Over the past decade, pedestrian fatalities have risen sharply across the United States, and Houston is no exception. A key factor behind this increase is the growing popularity of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and other large vehicles that dominate modern roadways. While these vehicles offer comfort and safety to their occupants, they pose a significant danger to pedestrians in urban environments.
At Hollingsworth Law Firm, our Harris County personal injury attorneys have witnessed the devastating effects of these crashes firsthand. The difference between a close call and a fatal collision often comes from vehicle size, design, and visibility. Understanding how and why SUVs create greater risks for Texas pedestrians is crucial to preventing these tragedies and holding negligent drivers accountable.
Height and impact zone: SUVs’ higher front profiles mean that when they strike a pedestrian, the impact occurs at the torso or head rather than the legs, causing greater internal injuries.
Weight and force: SUVs weigh significantly more than smaller vehicles, generating higher impact forces that increase the risk of death.
Visibility limitations: Large blind spots around the front and sides of SUVs make it harder for drivers to see children, cyclists, or pedestrians, especially in crosswalks or parking lots.
Longer stopping distance: The heavier weight and higher center of gravity increase the time and distance needed to stop, reducing the chance of avoiding a crash.
These factors make urban areas especially hazardous because of frequent intersections, high pedestrian traffic, and mixed-use spaces where drivers and walkers share the road.
Houston’s Urban Growth and Pedestrian Vulnerability
As Houston grows, more residents live and work in mixed-use developments where walking has become part of daily life. Downtown, Midtown, and areas near public transit stations have seen a steady increase in pedestrian traffic. However, the city’s infrastructure still heavily favors vehicles over pedestrians. Wide lanes, limited crosswalks, and high-speed corridors create conditions where even cautious walkers are at risk.
When large vehicles like SUVs travel through these areas, the margin for error disappears. Even a momentary distraction or failure to yield can have fatal results. Despite city initiatives to improve walkability and safety, pedestrian deaths involving SUVs and trucks continue to climb.
Common Causes of SUV-Related Pedestrian Collisions
While every accident is unique, specific patterns appear repeatedly in pedestrian injury and wrongful death cases involving SUVs.
The most common causes include:
Drivers failing to yield at crosswalks or intersections.
Speeding in residential or downtown areas.
Distracted driving, particularly from cell phone use or navigation systems.
Reversing or turning without checking blind spots.
Poor street lighting or lack of pedestrian visibility.
These factors often overlap, and when combined with SUVs’ physical size and speed, the consequences are catastrophic.
The Human and Financial Toll of Pedestrian Fatalities
Pedestrian crashes involving SUVs are rarely minor. Survivors often face long-term disabilities, multiple surgeries, and emotional trauma. Families who lose loved ones experience devastating grief, financial hardship, and the challenge of navigating complex legal procedures during one of the hardest times of their lives.
The attorneys at Hollingsworth Law Firm understand the depth of these losses. Our goal is to secure compensation that addresses not only the economic damages, such as medical bills, funeral costs, and lost income, but also the intangible losses that come with losing a loved one or suffering permanent injury.
Contact Hollingsworth Law Firm Today
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a pedestrian collision involving an SUV, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. The attorneys at Hollingsworth Law Firm have the experience, resources, and commitment to fight for justice on your behalf.
Contact our Houston office today at 713-637-4560 or online to schedule a free consultation. We will listen to your story, explain your options, and help you pursue the compensation and accountability your family deserves.
About The Author
Steve Hollingsworth
Steve Hollingsworth is a seasoned trial attorney with extensive experience across Texas. After beginning his career as a felony prosecutor, Steve went on to represent major insurance companies before focusing on helping individuals injured in car, motorcycle, trucking accidents, and premises liability cases. Founder of his own firm, Steve is committed to providing personalized, client-focused legal representation to ensure justice for those he serves.
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I was a client of Steve Hollingsworth. I was totally satisfied with his representation of me. He was very helpful in answering all my questions and always kept me updated on the status of my case. I am very happy with the settlement of the case and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for legal advice.
