Pedestrian killed in Willowbrook hit-and-run Friday night

Houston, TX – A pedestrian was struck and killed Friday night in Willowbrook by a driver who fled the scene.

According to a Fox 26 report, a Hispanic man in his 40s or 50s was crossing FM 1960 West near Highway 249 around 9:30 p.m. Friday when he was hit by a vehicle investigators believe was a gray truck.

The driver is still at large, and police have not yet identified the victim.

What Are the Pedestrian Laws in Texas?

Texas has laws in place to protect people walking near roadways while maintaining traffic flow. The state gives pedestrians the right of way in specific situations, but it also expects them to act safely and predictably. At the same time, drivers have a duty to avoid harming pedestrians and can be held legally responsible for any resulting injuries if they fail to uphold their responsibilities. Some key points of Texas pedestrian law cover:

• Crosswalks – Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks when the pedestrian is on the same half of the roadway as the vehicle or approaching closely enough to be in danger.
• Traffic Signals – Pedestrians must obey “Walk” and “Don’t Walk” signals the same way drivers must respond appropriately to red, yellow, and green lights and arrows.
• Crossing Outside Crosswalks – Pedestrians must yield to vehicles when crossing outside of crosswalks. Jaywalking can affect liability in a pedestrian accident claim.
• Sidewalks – Where sidewalks are available, pedestrians should use them instead of walking on the road.
• Driver Duty of Care – Even when pedestrians violate traffic rules, drivers must still use reasonable care to avoid collisions, including slowing down or stopping when necessary.

How Can You Hold a Hit-and-Run Driver Accountable?

Holding a hit-and-run driver accountable can be difficult, but you have several potential options for pursuing justice and compensation. Police investigations often begin by gathering witness statements, looking at any available surveillance footage, and retrieving any vehicle debris left at the scene. In many cases, investigators must piece together incomplete data from a variety of sources – even partial license plate numbers or nearby security cameras can help identify the driver. Once police locate the hit-and-run driver, they may face both criminal charges for fleeing the scene of an accident and civil liability for the harm they caused to the pedestrian.

If investigators can’t locate the driver, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own insurance. If you carry uninsured motorist coverage, this policy can pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses after a pedestrian hit-and-run collision.

Contact a Houston Pedestrian Accident Attorney to Discuss Your Case 

If you or a loved one were hit by a vehicle while on foot, or if you lost a close family member to a hit-and-run driver, you may be entitled to compensation for the resulting losses. The process of pursuing financial recovery can be complex, particularly in cases where the at-fault driver can’t be identified or located. A Houston personal injury lawyer with experience handling hit-and-run claims can provide valuable assistance in managing your legal process while you focus on grieving and healing. Consider reaching out to an attorney right away to discuss your legal rights and options and determine your best path forward.