Traffic Laws for Little Rock Pedestrians

Traffic laws protect pedestrians walking near roadways, but pedestrians do not always have the right of way. To avoid dangerous accidents, walkers must obey traffic laws for Little Rock pedestrians at all times. However, obeying the law does not always prevent accidents. If a driver failed to follow traffic laws and injured you or a loved one, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney could investigate the accident and pursue every legal option. Our lawyers at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton could offer you guidance throughout your case.

Responsibilities of Pedestrians

Rules of the road apply to drivers and pedestrians. Pedestrians do not always have the right of way under Little Rock traffic rules. Arkansas Code § 27-51-1201 includes situations when pedestrians must yield to vehicles. Under state law, pedestrians must yield to motorists when:

• A driver is already in an intersection
• A driver approaching an intersection has the right of way
• A pedestrian is crossing the road outside of a designated crosswalk
• A pedestrian is crossing against a red signal or “do not walk” sign

In these situations, the pedestrian could be at fault if an accident occurs. Ark. Code § 16-64-122 addresses comparative fault. A personal injury claimant cannot recover damages if they were 50 percent or more at fault for the accident. If they were 49 percent or less at fault, the court will reduce their financial recovery by their proportion of liability.

As a pedestrian, you should take the following precautions when walking near public roads:

• Yield to vehicles when crossing a roadway outside of a marked or unmarked crosswalk, even when you believe you should have the right of way
• Use sidewalks and designated pedestrian crossings whenever they are present and available
• Avoid suddenly leaving sidewalks and entering roadways when vehicles may not yield in time
• Avoid crossing or walking on interstate highways or other busy highways at any time
• Walk as far away from a roadway as possible if there is no sidewalk, facing oncoming traffic to observe approaching cars
• Obey all traffic signals and signs and avoid crossing against a “do not walk” sign

After any pedestrian accident, our experienced lawyers could examine the cause of the crash, the injuries involved, and whether you had the right of way and walked safely.

How To Proceed After a Pedestrian Accident

Pedestrian accidents with drivers happen suddenly and with almost no warning. The results may be severe and catastrophic. If a motorist injured you or a loved one, you should seek medical care, gather evidence about the accident, and call a knowledgeable attorney to review your options. You may obtain economic and non-economic damages for your losses if you obeyed Little Rock pedestrian safety regulations and tried to avoid harm. An attorney from our firm could review the facts of your case and present your options.

Call a Little Rock Attorney To Learn How Traffic Rules Could Protect You as a Pedestrian

Pedestrians and motorists must obey safety regulations. Traffic laws for Little Rock pedestrians aim to keep walkers safe and prevent devastating accidents. When drivers fail to obey traffic laws and cause accidents through negligence, accident victims have important legal rights. If a driver hurt you or a loved one in a pedestrian collision, contact our knowledgeable legal team at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton to schedule your free consultation.