[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.truittlawoffices.com\/blog\/do-pedestrians-have-the-right-of-way-in-indiana\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.truittlawoffices.com\/blog\/do-pedestrians-have-the-right-of-way-in-indiana\/","headline":"Pedestrians Have the Right-of-Way in Indiana, USA","name":"Pedestrians Have the Right-of-Way in Indiana, USA","description":"Indiana and other major cities across the country are redesigning their streetscapes to better accommodate pedestrians. This follows the revelation that serious accidents involving pedestrians have been on the rise for years. On average, a pedestrian is killed every two hours and injured every seven minutes in traffic crashes, based...","datePublished":"2024-07-11","dateModified":"2025-07-07","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.truittlawoffices.com\/blog\/author\/richardtruitt\/#Person","name":"Richard Truitt","url":"https:\/\/www.truittlawoffices.com\/blog\/author\/richardtruitt\/","identifier":13,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/873e99ebaf9a19c98d76d750d942377a4e6f6cd1e89779c7698fb25efd30f015?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/873e99ebaf9a19c98d76d750d942377a4e6f6cd1e89779c7698fb25efd30f015?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Truitt Law Offices","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.truittlawoffices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Truitt-Law-Offices-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/www.truittlawoffices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Truitt-Law-Offices-Logo.png","width":427,"height":59}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.truittlawoffices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/pedestrian-accident-indiana-e1736360713188.png","url":"https:\/\/www.truittlawoffices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/pedestrian-accident-indiana-e1736360713188.png","height":314,"width":600},"url":"https:\/\/www.truittlawoffices.com\/blog\/do-pedestrians-have-the-right-of-way-in-indiana\/","about":["Pedestrian Accidents"],"wordCount":2264,"articleBody":"Indiana and other major cities across the country are redesigning their streetscapes to better accommodate pedestrians. This follows the revelation that serious accidents involving pedestrians have been on the rise for years.On average, a pedestrian is killed every two hours and injured every seven minutes in traffic crashes, based on sobering statistics from the\u00a0National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Fourteen percent of all traffic fatalities and an estimated 3 percent of those injured in traffic crashes are pedestrians.Table of Contents1 What Are the Laws on Pedestrian Right-of-Way in Indiana?2 Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right-of-Way in Indiana?3 When Do Pedestrians Have the Right-of-Way If They Are Not in a Crosswalk?4 What Are Indiana\u2019s Pedestrian Crosswalk Laws?5 Is Jaywalking Illegal in Indiana?6 How Should I Cross a Road That Has No Crosswalk?7 Is It Illegal to Stop in a Crosswalk in Indiana?8 What Should I Do If I Have Hit a Pedestrian While Driving?9 What Should I Do If I Have Been Hit By a Car While on Foot?10 How Do Most Pedestrian Accidents Happen?11 What Are the Most Common Injuries Related to a Pedestrian Accident?12 What Evidence Is Needed in a Pedestrian Accident Case?13 Legal Help for Victims of Pedestrian AccidentsWhat Are the Laws on Pedestrian Right-of-Way in Indiana?As a pedestrian, you have the right-of-way only when you\u2019re already in the street, according to the\u00a0University of Indiana.\u00a0Indiana state law prohibits you from stepping into the path of a car that is so close as to be an immediate hazard. And if you\u2019re crossing anywhere other than within a marked crosswalk or at an intersection, you must yield the right-of-way. If all lanes of traffic aren\u2019t clear enough to give you time to cross the street, you cannot step out into the roadway.In Indiana:Vehicles are prohibited to overtake another vehicle stopped at a crosswalk.Pedestrians have to obey all traffic control devices unless otherwise specified by a police officer.Pedestrians must yield to oncoming traffic if there is no marked crosswalk or path.Pedestrians cannot walk along the shoulder or edge of a road with a functioning sidewalk.Motorists are responsible to yield to blind pedestrians at all times.If you are a pedestrian who has been hit by a motor vehicle in Indiana, your injuries may have been caused by someone else\u2019s negligence. You need the skills of an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer to hold reckless, careless drivers accountable. The Indiana personal injury firm of Truitt Law Offices is ready to stand up for your rights so you can focus on overcoming your physical and emotional injuries.