Understanding Texas Right-of-Way Laws

When you get your driver’s license, you must take a test to ensure you know the traffic laws. Accepting your license means you agree to follow the law. If drivers do not follow the law, they will face steep penalties. One law that often confuses drivers is right-of-way laws. It is crucial to always adhere to the right-of-way laws. You must speak to a Houston car accident attorney from The Doan Law Firm PLLC if a driver violates these laws and causes an accident. 

Intersection Right of Way Laws

The possibility of a collision increases at interactions when right-of-way laws are not followed. Sometimes if there are broken lights or downed power lines, police officers will guide traffic. Other times they are not, and it means drivers must act accordingly. Some Texas right-of-way laws to follow at intersections include:

• Driving on an unpaved road and approaching a paved road leaves the right of way with the person on the paved road
• When making a right-hand turn, pedestrians and through traffic have the right of way 
• Trains have the right of way at railroad crossings 
• At left-hand turns, oncoming traffic and pedestrians have the right of way 
• When exiting a driveway, alley, or private road, primary road traffic has the right of way 
• Uncontrolled intersections yield the right of way to traffic in the intersection or the person on your right 

Failure to follow these rules can lead to collisions and death. 

Emergency Vehicles 

You should move out of the way of emergency vehicles that have their lights or sirens on. Emergency vehicles are police cars, fire trucks, or ambulances. You must pull over to the right so the vehicle can pass. If you are in an intersection, you should go through and pull off to the side. Do not stop in the middle of an intersection. 

Pedestrian Right of Way 

Everyone who uses the road has the right of way at some point, including pedestrians. Drivers often ignore these rules, which leads to collisions and injuries. When a car ignores these rules, the pedestrian can die from their injuries. Some pedestrian right-of-way laws include:

• If they are crossing the street and the light changes to red 
• Right of the way during green lights when there is no walk signal 

Drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians even if they violate crossing laws for safety. Drivers must be aware of pedestrians near the road. As a pedestrian, you have options if a driver does not follow right-of-way laws and injures you. Speak to a pedestrian accident lawyer in Houston immediately. 

Speak to a Car Accident Attorney for Legal Assistance

Anyone who fails to yield the right of way can face a fine of $50-$200. If there are injuries, the penalties increase to $1,000 and $4,000. Drivers will also receive two merit points. Whoever does not yield the right of way will also suffer insurance claims. The Doan Law Firm PLLC is here to help you. Call us for a consultation today.