Many people in Southfield and the surrounding area utilize public sidewalks, streets, and crosswalks to get from point A to point B every single day. And while Michigan has a number of pedestrian traffic laws, not all pedestrians are aware of them, and even those who are may not abide by them.
To many people, jaywalking seems harmless, but is jaywalking illegal in Michigan? What are the consequences of jaywalking in Michigan? Crossing the street illegally or outside of the designated pedestrian crossing could result in a ticket, and could even lead to a serious accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a motor vehicle as a pedestrian, contact a Michigan pedestrian accident lawyer at Lipton Law as soon as possible. Our attorneys are here to provide you with the guidance, support, and representation to help you see your personal injury case through to the end.
Call (248) 557-1688 to schedule a free consultation with a Michigan pedestrian accident attorney on our team.
What Is Jaywalking?
Jaywalking refers to the act of crossing the street outside of designated crosswalks or intersections, often in disregard of traffic signals. Many people do this when they are in a rush to cross the street or when they believe that the coast is clear and they can safely cross the street from where they are.
Why Is It Called Jaywalking?
The term “jaywalking” originated in the early 20th century. “Jay” was a slang term used to describe someone who was silly, inexperienced, or naive. As automobiles became more common, “jaywalking” was coined to describe pedestrians who crossed streets irresponsibly or outside designated areas, which was seen as ignorant or careless.
What Is an Example of Jaywalking?
An example of jaywalking is when a pedestrian crosses the street in the middle of the block, outside of the marked crosswalks. Another example would be if a pedestrian crosses the street within the crosswalk when they do not have the right to do so, walking in front of oncoming traffic and ignoring traffic signals. Another example of jaywalking would be if someone walks on the street when there is an accessible sidewalk they could be using.
Is Jaywalking Legal in Michigan?
In Michigan, jaywalking is illegal. Police officers can ticket pedestrians for jaywalking, often resulting in a fine. In Detroit, the punishment for a jaywalking offense is a $105 fine.
Michigan Jaywalking Law
Michigan does not have any specific jaywalking laws, but there are a number of state laws regarding pedestrians and what they can and cannot do on the roads. In general, someone is jaywalking in Michigan if they are:
- Crossing the street outside of a designated crosswalk without yielding to other vehicles
- Crossing the street in a crosswalk against a “don’t walk” sign
- Walking in the street when there is a designated and accessible sidewalk
- Walking on a freeway
Jaywalking and Pedestrian Accidents in Michigan
Jaywalking plays a significant role in pedestrian accidents in Michigan and throughout the country. When pedestrians ignore traffic safety laws and cross streets outside of designated crosswalks or ignore traffic signals, they create unpredictable situations for drivers, which can lead to collisions.
Additionally, jaywalking can cause chain reactions, leading to multiple vehicle accidents as drivers attempt to avoid hitting the pedestrian. These scenarios not only endanger the jaywalker but also put other pedestrians and drivers at risk.
Michigan has a long history with pedestrian accidents. In fact, back in the 1920s, pedestrian fatalities in Detroit were so common that the city constructed underground pedestrian tunnels to prevent people, mostly children, from being injured while crossing the street. Today, pedestrian accidents are less common, but they can still be just as devastating for victims.
According to the Michigan State Police, there were nearly 1,900 pedestrian-involved traffic accidents within the state in the year 2022. This led to a total of 173 pedestrian fatalities in Michigan that same year.
Michigan Pedestrian Laws
Michigan’s pedestrian laws require pedestrians to use designated crosswalks and obey traffic signals when crossing streets. Pedestrians have the right-of-way at marked crosswalks and intersections with pedestrian signals.
However, they must yield to vehicles when crossing outside of these areas. Pedestrians can cross the street at an intersection when there is no crosswalk or where there is an unmarked crosswalk (10 to 15 feet of space between two adjacent intersections) as long as they yield to oncoming traffic.
Additionally, pedestrians are prohibited from suddenly leaving a curb or other safe place and walking or running into the path of a vehicle that is close enough to be an immediate hazard. These laws aim to promote pedestrian safety and protect both pedestrians and drivers from harm.
Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right of Way in Michigan?
No, pedestrians do not always have the right of way in Michigan. While pedestrians generally have the right-of-way at marked crosswalks and intersections with pedestrian signals, they must yield to motor vehicles if crossing outside of these designated areas.
Do Pedestrians Have the Right of Way If They Are Jaywalking in Michigan?
No, pedestrians do not have the right of way if they are jaywalking in Michigan. Jaywalking involves crossing the street outside of designated crosswalks or intersections, which is against Michigan traffic laws.
If You Hit Someone Jaywalking, Who Is at Fault?
In Michigan, if a driver hits someone who is jaywalking, the pedestrian may be found to be at fault for causing the car accident. However, fault can vary based on specific circumstances, such as whether the driver was speeding or distracted. Insurance companies and legal authorities would assess the details of the incident to determine liability.