\ufeffDo Pedestrians Always Have the Right-of-Way in Indiana?Pedestrians do not always have the right-of-way in Indiana. Just like any other road user, pedestrians sometimes have the right-of-way and sometimes must yield to motorists, cyclists, and others on the road. Here are some fundamental right-of-way laws that apply to Indiana pedestrians:Controlled Intersections and Signals \u2013 If you see a \u201cwalk\u201d signal at an intersection, you can cross the street, and drivers must yield to you.Crosswalks \u2013 Drivers must yield to you as you cross the road at marked crosswalks. However, you must yield to traffic if you\u2019re crossing at an area without a crosswalk or traffic signals.Sidewalks and Roadways \u2013 When sidewalks are available, you must use them. If there are no sidewalks, you should walk on the shoulder as far from the road as possible.Pedestrian Bridges and Tunnels \u2013 When crossing a road with a pedestrian tunnel or bridge, you must use it instead of crossing at street level. If you choose to cross at street level, even though a bridge or tunnel is available, you must yield to all vehicles on the road.Blind Pedestrians \u2013 Drivers must always yield the right-of-way to blind pedestrians using white canes or accompanied by guide dogs and indicating they want to cross.When Do Pedestrians Have the Right-of-Way If They Are Not in a Crosswalk?If you are a pedestrian and not in a crosswalk, here are the right-of-way laws you should know to stay safe and proceed legally:Yielding to Traffic \u2013 Generally, if you are crossing the street without a crosswalk, you must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles on the road. It\u2019s your responsibility to wait until the road is clear before crossing.Intersections Without Signals \u2013 You should yield to traffic at intersections with no lights or marked crosswalks. However, drivers must also be cautious and yield to you if they see you crossing.Mid-Block Crossings \u2013 If you decide to cross the street mid-block, where there are no intersections or crosswalks, you must yield to vehicles. Remember, it is always safest to cross at a marked crosswalk or intersection if possible, even if it means going out of your way.Unmarked Crosswalks at Intersections \u2013 Even if a crosswalk is not marked at an intersection, drivers are expected to be aware of pedestrians and yield when appropriate. However, without marked crosswalks, you should be extra vigilant and not automatically assume that drivers will stop.What Are Indiana\u2019s Pedestrian Crosswalk Laws?Here are the essential rules from the Indiana Code that pertain to pedestrians in crosswalks:Right-of-Way in Crosswalks \u2013 Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within any marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.Crossing at Signalized Locations \u2013 Pedestrians must follow the \u201cwalk\u201d and \u201cdon\u2019t walk\u201d signals where they are in place. When the \u201cwalk\u201d signal is on, pedestrians may cross the road in the direction of the signal, and drivers must yield to them.Driver Passing Prohibited at Crosswalks \u2013 It is illegal for drivers to pass other vehicles that have stopped at crosswalks to allow pedestrians to cross.Pedestrian Movement Within Crosswalks \u2013 Pedestrians should always move along the right half of the crosswalk when practicable.Crossing Between Adjacent Intersections \u2013 When crossing between adjacent intersections with working traffic control signals, pedestrians may not cross the road anywhere except in marked crosswalks.Diagonal Crossing \u2013 Pedestrians are prohibited from crossing intersections diagonally unless authorized by official traffic control devices. When allowed, they must follow the signals specifically for diagonal crossing movements.Is Jaywalking Illegal in Indiana?Jaywalking is generally illegal in Indiana. Jaywalking typically involves crossing the street outside of designated crosswalks or in violation of applicable traffic signals. Indiana law says that if you decide to cross the road at a point outside of a marked crosswalk or an intersection, you must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles and wait for a clear path before crossing. Pedestrians cannot suddenly leave the sidewalk and walk or run in front of a car close enough to be a hazard.You must also obey all pedestrian crossing signals. Crossing against a \u201cdon\u2019t walk\u201d signal is considered jaywalking and violates state laws. These regulations aim to prevent accidents and ensure that pedestrians and drivers can use the road safely.How Should I Cross a Road That Has No Crosswalk?Sometimes, you might need to cross a road that has no crosswalk. If you must cross without a crosswalk, it\u2019s wise to take extra precautions to protect your safety. Here\u2019s what you should do:Choose the Safest Spot \u2013 Look for the safest place to cross, ideally where you have the best view of oncoming traffic. Avoid curves or hills where drivers might be unable to see you.Wait for a Clear Gap \u2013 Make sure the road is clear in both directions before you start to cross. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows plenty of time to cross safely.Be Alert \u2013 Keep watching for vehicles as you cross, as drivers often do not expect pedestrians on roads without crosswalks. Do not assume vehicles will stop once you begin crossing.Cross Quickly and Directly \u2013 Cross the road quickly and directly to minimize the time you spend in the path of oncoming traffic.Is It Illegal to Stop in a Crosswalk in Indiana?It is illegal for both motorists and pedestrians to stop in crosswalks in Indiana. State law explicitly prohibits stopping, standing, or parking a vehicle on a crosswalk, as this can disrupt traffic flow and create safety hazards. The only exceptions to this rule apply when stopping in a crosswalk is necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or to follow directions from a police officer or traffic control device.By keeping crosswalks clear, drivers and pedestrians can maintain a safe environment for everyone using the road. Whether you\u2019re driving or walking, always remember to move steadily and quickly across crosswalks to promote the safety and efficiency of traffic flow.What Should I Do If I Have Hit a Pedestrian While Driving?Hitting a pedestrian is most drivers\u2019 worst nightmare. The potential for serious injuries when a car strikes a person can be very high. The possible outcomes of a bad accident can be too horrible to contemplate.As with any car accident, there are key steps that a driver should try to follow. Hitting a pedestrian is, understandably, a shocking experience, but it is better to try to respond calmly and methodically to ensure the best possible outcome.Call for medical help.