Being hit by a vehicle as a pedestrian is traumatic. Still, when the driver speeds away, leaving you injured in the street, the emotional and legal impact can be even more devastating. Unfortunately, hit-and-run crashes are on the rise in Texas, especially in cities like Houston, where high traffic volume and distracted driving are daily realities. If a fleeing driver has struck you, you may feel helpless, but you still have legal options.
At Hollingsworth Law Firm, our Harris County personal injury attorneys help pedestrian injury victims understand their rights and pursue compensation, even when the at-fault driver can’t be identified. One of the most essential tools in these cases is your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Here’s how it works and what you need to know.
The Reality of Pedestrian Hit-and-Runs in Texas
Pedestrian accidents already carry a high risk of serious injury. But when the driver flees the scene, it adds another layer of complexity and injustice. Victims are often left with no way to identify the person responsible, no insurance information, and no accountability—unless they know where to turn.
Common scenarios include:
- A driver running a red light or stop sign.
- A speeding vehicle strikes a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
- A driver is making a fast turn without yielding.
- Parking lot or sidewalk incidents involving a sudden impact.
- Nighttime collisions where the driver claims they “didn’t see” the victim.
These types of crashes often result in traumatic injuries, and without identifying the driver, the traditional path to recovery through their insurance company is unavailable.
How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Applies to Pedestrian Claims
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage isn’t just for vehicle-to-vehicle collisions—it also applies when you’re hit as a pedestrian by an unknown or uninsured driver. If you have UM coverage on your auto insurance policy, you may be eligible for compensation even if you weren’t in a car at the time of the crash.
UM coverage may pay for:
- Medical expenses.
- Lost wages.
- Pain and suffering.
- Long-term disability or impairment.
- Funeral expenses in wrongful death cases.
This coverage essentially acts as the at-fault party’s missing insurance policy. However, insurers don’t always make this process easy, and that’s where legal support becomes essential.
Challenges in Filing a UM Claim for a Pedestrian Hit-and-Run
While UM coverage can provide a financial lifeline, these claims are often met with delays, denials, or low settlement offers.
Insurance companies may try to argue:
- That your injuries were not caused by a vehicle.
- That your actions contributed to the crash.
- The coverage does not apply outside of vehicle use.
Proving liability and damages is still critical, even though you’re dealing with your insurer. That’s why documenting the scene, calling the police, seeking immediate medical care, and consulting with an attorney are all crucial steps.
Why You Need an Experienced Attorney After a Houston Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Injury
At Hollingsworth Law Firm, we know how to pursue justice when the driver disappears.
Our Houston personal injury attorneys will:
- Investigate the scene and gather witness statements.
- Secure surveillance footage, where available.
- Review your policy for maximum coverage opportunities.
- Handle all communication and negotiation with your insurer.
- Take your case to trial if a fair outcome isn’t offered.
If you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian hit-and-run, don’t assume you’re out of options. You may be entitled to compensation through your insurance policy, and we can help you get it.
Contact Hollingsworth Law Firm at 713-637-4560 or online today for a free consultation. Let us stand with you when the driver doesn’t.
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