Pedestrians Beware: Crosswalk Laws in Connecticut

by David Rich Law Firm Branding

As a pedestrian in Connecticut, it is important to be aware of the laws governing crosswalks. Not only will knowing these laws help you stay safe, but it will also help you avoid any potential fines or penalties for breaking them.

Important Crosswalk Laws and Rules to Know

Some of the most important crosswalk laws for pedestrians and drivers to know and follow include the following:

Yielding

Connecticut law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. This means that if you are walking in a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, cars are legally required to stop and allow you to cross safely.

 

However, this does not mean that pedestrians can simply walk into the street without caution or attention to traffic. It is important always to look both ways and ensure that any cars are indeed stopping before crossing.

Obey All Traffic Signals

Connecticut law also states that pedestrians must obey traffic signals and signs when using a crosswalk. For example, if a pedestrian crossing signal indicates "don't walk," it is illegal to enter the crosswalk until the signal changes to "walk."

 

Additionally, pedestrians are not allowed to run into the path of a moving vehicle suddenly if it is so close, it would constitute an immediate hazard.

 

It is also important to note that pedestrians are not allowed to cross the road diagonally unless authorized by a traffic control device. If no such device is in place, pedestrians must always cross the road at a right angle to the curb or edge of the roadway.

Unmarked Crosswalk Law

There is also an "unmarked crosswalk law" statute, which applies to areas with no crosswalks or pedestrian signals. Under this law, pedestrians still have the right-of-way when crossing the road, but they must do so safely and reasonably.

 

Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians crossing the road in these areas, but pedestrians cannot assume they have the right of way and must always exercise caution.

Fines for Violating Crosswalk Laws

Pedestrians and drivers can be fined for violating crosswalk laws in Connecticut. Pedestrians who violate these laws can be fined up to $50, while drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians can be fined up to $500.

How to Prove Fault if Struck as a Pedestrian

If you are hit as a pedestrian in Connecticut, proving fault can be complex. While this is true, there are a few things you can do to help protect your rights. Additionally, these steps will help you recover compensation if you file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.

Call the Police

If you are hit by a vehicle, call the police immediately. They will arrive on the scene, assess the situation, and file a report. This report will be important evidence in your case.

Gather Information

Gather as much information as possible at the accident scene if you can. Take photos of the accident, including the location of the accident, the vehicles involved, any injuries you sustained, and any property damage. Also, get the contact information of any witnesses.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you do not feel injured, seek medical attention immediately. Sometimes injuries may not be immediately apparent, and it is important to document any injuries you may have sustained.

Consult an Attorney

Consult an experienced personal injury attorney who can help guide you through the legal process and assist you in building a case to prove fault. They can help you investigate the accident and gather additional evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, and surveillance footage.

Prove Negligence

To prove fault, you will need to prove negligence on the driver's part. This means that you must show that the driver breached their duty of care towards you as a pedestrian and that this breach directly caused your injuries. This can be done by presenting evidence such as witness statements, surveillance footage, and police reports.

Consider Comparative Negligence

Connecticut follows a comparative negligence system, meaning that fault can be shared between the pedestrian and the driver. If the court finds that you were partially at fault for the accident, it may reduce the compensation you are entitled to.

Protecting Your Rights to Compensation if You Are Struck as a Pedestrian

Being struck as a pedestrian by a motor vehicle can have serious and long-term repercussions. One way to avoid this is by knowing and following the crosswalk rules.

 

However, accidents still happen. If a negligent driver strikes you, you may be entitled to compensation. Knowing your rights and contacting a Connecticut personal injury lawyer is recommended. 

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Created on Apr 24th 2023 07:34. Viewed 104 times.

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