Houston Personal Injury Attorneys – Smith & Hassler

A recent study revealed the most hazardous intersections in Houston for children walking or biking to school, according to an ABC 13 News report. The research, conducted by Rice University’s Baker Institute, analyzed pedestrian accident data to identify high-risk areas for young pedestrians.

Top dangerous intersections in Houston for pedestrians

The Baker Institute’s study reviewed 629 accidents involving children and vehicles in Houston from 2018 to 2023. These accidents resulted in 159 serious injuries and 21 fatalities. Based on this data, the researchers highlighted four intersections as especially dangerous:

• Alief – Beechnut Street near Wilcrest Drive
• Gulfton – Glenmont Drive from Renwick Drive to Royalton Street
• Sunnyside – The Sunnyside Square Mile
• Gulfton – Hillcroft Avenue

What makes these intersections so hazardous?

The study uncovered several factors contributing to the danger at these intersections:

• Unsignalized driveways near busy intersections
• Wide streets with up to seven lanes
• Fast-moving traffic
• Pedestrians crossing streets between intersections
• Crosswalks on high-speed roads without traffic lights
• High rates of drunk driving in certain areas
• Longer travel distances to hospitals after pedestrian accidents

What can Houston do to improve pedestrian safety?

Researchers at the Baker Institute proposed several solutions to reduce pedestrian accidents, especially those involving children:

• Build or improve sidewalks on dangerous streets: Many areas in Houston lack proper sidewalks, forcing pedestrians to walk alongside busy roads. By constructing new sidewalks and upgrading existing ones, the city can provide safe, dedicated spaces for pedestrians, reducing the risk of accidents. Proper sidewalks also ensure that pedestrians, especially children, aren’t forced into traffic or unsafe areas.
• Install more visible crosswalks: Crosswalks are critical for pedestrian safety, but they must be easy for drivers to see. The study recommends installing well-marked, highly visible crosswalks, ideally equipped with signs, reflective paint, or lighting. Enhanced crosswalks make drivers more aware of pedestrians crossing, especially in high-traffic areas or near schools.
• Lower speed limits on streets prone to speeding-related accidents: Speeding is one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents, especially in areas where drivers don’t expect pedestrians. Reducing speed limits on roads with high pedestrian activity forces drivers to slow down and pay more attention, giving them more time to react to pedestrians. Lower speed limits also reduce the severity of injuries if an accident does occur.
• Increase police enforcement in high-risk areas: Enforcing traffic laws, such as speeding and failing to yield to pedestrians, can significantly reduce accidents. Increased police presence in areas known for frequent pedestrian incidents serves as a deterrent for reckless driving. This includes targeting distracted or impaired drivers who are more likely to cause serious pedestrian injuries.
• Educate drivers about the dangers pedestrians, especially children, face: Public awareness campaigns can help drivers understand the unique risks pedestrians face. By educating the public about the importance of slowing down in pedestrian-heavy areas, yielding at crosswalks, and watching for children, Houston can encourage safer driving habits and reduce accidents.

These changes would benefit all pedestrians, not just children, and are crucial as Houston continues to have one of the highest pedestrian accident rates in the country.

How common are pedestrian accidents in Houston?

Houston has become one of the most dangerous cities for pedestrians. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), in 2022, there were 115 pedestrian fatalities in the city, an 8% increase from the previous year. Harris County, which includes Houston, recorded 177 pedestrian deaths in 2022, the highest number in five years.

Why you need a Houston pedestrian accident attorney

Pedestrian accidents in Houston may seem straightforward, with a driver often at fault. However, getting the compensation you deserve isn’t always easy. In Texas’ fault-based insurance system, securing a fair settlement often requires legal help. Insurance companies frequently try to minimize payouts, making it difficult for victims to get the money they need for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.

That’s when an experienced Houston pedestrian accident lawyer at Smith & Hassler can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case. Our dedicated legal team knows Texas law inside and out. We fight to get results for our clients, including securing an $800,000 settlement for a pedestrian injured in an intersection accident.

Let us help you. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation. We have four offices across Texas, including three in Houston. You pay nothing unless we win your case.

Anyone who’s ever driven in Houston knows the challenges the city’s traffic poses on major highways and roads. Key arteries like the Katy Freeway (I-10), the Southwest Freeway (I-69), the North Freeway (I-45), and the West Loop (I-610) are notorious for their heavy traffic and frequent congestion.

While these thoroughfares are essential for commuting and traveling across the city, they also see a high number of car accidents due to traffic congestion. Other notable roads, such as the Hardy Toll Road and the Grand Parkway (TX-99), are also common sites for traffic incidents.

