Crosswalk laws play a key part in many personal injury claims involving pedestrians. Whether someone is walking across a marked intersection or crossing mid-block, their legal rights—and the responsibilities of drivers—can directly influence the outcome of a case. These rules don’t just affect who gets cited at the scene. These laws can often help determine what party or parties should be held liable.
Who Has The Right Of Way
Most state laws give pedestrians the right of way in marked crosswalks. If a pedestrian is crossing legally and is hit by a car, the driver is typically held at fault. But right of way isn’t automatic in every situation. If a person crosses against the signal or suddenly steps into traffic, that can change the legal outcome.
Unmarked crosswalks—often found at intersections without signals—are another point of confusion. In many jurisdictions, pedestrians still have the right of way in these locations, but not all drivers know that. If an injury occurs, the presence or absence of signage and road markings will likely come into focus during the claim.
The Impact On Fault And Liability
Determining who had the right of way is often one of the items that a pedestrian accident lawyer investigates. If a driver violated a crosswalk law and that violation led to the collision, that can be strong evidence of negligence. On the other hand, if a pedestrian broke the law by jaywalking or ignoring a crossing signal, they may be found partially at fault.
Traffic Signals And Pedestrian Behavior
Signal-controlled intersections add another layer of responsibility. Pedestrians are expected to follow walk and don’t walk signs, just as drivers must obey traffic lights. If a pedestrian crosses during a red signal, it can weaken their case. However, drivers are still expected to be alert and avoid hitting someone, even if that person is in the wrong.
Some cities use countdown timers and audible alerts to improve safety. If those systems are not working properly or if the signage is confusing, that can also become relevant in a legal claim. Photos, witness statements, and nearby surveillance footage can all help show what happened and who may be at fault. A personal injury attorney can investigate your case to determine the different avenues of liability.
Why Documentation Matters
As with any personal injury case, the available evidence plays a big role. Police reports, medical records, and photos of the scene can support your claim. Traffic laws, including crosswalk rules, are often used as part of the argument for negligence or liability.
Attorneys like are friends at Blaszkow Legal, PLLC can attest to how these legal details often come up in settlement discussions or during trial preparation. The goal is to show that the other party violated a duty of care, and that violation caused the injuries.
Crosswalk laws are more than just traffic rules—they often shape the outcome of pedestrian injury cases. Whether someone was in a marked crosswalk, an intersection without signals, or crossing outside legal zones, these details influence both fault and compensation. Reach out to an attorney today to see if you could be eligible for compensation!