Understanding Texas traffic laws is one of the keys to staying safe while out on the roads. One such law is the “Right of Way” law. It comes into play when one pedestrian and/or one driver comes to a stop and is unsure of who has the legal right to go first.
If you or your loved one has been injured in a vehicle accident in Texas, the best way to ensure your legal interests are protected is to work with a Houston injury attorney.
How Texas Right-of-Way Laws Work
These laws state what vehicle has the right to drive first when different traffic patterns merge or cross. An experienced Houston injury attorney would be able to explain to you the following right-of-way laws in Texas:
- If there are no signals or signage on intersections, drivers should yield to vehicles already crossing the intersection and to traffic on their right.
- Drivers who are merging from an unpaved road onto a paved road must yield to traffic on the paved road.
- Drivers who are approaching main roads from private roads, alleys, and other smaller roads must yield to traffic.
- Drivers who are turning right must yield to pedestrians and traffic.
- Drivers who are turning left must yield for oncoming pedestrians and traffic.
- Trains always have the right-of-way
- Drivers must yield to let the traffic through at 4-way intersections.
- Emergency vehicles with sirens/lights on and school buses always have the right-of-way
How Texas Pedestrian Right-Of-Way Laws Work
As any knowledgeable Houston injury attorney would tell you, right-of-way laws are designed to protect drivers as well as pedestrians while they are crossing roads. To that end, motorists in Texas must:
- Allow the pedestrians to cross on a green light, even if it turns red while they are crossing
- Yield to pedestrians who are crossing the street when a green light is on, even if a walk sign is not illuminated
- Yield to pedestrians, even if they are breaking any traffic law by crossing the road
Right-Of-Way To Emergency Vehicles
If a fire truck, ambulance, or police car is using its flashing red light, siren, or bell, then they have the right-of-way. In other words, you should move out of their pathway immediately by pulling into another lane or pulling over altogether.
If you see an emergency vehicle approaching while you are at an intersection, continue through and then pull over to the right once it is safe to do so. Never make the mistake of stopping in the middle of an intersection, even for emergency vehicles.
What Happens If Someone Violates Right-of-Way in Texas?
Disregarding the right-of-way laws can hurt your claim if you find yourself involved in a personal injury lawsuit due to a vehicle accident. Even if you sustained injuries and the other party did not, your compensation may be reduced significantly since you will be considered partially liable for the accident due to ignoring the right-of-way laws.
Looking For A Tenacious Houston Injury Attorney To File Your Car Accident Claim?
If you were injured in a car accident, and someone else was at fault, you might be eligible for monetary compensation for your injuries and damages. Working with a seasoned Houston injury attorney like Dana G. Kirk, who has a successful track record of 40+ years will ensure you receive the accident settlement you deserve.
Contact us online to schedule a free review of your car accident case.
