Crosswalks are extremely common in Fort Worth. They are available in many residential and business districts in Fort Worth and surrounding communities. While the city made some improvements to increase the number of crosswalks, pedestrian accidents remain unacceptably high.
When a person is injured due to the negligence of another, they could be held liable for damages. A skilled pedestrian accident lawyer could help injured individuals seek compensation for damages. Speak to an experienced attorney to learn about the role of crosswalks in Fort Worth pedestrian accident cases.
What Are Some Ways The Pedestrian Accidents Occur In Or Around Crosswalk?
Many things could cause a pedestrian accident around a crosswalk, including a situation in which the driver:
- Drives distracted
- Loses control of their vehicle
- Fails to use their headlights during inclement weather and darkness
- Disobeys traffic signals
- Hazardous weather conditions
- Drives aggressively in a populated area
- Drives while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
For a free legal consultation, call (817) 775-5364
Understanding Traffic Rules in Fort Worth
Unfortunately, the lack of familiarity and understanding might lead to serious car accidents involving pedestrians. Fort Worth has specific laws that define the responsibilities of both drivers and pedestrians with regard to unmarked crosswalks.
While almost everyone knows that vehicles must stop while pedestrians are using a marked crosswalk, many drivers do not realize they are also required by law to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing an unmarked crosswalk. Nearly every intersection is also considered to be a crosswalk even when there are no indicators or painted crosswalk lines.
What Rules Apply to Pedestrians?
Pedestrians should pay attention at all times. Just like drivers and bicyclists, pedestrians have a duty of care to other people using sidewalks and roadways. When a pedestrian breaches their duty of care and injuries result, they are liable just like anyone else.
Section 552.001, Traffic Control Signals applies to pedestrians using crosswalks as follows:
- A traffic control signal displaying green, red, and yellow lights or lighted arrows applies to a pedestrian unless they are directed by a special pedestrian control signal
- A pedestrian facing a green signal may proceed across the roadway within a marked or unmarked crosswalk unless the sole green signal is a turn arrow
- A pedestrian facing a steady red signal alone or steady yellow signal may not enter a roadway
What Are The Rules For Drivers Regarding Driving Behavior In Crosswalks?
Section 552.003, Pedestrian Right-Of-Way At A Crosswalk states the rules for driving behavior in crosswalks. In Fort Worth, the operator of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing a roadway in a crosswalk if no traffic control signal is in operation and the pedestrian is on the half of the roadway in which the vehicle is traveling.
Reach Out To A Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today
While most motorists know that vehicles must stop while pedestrians are using a marked crosswalk, many drivers do not realize they are also required by law to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing an unmarked crosswalk. Nearly every intersection is also considered to be a crosswalk even when there are no indicators or painted crosswalk lines.
When a driver disobeys a traffic signal, they put others at risk for injury or death, including other drivers and pedestrians. Call today to learn about the role of crosswalks in Fort Worth pedestrian accident cases.
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