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Crosswalks serve a vital role in protecting pedestrians and helping them navigate busy streets. However, you may be surprised to learn that some crosswalks are not always visibly marked. Many pedestrians and drivers do not fully understand their responsibilities at these hidden zones.
So, what is an unmarked crosswalk? And what does the law in Utah say about it?
Understanding the nuances of unmarked crosswalks in Utah can help you avoid accidents, or know how to respond if an unfortunate collision occurs. At Craig Swapp & Associates, our team of Utah injury attorneys is dedicated to helping injured pedestrians recover compensation for their losses.
An unmarked crosswalk is a portion of the roadway at an intersection where pedestrians have the right to cross, yet there are no painted lines or other obvious markings on the pavement. Often, these unmarked crosswalks in Utah are found at intersections where sidewalks or pathways naturally meet, even though the exact boundaries may not be clearly drawn on the road.
Under Utah crosswalk laws, these unmarked zones are still considered valid crossings. Pedestrians who are crossing within these areas have a legal right-of-way, provided that they follow traffic signals and act in a safe, predictable manner.
Marked crosswalks typically feature painted white lines, zebra stripes, or other indications to alert both pedestrians and motorists. School zones, busy city intersections, and major pedestrian areas often utilize these markings for improved visibility.
On the other hand, unmarked crosswalks do not have any painted lines on the pavement. Instead, their presence is implied by the design of the streets and sidewalks around an intersection. Because there is no visual reminder, some drivers may fail to yield appropriately, and some pedestrians may not realize they have certain rights in these areas.
Being unaware of how unmarked crosswalks in Utah function can contribute to accidents and confusion on the road.
A key part of understanding the purpose of unmarked crosswalks is recognizing how right-of-way rules apply.
In general, pedestrians in any crosswalk, whether marked or unmarked, have the right-of-way. That means drivers should slow down or stop as necessary to allow pedestrians to cross safely. However, pedestrians must also exercise caution, watch for oncoming traffic, and avoid stepping into the path of a vehicle that cannot safely stop in time.
Drivers should remain aware that pedestrians may have the right-of-way at intersections, even if there are no painted crosswalk lines. Failure to yield at a valid unmarked crosswalk could form the basis of a negligence claim if someone is injured. If you find yourself in such a scenario, speaking with an injury attorney in Utah can help you understand your legal options.
Utah law clarifies driver and pedestrian responsibilities at crosswalks in Utah. While the statute discusses how pedestrians and vehicles should behave at marked crosswalks, it also addresses unmarked crosswalks.
Local highway officials in Utah have the power to set rules for crosswalks that aren’t clearly marked. After studying the traffic and engineering details, these officials can decide that at a certain unmarked crosswalk, either pedestrians are not allowed to cross or they must give way to vehicles. However, these rules only count if there are signs or signals in place showing these restrictions.
According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), more than half of pedestrian fatalities occur at unmarked locations away from intersections. This sobering statistic underscores how unmarked crosswalks in Utah can become danger zones.
Factors contributing to unmarked crosswalk accidents include:
When an accident occurs at an unmarked crosswalk, the injuries sustained by pedestrians can be life-altering. Seeking counsel from an injury attorney in Utah can help victims establish liability, negotiate with insurance providers, and, if necessary, proceed with legal action in court.
Accidents at unmarked crosswalks often result in serious harm to pedestrians, who lack the protective barriers found in vehicles.
Some of the most frequently reported injuries include:
The physical, emotional, and financial toll can be immense. Those affected may require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, or long-term support.
Take these precautionary measures to reduce the risk of a crosswalk accident in Utah.
If you are struck by a vehicle while using an unmarked crosswalk, the steps you take immediately afterward can greatly influence your recovery, both physically and legally.
Working with a personal injury attorney can streamline your recovery process and improve the odds of a favorable outcome.
Successfully recovering damages after an unmarked crosswalk accident often begins with filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. However, insurance companies sometimes dispute or minimize the severity of the injuries, delay payments, or even deny liability entirely.
An injury attorney in Utah can help counter these tactics and seek the best possible outcome.
Our attorneys have experience handling pedestrian accident cases and can advise you on the best strategies for insurance negotiations and, if necessary, litigation. Our case results and client testimonials highlight how we have helped accident victims secure favorable settlements and verdicts.
Utah generally allows up to 4 years to file a personal injury claim. This period starts from the date of the accident.
Waiting too long can make it more difficult to collect strong evidence, locate witnesses, or remember vital details. Additionally, certain circumstances, like a government entity being involved, can shorten the time limit.
Utah follows a modified comparative negligence standard, meaning that if you share some degree of fault in the accident, the compensation you receive might be reduced proportionally. For instance, if you are found 20% responsible for the accident, your final settlement could be reduced by 20%. If you exceed 50% fault, you generally cannot recover damages at all.
Because fault can become a contentious issue, especially in the case of unmarked crosswalks, it’s important to consult with injury attorneys in Utah who can build a strong argument and gather evidence supporting your claim.
If you’re unsure whether your accident qualifies for compensation, consider taking the Does Your Accident Qualify? quiz. While it is not a substitute for legal advice, it can help you gain insight into the strength of your potential claim.
Filing a claim for an unmarked crosswalk accident can involve complexities not always present in marked crosswalk collisions. For instance, an insurance adjuster may dispute whether a legitimate crosswalk existed at the site of the accident. They might also argue the pedestrian walked outside the implied boundaries of the intersection.
With an injury attorney in Utah on your side, you can collect compelling evidence, like witness statements, traffic camera footage, or intersection design plans, that demonstrate you were within your rights to cross.
Moreover, expert testimony can play a significant role in establishing the position of the cars, the lighting conditions, and the visibility at the time of the incident. Lawyers who have handled crosswalk accident cases know how to present this information effectively so that insurance companies or a jury grasp the reality of your situation.
Crosswalks in Utah, marked or unmarked, exist to ensure pedestrians can navigate intersections without jeopardizing their safety. Yet confusion about Utah crosswalk laws and the lack of visual cues often contribute to accidents at these unmarked locations.
If you suffer injuries after an accident at an unmarked crosswalk in Utah, or feel uncertain about your legal rights, do not hesitate to seek qualified guidance. Our dedicated team at Craig Swapp & Associates stands ready to help you understand Utah’s unmarked crosswalk laws, negotiate with insurance carriers, and, if needed, fight for your rights in court. Call us today at 866-308-3626 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
Written By: Ryan Swapp Legal Review By: Craig Swapp