Rossana Former Client
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Steve was just great! Very easy to work with, communicates really well and most importantly sets realistic expectations. He is very straightforward and promptly responds to all your questions. I would definitely recommend Steve and would not hesitate to hire him in the future.
Anonymous Former Client
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Steve and his assistant Kristina takes care of all my requests right away. Steve personally calls on issues and keeps me updated on the developments of the case. Got me a great settlement! Would highly recommend!
Mila G. Former Client
Rear End Case
Mr. Hollingsworth was an excellent lawyer in my case. He kept me up to date and informed through the whole process. He was always honest and fought hard in my case. He comes highly recommend.
Anonymous Former Client
Awesome!!!!!
I have no complaints; Steve did a very good job on explaining the details on everything that I was going through with my case. Steve got my case settled in no time, I will sure spread the word about Steve he is a very great lawyer.
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I liked how Steve explained everything, so I knew what I was getting in to. Steve got me what I deserved in no time. I would recommend him to anyone.
Andrew Former Client
Steven and I attended law school together and I have known him since 2000. He was stellar in representing a close friend with a personal injury matter. I have been very impressed with his communication, dedication and thoroughness in representation.
Pamela V. Attorney from Cypress, TX
Steve is the real deal! He is an extremely invaluable resource on all things Litigation for me as a younger attorney. He is not only great a securing the bigger verdicts, but actually cares about the clients and still sticks by his tried and true method of meeting, in person, with his clients to go over facts .
overall, a solid attorney, with a wealth of knowledge!
Crystal H. Attorney from Houston, TX
Steve and I were colleagues, where we worked on complex personal injury and wrongful death cases. What I observed in the years we worked together is that Steve is not only extremely skillful in his profession, but he is a tireless student of the law, constantly working to perfect the art of practicing law.
He genuinely cares about his clients and their cases and it shows. He has excellent work ethic. He is not only a terrific lawyer but also a great person. As a fellow member of the State Bar of Texas, I would recommend Steve to anyone needing a zealous advocate in a personal injury case.
Vivian E. Attorney from San Antonio, TX
After working with Steve for a couple of years, I found Steve to be an outstanding, aggressive and highly skilled lawyer in the courtroom. His confidence and knowledge of the courtroom and what it takes to succeed there, I believe will ensure his long term prosperity.
Robin T. Attorney from College Station, TX
I had the pleasure of working on a trial with Steven last August. His background as an ADA is clearly evident in the courtroom. Steven’s presentation of the evidence throughout trial is that of a seasoned attorney who has spent many hours in front of a jury.
His opening/closings were excellent, as well as his strategic litigating throughout the trial. Steven is a consummate professional and a pleasure to work with, and watch in the courtroom.
James H. From Miami, FL
When I met Steve, I was a legal assistant at a Plaintiff’s firm and he was working as an attorney for AIG. We connected there and then. Steve is a likable guy and an outstanding trial lawyer. He is charismatic and jurors like him.
He is a Plaintiff’s lawyer now and he has the right skill set to represent injured individuals: he is compassionate, honest, and sincere and will go the extra mile for his clients. I’ve known Steve for almost 8 years now and I’m excited to see his career evolve.
Alice L. Attorney in Houston, TX
Professional and Thorough
I used Steve Hollingsworth for a personal injury case following a car accident. He was very easy to work with and managed my expectations regarding costs, time commitment/duration, filing suit etc. Steve kept me informed during the process and always made sure I understand what everything meant.
My case took about 18 months to resolve, ending in mediation after filing suit and he pushed hard to make sure my best interest was represented and to ensure that I had the best possible (and fair) outcome.
I hope I never have a personal injury claim again but if I do, I would absolutely consult with Steve. He exceeded my expectations and made the process as painless as possible. I would high recommend him.
Jessie Former Client
About Hollingsworth Law Firm
Our aggressive personal injury trial attorneys at the Hollingsworth Law Firm are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve. If you are the victim of an automobile accident, airplane accident, workplace injury or other catastrophic injury, you need legal advice from a personal injury attorney with proven results you can trust. Our dedicated legal team is proud to represent clients across the state of Texas. WE WILL START FIGHTING FOR YOUR RIGHTS TODAY!
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