According to a report by INRIX, which the Houston Chronicle referenced in a recent article, Houston has been ranked 19th globally for traffic congestion. This dubious honor highlights the increasing challenges drivers face in the city as they navigate through crowded roads and frequent gridlocks.

The growing problem of traffic congestion in Houston, TX

The INRIX report reveals that overall traffic congestion in Houston is now 1% greater than pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Despite changes in work schedules and commuting habits, the city’s traffic woes continue to grow.

John Bond, a local commuter, told the Houston Chronicle, “I do not know anyone, not a single person, who thinks it is getting better.”

This sentiment echoes the frustration of many Houstonians as they face longer and more unpredictable travel times.

Key findings from the INRIX report

Several key points from the INRIX report highlight the nature and extent of Houston’s traffic issues:

Increased travel time

Houston drivers lost an average of 62 hours to traffic congestion last year, equivalent to over two and a half days of time that could have been spent elsewhere. This congestion costs local drivers approximately $1,082 annually in wasted time and fuel.

Long commutes

Houston ranks high among cities with the longest commuting distances, averaging about 9.5 miles per trip. This is longer than the average commute in New York, Los Angeles, and Boston.

Improved yet persistent congestion

While congestion in early 2023 dropped slightly by 1%, this pales in comparison to the more significant reductions seen in other major global cities like New York and London.

Traffic congestion and car accident claims

Increased congestion often leads to more accidents, ranging from minor fender-benders to severe collisions that result in serious injuries. Here are some common legal issues related to traffic congestion:

Accident liability

With more cars on the road, determining fault in an accident can become more complex. Multiple factors, such as distracted driving, speeding, and road rage, can contribute to collisions when there is a lot of traffic, and in some cases, there may be more than one liable party for a serious wreck.

Injuries and damages

Traffic accidents in congested areas often result in significant injuries, from broken bones and neck injuries to spinal cord damage and traumatic brain injuries. Victims may face long recovery periods, mounting medical bills, lost wages, and other losses related to the crash.

Complex insurance claims

Navigating insurance claims after an accident in a congested area can be challenging. Insurance companies might dispute liability or the extent of damages, and in multi-car pileups, determining fault and pursuing compensation can be challenging for crash victims.

Our Houston car accident lawyers are here to help

Houston’s ranking as the 19th most congested city globally stresses the need for drivers to remain vigilant and practice safe driving habits. However, no matter how careful you may be when behind the wheel, accidents caused by other drivers can still happen.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Houston, TX, the experienced attorneys at Smith & Hassler are here to protect your rights and aggressively advocate for your best interests. Our dedicated legal team can assist with the following:

Investigating the crash

We conduct thorough investigations to determine the cause of the accident and establish liability.

Handling insurance claims

Our attorneys negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries and other related expenses.

Providing legal representation

If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court and fight for the justice you deserve.

Our law firm understands what it takes to obtain meaningful results for our clients. For instance, in one case, we obtained $800,000 for a client who suffered back, neck, and shoulder injuries in an intersection accident. Before filing suit, the insurance company’s offer was approximately $45,000.

Shift your case into overdrive and find out how an experienced car accident attorney in Houston, TX, can help you. Contact us today for a free consultation.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) recently approved $345 million worth of projects, including bicycle paths and pedestrian walkways, designed to make the state safer for everyone and reduce the number of bicycle and pedestrian accidents in Texas.

“This is a major investment in communities across the state that will help make it safer and easier to get around on foot or a bike,” Texas Transportation Commissioner Robert “Robie” Vaughn said in a statement recently released by TxDOT. “This optionality supports safety, active lifestyles, health and wellness, and can provide alternatives to traveling by vehicle.”

Pedestrian and bicycle projects in Houston, Texas

The $345 million will be spent on 83 projects throughout the state. According to TxDOT officials, “These projects will help improve safety for people walking, biking, or using wheelchairs, including 24 projects that will go in areas with a high pedestrian crash history.”

