almost always result from a driver’s failure to see or yield to someone walking. These are preventable incidents, often rooted in negligent behavior. Understanding the common causes can help clarify who may be at fault.
Distracted driving
When drivers are texting, looking at GPS, or adjusting the radio, their attention is diverted from the road. A few seconds of distraction is all it takes to miss a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
Speeding
Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to stop in time. In neighborhoods or school zones, high speeds often turn minor incidents into serious tragedies.
Failure to yield
Drivers must yield to pedestrians at marked crosswalks and intersections. When they rush through right turns or disregard traffic signals, they can easily strike someone crossing lawfully.
Impaired driving
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol drastically reduces reaction time and decision-making. Late-night and weekend crashes in Houston often involve drunk drivers who fail to notice pedestrians.
Poor visibility or design
Poor street lighting, faded crosswalks, or wide multi-lane roads make it harder for drivers to detect pedestrians. Some Houston areas lack safe crossing zones altogether, increasing the risk of injury.
Injuries Pedestrians Commonly Sustain in a Crash
Because pedestrians have no protection from impact, even low-speed collisions can lead to severe, life-altering injuries. Many victims face months or even years of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and financial stress.
Head and brain injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), skull fractures, and concussions are frequent. These injuries can impact memory, cognition, and emotional well-being long after the crash.
Spinal injuries and paralysis
Damage to the spine can result in partial or full paralysis. In other cases, it may cause chronic pain and restricted mobility.
Broken bones and fractures
Legs, hips, ribs, and arms are especially vulnerable when a pedestrian is knocked to the ground or pinned under a vehicle.
Internal injuries
Organ damage and internal bleeding are not always visible at the scene. Left untreated, these injuries can be life-threatening.
Psychological trauma
The emotional aftermath can be just as painful. Many survivors experience anxiety, PTSD, or depression, especially after severe or fatal incidents.
If you or a loved one is dealing with any of these outcomes, a Houston pedestrian accident lawyer can help you build a case for full and fair compensation.
Who’s Liable in a Houston Pedestrian Accident?
In Texas, pedestrian accident claims are governed by negligence law. To recover compensation, you must show that the driver’s carelessness or recklessness directly caused your injuries. That often involves an investigation into:
- The driver’s behavior before the crash (such as speeding, texting, or intoxication)
- Road and traffic conditions
- Pedestrian location
- Witness observations or video evidence
What if the pedestrian was partly at fault?
Texas follows a “modified comparative fault” rule. This means you can recover compensation if you were less than 51% responsible for the accident. However, your total award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were jaywalking but the driver was speeding, both parties may share some blame. Questions about who is at fault can significantly affect how much compensation you receive. If you were deemed 30% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 30%. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Houston can help you challenge unfair assessments of blame that might hurt your case.
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Pedestrian accidents can leave you facing medical expenses, lost wages and income, and lasting changes to your quality of life. AP Law Group helps clients recover both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages
- Emergency room and hospitalization costs
- Surgery, medication, and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
Non-economic damages
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
If your accident resulted in the death of a loved one, your family may also be entitled to wrongful death compensation for lost support, funeral costs, and more.
Why You Should Act Quickly
In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents, is two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering any compensation.
Additionally, critical evidence, such as surveillance footage, eyewitness testimony, or crash scene data, can disappear over time. Most video surveillance is erased within weeks if it’s not preserved. That’s why knowing how to select a personal injury lawyer who can act quickly and strategically is so important—the sooner you involve a Houston pedestrian accident lawyer, the stronger your claim may be.
What to Do Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident
If you’ve already sought medical care for your injuries, you’ve taken the most important first step; your health must always come first. If you haven’t been evaluated by a doctor yet, do not delay. Even minor injuries can worsen over time or may not present symptoms immediately. Obtaining medical documentation now is also crucial for establishing a robust legal case.
Once your immediate medical needs are being handled, there are additional steps you should take to protect your claim and your future.
Hire a lawyer
Before speaking with insurance companies or accepting any settlements, consult a pedestrian accident attorney. A lawyer can step in quickly to preserve evidence, protect your rights, and take over communication with insurers so you don’t inadvertently hurt your claim.
Keep all medical appointments and follow treatments
Attend every doctor’s appointment, follow through with physical therapy, and take medications as prescribed. These records show that you are taking your recovery seriously and that your injuries are real and ongoing.
