- February 25, 2025
- Personal Injury
Walking is a great low-impact exercise option and a convenient way to commute to nearby stores and shops. But it can also be a little risky. In this guide you’ll learn practical tips for staying safe while walking along sidewalks and shared-use paths. You’ll also learn what to do if someone has ignored pedestrian laws and caused you injury through their negligence.
Is It Safe for Pedestrians in Kansas?
Generally speaking, yes, it is safe for pedestrians in Kansas. The state has some clear-cut laws meant to help protect you and provide guidance for crossing streets, using sidewalks, and walking on shared-use paths. Many cities have created their own pedestrian laws, which help provide further protection.
However, you still need to take precautions. For instance, you may want to avoid walking on dimly lit sidewalks or shared-use paths at night. If you have to walk during that time, make sure you use a headlamp or flashlight to make others aware of your presence and location. You should also avoid dangerous neighborhoods that you are not familiar with.
Unfortunately, you can do everything right and still find yourself on the receiving end of a pedestrian accident. The injuries that result from being struck by a car can be life-changing. If you or a loved one has been injured while walking, the experienced legal team at Palmer Law Group is here to help.
Have you been injured by a vehicle or cyclist while walking around Kansas? Call (785) 233-1836 and schedule a free consultation with Palmer Law Group.
Kansas Pedestrian Safety Laws
Pedestrian accident laws govern the behavior of walkers and drivers to help keep everyone safe. When you are approaching a lighted intersection without pedestrian devices, you should behave as you would when driving a vehicle. You can cross during green lights and should stop if the light is yellow or red. However, you are responsible for looking for vehicles before you cross, and you should always check for cars that are turning into your path.
If you are crossing an intersection with a pedestrian control signal, follow the prompts on the screen that say “walk” or “don’t walk.” Some signals have symbols of a walking person and an upraised palm instead of words. If you cross when the signal instructs you to walk, you have the right of way, and drivers are required to yield to you.
Drivers are also required to exercise due care to avoid striking a pedestrian. This is especially important when driving through areas without lighted crosswalks. Kansas law is pretty vague regarding “due care,” so the rule places a significant amount of responsibility on drivers to avoid striking pedestrians.
How Kansas Pedestrian Accident Laws Protect Walkers
Kansas walker safety laws define when you have the right of way and when vehicles must yield to you. They also clarify when you have to yield to traffic or wait to cross a road. For instance, if you are at a lighted crosswalk, you must wait until the device governing your lane of travel instructs you to walk. If you attempt to cross when the “do not walk” indicator is displayed, you are violating the right of way of vehicles driving through that crosswalk.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can be linked to several different causes, including the following:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers using their phones or engaging in other distractions may fail to notice pedestrians.
- Failure to Yield: Some drivers ignore crosswalks or fail to yield at intersections.
- Speeding: Higher speeds reduce reaction time and increase the severity of pedestrian injuries.
- Poor Visibility: Nighttime conditions or poor weather can make it harder to see walkers.
- Jaywalking: Pedestrians who cross outside of designated crosswalks put themselves at risk.
Often, there are multiple factors at play. For instance, someone who is driving while distracted may also fail to yield to a pedestrian.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you need to:
- Call 911 and request medical attention.
- Report the incident to the police.
- Take photos of the scene and your injuries.
- Talk to witnesses and collect their contact information.
Don’t admit fault to the other party or the police officer. Anything you say could be used against you in a legal case. Instead, stick to the simple facts, such as where the incident occurred and what your injuries are. Once you’ve addressed your medical needs, it’s time to talk to an experienced pedestrian attorney.
The pedestrian accident attorneys at Palmer Law Group have won over $100 million for our clients, including a $2.9 million settlement in a wrongful death case involving a pedestrian who was struck by a truck. If you’ve been injured while walking in Kansas, we can help.
Understanding Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
Liability in pedestrian accidents is rarely simple. There are usually multiple factors at play, including bad weather and poorly lit sidewalks. However, a driver can still be held liable for your injuries if they behaved negligently in any way. You may even be able to recover compensation if you contributed to the incident.
Kansas applies a comparative negligence rule to personal injury cases. You can still pursue compensation if you are less than 50% at fault, so don’t hesitate to speak to an attorney about your pedestrian accident, even if you think you may be partially to blame.
How an Experienced Attorney Can Enforce Your Pedestrian Rights in Kansas
An experienced legal team like Palmer Law Group can provide a free consultation to evaluate your case. Our lawyers will help identify whether you have a right to compensation and begin gathering evidence to prove that the other party acted negligently.
Palmer Law Group will negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf and fight to obtain a fair settlement offer based on the extent of your injuries. If the other party refuses to negotiate in good faith, our experienced trial attorneys can take your case to court.
Pedestrian Accident Laws: Know Your Rights
The aftermath of a pedestrian accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Don’t face this journey alone. Partner with Palmer Law Group and let us fight for your rights.
Palmer Law Group offers free consultations and can help you explore your options following a pedestrian accident. Call (785) 233-1836 and book an appointment today!