In the Houston area, such bicycle and pedestrian projects include:

• Construction of West Loop shared-use path and Bayou Bridge in Harris County, Texas – $18.45 million.
• Multi-modal path construction in University Asia Town area – $8.87 million.
• Construction of shared use path in The Woodlands, Texas – $7.47 million.
• Construction of Emancipation Trail shared use path in La Marque, Texas – $4.5 million.
• Bicycle lane and sidewalk construction in Angleton, Texas – $4.27 million.
• Sidewalk construction, traffic signal improvements, and other pedestrian projects in Dickinson, Texas – $2.8 million.
• Construction of sidewalks and other public safety improvements in Hitchcock, Texas – $2.45 million.
• Sidewalk improvement project in West Columbia, Texas – $2.26 million.
• Bicycle transit study in Harris County, Texas – $920,000.
• Planning study for Improving Safety and Access to White Oak Bayou – $460,000.
• Pedestrian and bicycle master plan designed to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety in Houston – $368,000.
• Transportation plan in Clute, Texas – $288,075.

Pedestrian accidents on the rise

One of the driving forces behind these projects is the dramatic increase in the number of pedestrian accidents and fatalities throughout Texas in recent years. Between 2013 and 2022, the number of pedestrian accident deaths in Texas has increased by 72.9 percent, from 480 deaths in 2013 to 830 deaths in 2022, according to accident data collected by TxDOT and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Bicycle accidents are also a problem

Along with pedestrian fatalities, fatal bicycle accidents have increased sharply in the past decade in Texas. Between 2013 and 2022, bicycle accident deaths have increased by a staggering 91.6 percent, from 48 deaths in 2013 to 92 bicycle fatalities in 2022, according to the NHTSA and TxDOT.

“People who walk and bike make up about 1 out of every 5 deaths on roadways here in Texas,” said Texas Transportation Commissioner Alvin New in a recent statement. “These projects will help the state move closer toward the goal of zero deaths by giving people a place to walk and bike separate from traffic.”

Contact a Houston, TX pedestrian accident attorney

An insurance claim involving a cyclist or pedestrian hit by a car might initially seem straightforward. But many times, they become complicated legal cases. That’s because the stakes can be high, and rather than paying injury victims the money they deserve, insurance companies will often do everything they can to reduce or deny injury claims.

Our Houston pedestrian accident lawyers at Smith & Hassler know how to handle insurance companies and can help you every step of the way. We know how to investigate such accidents and what evidence to look for to build a strong legal case. Many insurance companies agree to negotiate in good faith once they see we’re serious about your case. If not, we’re not afraid to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit on your behalf, seeking the compensation you deserve.

Get the law firm that gets results for injured Texans, and schedule a free case evaluation with a Houston pedestrian accident attorney who puts your best interests first. We have four offices conveniently located throughout Texas, including three offices in Houston. We also offer legal representation on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no fees unless we win your case. Contact us today to learn more about your potential legal options.

The Houston Chronicle is reporting that a woman crossing Westheimer near Dunvale was fatally struck by a car the afternoon of Thursday April 28, 2011. The accident happened around 2:00PM. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene and the driver who struck the pedestrian waited for police. HPD said that the fatal accident remains under investigation. The photograph below appears to show the deceased pedestrian on the vehicle’s roof.  Click2Houston.com has reported on the same incident however the Click2Houston article identifies the pedestrian as male and states the man had been shopping at Wal-Mart immediately before the accident, then he was struck when attempting to cross four lanes of traffic not at an intersection.

A female pedestrian was fatally struck by a car on Westheimer

Those of you familiar with Smith & Hassler‘s television commercials will know that for many years actor William Shatner has been Smith & Hassler‘s spokesperson. William Shatner has enjoyed a very long and fruitful career but is probably best known for his role as Captain James T. Kirk of the starship U.S.S. Enterprise, boldly going where no man had gone before in the TV show Star Trek. Shatner played the role of Capt. Kirk from 1966 to 1969.  More recently Shatner has played the role of attorney Denny Crane in the TV series Boston Legal.

Shatner was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada on March 22, 1931 making today his 80th birthday. Smith & Hassler wishes Mr. Shatner a happy birthday, and here’s to many more.

A law took effect in the City of Tomball, Texas today that prohibits texting while driving.  The law is Ordinance 2010-25. The obvious goal of the ordinance is to avoid car accidents and to promote drive safety. Tomball police are hoping motorists voluntarily comply with the ordinance, and anticipate having to enforce it through fines and other measures in egregious cases. Certainly Smith & Hassler applauds any such efforts to reduce the number of injuries caused by inattentive drivers on Texas roads.

The text of the ordinance can be viewed here. Story here

Bellaire police are reporting a wreck on the West Loop near Evergreen Street at about 11:00pm. The collision was shortly after the Houston Texan’s game ended Thursday night and caused a two-mile backup of traffic. Two vehicles were involved in the collision and two injured people were taken to Ben Taub Hospital — the extent of their injuries has not been released. The cause for the collision is under investigation. Click2Houston.com story here.