Pedestrian dies after being hit twice while crossing Southwest Freeway in Houston

HOUSTON — A man was killed late Monday night when he was struck by two vehicles while attempting to cross a section of the Southwest Freeway, Houston police said.

According to ABC 13, the incident occurred just before midnight near the Main Street exit in the 700 block of the freeway. Police said the man entered the roadway on foot and was first hit by a black Infiniti SUV. The driver, a 36-year-old man, stopped immediately and called emergency services.

Moments later, the man was struck again, this time by a black Mercedes sedan. That driver, a 22-year-old, also remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities.

Investigators said the pedestrian appeared to have walked onto the freeway from the nearby exit ramp. No vehicles were reported stopped in the area prior to the crash.

Emergency responders pronounced the man dead at the scene. His name has not yet been released, pending identification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

Police said neither driver was impaired, and both were questioned and released. The case remains under investigation.

Can Families Pursue Legal Action When a Pedestrian Is Struck on a Freeway? 

When a pedestrian gets hit on a freeway, many wonder whether the driver can be held responsible. Every pedestrian accident case turns on specific facts, including the lighting conditions, the driver’s speed, all parties’ reaction time, and whether the pedestrian was visible. A driver who fails to slow down or take evasive action may still be held liable, even if the pedestrian was outside a crosswalk or on a restricted roadway. Families should not assume their loved one was at fault without a full investigation. A Houston pedestrian accident lawyer can help determine whether your family may be entitled to file a wrongful death or personal injury claim.

Wrongful Death Claims After a Pedestrian Crash 

When a pedestrian is killed in a traffic crash, Texas law allows the surviving spouse, children, or parents to file a wrongful death claim. The goal of these claims is to recover financial compensation for losses caused by the death, including funeral costs, lost income, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering. In some cases, families may also bring a survival claim on behalf of the deceased’s estate for pain and suffering their loved one experienced before their death.

Families can file wrongful death claims even if the pedestrian was partially at fault. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule that allows loved ones to recover compensation as long as the pedestrian was not more than 50 percent responsible for the crash.

Contact a Houston Pedestrian Accident Lawyer to Discuss Your Case

If you or a loved one was hurt in a pedestrian accident, or you lost someone close to you, you have the right to seek financial justice and accountability from the at-fault driver. An experienced Texas personal injury lawyer can help you understand your options and manage your claim while you focus on healing. Consider contacting a Houston car crash attorney today to get started with a consultation.