What Happens If You Ride a Bicycle Across an Unsignalized Crosswalk? A Real Accident Case
1. Accident Overview
Location: A three-lane one-way road
Crosswalk: An unsignalized pedestrian crosswalk (pedestrian-priority zone)
Time: Daytime, with clear visibility
Bicyclist: Entered the crosswalk while riding the bicycle
Driver: An SUV driver traveling in the second lane at moderate to high speed. He entered the crosswalk area without slowing down. Although he attempted to brake upon seeing the bicycle, he was unable to stop in time due to insufficient braking distance
Point of impact: The middle of the crosswalk—collision occurred between the front of the vehicle and the side of the bicycle
2. Injury and Damages
Bicyclist (Victim)
Injuries: Multiple contusions and a fractured arm
Treatment: Surgery and extended hospitalization (approximately 4 weeks)
Other impacts: Interrupted schooling, emotional trauma
Claimed damages: Medical expenses, compensation for pain and suffering, and future treatment costs totaling approximately 9,200USD
SUV Driver
Vehicle damage: Front bumper and hood were damaged
Repair cost: Approximately 115USD
Injuries: None
3. Fault Distribution
Bicyclist's Fault
Riding across the crosswalk without dismounting is a clear violation of traffic law
Entered the crosswalk without stopping or checking for oncoming traffic
Driver’s Fault
Failed to slow down or check surroundings before entering the crosswalk
Although the crosswalk had no signal, it is a legally protected pedestrian zone, requiring extra caution from drivers
4. Conclusion
The driver had a legal duty to anticipate the possibility of pedestrians or bicycles entering the crosswalk and to approach with caution. Since he entered the crosswalk without slowing down and caused the collision, 80% of the fault was assigned to him.
Although the bicyclist violated traffic law by riding across the crosswalk, the court judged that the accident could have been avoided if the driver had properly reduced speed. As a result, the bicyclist’s fault was limited to 20%.
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