In many cities across the United States, jaywalking is a common occurrence. People jaywalk for a variety of reasons, including convenience or to save time. Jaywalking can be dangerous, however, and each year there are accidents involving pedestrians who are hit by cars while jaywalking. n If you’ve been involved in an accident where you hit a pedestrian that was jaywalking, you may be wondering what your legal rights and obligations are. Here’s a quick overview of the situation.
What is jaywalking?
Jaywalking occurs when a pedestrian crosses a road outside of a designated crosswalk. This can be dangerous as it puts them at risk of being hit by a vehicle. Jaywalking is also illegal in many places, so pedestrians could be fined if they are caught doing it.
Why do people jaywalk?
There are many reasons why people might jaywalk. Sometimes it’s because they are in a hurry and want to get across the road quickly. Other times, it may be because there isn’t a crosswalk nearby. Whatever the reason, jaywalking is always risky and should be avoided if possible.
What are the dangers of jaywalking?
The biggest danger of jaywalking is that pedestrians are much more likely to be hit by a vehicle. This is because they are not in a designated crosswalk where drivers expect to see them. Jaywalkers also put themselves at risk of getting hit by a car that’s making a turn, as the driver may not see them.
What are the consequences of jaywalking?
There can be several consequences for jaywalking. The most serious is obviously getting injured or killed. But even if pedestrians don’t get hurt, they could still be fined if they’re caught breaking the law. In some places, jaywalking is considered a misdemeanor offense that can lead to a fine of up to $200. So it’s definitely not worth it to jaywalk! If you must cross the road outside of a crosswalk, be sure to look both ways and make sure that there are no cars coming. Jaywalking is always risky, so it’s best to avoid it if possible.
Is Jaywalking illegal?
In most states, including Texas, jaywalking is illegal.
If you are found to be at fault for the accident, you may be required to pay for the pedestrian’s medical expenses, property damage, and other damages. You may also be sued by the pedestrian. In some cases, you may be charged with a crime, such as vehicular homicide or assault.
If you are not at fault for the accident, you will not be held liable for any damages. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your insurance company to see if your policy covers jaywalking accidents.
So who is at fault if a pedestrian is hit while jaywalking? The answer may surprise you.
Generally speaking, jaywalking laws are designed to protect pedestrians from themselves. That means that if a pedestrian is hit while jaywalking, the pedestrian will likely be found at fault for the accident. There are some exceptions to this rule, however. For example, if the driver of the car was speeding or driving recklessly, they may be found at least partially at fault for the accident. Or, if the jaywalking pedestrian was crossing at an intersection with a crosswalk, the driver may be found at fault for failing to yield to the pedestrian. Ultimately, it is up to the courts to decide who is at fault in a jaywalking accident. If you have been involved in such an accident, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you understand your rights and options. Adam Miller, The Texas Bulldog, is a highly experienced personal injury attorney. If you have been in an accident involving a pedestrian call him today for a free case review at 713-572-3333.
Have you been involved in an accident with a jaywalker? Share your story in the comments below.
