Indiana’s crosswalk law is designed to protect pedestrians and drivers by setting clear rules for safe crossings. Understanding these laws is crucial if you’re injured in a crosswalk accident in Indiana, as following the rules can impact liability and compensation. Pedestrians and drivers alike must know their responsibilities to reduce risks and protect themselves legally. Help from an experienced Indianapolis personal injury lawyer is crucial to ensure your legal rights are protected.
Crosswalk Signal Rules
- “Walk” Signal: Pedestrians may cross; vehicles are required to yield.
- Flashing “Don’t Walk”: New crossings aren’t allowed, but pedestrians who are already in the crosswalk should finish crossing. Some crosswalks show a countdown – pedestrians should only cross if there’s enough time to reach safety.
- Steady “Don’t Walk”: Pedestrians must not start to cross, but those already in the crosswalk may continue to safety.
Pedestrians must follow signs or signals unless a police officer gives other instructions.
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Crossing Behavior and Yielding
- Pedestrians may not abruptly enter the path of an oncoming vehicle
- When a vehicle has stopped at a crosswalk to allow a pedestrian to cross, other vehicles must not overtake and pass that vehicle.
- Pedestrians not using a crosswalk must yield to all vehicles.
- If there is a pedestrian tunnel or bridge available, pedestrians must use it.
Proper Use of Crosswalks and Roadways
- Between two signalized intersections, crossing the street is only legal in marked pedestrian crossings.
- Diagonal crossing at an intersection isn’t allowed unless there are specific signals or signage indicating it’s okay.
Sidewalk and Roadway Requirements
- Pedestrians have to use sidewalks whenever one is available and safe.
- Where sidewalks do not exist, they should walk on the shoulder as far as possible from moving traffic.
- If there’s no shoulder, pedestrians should walk on the outside edge of the roadway, staying to the left side facing cars coming toward them (on two-way roads).
Vehicle and Special Situations
- Drivers crossing a sidewalk must yield to all pedestrians on the sidewalk, regardless of traffic signals.
- Whenever a pedestrian shows a white cane or is assisted by a guide dog (blind pedestrian), drivers must always yield.
- Pedestrians are required to yield to emergency vehicles using their horn, siren, or flashing lights. Still, those emergency drivers must watch carefully to prevent striking anyone.
These crosswalk rules are designed to protect pedestrians while setting reasonable duties for both parties sharing Indiana roads.
What Should I Do if I’m Injured in a Crosswalk Accident in Indiana?
If you’re hurt while using a crosswalk in Indiana, the steps that follow can be confusing and overwhelming. Knowing how these cases work and what to do gives you a better chance of filing a successful claim. After a crosswalk accident, you should take the following steps:
- Get medical help right away, even if your injuries don’t seem serious at first.
- Report the accident to the police.
- Secure a copy of the police report
- Try to collect evidence, such as photos of the scene, names of witnesses, and the driver’s information.
- Contact a lawyer right away if you’re experiencing severe injuries and financial losses.
Indiana law allows injured pedestrians to seek money for medical bills, lost pay, pain and suffering, and other costs from the at-fault driver’s insurance. Crosswalk accidents cause serious stress and uncertainty, but you never have to face the situation on your own. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our Indianapolis crosswalk accident lawyers.
