Are Pedestrians or Drivers Liable for Accidents that Occur at Night?
When the sun sets, the rules of the road don’t change, but the risks certainly do. Darkness descends, visibility plummets, and the likelihood of encountering impaired drivers climbs. This dangerous mix heightens the risk of accidents for both pedestrians and drivers.
Read on to find out who could be responsible for a nighttime car accident involving pedestrians in Wisconsin. If you’re involved in an incident, reach out to a Wisconsin car accident lawyer to help you understand your options and protect your rights.
The Unique Challenges of Nighttime Driving
Driving at night introduces unique challenges that can make the roads less safe for pedestrians and motorists. Here’s what makes nighttime so dangerous for drivers and pedestrians:
- Reduced Visibility: Night conditions make it hard to see pedestrians, obstacles, and even road signs, requiring drivers to be more alert. In the U.S., 74% of pedestrian deaths in 2022 occurred during dark conditions in areas with no or low lighting.
- Increased Impaired Driving: Nights tend to see more drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs, raising the likelihood of accidents. In 2021, there were 2.8 times more fatal crashes involving drunk drivers at night than during the day.
- Heightened Fatigue: People may feel tired at night, compromising their reaction times and decision-making abilities behind the wheel.
- Headlight Glare: Oncoming vehicles’ headlights can temporarily blind drivers, making it harder to see the road ahead clearly.
How is Liability Determined in Wisconsin?
Liability for pedestrian-car accidents in Wisconsin depends on different factors. To assign fault, insurance companies typically look at the behavior of both parties and whether they followed traffic rules or acted negligently:
- Pedestrian Right-of-Way Laws: Wisconsin law (Statutes 346.23, 346.24, 346.25) states that drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing at marked crosswalks or intersections with no marked crosswalks. However, pedestrians must not suddenly leave a curb and walk or run into the path of a vehicle so close that the driver can’t yield.
- Duty of Care Owed by Drivers: Drivers owe a higher duty of care due to the potential harm their vehicles can cause. This duty includes taking extra precautions at night, given the reduced visibility and increased difficulty detecting pedestrians. If a driver fails to uphold this duty, they may be liable for injuries to the pedestrian.
- Contributory Negligence: Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means both parties can be partially at fault for an accident if they acted negligently. It also reduces compensation proportionate to the victim’s percentage of fault or bans seeking a settlement if the victim is more than 51% at fault.
Common Liability Scenarios
To better understand liability in pedestrian-vehicle crashes at night, looking at potential real-life situations is helpful. Here are a few common liability scenarios:
| Scenario | Who Might Be Liable | Reasoning |
| Pedestrian Crosses Outside Crosswalk | Pedestrian | Pedestrians are expected to use crosswalks; crossing elsewhere often puts them primarily at fault. |
| Pedestrian Wearing Dark Clothing at Night | Both | Pedestrians might share liability for not making themselves more visible; drivers still have a duty to be vigilant. |
| Driver Speeds Through a Crosswalk | Driver | Speeding in a crosswalk area typically places full liability on the driver for any resulting accidents. |
| Driver Hits a Pedestrian While Texting | Driver | Distracted driving violates road safety laws, making the driver liable for accidents. |
| Pedestrian Steps Suddenly into Traffic | Both | Pedestrians might be primarily liable, but drivers are also expected to maintain control and awareness. |
| Driver Fails to Yield at a Green Light While Turning | Driver | Drivers must yield to pedestrians legally crossing at a green light; failure to do so places liability on the driver. |
Steps to Take if Involved in a Nighttime Pedestrian Accident
Taking the proper steps immediately after a nighttime pedestrian accident is critical because it helps preserve evidence and your legal right to compensation. If you’re in a pedestrian collision with a vehicle in Wisconsin, do the following:
- Seek Medical Attention: Get immediate medical care. This addresses your injuries and documents them for legal purposes.
- Report the Accident: Report the accident to the police, per Statute 346.70(1). Get a copy of the report, which can be used as invaluable evidence in liability assessments.
- Gather Evidence: Collect witnesses’ names and contact information, take photos of the accident scene, and document environmental conditions like street lighting or obscured signage.
- Consult with a Lawyer: Speak with a qualified lawyer specializing in pedestrian accidents. An experienced attorney from Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers can help you file a claim, gather evidence, and hold the driver liable for your injuries.
Secure Your Rights After a Nighttime Accident
Figuring out who’s at fault in nighttime pedestrian accidents isn’t always straightforward. It requires a thorough look at what the driver and the pedestrian were doing at the time.
For detailed guidance and effective representation, reach out to our team at Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers. We can discuss the circumstances of your accident and determine your options for compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.