Does the Move Over or Slow Down Law Apply to Regular Cars?

 Posted on January 08, 2025 in Car Accidents

Alcohol was believed to be a factor in a tragic accident in Mesquite that claimed the lives of four people who were changing a flat tire on the side of I-20 on New Year’s Day. The driver of the vehicle that hit these victims was charged with four counts of intoxication manslaughter.

You may know that Texas has a law requiring drivers to slow down or move over when approaching stopped emergency vehicles, but does that law also apply to other kinds of vehicles? If you are injured or your family member lost her life in a pedestrian accident, working with an experienced Dallas County, TX personal injury lawyer significantly improves the likelihood of collecting maximum compensation.

What Does the Texas Move Over or Slow Down Law Say?

When Texas first enacted its move-over law, only fire, law enforcement, and emergency medical vehicles were specified. However, the law has been expanded to cover tow trucks, TxDOT vehicles, and utility service vehicles. The Move Over or Slow Down law says drivers must:

• Be alert when encountering stopped vehicles with emergency lights flashing, regardless of what type of vehicle.

• Move over to a farther away lane when possible.

• When moving over is not possible, slow to 20 mph under the speed limit.

• If the posted speed limit is 25 mph or under, travel at 5 mph.

Road construction crews, police officers, and first responders routinely work while traffic passes close by. Other motorists, like the unfortunate victims mentioned above, may find themselves outside their cars unpredictably. Pedestrians are no match for moving vehicles and often sustain catastrophic or fatal injuries.

Why Do Drivers Ignore the Move Over or Slow Down Law?

All states have laws requiring drivers to take various precautions when approaching stopped vehicles, but some behaviors make it more likely for motorists to ignore these laws. Distracted drivers may not notice the cars or flashing lights. Speeding drivers may not have enough space or time to avoid a collision. Limited visibility, whether due to inclement weather, curves or hills, or dirty or cracked auto glass, could also be a factor. Fatigue, drugs, and alcohol can impair drivers and slow their reaction times.

The most important factor to demonstrate in your case is that any injury or harm was caused by negligent human error. Even if bad weather or long curves are present, motorists should adjust their driving to the conditions to avoid collisions. As the primary basis for personal injury and wrongful death claims, negligence can give you grounds for compensation.

What Kinds of Injuries Are Common in Pedestrian Accidents?

Because pedestrians experience multiple impacts, their injuries are usually severe. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, organ damage, and multiple broken bones are common. If victims survive, they will probably have astronomical medical bills and other accident-related financial losses, not to mention mental and emotional trauma. Unfortunately, insurance companies are unlikely to pay your claim fairly without a fight.

Your attorney knows how to identify and calculate all your eligible damages, whether you have a personal injury or wrongful death claim. We will also fight aggressively to help you secure as much compensation as you deserve.

Request Your Free Consultation With a Compassionate Dallas, TX Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

If a pedestrian accident has impacted your life, you need a board-certified Carrollton, TX personal injury attorney on your side to fight for your best interests. Contact Jerry D. Andrews, P.C. online or call us at 214-221-5800 to arrange your complimentary case review today.