Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Houston

Pedestrian Accident Claims in Texas – Recovering Economic and Non-Economic Damages

Pedestrian accidents are tragic events that can cause severe and life-changing injuries. In Texas, the law provides legal avenues for those involved in pedestrian accidents to pursue compensation for their damages. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, understanding the types of damages available and the process for filing a claim is crucial.

Texas Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accident Claims

In Texas, you generally have two years to file a compensation claim from the accident date. The law, known as the statute of limitations, ensures that claims are brought promptly while evidence remains fresh and available. Missing the two-year deadline can result in the dismissal of your case, preventing you from receiving the compensation you deserve.

For those involved in pedestrian accidents, acting swiftly and seeking legal advice as soon as possible is essential. A Texas personal injury lawyer specializing in pedestrian accidents can provide guidance on meeting the necessary deadlines and ensuring that all legal requirements are met.

Economic Damages in Pedestrian Accident Cases

Economic damages are tangible losses that can be directly quantified and are often easier to establish in pedestrian accident claims. These damages account for the financial impact the accident has had on your life and may include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other costs directly resulting from the incident.

Medical Expenses (Past and Future)

In pedestrian accident cases, medical bills can quickly accumulate, especially when the injuries are severe. Economic damages in the form of medical expenses may include:

• Emergency treatment costs
• Hospitalization
• Surgery or other medical procedures
• Rehabilitation or physical therapy
• Prescription medications
• Ongoing medical care

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, you might need long-term medical care. If that’s the case, you could receive compensation for these future treatment costs. An experienced lawyer will work with medical experts to estimate the long-term costs of your injuries. They will make sure these future expenses are included in your claim.

Lost Wages (Past and Future)

In many cases, pedestrian accident victims are unable to work due to their injuries. Economic damages can include lost wages for the time you could not work right after the accident. They may also cover future wages if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term. Lost earning capacity can also be factored into your compensation claim.

Non-Economic Damages in Pedestrian Accident Cases

Non-economic damages are more subjective and involve compensation for the intangible suffering you experience due to the accident. While putting a specific dollar amount on these damages is difficult, they can significantly impact the total compensation you may receive. Non-economic damages encompass a wide range of physical, emotional, and psychological distress caused by the pedestrian accident.

Physical Pain and Suffering

Pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries, including broken bones, internal injuries, and spinal cord damage. The pain and suffering of these injuries can last for weeks, months, or even a lifetime. Compensation for physical pain and suffering acknowledges the discomfort, inconvenience, and physical limitations caused by your injuries.

Mental Anguish

The psychological toll of being involved in a pedestrian accident can be significant. Victims often experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the trauma. These mental and emotional struggles are an important aspect of non-economic damages and should not be overlooked in your claim.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

When a pedestrian accident stops you from enjoying activities you once loved, you may deserve compensation. This includes hobbies, sports, or time with loved ones. You can seek compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life. This type of non-economic damage recognizes how the accident has harmed your overall quality of life.

Scarring and Disfigurement

Severe injuries from pedestrian accidents may result in permanent scarring or disfigurement. The psychological impact of visible scars or disfigurement can be profound, leading to emotional distress, social isolation, and a decrease in self-esteem. Victims may be entitled to compensation for the long-term effects of scarring and disfigurement.

Permanent Impairment or Disability

In cases where the accident results in permanent disability, victims may be entitled to compensation for the lifelong impact of their impairment. This may include the inability to work, perform daily activities, or enjoy a normal quality of life.

Loss of Consortium, Society, and Companionship

In wrongful death cases, non-economic damages include claims for loss of consortium, society, and companionship. These damages apply to surviving family members, such as a spouse, children, or parents, who have lost the love, support, and companionship of the deceased because of the pedestrian accident.