Being hit by a car while walking can create unexpected challenges. If you’ve been in a pedestrian accident in Houston, it’s important to know what steps to take to protect your health and your legal rights. The first hours and days after the crash can significantly affect your physical recovery and your ability to pursue fair compensation. This guide outlines key actions to consider after an accident.
Why Choose Gibson Hill Personal Injury
Gibson Hill Personal Injury helps people hurt in pedestrian accidents throughout Houston seek compensation for their injuries. The firm’s attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial effects these crashes can cause. They have handled many pedestrian injury claims and obtained millions in settlements and verdicts on behalf of clients. When you work with the firm, you have a legal team that investigates thoroughly, negotiates with insurers, and takes cases to trial when necessary. The firm offers free consultations so you can discuss your situation with an attorney at no cost.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health should come first. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Some serious conditions, such as internal bleeding or concussions, do not always show symptoms immediately. A doctor can examine you, identify injuries, and document them in medical records.
Those records serve as official evidence of your condition and help link your injuries to the accident. Insurance companies and courts rely on this documentation when evaluating claims. Without prompt medical care, you may have difficulty proving your injuries resulted from the accident. Medical documentation is critical for your personal injury claim.
Call 911 and Report the Accident
Always contact the police before leaving the scene. The Houston Police Department will investigate the crash and prepare an official accident report that lists the driver, witnesses, and circumstances. You will receive a report number needed for your insurance claim and any potential legal action.
When officers arrive, describe what happened as clearly and factually as possible. Avoid guessing about details or assigning blame. Simply explain where you were walking, what you saw, and how the collision occurred. Why it’s important to always call the police after an accident cannot be overstated—the police report later helps clarify facts about the incident.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you are able, collect evidence at the scene or ask someone to help. Take photos and videos of the roadway, vehicle, your injuries, nearby traffic signs, lighting, and weather conditions. Photograph where you were struck and where the vehicle stopped. Gathering key evidence after a car accident strengthens your claim significantly.
Get contact information for any witnesses. Write down the driver’s name, phone number, address, insurance company, and policy number, along with the vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate. If the driver apologizes or admits fault, note that as well. Keep your discussion with the driver brief and factual. How to read an accident report will help you understand what information matters most.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the crash to your own auto insurer as soon as possible. In Texas, coverage such as uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) insurance can apply even if you were walking. You may also have personal injury protection (PIP) benefits available.
Before providing a recorded statement, consult an attorney. Insurance adjusters sometimes ask questions in ways that can minimize your recovery. A lawyer can advise you about communications with insurers and, if you wish, handle those conversations for you. How to report a car accident to insurance requires careful attention to detail.
Contact Gibson Hill Personal Injury for Legal Guidance
Call 713-659-4000 to speak with an attorney about your pedestrian accident. Prompt legal help allows the firm to begin protecting your rights quickly. The attorneys investigate accidents, gather records, and interview witnesses while managing communication with insurers so you can focus on your health.
Texas law generally gives you two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. While that may sound like plenty of time, delays can make it harder to find evidence. An attorney can help preserve your claim and represent you in settlement negotiations or court. Gibson Hill Personal Injury works on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay attorneys’ fees unless the firm recovers compensation for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Texas?
You generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit under Texas law. Missing this deadline usually prevents you from pursuing compensation. To avoid losing your rights, reach out to an attorney as soon as possible so that necessary steps can be taken on time. Texas’s statute of limitations for injury claims is strictly enforced by courts. Understanding the Texas statute of limitations for your specific case is essential.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Texas follows a comparative negligence system, which means you may recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault. Any compensation is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. An attorney can review your situation and address disputes over fault percentages. Learn more about Texas comparative negligence and the 51 percent bar rule.
What damages are available in a pedestrian accident case?
Potential compensation can include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and costs associated with future care. If injuries result in long-term limitations, additional damages may apply for reduced earning capacity. In fatal cases, families may pursue a wrongful death claim. Understanding how to calculate the value of a personal injury claim helps you evaluate settlement offers. Economic damages vs. non-economic damages are both important to your recovery.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?
Often, no. Early offers tend to reflect only initial costs, not the full extent of medical needs or future damages. An attorney can assess the offer and help determine whether it fairly accounts for your injuries, treatment, and long-term costs before you sign any agreement. Negotiating a settlement with an insurance claims adjuster is a skill your attorney brings to the table.
What if the driver left the scene (hit-and-run)?
Report the hit-and-run immediately to law enforcement. Your uninsured motorist coverage may help cover losses when the at-fault driver cannot be identified. Attorneys can assist by obtaining surveillance footage, witness statements, or vehicle information that may aid in locating the driver. Even if the driver is never found, UM coverage may still allow a claim. Learn more about how to recover damages after a hit-and-run accident in Texas. What evidence is needed to prove a hit and run is crucial for your case.
Do I need an attorney for a pedestrian accident claim?
You are not required to have an attorney, but legal guidance can help protect your interests. Insurance companies have resources focused on minimizing payouts. Having representation can make negotiations more balanced. The firm offers free consultations so you can understand your options with no obligation. When should I call a lawyer after an accident is a question many injured people ask.
Take Action Today
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, contact Gibson Hill Personal Injury to learn your options. Call 713-659-4000 today for a free consultation. The firm will listen to your story, answer your questions, and discuss how it can pursue compensation on your behalf. There are no attorney’s fees unless money is recovered for you. Learn about how personal injury settlements work in Houston, TX.
