Hit by a Car? Pedestrian Right-of-Way Law in Texas
July 16, 2019
Texas Law: When Pedestrians Have the Right of Way
All too often, pedestrians are hurt in car-related incidents. In fact, since 2016, pedestrian accidents in Texas have increased by nearly 10 percent.1 Tragically, many of these accidents could have been prevented if some party had complied with Texas’ pedestrian right-of-way laws.2
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a pedestrian accident, here’s what you must know about these laws and who may be liable when failures to follow them cause harm.
Texas Law: When Pedestrians Have the Right of Way
In Texas, pedestrians will have the right-of-way, meaning vehicles are legally required to yield to them, whenever pedestrians are:
· Crossing the road in a crosswalk towards a signal with a “Walk” display
· Crossing the road in a marked or unmarked crosswalk, walking parallel to traffic that has a green traffic light
· Crossing the road in a crosswalk on the same side of the road as a vehicle or within close enough proximity to a vehicle
· Crossing a driveway, alley, or private road, with a vehicle emerging from that driveway, alley, or private road.
In addition to these pedestrian right-of-way laws, Texas requires drivers to:
· Always exercise “due care” to avoid hitting pedestrians—This can include honking the horn to alert pedestrians to an oncoming vehicle and/or leaving a safe distance when passing pedestrians who are walking on the side of the road (when no sidewalk is present).
· Always take the necessary precautions to avoid hitting pedestrians who are crossing the road with the help of a guide dog or a cane
· Never try to pass a vehicle that has stopped to let a pedestrian cross.
Have You or a Loved One Been Hurt in a Pedestrian Accident?
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Texas Law: When Vehicles Have the Right of Way
Vehicles will have the right-of-way, meaning pedestrians must yield to them when pedestrians are:
· Approaching traffic signals that have yellow or red lights
· Approaching signals at crosswalks that have a “Wait” or “Don’t Walk” display
· Attempting to cross the street outside of a crosswalk
· Suddenly departing from a curb or sidewalk when the vehicle is too close by to come to a full stop.
What to Do If You’ve Been Hurt in a Pedestrian Accident
Whenever a pedestrian accident harms you or a loved one, the best things to do in the immediate aftermath are to:
· Call 911 and get emergency medical treatment.
· Follow through will all necessary medical care and keep all bills, medical reports, and other documents you receive related to your care.
· Contact a pedestrian accident attorney as soon as you can.
A lawyer can investigate the incident, determine who’s liable, and help you safeguard your rights moving forward. An attorney can also help you get on the road to justice, building you the strongest possible claim so you can secure the financial recovery you deserve.
Hurt in a Pedestrian Accident? A Houston Car Accident Lawyer at the Amaro Law Firm Can Help You
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a pedestrian accident or any type of motor vehicle crash, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced Houston car accident lawyer at the Amaro Law Firm. We’re ready to provide you with clear advice and superior advocacy in the pursuit of justice and financial recovery.
Call (713) 352-7975 or Email Our Firm for Your FREE, No-Obligation Consultation
Free mobile and virtual consultations are available to those who cannot visit our offices.
At the Amaro Law Firm, we know how devastating traffic wrecks can be—and how essential legal advocacy is to the success of victims’ claims.
The Amaro Law Firm’s record of outstanding representation and success in pedestrian and car accident cases has earned us a 5-star rating on Google and Facebook, as well as a 10 rating on Avvo.
1: According to the latestdata from Texas Department of Transportation
2: Pedestrianright-of-way laws in Texas