Many people assume that any collision between a motorist and a pedestrian is automatically the fault of the driver. However, that is not always the case. While motorists must follow a series of legal requirements in order to keep people traveling by foot safe, pedestrians also have certain standards to meet.
There are many traffic laws for pedestrians in Chesterfield to follow, both for their safety and to prevent liability in an ensuing legal claim. By understanding these legal statutes, people walking, jogging, or running in Missouri could prevent catastrophic injuries. If you or a loved one were involved in a pedestrian accident, speaking with a skilled injury attorney could help you determine if comparative negligence applies to your case.
People traveling by foot in Chesterfield must abide by the same rules of the rude as a vehicle driver or bicyclist. Pedestrians must stop at intersections, walk in their crosswalks, and yield to the right of way just like anybody else. While pedestrians typically have the right of way in most situations, that is not always the case.
Under state law, pedestrians who are crossing a local roadway at any point other than a marked crosswalk must yield to oncoming traffic. Furthermore, pedestrians are prohibited from jaywalking or darting out in front of oncoming vehicles.
While there are obviously legal implications to not following traffic laws, pedestrians in the area should also follow these statutes to avoid suffering devastating injuries. Collisions between people and much larger passenger vehicles often are catastrophic, if not fatal. For this reason, it is always advisable for people to cross busy streets at crosswalks to avoid severe injuries.
Additionally, if a pedestrian is found to have been breaking the law, such as by jaywalking, it can drastically impact their case. Missouri requires a court to apply a percentage of fault on each party involved in an accident, including the plaintiff. Should a plaintiff be found partially at fault for their pedestrian accident, their total available recovery would be reduced.
In some cases, recovery may be impossible. For instance, if an intoxicated pedestrian runs out into the middle of a highway and is struck by an oncoming vehicle, it would be difficult to hold the driver accountable. By working with an experienced attorney in the area, injured pedestrians could get an accurate calculation of their recoverable damages.
If you or a loved one were struck by a car while traveling by foot, it is important to work with an attorney familiar with the traffic laws for pedestrians in Chesterfield. An experienced legal professional could review your case and determine whether any traffic violations occurred. If so, a knowledgeable lawyer could help you understand how this may impact your overall recovery.
To learn more about pedestrian traffic laws, or to schedule an initial consultation, call our office today. We look forward to speaking with you.
