Arkansas Pedestrian Traffic Laws
Did you know that every year in Arkansas, an estimated 25 pedestrians die in accidents that could have been prevented? From hit-and-run accidents to drunk driving crashes, pedestrians face numerous dangers when crossing the road.
Pedestrians are the most vulnerable people on the road. There is no protection between them and the surrounding vehicles. After all, the human body is not made to withstand the forces of a car accident. Even when accidents occur at low speeds, pedestrians can suffer serious and fatal injuries. From broken bones to serious head injuries, injuries suffered in pedestrian accidents often result in long-term disability, pain, and suffering.
To help protect Arkansas pedestrians from harm, local and state lawmakers have passed numerous laws throughout the state. These laws help to keep pedestrians safe from the many vehicles that share the road with them. In addition, lawmakers from Little Rock to Pine Bluff have begun to evaluate and improve the various infrastructures throughout the metropolitan areas. These improvements seek to address safety concerns and create better traffic flow throughout the city. They also provide new and safer pedestrian paths and crossings to accommodate the growing number of pedestrians in urban areas.
Arkansas Pedestrians and Medical Aide Laws
Title 23 of the Arkansas Code Subtitle 3 Chapter 89 § 23-89-202 states that every automobile liability policy must cover any pedestrians struck by the insured motor vehicle. By law, pedestrians who are injured in car accidents can receive medical benefits and aid for up to $5,000 for injuries. They are also entitled to income disability benefits for up to 52 weeks at a maximum of $140/week, and accidental death benefits.
While this law does help injured pedestrians obtain some compensation after a crash, these benefits are typically exhausted quickly. As such, injured pedestrians in Arkansas will need to file an insurance claim, or personal injury lawsuit to collect the maximum compensation they deserve. Medical expenses alone after a pedestrian accident can easily reach into the millions, especially for catastrophic injuries that result in disability. For this reason, pedestrians injured in car accidents in Arkansas need to turn to a pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Pedestrians and Sharing the Road Laws
Crosswalks & Intersections
Pedestrians have a responsibility to follow all traffic rules and signals, especially at traffic signals. AR Code §27-52-1201 all pedestrians must follow the traffic signals and road signs at interactions. This means waiting for a green light or a walk sign. If there is no traffic signal in place, then all motor vehicles must yield to pedestrians who are crossing within a marked crosswalk.
AR Code § 27-51-1201 addresses what pedestrians are to do when attempting to cross the road outside a crosswalk. If a pedestrian needs to cross the road and there is no crosswalk, the pedestrian must yield to the vehicles on the roadway. Pedestrians should watch for no traffic before attempting to cross the street, or continue further to a designated crosswalk. Car drivers, however, must still use extreme caution to avoid hitting a pedestrian even when not in designated areas.
Who is to Blame After a Pedestrian Accident in Arkansas
After a pedestrian accident in Arkansas, there may be many fingers pointing the blame. Drivers may claim the pedestrian darted out in traffic. Pedestrians, however, may have a different story to tell. Perhaps the driver was speeding or distracted and on their phone. Due to the severity of injuries and the complexities surrounding these accidents, it is imperative to seek legal representation. You will need an experienced law firm on your side to investigate all angles of your case.
Your attorney will need to clearly establish who is to blame for your accident and your injuries. In some cases, multiple parties may share the blame, including:
- The driver of the vehicle
- Other vehicles
- The city or county responsible for maintaining the roads and traffic signals
- Employers of the driver
Contact Our Arkansas Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
If you suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident, you need an experienced and skilled law firm on your side from the very start.
With eight office locations in Little Rock, Little Rock- Corporate Hill, Springdale, Conway, Hot Springs, Bryant, Jacksonville, and Memphis—our Arkansas and Tennessee pedestrian accident lawyers are easily accessible from the moment you need us. Contact Rainwater, Holt & Sexton Injury Lawyers
