What if I was hit in a crosswalk?
Reviewed by Andrew (Andy) R. Gillin
California State Bar #45226 ↗ · Approval recorded November 4, 2026
How we record review approvalDrivers generally must yield to people in marked crosswalks and some unmarked crosswalks. Both drivers and people on foot must still use care.
In this guide
Here’s an example
A person walks across a marked crosswalk. A turning driver hits them.
A made-up example to explain the idea. Your facts may lead to a different answer.How the rule works
Vehicle Code section 21950 addresses crosswalk duties. It includes duties for drivers and pedestrians. An unmarked crosswalk can exist at some intersections, so paint alone is not the whole test.
Legal references: [1] Vehicle Code § 21950 — Crosswalks · [2] CACI No. 400–401 — Negligence and the standard of care (2026 edition)
What can change the answer?
A person must not step into the path of a car that is too close to stop safely. Signals, timing, and the crossing location matter.
Court decisions behind this answer
A case can help explain a rule. Its facts and limits matter too.
Cabral v. Ralphs Grocery Co.
Supreme Court of California · 2011
51 Cal.4th 764, slip op., pp. 1–3
The court rejected a broad no-duty rule for a truck stopped beside a freeway. Drivers still had to use ordinary care.
It did not hold that every roadside stop is careless. The facts matter when deciding breach and cause.
Li v. Yellow Cab Co.
Supreme Court of California · 1975
13 Cal.3d 804, pp. 827–829
A person can share fault and still have a negligence claim. Their share of blame can reduce the recovery.
This does not set anyone’s fault percentage. Other limits and defenses can still matter.
Case applicability reviewed as recorded above.
A useful next step
Save the location and signal details. Look for witnesses and proof of what each person could see.
If you are unsure which rule applies, a lawyer can review your facts and any deadlines. Learn about GJEL’s injury representation.
The law behind this guide
The references below support the legal discussion. Their application depends on the facts.
- Vehicle Code § 21950 — Crosswalks ↗Statute · Review recorded above
- CACI No. 400–401 — Negligence and the standard of care (2026 edition) ↗Jury instructions · Review recorded above
- Cabral v. Ralphs Grocery Co. (2011) 51 Cal.4th 764 ↗Case law · Review recorded above
- Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) 13 Cal.3d 804 ↗Case law · Review recorded above
Updated 2026-11-04. Read our editorial standards.