Pedestrian and Bicycle Accident Claims in Utah
General information, not legal advice. Read the full disclaimer.
Short answer: Utah requires drivers to yield to a pedestrian crossing in a crosswalk and to stop completely at a school crosswalk occupied by a person (Utah Code § 41-6a-1002). A pedestrian crossing outside a marked crosswalk or unmarked intersection crosswalk must yield to vehicles (§ 41-6a-1003). A bicyclist on a sidewalk, path, trail, or crosswalk has the rights and duties of a pedestrian — but must yield to pedestrians and ride at a reasonable and prudent speed (§ 41-6a-1106). On the roadway, bicycles follow rules in § 41-6a-1105, including riding as near as practicable to the right edge unless an exception applies, and an Idaho-stop-style allowance to proceed through a stop sign after slowing and yielding. Claims follow comparative fault.
Who this guide is for
Pedestrians and cyclists injured in a Utah collision — with a vehicle or each other — and families, who want to understand the right-of-way rules that shape fault.
Pedestrians: the driver's duties
Under § 41-6a-1002 (version effective May 8, 2018; confirm current text):
- A vehicle operator must yield the right-of-way by slowing down or stopping if necessary to a pedestrian crossing within a crosswalk on the half of the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling, or approaching so closely from the opposite half as to be in danger.
- At a school crosswalk occupied by a person, the operator must come to a complete stop.
- If a vehicle has stopped at a marked crosswalk, or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, to let a pedestrian cross, other vehicles approaching from behind may not overtake and pass it.
Pedestrians: their own duties
- A pedestrian may not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle so close as to constitute an immediate hazard (§ 41-6a-1002(1)(c)).
- A pedestrian crossing other than in a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, or at a point with a pedestrian tunnel or overhead crossing, must yield to all vehicles (§ 41-6a-1003).
- Between adjacent signalized intersections, a pedestrian may cross only in a marked crosswalk, and may not cross an intersection diagonally unless authorized by a traffic-control device.
Right-of-way isn't absolute: a pedestrian's own conduct can bear on fault under comparative negligence.
Cyclists on sidewalks, paths, trails, and crosswalks
Section 41-6a-1106 provides that a person operating a bicycle or human-powered device must yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and give an audible signal before overtaking and passing one; may not operate in a negligent manner so as to collide with a pedestrian or another cyclist; and may not exceed a speed reasonable and prudent under conditions on a sidewalk, path, trail, driveway, or crosswalk. Subject to those duties, a cyclist there has all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances. A person 18 or older may not ride on a sidewalk, path, trail, or across a roadway in a crosswalk where prohibited by a traffic-control device or ordinance.
Cyclists on the roadway
Under § 41-6a-1105 (effective May 5, 2021):
- A cyclist riding slower than the normal speed of traffic must ride as near as practicable to the right-hand edge, except when overtaking, preparing for a left turn, going straight through where a right-turn-only lane conflicts, or when reasonably necessary to avoid unsafe conditions (fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or a lane too narrow to share safely).
- Cyclists must ride in the designated direction of traffic and not more than two abreast (without impeding traffic) except on paths set aside for bicycles.
- A cyclist approaching a stop sign may proceed without stopping if they slow to a reasonable speed and yield to pedestrians, other traffic in the intersection, and oncoming traffic posing an immediate hazard — but not at an intersection with an active railroad grade crossing.
Why location is everything
Utah's rules shift depending on exactly where the collision happened — crosswalk, intersection, sidewalk, bike lane, or roadway — so the precise location is often the most important fact for fault.
Insurance and claims
- PIP. A pedestrian injured in an accident in Utah involving the described motor vehicle can receive PIP benefits from that vehicle's policy. See Utah's PIP Coverage Explained.
- Threshold. A claim against the at-fault driver for general damages requires meeting the no-fault threshold. See Utah's No-Fault Tort Threshold.
- Uninsured and hit-and-run drivers. See Utah Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims and Utah Hit-and-Run Accident Claims.
- E-bikes and scooters. See Utah E-Bike and Scooter Injury Claims.
- School zones and buses. See Utah School Bus Accident Claims and Utah Speeding Crash Claims.
What to document
- The exact location: crosswalk, marking, signal phase, signs, and lighting.
- Photos and video, including nearby cameras.
- Witnesses.
- The crash report. See How to Request a Utah Accident Report.
- Your bicycle, helmet, and clothing (preserve them).
- Medical records. See Utah Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury Claims.
Frequently asked questions
Does a driver have to stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk?
The driver must yield by slowing down or stopping if necessary, and must come to a complete stop at an occupied school crosswalk.
Can a pedestrian be at fault?
Yes: crossing outside a crosswalk, suddenly entering the path of a close vehicle, or crossing against the rules can bear on fault.
Does a cyclist have pedestrian rights?
On a sidewalk, path, trail, or crosswalk, yes, subject to duties to yield to pedestrians and ride at a reasonable speed. On the roadway, vehicle-type rules apply with bicycle-specific provisions.
Can cyclists roll through stop signs?
Under § 41-6a-1105(5), a cyclist may proceed through a stop sign without stopping if they slow to a reasonable speed and yield as described, except at active railroad grade crossings.