Traffic accidents happen for multiple reasons from reckless driving to mechanical failure. In Longview, and other parts of Texas, there are laws put in place to protect pedestrians and ensure that drivers are held accountable in the event of accidents. We’ve picked nine of the most notable laws to protect pedestrians.
Compensation for Pedestrian Injuries
When a pedestrian is injured, they will be entitled to compensation for damages. The amount varies depending on the severity of the accident, the medical expenses, lost wages and a range of other factors. In such a situation, Longview car accident attorneys will negotiate the compensation for the pedestrian.
Drivers Should Yield to Pedestrians
The law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in intersections and crosswalks. This means drivers must take extreme caution in these situations as the pedestrians have the right of way. Drivers will always be held liable if accidents happen at these spots.
Speed Limits
Different roads have different speed limits and drivers are expected to adhere to them all the time. While the speed limit on the highway and freeway are incredibly high, the speed limit in construction sites and school zones are significantly lower for obvious reasons.
Fleeing The Scene Of An Accident
If you flee the scene after an accident instead of reporting and waiting for the police, you will face severe consequences. Depending on the type of accident, you can face jail time or pay a fine to the government. The risk of going to jail is much higher when someone is injured during an accident.
Liability Insurance Requirements
All drivers are expected to have liability insurance specifically to cover injury to pedestrians in the event of an accident. This way, the insurance company will be responsible for compensating the injured party, and the driver will not have to pay out of pocket.
Pedestrian Signals
Roads on Longview have pedestrian signals at intervals and drivers are bound by law to respect these signals. Some of the most common signals are flashing beacons, white walking symbols, audio-tactile signals, pushbutton, and acoustic signals.
Passing Pedestrians
In some situations, it is illegal for drivers to pass pedestrians on the road. For example, drivers are expected to wait for pedestrians to pass if they are approaching intersections.
Wrongful Death Claims
Families can seek significant compensation from a driver if their family member is killed while crossing the road. Wrongful death suits usually cover medical expenses, lost income, funeral costs, pain, and suffering.
Pedestrian Crosswalks
Drivers must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. There is no negotiation. If a driver hits a pedestrian outside of a crosswalk and without other walking signs present, their lawyer can argue that it was the pedestrian’s fault. But when a driver hits a pedestrian at a crosswalk, it is the driver’s fault, irrespective of the circumstances.
Conclusion
Understanding these laws helps drivers stay safe and avoid liability. At the same time, they help pedestrians claim their rights. If you ever get hit by a driver, the first thing you should do after seeking medical help is contact a lawyer.