Most major cities, including Houston, have crosswalks on all major streets. They do this for a reason. They want to make sure that people are safe while crossing the street. When there are people in a crosswalk, they should be able to expect that they won’t get hit by a car.
Unfortunately, some people don’t observe this rule. You’ve probably seen it yourself. Maybe you stop at a crosswalk and watch the car next to you blow right through it. It’s frustrating for you as a driver. You can imagine how frustrating it is for the person trying to cross the street.
Nobody wants to have to stop at a crosswalk. This is especially true if you’re trying to get somewhere and you’re running late. Drivers get frustrated when the person crossing the street walks too slow or doesn’t seem to have a care in the world. But this is a small price to pay to ensure that all people, especially children and the elderly, have a safe way to cross the street.
If you or your child are hit by a car while in a crosswalk, you will probably suffer some pretty serious injuries. You need to contact an experienced pedestrian accident attorney in Houston, Texas. They can help get you justice. They can also get you compensation for your injuries.
Texas Law Requires Drivers to Stop for People in a Crosswalk
For some reason, a lot of drivers think it’s optional to stop at a crosswalk. That isn’t the case. Texas law actually states that a car must yield to people in a crosswalk. Now, if there’s no crosswalk there, you aren’t obligated to stop. The pedestrian should wait until the road is clear. Or, if there’s a traffic light, they need to wait until their light is green.
But this doesn’t mean that you can blow through an intersection, even if there are people walking. As a motorist, you owe a duty of care to everyone on the road, including pedestrians. While it may be tempting to run someone over who is clearly oblivious, it’s against the law.
In Texas, as in any other state, the person who has the last chance to avoid an accident has to make every effort to do so. When you think about it, a person doesn’t stand a chance against a car or SUV. If you hit a pedestrian, in or out of a crosswalk, they’re going to suffer life-threatening injuries.
Are There Times When a Pedestrian Is at Fault?
Some drivers hit a pedestrian without even realizing it. If someone darts out into the road with no warning, they can hardly expect a driver to stop. The driver can only do so much, especially if it’s a busy road. But, for the most part, it’s very hard to find a pedestrian at fault in this sort of accident.
The rare situations when a pedestrian can be found to be at fault include:
- The pedestrian is drunk and stumbling in the middle of a road
- They run out into the street without warning
- They walk against the “Do Not Walk” sign and are careless
- They’re lying in the middle of the road
Short of one of these situations, a driver will be hard-pressed to prove that a pedestrian is at fault in an accident.. They may be able to prove that the pedestrian is partially at fault. However, they won’t be able to shift the blame entirely.
Your Houston Car Accident Lawyer Will Demand Damages
If you’re injured in a pedestrian accident, your Houston personal injury lawyer will demand damages. In a crosswalk case, you’ll be entitled to the following types of damages:
- Medical bills and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Lost future earnings
Since the injuries in these types of accidents are quite serious, your damages may be high. Your injury lawyer in Texas is going to fight to get you the money you deserve.
Contact a Skilled Injury Lawyer in Houston Today
If you get hit while in a crosswalk, you may have a claim for damages. You need to call an experienced car accident law firm in Houston right away. They can review your case and let you know if you have a valid claim. They can also let you know how much your case may be worth.
Call McDonald Worley today and schedule your initial consultation. It’s absolutely free and you pay nothing until you settle your case.