Crosswalk Accidents And Driver Liability
February 23, 2026 | Posted in Uncategorized
Crosswalk accidents happen more often than they should. A driver doesn’t yield. Someone misjudges the distance or just doesn’t see you crossing the street. These collisions can leave you with serious injuries, from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries that change your life. Oklahoma law gives pedestrians the right of way in marked and unmarked crosswalks. When a driver violates this duty and causes an injury, they’re legally responsible for the harm they’ve caused. It’s that straightforward.
Understanding Driver Responsibilities At Crosswalks
Drivers have specific legal obligations when they approach crosswalks, and these aren’t suggestions. They’re requirements. Drivers must:
- Yield to pedestrians already in the crosswalk
- Slow down and be prepared to stop when someone’s waiting to cross
- Never pass another vehicle that’s stopped for a pedestrian
- Exercise increased caution near schools, parks, and residential areas
When a driver ignores these rules and strikes a pedestrian, they’ve likely acted negligently. That negligence becomes the foundation for a personal injury claim.
Common Causes Of Crosswalk Collisions
Distracted driving ranks as one of the top reasons drivers hit pedestrians. Someone’s checking their phone. They’re adjusting the radio or talking to passengers. By the time they notice a person in the crosswalk, it’s too late. Speed plays a major role too. Drivers traveling too fast don’t have enough time to react, and they can’t stop quickly enough to avoid a collision. Failing to yield at intersections, running red lights, and making illegal turns all of these contribute to preventable accidents that shouldn’t happen. Poor visibility during early morning hours, at dusk, or in bad weather increases the risk significantly. But reduced visibility doesn’t excuse a driver from their duty to watch for pedestrians and drive at a safe speed for the conditions they’re facing.
Proving Fault In Crosswalk Accident Cases
You’ve got to show that the driver breached their duty of care and directly caused your injuries. Evidence matters. A lot. Police reports often contain valuable information about how the accident occurred and whether the driver received a citation. Witness statements from people who saw the collision can support your version of events, and they carry weight. Traffic camera footage or nearby security cameras may have captured the entire incident on video.
Your medical records document the injuries and connect the accident to the harm you’ve suffered. Photos of the scene, your injuries, and vehicle damage strengthen your claim considerably. A Sand Springs pedestrian accident lawyer can help gather and preserve this evidence before it disappears or gets destroyed.
What Compensation Can You Recover
Pedestrians injured in crosswalk accidents may recover damages for medical bills. That includes current treatment and future medical costs you’ll face down the road. Lost wages from time off work count too, along with reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job. Pain and suffering damages account for the physical discomfort and emotional distress the accident caused. If your injuries resulted in permanent scarring or disfigurement, you can seek additional compensation for these lasting effects that you’ll carry with you. Property damage gets included as well. Broken glasses, a damaged phone, things like that. In cases involving particularly reckless behavior, punitive damages may apply.
The Role of Comparative Fault
Oklahoma follows a modified comparative fault system, and you need to understand how this works. If you share some responsibility for the accident, your compensation gets reduced by your percentage of fault. But if you’re more than 50 percent at fault, you can’t recover damages at all. Insurance companies will try to shift the blame to you. They’ll claim you stepped out suddenly, crossed against the signal, or wore dark clothing. A Sand Springs pedestrian accident lawyer can counter these tactics and protect your right to fair compensation that actually reflects what happened.
Taking Action After a Crosswalk Accident
Time limits apply to personal injury claims in Oklahoma. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of securing the evidence you need to prove your case. Don’t accept a quick settlement from the insurance company without understanding the full extent of your injuries. Those initial offers rarely account for long-term medical needs or the complete impact on your life, and they’re counting on you not knowing that. Wandres Law Injury and Accident Attorneys understands the physical, financial, and emotional toll these accidents take on victims and their families. If you were injured in a crosswalk accident, reach out to discuss your legal options and what steps you should take next.