Representing People Hit by Cars

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics, the number of pedestrians killed by cars reached a five-year high in 2012. In fact, 14% of all people killed in traffic accidents were not in cars but were walking, running, jogging, hiking, sitting, or lying down. Cars must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in the crosswalks, and should keep a look out for people in or near the roadway. Yet, people hit by cars are hurt every day.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pedestrian traffic deaths are higher among minorities. The traffic deaths aren’t distributed equally, though. Native Americans, Hispanics, and blacks are much more likely to die as pedestrians in traffic accidents than whites or Asian-Americans.

Driver Neglect can Result in Pedestrians Getting Hit or Run Over

To avoid hitting pedestrians, NHTSA recommends that drivers take the following precautions:

Look out for pedestrians at all times. This is especially true when driving through suburban areas and city streets where there are more likely to be people on foot.
Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or in bad weather.
Slow down and stop before entering crosswalks. Take the time to look for people crossing the road.
Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Stop a good distance from the crosswalk to allow other cars to see crossing pedestrians.
Do not pass a car stopped at a crosswalk. They may have stopped for a person you cannot see.
Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street, and in school zones or school bus loading/unloading areas.
Do not text and drive, avoid distracted driving.
Keep a look out when backing up, pedestrians and children may enter your path.

Death or Serious Injury Can Result When People Are Hit by Cars

In 2013, the number of people killed when struck by a car increased in the United States to 4,735. Cars and trucks can do considerable damage to people, even at low speeds. The severe and even catastrophic injuries that can result when a person is hit or run over include:

Broken bones and compound fractures
Spinal cord injuries
Broken vertebrae
Traumatic brain injuries
Death
Catastrophic injuries
Mental anguish, pain, and suffering

Hire a Houston Car Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one was hit by a car, contact an experienced car accident attorney for help. There can be extensive medical bills to recover from your injuries if you are hit by a car. You may also be unable to work and have lost wages. Chelsie King Garza is a Houston car wreck attorney who will fight to recover all of your costs. Contact Ms. Garza today for a free initial consultation to discuss your rights.