Pedestrian Accidents in Texas: Crosswalk Laws and Liability

Every day, people in the Houston area step into crosswalks trusting that drivers will do the right thing. Unfortunately, that trust is broken far too often. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there were 6,095 crashes involving pedestrians in Texas in 2024, resulting in 772 deaths and leaving another 1,455 people with serious injuries. Those are not just statistics. Each one represents someone’s family member, neighbor, or friend whose life was changed in an instant. If you or someone you love was hurt while crossing the street, understanding Texas crosswalk law is the first step toward knowing your rights.

What Texas Law Says About Crosswalks and Right of Way

Texas Transportation Code Chapter 552 lays out the rules for pedestrians and drivers at crosswalks. Under Section 552.003, a driver must stop and yield the right of way to a pedestrian crossing a roadway in a crosswalk when no traffic control signal is in place, and when the pedestrian is either on the driver’s half of the road or close enough to the driver’s side that continuing to cross would put them in danger. Section 552.002 adds that when a “Walk” signal is displayed, drivers must stop and yield to any pedestrian who has entered the crosswalk in the direction of that signal.

These rules create real legal obligations for drivers. Violating them is not just a traffic citation. It can be the foundation of a civil liability claim when someone is hurt.

When a Driver Can Be Held Liable

Texas follows a proportionate responsibility system, which means fault can be shared between parties. A driver who fails to yield at a crosswalk can be held liable for a pedestrian’s injuries. However, there are situations where a pedestrian may share some degree of fault. For example, Section 552.003 also states that a pedestrian may not suddenly leave a curb and step into a crosswalk when a vehicle is so close that the driver cannot reasonably stop. Fault in these cases is rarely black and white.

Common scenarios where a driver may be found liable for a crosswalk accident include:

• Failing to stop for a pedestrian who already entered the crosswalk
• Passing a vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk to allow a pedestrian to cross, which is also prohibited under Section 552.003(c)
• Driving distracted, speeding, or impaired through an intersection
• Ignoring a “Walk” signal and striking someone legally crossing
• Failing to exercise due care near pedestrians, a requirement under Section 552.008

Even if a pedestrian is found to be partly at fault, they may still be able to recover compensation in Texas, as long as their percentage of fault does not exceed that of the other party.

The Injuries Can Be Life-Altering

When a vehicle strikes a person on foot, the results are often devastating. Pedestrians have no protection. Broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, internal organ injuries, and wrongful death are all too common outcomes. Beyond the physical harm, victims face mountains of medical bills, time away from work, and significant pain and suffering. A well-supported legal claim can seek compensation for all of these losses, as well as future medical care and lost earning capacity.

Reach Out to Our Team for Help

If you or a loved one was struck in a crosswalk or in a pedestrian accident in the Houston area, you do not have to navigate this alone. At Henrietta Ezeoke Law Firm, we understand that what our clients need is not just legal representation, but an attorney who genuinely listens, stays personally involved in every case, and fights for results that reflect the real impact of what happened. That kind of dedicated, one-on-one attention is at the heart of how we work with each and every client.

We encourage you to reach out to our Houston pedestrian accident attorneys for a free, no obligation consultation. Call us today or contact us online. We handle pedestrian accident claims in Houston, Missouri City, Sugar Land, and throughout the surrounding communities in Fort Bend County, Harris County, and Brazoria County.

Sources:

txdot.gov/safety/traffic-safety-campaigns/pedestrian-safety.html

statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/TN/htm/TN.552.htm