As a pedestrian, when you follow the rules, stay in the crosswalk, and walk only when the traffic signal says to walk, the last thing you expect is to be hit by a car. Unfortunately, drivers often collide with pedestrians who are lawfully using the crosswalk. Whether this happened to you while you crossed a street in downtown St. Louis or while walking near Forest Park, the law is on your side, and you should know your rights.
Pedestrian Right of Way in Missouri
In Missouri, drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks. That means that if you’re walking across a part of the road that is painted and marked for pedestrians, cars should be stopping so you can safely cross the road. This is especially true at stop signs or traffic lights.
But it’s important to remember that pedestrians also have rules to follow. For instance, it’s illegal to cross the road when there is a “Don’t Walk” signal or to jump out into traffic where there is no painted crosswalk at all. If this happens, the pedestrian might be considered partially at fault.
Who Is at Fault in a Pedestrian Accident?
Missouri follows a comparative fault law for car accidents, and pedestrian accidents are no exception. This means that both the driver and the pedestrian could share fault. If the driver was distracted, speeding, or acting negligently in any way, they may be primarily at fault. On the flip side, if pedestrians were distracted by their phones as they walked into traffic, they could be found partially at fault.
The critical thing to remember about the comparative fault rule is that even if you are found partially to blame, you can still receive compensation. However, the court will reduce your compensation by your percentage of fault.
Common Causes of Crosswalk Accidents
Crosswalk accidents happen for a variety of reasons, such as when a driver:
- Fails to stop at red lights and stop signs
- Fails to yield when turning at an intersection
- Is distracted
- Speeds through school zones
These are all considered negligent actions and can lead to serious injuries and, in some cases, even death. It’s undoubtedly a good idea for pedestrians to be aware of what’s happening around them. Still, it’s even more critical for drivers to act with the proper duty of care to avoid hurting someone crossing the road.
Why Choose Holland Injury Law?
At Holland Injury Law, we fight for pedestrians across Missouri. Our team has recovered over $300 Million for our 7,000+ clients and received 800+ 5-star reviews, so we know how to build a strong case and deal with insurance companies that don’t want to pay compensation.
We understand that local roads and busy intersections like Delmar Boulevard, Grand Avenue, and Lindell Boulevard are common crash sites where pedestrians are often victims of severe injuries. If this has happened to you, our team is ready to fight for justice. Contact us for a free consultation today, and let us help you recover what you deserve.