Pedestrian Accident Lawyer: What Rules Must Pedestrians in Texas Obey?
Texas has seen an uptick in pedestrian accidents over the past decade. In 2010, there were 273 pedestrian traffic-related fatalities while in 2018 there were 643 reported. The total number of pedestrian accidents however is 7,903 in 2018. Knowing these statistics can scare you and make you never want to leave your home again. You have rights and a pedestrian accident lawyer can help you fight for those rights if you are involved in an accident. Pedestrians do not have the same protection that cars and other vehicles have.
Why the Uptick?
Technology has advanced over the years and with that so have the distractions drivers face. Now, more than ever drivers are using their phones more and more when driving. This leads and accidents. Another contributing factor in the uptick in accidents is the increase in population.
With more and more people moving and getting their driver’s license, there are more people on the road, pedestrians included. With more people and traffic to consider, it can become difficult to navigate the terrain. If you are involved in a pedestrian accident you need to contact a pedestrian accident lawyer immediately.
Pedestrian Mistakes
In 2018, it is reported that 2,047 pedestrian accidents in Texas were caused by pedestrians who failed to yield the right of way to vehicles. Some mistakes that pedestrians made to cause or increase their chances of being struck by a vehicle included:
- Being unable to hear traffic due to wearing headphones
- Failure to obey traffic signals and laws
- Distracted by phones and electronics
- Walking while intoxicated
- Attempting to cross roadways in areas that are not designated for crossing or walking
- Other distractions (tending to children and others)
This brings the question of whether pedestrians have rules they need to follow when using crosswalks and roadways. The answer is, yes.
Texas Right-of-Way Laws
There are certain laws that pedestrians must follow, the first of being obeying traffic control devices unless a police officer is directing traffic. Pedestrians should stick to using the sidewalk unless no sidewalk is available. In that case, you must use the left side of the road facing traffic. This allows you to see any vehicles coming your way. Some other laws to keep in mind are:
- Pedestrians cannot cross two adjacent intersections. You must always use the crosswalk.
- Pedestrians cannot walk on the roadway when there is an accessible and adjacent sidewalk
- Pedestrians cannot leave the curb and enter the crosswalk into the path of a vehicle where the oncoming vehicle does not have enough time to yield.
In Texas, vehicles must yield to pedestrians crossing the road at a crosswalk, which is why it is so important to use crosswalks and sidewalks at all times. There are times where the pedestrian is doing everything they are obligated to and nevertheless an accident still occurs. If that is the case it is time to meet with a pedestrian accident lawyer.
Legal Representation from Thomas J. Henry
Being involved in an accident can have long-term consequences and you should not have to deal with this alone. Contact a pedestrian accident lawyer at Thomas J. Henry today by calling 866-517-5659 today. Our team will fight to ensure you are properly compensated after suffering an injury in a pedestrian accident.