\u00a0Call\u00a0the police.Document the accident, taking photos if necessary.Contact your insurance company.Be careful what you say.\u00a0Of course, you should be honest and straightforward when telling your version of the events to police. If you were breaking traffic laws when the accident happened, you might face serious charges. Trying to point fingers elsewhere may not help your case, even if the pedestrian is found at fault for the incident.What Should I Do If I Have Been Hit By a Car While on Foot?If you are a pedestrian injured in a motor vehicle accident you should follow the same steps outlined above. Realize that the driver has an incentive to divert fault to you and others. Avoid giving statements to drivers or insurers until a pedestrian accident lawyer has been consulted. Any information you provide may be used to craft a defense against you.How Do Most Pedestrian Accidents Happen?Often, there can be more than one factor playing into a pedestrian vs. vehicle accident. Some of the more common driver errors causing pedestrian injury or fatality include:Inexperienced or New Drivers \u2013\u00a0The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and many other organizations find repeatedly that age 16 through 19-year-olds are responsible for more accidents than any other age group.Illegal U-Turns\u00a0\u2013 U-turns are often illegal in areas where low visibility or speed of traffic prevents the necessary observation for safe turning.Failure to Follow School Zone Driving Practices \u2013\u00a0Each year, there are many pedestrian accidents during the hectic minutes before and after school. This is particularly true when kids are getting off and on school buses.Failure to Make a Full Stop at Intersections \u2013\u00a0The rolling stop may feel like a harmless infraction, but stop signs and traffic signals exist to force drivers to stop and take full account of their surroundings \u2013 including pedestrians \u2013 before moving forward.Speeding, Driving Under the Influence of Drugs of Alcohol, and Distracted Driving \u2013\u00a0These are the big three of car crashes. Distracted driving is a cause in many car accidents involving pedestrians.What Are the Most Common Injuries Related to a Pedestrian Accident?Pedestrians hit by automobiles are often injured twice in the collision \u2013 first from the initial impact of the moving vehicle hitting the body, and again when the force of that impact propels the body into a solid object.Common pedestrian accident injuries include:Torn and sprained ligamentsScalp lacerations, contusions and abrasionsContusions, abrasions and lacerations of the face and handsFractures of the legs, ribs, arms, hips and pelvisInternal injuriesTraumatic brain injuriesSpinal cord injuriesBurnsWhat Evidence Is Needed in a Pedestrian Accident Case?When you\u2019re injured as a pedestrian, you are likely to be stunned, disoriented, possibly unconscious and in some degree of pain. Chances are that gathering evidence is the last thing on your mind. But, if you are able, try to capture some of the pertinent pieces of evidence that may help a pedestrian accident lawyer reconstruct the scene and represent your best interests:Location at a designated pedestrian crosswalk or somewhere elseColor and type of clothingTime of day\/nightAnyone under the influence of drugs or alcoholIn Indiana, a plaintiff in any personal injury case must prove that they were no more than 50 percent at fault.Special steps are taken throughout the recovery compensation process when a child is the injured pedestrian, and this often includes obtaining a court\u2019s approval of a settlement that exceeds $10,000.When a pedestrian accident does result in death then it is possible for the victim\u2019s loved ones to pursue a wrongful death claim. These claims are regulated by Indiana\u2019s state statutes in terms of who can bring about this type of claim and the compensation of the damages that could potentially be recovered.Legal Help for Victims of Pedestrian AccidentsIf you\u2019ve been hurt as a pedestrian by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to significant compensation under Indiana state law.At Truitt Law Offices, we\u2019ve been representing injured people for 40 years with a solid record of success. With offices in Indiana, we\u2019re strategically located to help you and pursue the just compensation you deserve.We\u2019re available 24\/7 \u2013 in person or virtually \u2013 and stand ready to pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, scarring, pain and suffering. Contact us now for a free claim review.Visit Our Indiana Pedestrian Accident Injury Law Offices[    {        \"@context\": \"http:\/\/schema.org\",        \"@type\": \"Answer\",        \"name\": \"Answer Question\",        \"text\": \"As a pedestrian, you have the right-of-way only when you\u2019re already in the street, according to the\u00a0University of Indiana.\u00a0Indiana state law prohibits you from stepping into the path of a car that is so close as to be an immediate hazard. And if you\u2019re crossing anywhere other than within a marked crosswalk or at an intersection, you must yield the right-of-way. 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