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Katy is a historic railroad town, but like in most areas of the country, people these days prefer to travel by car. Many Katy residents commute to other regions in the Greater Houston area or vice versa. Unfortunately, all these vehicles on our roads mean car accidents are increasingly common. When most people think of a car accident, they imagine two or more motor vehicles smashing into each other, causing injuries to drivers and passengers. An often-overlooked victim in car accidents is the pedestrian. While pedestrians usually have the right of way, this does not protect them from negligent drivers. In fact, in many ways, pedestrians are the most vulnerable people involved in any accident because they don’t have the protection of a vehicle or other equipment.
If you or a loved one was an innocent pedestrian injured by the negligent actions of a Katy driver, you deserve compensation. The law firm of Stewart J. Guss has over 20 years of experience practicing personal injury law in the Katy area and advocating zealously for our clients. We can help you recover from your injuries and your financial hardship. We bring our passion for justice and our client-first mentality to every case that we take on. We are a national law firm based in Houston with multiple offices around the country, and we also work with affiliate law firms across the country that share our focus and dedication to excellence. No matter where you are located, we may be able to help you, so call or contact us now. Contact our Katy Pedestrian Accident Lawyers today to schedule an immediate, free consultation. We know your case is important to you, and we won’t make you wait!
In a matchup between a car and a pedestrian, there’s a clear winner... and it’s not the pedestrian. Cars have a protective rigid exterior, airbags, and seatbelts. Meanwhile, pedestrians are only protected by the clothes on their backs, and they don’t even have the benefit of the protective gear worn by bikers. Put simply, pedestrians are vulnerable victims with a high risk of serious injuries or death after a collision with a motor vehicle. After an accident, a pedestrian is likely to suffer from one or more of the following injuries:
Our success record says it all. Don’t delay, as witnesses' memories may fade, and evidence may disappear. You can also contact us online.
Call the Trust Guss Team Today: (281) 607-5632If a party acted intentionally or negligently, and those actions caused the accident and your injuries, that party is responsible for the cost of your recovery. It’s only logical. But sometimes, insurance companies need some persuasion to do what’s right. Our attorneys work with clients to understand the specific circumstances of their accidents to identify all responsible parties. Consider the actions of the following parties for potential liability:
Our Katy pedestrian accident lawyers work to identify every party responsible for your injuries. We work with our clients to analyze the evidence and facts. Along the way, we build a strong case against the responsible parties and maximize your opportunity for a full recovery.
You are entitled to recover for all the negative impacts the accident has caused! We know an unexpected accident causes a chain reaction that disrupts many areas of your life. The possible damages extend far beyond your doctor’s bills. Some of the most commonly recovered damages after a pedestrian accident include:
Be sure to include all of your damages in your accident claim. Some cases will require the input of experts, including a medical expert to determine future medical costs and an economic expert to estimate your future earning potential. When you partner with us, our attorneys can connect you with some of the most reliable experts in the area. It is incredibly important to prepare a comprehensive damages demand. This figure will be important as you consider any settlement offer or pursue a jury trial. While you might be enticed to accept an early settlement offer as a quick resolution and be relieved there’s some money in your pocket, the offer is likely far below the amount to which you are truly entitled. Your troubles could multiply in the coming months or years. Having a full damages assessment prepared will help you objectively analyze any settlement offer and avoid making a mistake. Taking all of the steps necessary to prepare for a lawsuit, including preparing a damages demand, can take quite some time. For this reason, be sure that you do not delay in contacting an attorney! You generally only have two years from the date of the accident to bring a claim against the defendant. Any claim filed after this date will be barred by the courts.
And it is! Pedestrian accidents are much more common than you might expect. A pedestrian crash is any crash that involves an individual who was not occupying a motor vehicle, bicycle, or other mobile forms of transportation. In the most recent year for which statistics are available, Texas experienced 5,952 total pedestrian crashes, resulting in 656 fatalities and more than 1,200 serious injuries. These pedestrian accidents also caused nearly 2,000 non-incapacitating injuries and an additional 1,954 possible injuries. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association , Texas is particularly dangerous for pedestrians. A study found that Texas is one of five states that accounts for almost half of all pedestrian deaths in the country. Texas is ranked third for most fatalities, just behind California and Florida. Additionally, Texas is in the top one-third of states for the number of pedestrian accident fatalities per 100,000 population. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are not decreasing but are instead becoming more common. Studies show that from 2008 to 2017, pedestrian deaths increased by over 35% . The increase is not tied to any change in driving or walking frequency. Instead, the increase in accidents is tied to the design of streets, tailored for fast-moving vehicles and not for foot traffic, and a purchasing trend for large SUVs and trucks, which are more likely to kill a pedestrian in a crash. In response to these numbers, Texas increased its focus on pedestrian safety by launching an annual pedestrian safety forum . Texas also has a strategic highway safety plan that includes a focus on pedestrian safety. The plan includes these strategies to reduce pedestrian collisions:
Sixty-six active programs and projects will try to address pedestrian safety. While this focus on pedestrian safety aims to reduce pedestrian accidents in the future, it also makes it clear that there are significant risks to pedestrians in and around Katy today. According to recent reports released by the Texas Department of Transportation, an average of two pedestrians lose their lives every day to a motor vehicle accident. Three additional pedestrians suffer injuries every day in Texas car accidents. As personal injury lawyers, we deal with cases like these all the time. Below we address some common questions from victims of pedestrian accidents.
It is common for victims of a pedestrian accident to be seriously injured after an accident. Some are immobilized or incapacitated. But if you are physically able, we recommend following these steps to the best of your ability:
Drivers are supposed to yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks, traffic signals, and when pulling out / backing out of driveways or alleys. However, pedestrians are not without responsibilities of their own. For example, there are some roadways, including IH-35 and State Loop 1, where pedestrians are prohibited from crossing. These high-speed roadways are dangerous for cars, let alone pedestrians.
