Do pedestrians always have the right of way in Texas?

No. While many people believe that pedestrians always have the right of way in every situation, this is not true. A pedestrian who is doing something illegal—jaywalking, for instance—could be considered negligent and found responsible for causing a Texas car accident.

Having said that, there are certain situations in which the person who’s on foot usually does have the right of way, such as when the pedestrian is using a crosswalk, is crossing at an intersection when the ‘walk’ signal is displayed, or is on the sidewalk. Children getting off or on a school bus also have the right of way.

If a motorist is negligent and hits a pedestrian in one of these situations, the pedestrian probably has a good case for seeking financial compensation for his or her injuries. Negligence on the driver’s part could include speeding, drinking and driving, texting while driving, or simply not paying attention.

The consequences of a car accident that involves a pedestrian are often devastating. If you’ve been injured by a driver who wasn’t behaving responsibly behind the wheel, you should seriously consider speaking with an attorney who has lots of experience handling personal injury cases in this area

A good Houston personal injury lawyer will work with you to evaluate your case so you can make the best decision about how to proceed. Whether you choose to go to trial or want to make sure you get the best possible settlement, your lawyer can help you deal with the driver’s insurance company to ensure that you are treated—and compensated—fairly.

To schedule a free consultation about your personal injury claim, call the office of Attorney Steve Lee today at (800) 232-3711. We bring 38 years of experience in the Houston area to the table, and we’ll gladly put it to work for you. Call us or fill out the Quick Contact form on this page and we’ll be in touch with you promptly.