Walking is one of the simplest and healthiest ways to get around, but it can also be dangerous if you’re not aware of your rights and responsibilities as a pedestrian. In Texas, pedestrian laws are designed to protect you, whether you’re walking in a bustling city or a quiet neighborhood. At JML Injury Law, we believe that understanding these laws can help prevent accidents and ensure that you know what to do if you’re involved in an incident. Contact our pedestrian accident lawyers today for more information and how we can help.
The Legal Definition of a Pedestrian
In the state of Texas, a pedestrian is defined as any person who is traveling on foot. This includes people walking, jogging, running, hiking, or even those using assistive devices like wheelchairs. Whether you’re on a city sidewalk, a rural road, or crossing a street, you are considered a pedestrian.
Key Pedestrian Laws in Texas
Understanding pedestrian laws in Texas can help you stay safe and protect your rights in the event of an accident. Here are some of the most important laws to be aware of:
Right-of-Way Laws
Texas law dictates that pedestrians generally have the right-of-way in crosswalks, both marked and unmarked. Here’s what you need to know:
- Marked Crosswalks: Drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked crosswalks.
- Unmarked Crosswalks: In the absence of traffic signals, drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing at intersections (which are considered to have unmarked crosswalks).
- Traffic Signals: Pedestrians must obey pedestrian control signals and traffic lights. When a “walk” signal is displayed, you have the right-of-way. When a “don’t walk” signal is shown, you should not enter the roadway.
- Sidewalks and Driveways: Drivers must yield to pedestrians on sidewalks when entering or exiting driveways or alleys.
Jaywalking Laws
Jaywalking, or crossing the street outside of a designated crosswalk or against traffic signals, is illegal in Texas. Here’s what you should know:
- Mid-Block Crossings: Pedestrians should use crosswalks when they are available. If no crosswalk is present, you must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles on the road.
- Against Traffic Signals: Crossing against a traffic light is not only dangerous but also a violation of Texas law.
Pedestrian Responsibilities
While drivers have a responsibility to yield to pedestrians, pedestrians also have their own set of responsibilities to ensure safety:
- Obey Traffic Signals: Always follow traffic control signals and pedestrian signals.
- Use Sidewalks: When sidewalks are available, pedestrians should use them. Walking on the road when a sidewalk is available is illegal.
- Face Traffic: If no sidewalk is available, walk on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic.
- Avoid Distractions: Stay alert and avoid distractions like texting or using headphones while crossing streets.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Understanding the common causes of pedestrian accidents can help you take steps to avoid them. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted are less likely to notice pedestrians.
- Speeding: Vehicles traveling at high speeds have less time to react to pedestrians and are more likely to cause severe injuries in a collision.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks or intersections can cause accidents.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug impairment affects a driver’s reaction time and judgment, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Poor Visibility: Accidents are more likely to occur in low-light conditions, such as at night or during bad weather, when pedestrians are harder to see.
What to Do if You’re Involved in a Pedestrian Accident
If you’re involved in a pedestrian accident in Texas, it’s important to know the steps you should take to protect your rights and health:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Get medical attention immediately, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent.
- Call the Police: Report the accident to the police and ensure that a report is filed. This documentation can be crucial for your case.
- Gather Evidence: If possible, collect evidence at the scene. This can include photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to vehicles. Get contact information from witnesses.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Be careful with your statements at the scene. Do not admit fault or make any statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault.
- Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer: Reach out to a skilled personal injury lawyer, such as those at JML Injury Law, to discuss your case and explore your options for compensation.
Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Victims
If you’re injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: This includes emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical costs related to your injuries.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for lost income and any future earnings you may lose.
- Pain and Suffering: This covers the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries.
- Loss of Enjoyment: If your injuries affect your ability to enjoy day-to-day activities or hobbies, you may be eligible for compensation.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or recklessness by the driver, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
How JML Injury Law Can Help
Navigating the aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At JML Injury Law, we specialize in personal injury cases and are committed to fighting for the rights of pedestrian accident victims. Here’s how we can help:
- Free Consultation: We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and determine the best course of action.
- Expert Legal Representation: Our experienced attorneys will handle all aspects of your case, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies.
- No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
- Personalized Attention: We understand that every case is unique, and we provide personalized attention to ensure your specific needs are met.
Contact Our Frisco Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a pedestrian in Texas is crucial for staying safe and protecting yourself in the event of an accident. By following the laws and taking precautions, you can reduce your risk of being involved in an accident. However, if the worst does happen, know that JML Injury Law is here to support you through every step of the legal process.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation. We’re here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
