When a vehicle strikes a person on foot, it’s cataloged as a run-over or pedestrian accident. These events are often caused by alcohol-impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, or negligence to obey stop and yield signs. A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without stopping to help or provide contact information. This act is not only unethical but also illegal. Hit-and-run cases are particularly challenging for victims, as identifying the responsible party can be difficult.
24%, that is, nearly one in every four pedestrians killed in traffic accidents, were hit-and-run cases. These leave victims and their families feeling helpless, especially when the driver remains unidentified.
After a pedestrian accident, Houston run-over accident lawyers can provide clarity and legal assistance to help the injured person and their family recover without worrying about legal processes or financial burdens. Being involved in a run-over accident can be a life-changing event, often leaving victims with severe injuries, emotional distress, and financial difficulties. The Law Offices of Hilda Sibrian® are here to help the victims of these accidents secure the justice and compensation they deserve.
Injury Attorney Hilda Sibrian believes that everyone deserves diligent and capable legal representation to improve their chances of recovery after an accident. If you or a loved one were injured because of someone else’s fault or wrongdoing, call us. We’re here for you 24/7.
Every day in the United States, an average of 20 pedestrians lose their lives in traffic accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) . In 2022 alone, over 7,500 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents on public roads, marking the highest number of deaths in 41 years . The trend has been climbing steadily since 2009, with fatalities increasing by 83% during this period. Additionally, 1,666 pedestrians were killed in 2022 in accidents in parking lots, garages, driveways, and other private property.
Houston is the third city with the most pedestrian deaths from 2018 to 2022. Regrettably, 873 people lost their lives to these types of accidents.
The sharp increase in pedestrian fatalities in the United States since 2009 is attributed to several factors, such as:
Being involved in a run-over accident is a traumatic and overwhelming experience, but knowing the steps to take immediately afterward can make a significant difference in protecting your rights, ensuring your safety, and strengthening your legal case. Here’s a detailed guide on what to do if you or a loved one is involved in such an accident:
1. Prioritize Your Safety
Your safety should always come first. If you are in immediate danger, such as being in the middle of traffic, try to move to a safer location, if possible, without causing further harm to yourself. If you are unable to move due to your injuries, wait for emergency responders to assist you. Signal to bystanders for help if needed.
2. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s critical to get checked by medical professionals. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding, concussions, or soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms immediately but can worsen over time. Visiting a doctor not only ensures your health but also creates medical records that can improve your legal claim.
3. Call 911 and Report the Accident
After ensuring your safety and seeking initial medical attention, it’s essential to report the accident to local law enforcement. Police officers will document the incident, gather information from witnesses, and create an official police report, which is a critical piece of evidence.
When speaking to the police:
The police report can be used to establish liability and serve as an unbiased account of the accident.
4. Document the Scene
If you are physically able to do so, collect as much evidence as possible from the accident scene. Evidence can include:
If you cannot document the scene yourself, ask someone nearby to do it for you.
5. Avoid Admitting Fault or Making Statements
It’s natural to feel confused or emotional after an accident, but be cautious about what you say at the scene. Avoid statements like “I didn’t see the car” or “I might have been distracted,” as these could be used against you later. Similarly, avoid apologizing, even if you feel partially responsible. Stick to factual observations when speaking to police or witnesses.
When dealing with insurance adjusters, do not give recorded statements or sign any documents without consulting a Houston attorney for run-over cases. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, and anything you say can be used to reduce your claim.
6. Preserve Evidence of Your Injuries
Beyond documenting the scene, it’s important to keep a detailed record of your injuries and how they affect your daily life. This can include:
This evidence can help your attorney build a strong case for compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
7. Consult a Run-Over Accident Attorney in Houston
One of the most important steps you can take is to contact an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer. A skilled attorney will:
At the Law Offices of Hilda Sibrian® we have attained real results for thousands of clients Our Houston accident lawyers for run-over victims will use all their resources, expertise and experience to support you and help you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Knowing what to do if you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident can help you act fast and decisively.
Our legal team operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning: you don’t pay us to start your case and if we don’t win, you don’t pay any legal fees. Our fee would be a percentage of the compensation obtained for you and your family in the settlement. So you don’t have to pay us out of your pocket, and there are no upfront payments, either!
Choosing the right accident lawyer in Houston makes the difference between winning or losing your case. Here are five essential questions to consider when selecting top personal injury attorneys in Texas:
At the Law Offices of Hilda Sibrian®, you are our top priority. Here’s what we guarantee:
When you trust the Law Offices of Hilda Sibrian® with your case, here’s what you can expect:
Medical Expenses
The first concern for many pedestrian accident victims is medical expenses. Which may include:
Due to their injuries, pedestrian accident victims often miss work, leading to lost wages. This type of compensation can include:
Victims can be compensated for the physical and emotional impact of their injuries. These are subjective and often harder to quantify than economic damages. They may include:
In cases where the victim suffers permanent damage, such as scarring, disfigurement, or a lasting disability, compensation is typically higher. These damages aim to address the following:
Punitive damages are seldom awarded but may be applicable in instances involving gross negligence or reckless behavior by the driver. They are awarded at the court’s discretion and require evidence of malicious intent or extreme negligence.
For family members of the victim, a pedestrian accident can affect relationships and emotional bonds. Loss of consortium damages may compensate spouses or dependents for:
1. Medical Expenses
The first concern for many pedestrian accident victims is medical expenses. Which may include:
2. Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity
Due to their injuries, pedestrian accident victims often miss work, leading to lost wages. This type of compensation can include:
3. Pain and Suffering
Victims can be compensated for the physical and emotional impact of their injuries. These are subjective and often harder to quantify than economic damages. They may include:
4. Disfigurement and Permanent Disability
In cases where the victim suffers permanent damage, such as scarring, disfigurement, or a lasting disability, compensation is typically higher. These damages aim to address the following:
5. Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are seldom awarded but may be applicable in instances involving gross negligence or reckless behavior by the driver. They are awarded at the court’s discretion and require evidence of malicious intent or extreme negligence.
6. Loss of Consortium
For family members of the victim, a pedestrian accident can affect relationships and emotional bonds. Loss of consortium damages may compensate spouses or dependents for:
Our run-over injury attorneys in Houston have ample experience helping victims of pedestrian accidents. These are some of the steps our pedestrian injury lawyers in Houston can take to assist you:
Our Houston run-over accident lawyers at Hilda Sibrian® are here to support you and your family after a pedestrian accident. We will use all our resources, energy, and expertise to secure the maximum compensation possible for you and your family. Contact us to receive a free and confidential consultation.
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