Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right of Way in Texas?
Whether you’re a pedestrian or a motorist, it’s important to understand when pedestrians have the right of way when traveling on our roadways in Texas. If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries, property damage, and other losses if the other party was at fault.
A common misconception is that pedestrians always have the right of way. The laws are more nuanced than that, however.
Let’s look more closely at Texas’s pedestrian right-of-way laws and how they may impact your case if you’re involved in an accident.
When Do Pedestrians Have the Right of Way in Texas?
In Texas, drivers must yield to pedestrians who are crossing in a crosswalk. Crosswalks exist on each side of a four-way intersection, even if they are not marked. Crosswalks may also exist in a non-intersection location if they are marked or painted.
Drivers must also yield to pedestrians when pulling out of or driving into a driveway. In addition, drivers are prohibited from passing another vehicle that has yielded to a pedestrian.
If you were injured by a driver who failed to yield the right of way, the driver may be financially liable for any injuries you suffered.
Crosswalk Regulations When There Is a Pedestrian Signal
While pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks, they must also adhere to regulations. If there is a pedestrian signal at the intersection, pedestrians may enter the crosswalk when it says or indicates “Walk.” Conversely, it is illegal for pedestrians to enter a crosswalk when the signal indicates “Do Not Walk.”
If a pedestrian has already begun crossing a crosswalk when the signal changes, they should finish crossing the intersection while exercising caution.
Sidewalk Regulations
Texas law also requires pedestrians to travel on sidewalks when they are available. This means pedestrians are prohibited from walking on roadways when there is an available sidewalk.
This also means that pedestrians may be able to reasonably travel along roadways if there is not an available sidewalk. Therefore, drivers should stay alert for pedestrians walking along roadways, especially if there is no available sidewalk.
What Are a Driver’s Obligations Toward Pedestrians in Texas?
In addition to yielding the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks, Texas drivers are required to be proactive to ensure pedestrian safety in some situations.
Texas law requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid accidents with pedestrians, such as using their horn to warn pedestrians. Drivers must also act with caution around vulnerable persons or children to avoid a collision.
Thus, if you or a loved one were injured because a driver failed to take reasonable actions to ensure a pedestrian’s safety, the driver may be liable for the damages caused.
Contact an Experienced Texas Personal Injury lawyer if You Were Involved in a Pedestrian Accident
If you were injured in an accident involving a pedestrian in Dallas, Texas, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and other losses. A skilled personal injury lawyer can explain how Texas’s pedestrian laws relate to your case and help you seek compensation for your losses. Contact our Dallas car accident lawyers at Jay Murray Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
Jay Murray Personal Injury Lawyers
2512 State St,
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 855-1420
https://jaymurraylaw.com/