Document your pain and recovery
Maintain a regular written or video journal where you record your pain levels, physical limitations, emotional challenges, and how the injury affects your day-to-day life. How long after an accident you can claim injury depends on the law in your state, but documenting your recovery from the beginning can support your case no matter when you file.
Preserve physical and digital evidence
Hold onto everything: photos of your injuries, damaged clothing, prescriptions, receipts, and written communications. If you have photos of the crash scene or contact details for witnesses, those are invaluable.
Report the accident to the Houston Police Department
If a report wasn’t taken at the scene, file one as soon as possible. A police report can help establish fault and includes important facts such as the driver’s identity and insurance information.
Do not speak with insurance adjusters without legal advice
Insurance representatives may seem helpful, but their primary goal is to settle your claim as quickly as possible and for as little money as possible. Let your lawyer handle those conversations to ensure nothing you say is misused.
Taking the right steps after a pedestrian accident can protect both your health and your legal rights. Even if you’re not sure how serious your injuries are, acting promptly helps lay the groundwork for a strong claim.
How AP Law Group Builds a Strong Pedestrian Injury Case
At AP Law Group, we believe that every injured pedestrian deserves personalized legal care. We don’t treat your case like a file number—we treat it like your future depends on it.
Here’s how we go to work for you:
Investigating fault and gathering proof
Our legal team conducts a detailed investigation into the crash. This process includes reviewing the police report, locating video surveillance, retrieving traffic camera footage, and speaking with eyewitnesses. If necessary, we also bring in accident reconstruction experts to explain what happened and why the driver should be held responsible.
Proving the full value of your damages
Many injury victims don’t realize how much their case is truly worth. We work with your doctors and financial experts to show the full picture—including long-term care needs, missed future wages, and the emotional impact on your daily life. Then we use that evidence to build a claim that reflects the real cost of your injuries.
Handling the insurance companies
Insurance adjusters are trained to limit payouts. We don’t let them minimize what you’ve gone through. Our lawyers handle all communications with the insurer, allowing you to focus on your recovery. We push for a settlement that covers everything you’re owed—and we won’t settle for less.
What Happens If Your Case Goes to Trial?
While most pedestrian accident cases settle out of court, some require litigation to resolve. If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we’re ready to take your case to trial.
At trial, we present a full narrative of your injuries, supported by evidence and expert testimony. We cross-examine the defense’s witnesses and show the jury how the driver’s choices affected your life. Our trial preparation is thorough, and we never walk into a courtroom unprepared.
You won’t have to worry about what comes next—we’ll explain each step and stand beside you the entire time.
Why Pedestrian Accident Victims in Houston Choose AP Law Group
Choosing the right law firm can make all the difference in your recovery. Understanding how an attorney can help gives you the confidence to move forward—AP Law Group offers more than just legal representation; we offer dedication, communication, and proven results.
We’re local and deeply rooted in Houston
Attorney Arsha Pourghaffar was born and raised in the Houston area. He knows the traffic patterns, high-risk intersections, and road conditions that contribute to pedestrian accidents in this city.
Our firm has successfully represented injured pedestrians throughout the Greater Houston Area, including:
- Downtown and Midtown
- West University and the Museum District
- Galleria and Uptown
- Northside neighborhoods like Spring and Cypress
- Busy corridors like Westheimer and Bellaire
We offer genuine support throughout the process
When you’re recovering from an injury, you need more than legal paperwork. You need someone who will answer your questions, return your calls, and stand with you when things feel uncertain. That’s what we do at AP Law Group.
No fees unless we win for you
You won’t pay us anything unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Our contingency fee model means we are truly invested in the outcome of your case. We’re motivated to get results, and we won’t stop until you do.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accident Claims in Texas
What is the deadline to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in Houston?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. However, exceptions apply in certain circumstances. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better.
What if I was partially at fault?
Texas follows a modified comparative fault system. If you are less than 51% responsible, you can still recover compensation, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
How much does it cost to hire a Houston pedestrian accident lawyer?
At AP Law Group, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront and only owe legal fees if we win your case.
Contact a Houston Pedestrian Accident Lawyer at AP Law Group Today
Your recovery deserves more than guesswork. If you’ve been hit while walking in Houston, call AP Law Group now for a free consultation. We’ll listen carefully to your story, explain your legal rights, and create a clear strategy to pursue the compensation you deserve.
You’ve been through enough. Let us carry the legal burden so you can focus on your health, your family, and your future. Call AP Law Group today at (713) 913-4627 or fill out our secure online contact form. We’re ready to help.