Crosswalks are designed to protect pedestrians, yet accidents still happen when drivers fail to yield or pedestrians step into traffic unexpectedly. Understanding who has the right of way in these situations can prevent serious injuries and clarify legal responsibility when accidents occur. If you or someone you know was injured in a crosswalk accident in Kansas or Missouri, Hollis Law Firm can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
When Do Pedestrians Have the Right of Way?
Pedestrians generally have the right of way in marked crosswalks at intersections. When a crosswalk signal indicates it’s safe to cross, drivers must yield to pedestrians already in the crosswalk. This protection extends to both signalized intersections with walk signals and unmarked crosswalks at many four-way stops.
In Kansas and Missouri, pedestrians also have the right of way at marked mid-block crosswalks. These are crosswalks located between intersections, often near schools, parks, or busy commercial areas. Drivers approaching these crosswalks must slow down and stop for pedestrians waiting to cross or already crossing.
However, pedestrians do not have unlimited rights. They must obey traffic signals and cannot suddenly leave a curb or safe position and walk into the path of a vehicle so close that the driver cannot reasonably stop. Pedestrians also should not cross at unmarked locations between adjacent intersections where traffic control signals are in place.
Driver Responsibilities at Crosswalks
Drivers have several legal obligations when approaching crosswalks. They must yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks at intersections, whether controlled by traffic signals or not. At intersections without signals, drivers must exercise extra caution and be prepared to stop for pedestrians.
Missouri and Kansas law requires drivers to stop and remain stopped for pedestrians in crosswalks until the pedestrian has safely crossed the lane in which the vehicle is traveling. Drivers also cannot pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks, as this creates a dangerous blind spot for pedestrians.
School zones present additional responsibilities for drivers. Enhanced crosswalk protections often apply during school hours, with crossing guards helping students safely navigate intersections. Drivers must follow reduced speed limits and pay heightened attention to crosswalks near schools.
Common Causes of Crosswalk Accidents
Several factors contribute to crosswalk accidents:
- Distracted driving from mobile phones or in-vehicle technology prevents drivers from seeing pedestrians
- Failure to yield when pedestrians have the right of way at marked crosswalks
- Speeding reduces reaction time and increases stopping distances
- Poor visibility during nighttime hours or bad weather conditions
- Pedestrian distraction from phones or headphones
- Confusing intersection designs that create uncertainty about right of way
Weather conditions can significantly impact crosswalk safety. Rain, snow, and fog reduce visibility for both drivers and pedestrians. Wet or icy pavement extends vehicle stopping distances, making it harder for drivers to stop in time when pedestrians enter crosswalks.
Determining Liability After a Crosswalk Accident
Establishing fault in crosswalk accidents requires examining several factors. Police reports often document which party violated traffic laws, but witness statements and traffic camera footage can provide crucial evidence. Physical evidence like skid marks, vehicle damage, and the pedestrian’s position in the crosswalk helps reconstruct the accident.
Kansas and Missouri follow different approaches to liability. Missouri applies pure comparative fault, allowing injured parties to recover damages even if they were partially at fault, with compensation reduced by their percentage of responsibility. Kansas uses modified comparative fault, barring recovery if the injured party was more than 50% at fault.
Insurance companies frequently try to shift blame to pedestrians, even when drivers clearly violated right of way laws. Having legal representation ensures that evidence is properly preserved and your rights are protected throughout the claims process.
Contact Hollis Law Firm for Help With Your Crosswalk Accident Case
Crosswalk accidents can result in severe injuries requiring extensive medical treatment and recovery time. At Hollis Law Firm, our attorney understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take on victims and their families. We investigate every aspect of your case to build strong evidence supporting your claim.
Our firm handles crosswalk accident cases throughout Kansas and Missouri, fighting for fair compensation that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us today to discuss your crosswalk accident case and learn how we can help you move forward.
