Pedestrian Killed In Hit And Run Crash
Pedestrians need to be wary when out on busy roads. Ideally, they should be out of the road and on the sidewalk, if available. However, many Houston roads are filled with pedestrians and people with shopping carts, causing chaos.
Sadly, a pedestrian was recently killed in a hit and run crash in Houston. The fatal crash happened on the evening of October 8 on FM 529.
A man was pushing a shopping cart filled with his personal items in the 16500 block of FM 529, near Copperfield Place. He was crossing the main lanes of FM 529 when he was hit by two vehicles: a Hyundai Tucson and an Infiniti Q50.
The front right of the Infiniti hit the man’s shopping cart, while the left side view mirror hit the man. The impact pushed the pedestrian into an adjacent lane, causing the man to get hit by a Hyundai.
The man driving the Infiniti stopped and called 911. However, the woman driving the Hyundai fled the accident scene. She drove to a nearby parking lot over a mile away from the crash and called a family member. That person brought her back to the crash site.
The pedestrian died in the crash. Neither driver was shown to be intoxicated. However, the driver of the Hyundai was arrested for failure to stop and render aid in a crash involving fatality. She was due in court the next day.
Investigators said the pedestrian was also at fault for failure to yield the right of way to a motor vehicle. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office Vehicular Crimes Division is still investigating the accident.
Pedestrian Right of Way Laws
Contrary to popular belief, pedestrians do not always have the right of way. There are instances when a pedestrian must yield to drivers. An example is when crossing between intersections.
Pedestrians are supposed to observe crosswalks and traffic signs, just like everyone else that uses the roadway. At a stop sign, the pedestrian has the right of way. When the crosswalk shows a walk sign or green signal, drivers must give pedestrians the right of way. However when there is a “Do not walk,” “Wait,” or red signal, pedestrians may not cross and should yield to drivers.
What are the laws regarding sidewalks? In Texas, when a sidewalk is available, pedestrians need to use it. In this case, it is illegal for pedestrians to walk on the road. Pedestrians are allowed to walk on the road only when there is no sidewalk available. If you must walk on the road, keep to the far left side of the road so you are facing oncoming vehicles.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
A pedestrian accident can lead to negligence for multiple parties. The driver and pedestrian could be held liable for various reasons, including failure to yield and hit and run.
Liability can be complicated. Seek legal help from a Houston pedestrian accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC. We have the expertise to thoroughly defend your legal rights. Get started with a free consultation. Call our office at 281-347-3247 or fill out the online form.
Source:
abc13.com/pedestrian-killed-fm-529-near-queenston-copperfield-place-deadly-crash-harris-county-sheriffs-office/12308456/
