Pedestrian Accident Attorney In Katy, Tx
Get The Representation You Deserve With The Law Office Of Shane Mcclelland
Pedestrians take to the streets every day, but unfortunately, accidents happen every day too. While crossing the street, walking on sidewalks, or even walking in a parking lot, pedestrians can find themselves in danger and be involved in an accident involving a motor vehicle or cyclist at any time.
Pedestrian accidents can lead to very serious injuries, and you can pursue legal compensation for your economic and noneconomic damages.
The Law Office of Shane McClelland, PLLC can advise you of your legal rights and options.
With over 15 years of experience, our firm is both trusted and respected by our peers and clients alike. Once you retain our firm, we can work diligently to make sure your rights are protected, and our dedicated work ethic ensures that each client receives individual attention and tailored solutions.
Our commitment to our clients is always our top priority. We strive to provide a positive client experience and ensure open communication throughout the entire process. Throughout your case, our experienced Katy, TX pedestrian accident attorney will be there to answer any questions you may have and help you explore all avenues of compensation for your injuries.
To schedule an initial consultation and discuss your case with our Katy, TX pedestrian accident attorney, call 713-987-7107 or complete our online contact form.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents are unfortunately not that uncommon. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 6,500 pedestrian fatalities and about 55,000 people injured in pedestrian accidents in 2020 alone. Common causes of these accidents include:
- Distracted driving. One of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents is distracted driving. When drivers are distracted by their phones or other distractions, they are less likely to see pedestrians in their path. Drivers may be distracted by their phones/other devices, the radio, passengers in the car, grooming practices, etc.
- Speeding. Exceeding the speed limit is another major cause of pedestrian accidents. Drivers who speed are less likely to see pedestrians in time to avoid a collision. Additionally, speeding drivers have less control over their vehicles, making it more difficult to stop or swerve to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
- Intoxicated driving. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is also a common cause of pedestrian accidents. Intoxicated drivers tend to have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and reduced coordination, making it difficult for them to avoid hitting pedestrians. Alcohol-impaired drivers are involved in about one-third of all pedestrian fatalities.
- Crosswalk violations. Pedestrians are also at risk of being hit by vehicles when crossing the street. Crosswalk violations occur when drivers fail to yield to pedestrians who are trying to cross the road. Additionally, pedestrians may also risk their own safety by crossing outside designated crosswalks, increasing their risk of being hit by a vehicle.
- Poor visibility. Poor visibility is another common cause of pedestrian accidents. Poor lighting, bad weather conditions, and other factors can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians in their path. Additionally, pedestrians who wear dark clothing or walk in poorly lit areas increase their risk of being hit by a vehicle.
- Parking lot errors. Drivers can often collide with pedestrians in parking lots if they are not alert, drive through parking spaces instead of on the road, or are distracted. Pedestrians should also be mindful that they are careful when walking between parked vehicles or crossing the street/walking while in a parking lot.
- Potholes and cracked pavement. Pedestrian accidents can also be caused by unsafe conditions in parking lots, on sidewalks, and on other walkways. Because of cracked pavement and potholes, pedestrians may suffer injuries in slips and falls; they can also be injured by a vehicle that hits a pothole. Poor roadway conditions can cause a vehicle to lose control and/or crash into a pedestrian.
Injuries Often Sustained in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can cause devastating injuries or even fatalities. Common injuries include:
- Broken bones. Pedestrians who are struck by cars are vulnerable to suffering broken bones. The impact of a vehicle can cause serious fractures, which can take months to heal depending on the severity of the injury.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). If a pedestrian is hit by a car, they can suffer from a traumatic brain injury or TBI. This type of injury can range from mild concussions to severe, long-lasting impairments that could be life-altering.
- Internal injuries. Internal bleeding and organ damage is another potential risk when pedestrians are involved in accidents with vehicles. These injuries may not appear immediately upon impact, but they can become life-threatening if not treated quickly and appropriately.
- Road rash. A common yet overlooked injury that often accompanies an accident between a pedestrian and a vehicle is road rash. This occurs when the skin comes into contact with pavement after being thrown off balance; scrapes and cuts become painful abrasions that require medical care to avoid infection or further complications down the line.
- Lacerations and cuts. Pedestrians can be cut by debris or flying glass and objects in the collision. Cuts and lacerations are especially common among elderly pedestrians who are victims in vehicular collisions as their skin tends to be more fragile than younger individuals’ skin. Severe cuts could lead to permanent scarring or even amputation if not treated properly in time.
- Soft tissue damage. These injuries include dislocations, tears, contusions, etc., and depending on the type of soft tissue damage a person sustains, the recovery process can vary. For more severe damage, a person may suffer pain and other long-term problems.
Contact Our Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Katy, TX
The Law Office of Shane McClelland is backed by over 15 years of experience as a personal injury attorney in Katy, TX, and having been featured on National Media, our firm is known for our community involvement and commitment to our clients. We are proud of our dedication to helping those who have been injured in pedestrian accidents and we will work hard to make sure your rights are upheld.
With our experience and understanding of the law, you can trust Shane McClelland to provide you with the legal representation you deserve. We understand how overwhelming dealing with a pedestrian accident can be, and we strive to provide compassionate representation every step of the way.
Throughout your case, we can educate and empower you to make informed case decisions. Our Katy, TX pedestrian accident attorney can also help you calculate your damages, minimize your liability, establish negligence, and handle the negotiations or litigation.
Learn more about our services by calling 713-987-7107 or reaching out online.
