Traffic laws are in place to prevent serious automobile accidents. Texas roadway laws have been carefully orchestrated to ensure the safety of the driving public. Every motor vehicle driver in the state has a legal responsibility to know and obey traffic laws. Broken traffic laws are behind the majority of Texas car accidents each year. Make sure to speak with a San Antonio car accident lawyer for legal guidance.
Right-of-Way Laws
Having the “right-of-way” means you have the right to proceed onto a road or into an intersection before others. Understanding who has the right-of-way is crucial for preventing collisions between motor vehicles, as well as pedestrian and bicycle accidents.
In general, pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked and unmarked crosswalks. At any intersection with a stop sign or red light, motor vehicles must come to a complete stop and yield to others with the right-of-way.
When making a left-hand turn at a green light that is not displaying a green arrow, drivers must yield to oncoming traffic before they can turn. They must also yield to any pedestrians using a crosswalk in the destination lane. Our San Antonio pedestrian accident lawyers are here for you.
Move Over Law
According to Texas Transportation Code Section 545.157, drivers must move at least one lane over or, if a lane change cannot be made safely, slow down, when certain authorized vehicles are approaching with their lights or sirens activated. This includes ambulances, firetrucks, law enforcement vehicles, tow trucks and utility vehicles.
Distracted Driving Laws
It is against the law in Texas to manually use your cellphone while driving. Texas has passed laws banning cellphone use for texting and talking unless it is hands-free. Drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using handheld devices at all. Adult drivers may use hands-free devices such as headphones with Bluetooth for calls.
Speed Limits
Texas has speed limits on all of its public roads and highways. Drivers must obey posted speed limit signs (as well as all other traffic signs and signals) and maintain a lawful speed at all times. In certain conditions, such as bad weather, drivers are expected to reduce their speeds (below the speed limit, if necessary) for safety.
Drunk Driving Laws
Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) is against the law in Texas. A driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level at or above 0.08 is automatically considered too intoxicated to drive. A driver under the age of 21 can get arrested for DUI with any detectable amount of alcohol in his or her system. Driving with an open container of alcohol is also against the law.
Seat Belt Laws
Seat belt use is mandatory for all vehicle drivers and passengers in Texas. Failing to buckle up can result in a fine of up to $200 for adults. In addition, all children must be properly secured in the correct safety harness, such as a car seat or booster seat. An unrestrained child can result in a fine of $250 per infraction.
Car Accident Laws in Texas
Even if you obey all of Texas’s traffic laws, you cannot guarantee that other drivers will do the same. If you get into a car accident, state law allows you to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Contact a local San Antonio injury lawyer for assistance with the claims process. A lawyer will protect your rights and help you seek maximum compensation for your medical bills, property repairs, and more. We offer free consultations.