Why You Shouldn’t Jaywalk: What Happens If You’re Hit
Crossing mid-block or against a signal can save a few seconds, and cost far more. Pedestrians are utterly unprotected against a vehicle, and jaywalking is a factor in many serious pedestrian injuries. But if you were hit, being outside a crosswalk does not automatically mean you have no claim. Here is what to know.
Jaywalking is dangerous because it puts pedestrians where drivers do not expect them. Pedestrians generally must yield to traffic when crossing outside a crosswalk. But drivers must still use due care to avoid hitting anyone, and under Utah’s comparative fault rule, a jaywalking pedestrian may still recover if they are less than 50% at fault.
Why jaywalking is so risky
Drivers scan for pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections, not mid-block or against a light. Crossing where you are not expected shortens a driver’s reaction time and puts you in harm’s way, often at speeds that cause devastating injuries. That is why crosswalks and signals exist in the first place.
What Utah law expects
Utah law generally requires pedestrians to yield to vehicles when crossing outside a marked crosswalk or intersection. Crossing improperly can be a violation, and can shift some fault onto the pedestrian in a crash. At the same time, drivers are never free to ignore a pedestrian. They must use reasonable care to avoid a collision.
Hit while crossing? You may still have a claim
Being outside a crosswalk does not end the story. Under Utah’s comparative fault rule, you can still recover as long as you are less than 50% at fault. Your compensation is simply reduced by your percentage of blame. If a driver was speeding, distracted, or failed to keep a proper lookout, a significant share of fault may fall on them.