In a recent blog post, this blog highlighted the story of a pedestrian that was killed when hit by a car during a car accident. According to reports, the pedestrian was a bystander to the car accident that occurred in Kansas City. Unfortunately, similar car accidents involving pedestrians happen all the time in Missouri. Drivers get distracted or simply ignore traffic rules and those around the streets suffer.
These pedestrians are often legally using the streets and sidewalks near these cars. Drivers need to know that they share the road with many pedestrians, in addition to other cars. Cases, like this recent accident, may lead some people to ask — when do pedestrians have the right-of-way in Missouri?
Under Section 300.375 of the Missouri code, pedestrians have the right to cross the street at a marked crosswalk. This section requires drivers to yield to or stop for the pedestrian, if that person is crossing the driver’s side of the road. Other vehicles are prohibited from trying to pass a vehicle that is stopped for a pedestrian under this section.
However, this does not give pedestrians the right to cross at any time. This rule, and others, says that pedestrians need to avoid suddenly leaving a curb when it is impossible for a car to stop. Pedestrians also need to follow traffic control devices when choosing to cross an intersection. Pedestrians must also yield to vehicles when trying to cross at unmarked intersections.
These rules are in place to try and prevent dangerous car accidents. A car accident can cause a variety of medical, financial and legal issues. Compensation may be available for accident victims. Therefore, it is important that car accident victims seek specific legal advice from an attorney. While this blog post can give general information it cannot give this type of specific advice.