Yes, Katy and other areas have seen an increase in pedestrian accidents over the last few years. There has been some investigation into the cause of this increase, and it has been determined that the most common reason for this increase is distracted driving. Many people are unaware that up to 19% of pedestrian accidents result in a distracted driving citation. According to a recent report issued by the US Public Health Service and the Office of the US Surgeon General, most of these distractions are due to cell phone usage — though Texas has had a hands-free rule in place since 2017.
Why should you talk to a lawyer? Because you need to know your rights and protect them. After a pedestrian accident, you may not be aware of all your options. Hiring a lawyer can help you know exactly what to expect from the accident claims process. In many cases, unwitting victims of a Katy pedestrian accident will speak with insurance company adjusters and accept the first offer they get. This is generally a mistake because it may take weeks before you know what your losses will really be. Insurance companies want to swoop in and settle quickly, before you realize how long it will take to heal from your injuries, what your final medical costs will be, or how long it will be before you return to work.
Even if a driver was cited for careless driving, you should still work with a lawyer to get the best possible settlement results. A Katy pedestrian accident attorney is aware of some of the insurance company tactics that are used to ensure they pay as little as possible towards your injuries. Some common tactics from stubborn insurance companies include:
Do not sign any agreements without seeking legal help first. Insurance companies know that if you have suffered an injury that requires you to lose time from work, you are likely facing financial hardship. They may believe that by making an offer quickly, you will accept. However, if you review the agreement they sent you, you will quickly learn once you accept the settlement, you will be on your own for future losses. Insurance companies generally agree to make a settlement when it frees them from future liability. Once you have accepted an offer, you will be asked to sign an agreement that prevents you from holding the insurer or the responsible party accountable for any future losses you suffer as a result of your injuries. Do not accept or sign anything without careful review from a personal injury lawyer.
The basis of all Katy pedestrian accident cases is liability. Liability can only be established after an attorney has reviewed all evidence in your case. This means reviewing accident reports, accessing medical records, getting statements from witnesses, and obtaining private surveillance videos wherever possible. Remember, Texas banned traffic light cameras in 2019, but many Katy business owners have cameras outside their buildings.
Although every accident is different, certain losses are recoverable. Economic losses that often occur as a result of a Katy pedestrian accident include medical bills, both current and future anticipated expenses as well as lost wages during recovery, and future estimated wages which may be lost because of your injuries. Discuss any other economic losses you can claim with your pedestrian accident lawyer. You may also seek non-economic losses as part of a Katy pedestrian accident claim. These include pain and suffering, PTSD, and other intangible effects of the accident. Contact Stewart J. Guss Injury Attorneys for more information.
For accident victims who have medical insurance, you can use your insurance to pay for your medical visits. However, you should be aware that any amounts paid by your insurer may have to be repaid once your Katy pedestrian accident claim resolves. This process, called subrogation, ensures victims are not being compensated twice for their medical bills. If you are making copayments or other out-of-pocket payments, keep careful track of them by documenting them and providing that information to your attorney.
Trust Guss Injury Lawyers' legal team has been nationally recognized for protecting the rights of injured victims for more than 20 years. Stewart J. Guss has formed a team of highly experienced personal injury lawyers motivated by helping clients secure justice and compensation for their injuries. Our lawyers support our clients, helping them overcome the stressful aftermath of a car accident and return to their daily lives. Our team prides itself on always being available for clients. We know that each client and each case is unique, and we work with our clients to understand the facts of their cases and their goals for recovery. We set reasonable expectations — while always striving to exceed them. Our nationally recognized firm has deep roots in Texas, and we are honored to serve clients in and around Katy. If you were injured in a Katy pedestrian accident, call our office for a free consultation! Because we take all our personal injury cases on a contingency fee, you will not owe us a DIME unless we win your case. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call or contact us online by clicking here. We are ready and waiting to provide an immediate free consultation!
Guss, has a phenomenal Team and has hired great staff that is very caring! They are not too pushy but provide you with the information to make an informed decision. They are also really resourceful! Some of the staff have had real experiences that happened to them and were also taken great care of which prompted them to begin working for such a great law firm. Thank you Guss and Associates.
From start to finish, they were professional, attentive, and incredibly effective. I was thrilled with the results – they secured a settlement that was twice what I expected! Their expertise and dedication truly set them apart. I highly recommend Stewart J. Guss for anyone in need of top-notch legal representation.
Mr. Stewart Guss is such a kind and caring attorney. In a world of attorneys that is very difficult to maneuver these days he stands out from the crowd not only for his expertise but for his integrity. Should you need a personal injury attorney to help you with a case do not hesitate; Run and get his help. You won’t regret it!!
I worked with Whitney and Kristen and they explained everything thoroughly from start to finish. They were always prompt in responding to any questions or concerns I had, and always kept me updated. My sister had also used them and I didn’t even know, but they said they liked working with them so that put me at ease. They honestly made a really great impression on me. And I would definite...
The law office of Stewart J Guss has very friendly staff, and is always accurate and reliable. They got me what I deserved and was fast and on point with the whole case. They keep you up-to-date with your case and return any calls you place to them in a timely manner. They answer your questions and concerns appropriately for all parties involved. I recommend Mr. Guss to anyone...
I made the right decision to choose Stewart J Guss law firm. Especially thanks to Ms Andrea Yoss and Whitzney. They were professional and communicative. Though it took time longer than expected but it was finally settled well. I highly recommended the law firm to anyone whom need help with auto accident cases!
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