If you are a pedestrian who was injured by a driver in Iowa, you may be wondering whether you had the right-of-way when the accident happened. If you did, the driver was negligent for failing to yield, and you can pursue a personal injury claim to recover compensation.
Pedestrians in Iowa have the right-of-way at crosswalks, whether the crosswalk is marked or unmarked, unless there is a traffic signal or a police officer directing traffic. When the pedestrian has the right-of-way, drivers must yield to allow them to cross safely. A personal injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation if you were injured in a pedestrian accident.
Pedestrian Right-of-Way in Iowa
Under Iowa law, a pedestrian has the right-of-way when:
- In a marked crosswalk with no traffic signal or traffic officer
- At the end of the block in an unmarked crosswalk with no traffic signal or traffic officer
If there is a traffic signal, pedestrians only have the right-of-way when they have a green light or Go signal. If an officer is directing traffic, pedestrians only have the right-of-way when indicated by the officer.
If a traffic light turns red or a Go signal changes to a Stop signal while a pedestrian is crossing, the pedestrian retains the right-of-way until they reach the other side of the street.
What Do Drivers Need to Do When the Pedestrian Has the Right-of-Way?
If the pedestrian has the right-of-way, drivers must yield to allow them to cross the road safely. If a driver stops for a pedestrian, no other driver is allowed to pass them. Any driver who fails to yield for a pedestrian when appropriate can be held accountable for any resulting injuries.
When Do Pedestrians Not Have the Right-of-Way?
Pedestrians do not have the right-of-way if they cross the road in the middle of the block rather than at a crosswalk. They also do not have the right-of-way if they cross at a red light or when an officer is directing cars to go. If a pedestrian crosses without the right of way and gets injured, they will most likely be unable to collect compensation for their injuries.
Even if you have the right of way, it is always important to use common sense. Do not cross in front of an oncoming car if it does not appear that it will yield or have time to stop and let you pass.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Receive After a Pedestrian Accident?
If you are injured in a pedestrian accident in Iowa, you can collect compensation if the driver’s negligence caused your injuries. Negligence happens when someone fails to exercise the care a reasonable person would show to avoid an accident. If a driver fails to yield to a pedestrian with the right-of-way and an accident results, then the driver has failed to show reasonable care and is negligent.
You can collect compensation for losses such as:
- Medical expenses of all kinds, including bills for medical care, physical therapy, and nursing care
- Lost income, including lost wages, commissions, bonuses, and raises, and diminished future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other intangible, personal losses
The amount of compensation you could obtain after an accident depends on the extent of your losses. If you have extensive medical expenses and lost income or severe pain and suffering, you can demand more significant compensation from the driver.
Contact an Iowa Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Loney & Schueller, LLC’s attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience in personal injury law. We are a results-oriented law firm dedicated to helping you get the recovery you deserve. If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Iowa, contact Loney & Schueller, LLC, immediately.
