When to Yield the Legal Right-Of-Way in Texas

The right-of-way is a simple concept at the heart of how our roads work. Driving is one of the most collaborative activities in the nation, but most people don't think of driving that way. Every day, millions of drivers in concert with each other create a flow of traffic that, for the most part, functions reliably. This network begins to break down when just one person fails to follow traffic rules properly.

When a driver disrupts the system, other drivers are forced to adjust, creating a chain reaction. In the best cases, the disruption causes a minor annoyance. maybe a bit of traffic. In the worst cases, the disruption can cause a severe accident that puts the lives of others at risk. Understanding right-of-way can help to prevent accidents.

Texas Right-of-Way Laws

Right-of-way laws dictate what car has the right to drive first when different traffic patterns cross or merge. Drivers that understand these rules are able to work with others to prevent accidents or determine if they are at fault after a collision.

Texas right-of-way laws include:

• Those who are merging on to a paved road from an unpaved one must yield to traffic on the paved road.
• Drivers turning left must yield for oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
• Drivers turning right must yield for through traffic and pedestrians.
• Trains always have the right-of-way
• If intersections have no signage or signals, drivers should yield to traffic on their right and to cars already crossing the intersection.
• Drivers approaching main roads from alleys, private roads, and other smaller roads must yield to traffic.
• All traffic must yield to school buses and emergency vehicles with lights or sirens on.
• At four-way intersections, drivers must yield to through traffic.

Texas Pedestrian Right-Of-Way Laws

Right-of-way laws don’t just protect drivers. These fundamental laws also protect pedestrians while they are crossing roads. Because pedestrians are at a significant disadvantage when matched against the size and weight of a car, right-of-way laws almost always favor them.

In Texas motorists must:

• Yield to pedestrians, even if they are not crossing the road legally
• Yield to those crossing the street with a green light, even if a walk sign is not illuminated
• Pedestrians must be allowed to cross on a green light, even if it turns red while they are crossing

What Happens When Someone Fails to Follow Right-of-Way Laws?

If someone fails to yield correctly, an accident is more likely to happen. Those that fail to follow right-of-way laws and injure others must compensate the injured for any financial damages. If you have been injured in an accident caused by a driver who failed to yield, contact the car accident attorneys at Arnold & Itkin today. We have won billions of dollars for clients, helping them rebuild their lives.

Contact Arnold & Itkin today at (888) 493-1629 for a free consultation on your case. A member of our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions.