Now that spring has sprung here in the Twin Cities, you can’t help but notice all the folks out walking. Whether commuting to work or enjoying some exercise, pedestrians frequent the city streets. As pedestrians, it’s important to understand the roadway and crosswalk usage laws to be protected from accidents.
The Pedestrian Roadway & Crosswalk Usage Laws You Must Follow
Minnesota’s pedestrian roadway and crosswalk laws can be found in Section 169.21 of the Minnesota Statutes. We’ve summarized them here for you but we encourage you to review the full laws before your next stroll down the block.
- Traffic-control signals: Pedestrians must obey traffic-control signals at intersections.
- The right-of-way in absence of signal: In places where traffic-control signals aren’t present, drivers must yield to pedestrians within a crosswalk. Of course, no pedestrian should walk or run into the path of a vehicle too close for the driver to yield.
- Yielding to vehicles when crossing between intersections: When crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or an intersection without a marked crosswalk, every pedestrian must yield to all vehicles on the roadway.
- Crossing outside of crosswalks between adjacent intersections: If traffic-control signals are in operation, pedestrians must not cross at any place except in a marked crosswalk.
- Using the right side of crosswalks: When practical, pedestrians should use the right-half of crosswalks.
- Walking on the left side of a roadway: Pedestrians must walk on the left side of the roadway or shoulder giving way to oncoming traffic. When sidewalks are present, pedestrians must use them.
Your Rights as a Pedestrian After an Accident
While following every rule protects you, it doesn’t make you exempt from becoming a victim of a pedestrian accident. If you’re involved in an accident with a vehicle while walking, you must know your rights.
In Minnesota, claims involving pedestrians and motor vehicles are “no-fault.” You’re entitled to seek compensation from your own auto insurance’s no-fault policy for your medical expenses, lost wages and more. If your costs meet your coverage threshold, however, you may be able to seek compensation from the at-fault party for additional losses.
The insurance maze surrounding auto and pedestrian accidents is one you ought not to go through alone. Speak to an experienced personal injury attorney to understand what’s available to you and how to best go about getting the compensation you need to recover.
Hurt in a Pedestrian Accident? Call Brazil Law Group Today.
If you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian accident, we can help. To learn more about your rights as a pedestrian or to discuss your case, give us a call at 612-874-6109 or send us a message.