Michigan Crosswalk Laws
In Michigan, crosswalk laws require pedestrians to use marked crosswalks or intersections when crossing streets. Pedestrians have the right-of-way at marked crosswalks, meaning vehicles must yield to them.
If the crosswalk has a traffic signal, pedestrians have the right of way when the traffic signal says “walk” or otherwise indicates that pedestrians can cross. When the traffic signal begins flashing, pedestrians must either stop and wait for the next light, or continue forward if they believe they have enough time to cross.
If the traffic signal begins flashing or changes to “don’t walk” while a pedestrian is already in the crosswalk, they have the right of way to continue crossing. At intersections without traffic signals, pedestrians must wait for traffic to clear before crossing, but once in the crosswalk, vehicles must stop to allow them to cross safely.
When Do Pedestrians Have the Right of Way in Michigan?
Pedestrians in Michigan generally have the right-of-way in marked crosswalks and at intersections with pedestrian signals or stop signs.
In Pedestrian Crossings and Crosswalks
In Michigan, when pedestrians cross the street while within a marked crosswalk, or when there’s a pedestrian signal or stop sign, motor vehicle drivers must yield to pedestrians within those crosswalks. This does not include situations where a pedestrian steps out into a crosswalk in front of an oncoming vehicle that is close enough to pose a risk to their safety.
When Does a Pedestrian Not Have the Right of Way in Michigan?
There are a lot of circumstances in which a pedestrian does not have the right of way in Michigan, including crossing the street outside of the crosswalk without yielding to oncoming cars.
Pedestrians Crossing Outside of a Crosswalk
In Michigan, pedestrians do not have the right of way when crossing the street outside of a designated crosswalk. In any situation where there is no crosswalk, pedestrians must yield to any and all vehicles when crossing the street. Additionally, pedestrians do not have the right of way when stepping on the street in front of an oncoming car that could pose an immediate hazard.
What Are Some Common Pedestrian Injuries in Michigan?
Unlike most vehicle drivers, pedestrians are unprotected on the roads, making them incredibly vulnerable to a variety of injuries as a result of an accident. Some of the most common pedestrian injuries in Michigan include:
- Broken bones
- Contusions
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Soft tissue injuries
- Joint dislocations
- Whiplash
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Head and brain injuries
Pedestrians involved in these kinds of accidents often sustain life-altering catastrophic injuries, which require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. That’s why it’s so important for pedestrians to obey traffic laws and to be aware of their surroundings at all times when traveling by foot. It’s also important for drivers to exercise caution when driving, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic, to prevent these types of injuries.
The Dangers of Oncoming Traffic
Even when obeying traffic laws, pedestrians are at serious risk of injury or even death when crossing the street or walking along motorways, especially due to negligent vehicle drivers. Those texting while driving or driving distracted may not see pedestrians safely crossing in front of them or may not even see that they no longer have the right of way, which can lead to accidents.
Those driving under the influence often have slower reaction times and may not be able to stop for a pedestrian crossing the street, or they may veer off of the road and hit a pedestrian on the sidewalk. Additionally, those driving large vehicles, like commercial trucks and large passenger pickup trucks, have limited visibility, which could prevent them from seeing a pedestrian when driving or turning.
Pedestrians must be incredibly vigilant when on or off the road, and must stay aware of their surroundings at all times. While pedestrians can’t prevent all pedestrian accidents, they can keep themselves and others relatively safe from harm by obeying traffic laws and paying attention to their surroundings.
Do You Need an Attorney for Your Pedestrian Accident?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident as a pedestrian, and you believe the accident was caused by a negligent driver, you need a Michigan personal injury attorney to help you with your case. This often occurs when the driver involved in the accident was the one who caused the crash, usually by acting in a way that put others on the road, including pedestrians, at risk of injury.
At Lipton Law, our vehicle accident attorneys have extensive experience handling a variety of traffic accidents, including pedestrian accidents, and can help you file a claim for compensation. If you believe your pedestrian accident was the result of driver negligence, we can help ensure that you receive the best possible outcome in your case.
Contact a Michigan Pedestrian Accident Lawyer at Lipton Law Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Michigan, seeking the guidance of an experienced attorney at Lipton Law can make a significant difference in your case. Our attorneys can help victims of negligence seek justice for their losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
At Lipton Law, we understand how devastating pedestrian accidents can be, and we understand how difficult it can be for victims and their families to go through a legal battle in the wake of such an accident. That’s why we provide our clients with personal and legal support throughout the process, helping them seek justice for their losses and holding the responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Don’t walk this journey alone. Call the Southfield pedestrian accident lawyers at Lipton Law at (248) 557-1688 or contact us via our website to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team.