Pedestrian accidents at crosswalks are an unfortunate reality, often leading to severe injuries or even fatalities. As a pedestrian, understanding your legal rights and protections at crosswalks can make a significant difference in staying safe and seeking justice if an accident occurs.
At LifeLaw Personal Injury, we are committed to helping victims of pedestrian accidents navigate the complex legal landscape to secure the compensation they deserve. This article explores pedestrian rights at crosswalks, the law that protects you, and how our experienced personal injury attorneys can assist.
Pedestrian Rights at Crosswalks
In most states, pedestrians have specific rights at crosswalks designed to ensure their safety. These rights are grounded in traffic laws that prioritize pedestrian safety over vehicular convenience. Key protections include:
Right of Way
Pedestrians at marked crosswalks or intersections generally have the right of way. Drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing the street, whether the crosswalk is controlled by a traffic signal or not. For example, according to Utah code 41-6a-1002 mandates that drivers must stop for pedestrians within any marked or unmarked crosswalks.
Traffic Signals
At signal-controlled intersections, pedestrians must obey walk / don’t walk signals. However, once a pedestrian has legally entered a crosswalk, drivers are obligated to wait until they complete their crossing, even if the signal changes.
Unmarked Crosswalks
Intersections without painted crosswalk lines still count as crosswalks under the law. Pedestrians crossing at these points have the same right of way as those at marked crosswalks.
Sidewalks and Corners:
Pedestrians using sidewalks or standing at intersection corners preparing to cross are also protected. Drivers turning at intersections must yield to avoid collisions.
These rights are designed to protect pedestrians from negligent drivers, but violations are all too common. Distracted driving, speeding, or failure to yield can lead to devastating accidents, leaving victims with medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma.
Common Causes of Crosswalk Accidents
Despite clear legal protections for pedestrians, cross walk accidents can still happen. These accidents can happen in a variety of ways but they frequently occur due to:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers texting or otherwise distracted may fail to notice pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Failure to Yield: Some drivers ignore their obligation to stop for pedestrians, especially at busy intersections.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to stop in time for a pedestrian.
- Poor Visibility: Low lighting, bad weather, or obstructed views can make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians.
- Right Turn on Red Violations: Drivers making right turns on red lights often focus on oncoming traffic and overlook pedestrians in the crosswalk.
When these incidents occur, victims may face serious injuries, such as fractures, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal damage. Understanding your rights as a pedestrian is the first step you can take to holding negligent drivers accountable.
Legal Protections for Pedestrian Accident Victims
If you are injured in a crosswalk accident, there are several ways that you can seek justice for your injuries:
Negligence Laws: Drivers who violate traffic laws or act carelessly by speeding or ignoring traffic signals can be held liable for your injuries. Your Utah pedestrian accident lawyer will work on your behalf to gather evidence, such as traffic camera footage or witness statements, to prove the driver’s negligence.
Compensation for Damages: A victim of a pedestrian accident may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, as well as future expenses for rehabilitation and medical treatments. In the case of extreme negligence, punitive damages may also apply.
Statute of Limitations: Each state has their own deadlines for filing a personal injury claim that is called the statute of limitations. Here in Utah you have up to four years from the date of your accident to file your claim; however, acting as quickly as possible can strengthen your case and ensure that it is filed within your time limits.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians
The law is designed to protect pedestrians but as a pedestrian you must be on alert at all times. If you are out on the town, or walking to work, consider taking these steps to maximize your safety.
- Stay Visible: Staying visible is key to your safety, so make sure that you are easily visible. Consider wearing bright or reflective clothing, especially if you are walking at night, and try to avoid dark unlit areas.
- Follow Signals: As a pedestrian following traffic laws is vital to your safety. Only cross at designated crosswalks and obey pedestrian traffic signals for your safety.
- Avoid Distractions: If you are walking in an area with a particularly large amount of cars consider putting away your phone and taking off headphones while walking to stay alert and avoid distractions.
- Make Eye Contact: One key way of maintaining your safety before crossing a street is by making eye contact with a driver. This eye contact ensures that a driver sees you before you cross ensuring that they notice you.
How LifeLaw Can Help You
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crosswalk accident, your next steps can be confusing and overwhelming. At LifeLaw Personal Injury our Utah pedestrian accident lawyers are here to help you every step of the way.
Our legal experts will investigate your accident, build your case, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and represent you in court if needed.
Don’t let a negligent driver’s actions derail your life. Give the best pedestrian accident lawyers in Utah at LifeLaw Personal Injury a call today for a free consultation and to discuss your next steps.