Do pedestrians have the right of way in St. Louis? For legal help, contact The Hoffmann Law Firm Today to schedule a free consultation.
When it comes to pedestrian safety and rights, understanding the rules of the road is crucial, especially in a bustling city like St. Louis. As a pedestrian or driver, knowing who has the right of way can prevent accidents and save lives.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident in St. Louis, contact The Hoffmann Law Firm for expert legal advice. We have decades of experience handling pedestrian and car accident cases and are here to protect your rights.
Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 300 governs pedestrian right-of-way laws. These laws outline where and when pedestrians have the right of way and how drivers should respond. Here are some key points to consider:
Crosswalks: Pedestrians Generally Have the Right of Way
When pedestrians are in a marked crosswalk, drivers are legally required to yield to them.
At unmarked crosswalks (the extensions of sidewalks across intersections), pedestrians also have the right of way, provided they enter the crosswalk safely and reasonably.
Traffic Signals and Pedestrian Control
Pedestrians must obey traffic signals and pedestrian control devices (e.g., “Walk/Don’t Walk” signs). They have the right of way when the signal indicates it is safe to cross.
Crossing against a red light or “Don’t Walk” sign is considered jaywalking and violates traffic laws.
Mid-Block Crossings
When crossing outside designated crosswalks or locations without traffic signals, pedestrians must yield the right of way to vehicles.
However, drivers are still expected to exercise caution and avoid hitting pedestrians, even if the pedestrian is crossing illegally.
Sidewalks and Driveways
Drivers entering or exiting driveways, alleys, or private roads must yield to pedestrians on the sidewalk.
Responsibilities of Drivers in St. Louis
Missouri law emphasizes that drivers must avoid accidents involving pedestrians, even when pedestrians are not following traffic rules. Drivers must:
Exercise Due Care: Always be vigilant for pedestrians, especially in residential areas, near schools, or in busy pedestrian zones.
Stop for Pedestrians at Crosswalks: Drivers should stop at least one lane away from a crosswalk when a pedestrian is crossing to ensure their safety.
Avoid Overtaking Vehicles Stopped for Pedestrians: If another vehicle has stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross, it is illegal to pass that vehicle.
Responsibilities of Pedestrians
While pedestrians have significant protections under the law, they also have responsibilities, including:
Cross Safely: Pedestrians must avoid suddenly stepping into traffic in a way that does not allow an approaching vehicle enough time to stop.
Obey Traffic Laws: Use crosswalks and obey traffic signals to ensure safety.
Avoid Distracted Walking: Looking down at a phone or wearing headphones while crossing the street can lead to accidents.
Common Scenarios: Who Has the Right of Way?
At a Marked Crosswalk with No Traffic Signal
Pedestrian: Has the right of way.
Driver: Must yield to pedestrians.
At an Unmarked Crosswalk at an Intersection
Pedestrian: Has the right of way.
Driver: Must yield.
Mid-Block Crossing Without a Crosswalk
Pedestrian: Must yield to vehicles.
Driver: Should exercise caution.
Crosswalk with a Flashing “Don’t Walk” Sign
Pedestrian: Should not start crossing; if already crossing, continue to the other side.
Driver: Must yield to a pedestrian already in the crosswalk.
Consequences of Failing to Yield
Failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians can lead to:
Traffic Citations: Drivers can be fined or have points added to their driving record.
Civil Liability: If a driver hits a pedestrian, they may be liable for injuries, medical bills, and other damages in a personal injury lawsuit.
Criminal Charges: In cases of gross negligence, such as reckless driving, drivers may face criminal charges.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians and Drivers
For Pedestrians
Always use designated crosswalks and sidewalks.
Make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you before crossing.
Wear bright or reflective clothing at night to increase visibility.
For Drivers
Slow down in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.
Stay alert for children or other pedestrians who may unexpectedly enter the street.
Avoid distractions such as texting or using your phone while driving.
How the Law Applies in St. Louis
St. Louis sees a mix of urban traffic and pedestrian activity, making enforcing right-of-way laws even more critical. Areas like downtown St. Louis and the Delmar Loop have high pedestrian traffic, while suburban areas may need marked crosswalks, leading to clarity.
Additionally, St. Louis has implemented pedestrian-only signals and traffic calming devices to enhance safety. However, accidents still occur. Understanding your rights and responsibilities is essential if you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident.
What to Do If You Are Involved in a Pedestrian Accident
If you’re a pedestrian or driver involved in an accident:
Seek Medical Attention: Safety and health should be the priority.
Call the Police: File an official accident report.
Document the Scene: Take photos, note witness contact information, and record details of the incident.
Consult a Lawyer: Pedestrian accidents can be complex. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal options.
Contact The Hoffmann Law Firm L.L.C Today
In St. Louis, pedestrians generally have the right of way in marked and unmarked crosswalks, but responsibilities exist for both pedestrians and drivers. Following the rules of the road and staying vigilant can significantly reduce accidents.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident in St. Louis, contact The Hoffmann Law Firm for expert legal advice. We have decades of experience handling pedestrian and car accident cases and are here to protect your rights.
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Response from the owner:Being in good hands is important. Many lawyers take cases with little experience and little resources. Our firm specialized decades ago. We are focused exclusively on accident cases.
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Response from the owner:This is a sad reality for car accident lawyers. The #1 passenger in an auto accident is a relative. Helping a family make it through this and putting the family back together is one of the most rewarding things I do as an automobile accident attorney.
This lawyer handles really big accident cases in St Louis. He is a lawyer, accountant and has his masters in tax so he gets the injury cases for individuals that can never go back to work or individuals own a business and cannot run it due to injury. He specializes in valuations of massive loss. Thank goodness a firm like this exists.
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Response from the owner:Thanks Ash! Our biggest source of cases is our clients. Our second biggest referral source is defense lawyers telling their relatives to call us. Few lawyers can handle the largest cases. Our law firm welcomes and has trained for this. We don’t do mass production settlement like the lawyers on TV. Our clients can never go back to work. Their cases need massive focus and effort and often long fought litigation.
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Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words. Every case starts with a great client. You are correct the car accident lawyers on TV are mass production settlement mills. When injury clients fire them, we get their files and the cases are not worked up at all. Appreciate your confidence in us!
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Response from the owner:This is such a great compliment. Most of our cases come from prior client or lawyers that also do car accidents cases but the particular case is too large or too difficult. Being a lawyer and an accountant, we specialize in cases with total lost of income, earning capacity and/or often the inability to continue a family business. Evaluations such as these are second nature for our lawyers. Thanks.
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5 Star Lawyer for sure! Best you will find in Saint Louis.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the 5 Star Rating. Reviews like this are great. Injury victims quickly figure out the TV advertisers are not good. We work hard at being the best we can be and it reflects in our representation of car accident victims.
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Response from the owner:Thanks Lexi. Our #1 source of cases is other lawyers referring us cases that are too big for them to handle.
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Response from the owner:Car accident lawyers on TV do not litigate cases. It is mass production. They have quotas. Local attorneys are best on auto accidents.
Used this attorney for an auto accident. Highly recommend this lawyer in St. Louis. Communicates well.
Response from the owner:Communicating with clients is essential. Taking the client though the car accident claims process is important otherwise major mistakes can occur. It is an effort that we make. Thanks!
Fantastic law firm, I would recommend! Received free consultation related to an auto accident when my parked car was damaged by a baseball. Very supportive advice, these guys are good!
