What Are Your Rights in a Springfield Crosswalk? Understanding Massachusetts Pedestrian Laws

Drivers in Massachusetts are required by law to stop for you in a crosswalk. Yet Springfield has recorded more pedestrian deaths per capita than any other city in the state.

Dozens of pedestrians have been hit by motor vehicles on State Street alone since 2020, earning the thoroughfare one of the deadliest streets in the Commonwealth.

If a driver failed to stop in a crosswalk and hit you, Massachusetts crosswalk laws about pedestrians injured by a motor vehicle may allow you to pursue compensation for the damages and losses you suffer as a result.

A Springfield pedestrian accident lawyer can use violations of the law to build your case for the maximum compensation you may be eligible to recover.

Key Takeaways About Pedestrian Right of Way in Springfield, MA

• Massachusetts law specifically requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks when no traffic signal is operating
• The “10 feet rule” means drivers must yield even before you reach their lane
• Drivers cannot pass another vehicle that has stopped to let a pedestrian cross
• Police are required to investigate any pedestrian injury in a marked crosswalk and issue citations when appropriate
• Even if you share some fault, Massachusetts law may still allow you to recover compensation

Do Cars Have to Stop for Me in a Crosswalk in Springfield?

The Short Answer: Yes. When traffic signals are not in place or not working, Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c. 89, § 11) requires drivers to yield to any pedestrian in a marked crosswalk when they are on the driver’s half of the road, or within 10 feet of it.

Drivers who fail to stop face fines up to $200, and if they injure someone, they face potential civil liability and criminal charges.

What Are the Crosswalk Laws in Massachusetts For Pedestrians?

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 89, Section 11 governs pedestrian right of way at crosswalks. The statute creates specific obligations for drivers and protections for pedestrians.

When drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk

The law states that when traffic control signals are not in place or not operating, drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing within a marked crosswalk. This applies when the pedestrian is:

• On the same half of the road as the approaching vehicle
• Approaching from the opposite side but within 10 feet of the driver’s half

That 10-foot rule matters. It means a driver cannot wait until you step directly in front of their car. They must stop when you get within 10 feet of their travel lane.

Additional driver requirements at marked or unmarked pedestrian crossings

The law also prohibits two dangerous behaviors that cause many crosswalk injuries.

• No passing stopped vehicles: If another car has stopped at a crosswalk to let a pedestrian cross, drivers cannot pass that vehicle
• No blocking crosswalks: Drivers cannot enter a crosswalk while a pedestrian is crossing, even if the traffic light turns green

Violations carry fines up to $200. More importantly, a driver who injures a pedestrian while violating one of these rules creates strong evidence of negligence.

How Does the “Within 10 Feet” Rule Affect Your Claim?

Insurance companies often argue that pedestrians “came out of nowhere” or “darted into traffic.” The 10-foot rule under M.G.L. c. 89, § 11 directly counters this defense.

If you were approaching the driver’s lane and reached within 10 feet of it, the driver had a legal duty to stop. The fact that you had not yet stepped into their lane does not matter. The law required them to yield anyway.

This rule strengthens injury claims significantly. It shifts the burden away from the pedestrian and onto the driver who failed to watch for people not just entering a crosswalk but approaching one.

Why Are Springfield Crosswalks So Dangerous?

Springfield has the deadliest streets in Massachusetts relative to population. According to WalkMassachusetts, drivers killed 19 people in Springfield in one recent year. Nine of those victims were pedestrians.

State Street ranks among the most dangerous roads in the entire state. Multiple pedestrians have died crossing near the Central Library alone. The four-lane road design encourages speeding and makes crossings treacherous.

Dangerous Springfield intersections for pedestrians

Several locations see repeated pedestrian injuries and deaths.

• State Street near the Central Library: Multiple pedestrians have been killed at this location in recent years
• Main Street and Plainfield Street: High crash volume near the Route 291 exit
• Boston Road and State Street intersection: Site of frequent pedestrian crashes
• Sumner Avenue at “The X”: Complex intersection with multiple conflict points

Wide roads, fast traffic, and aging infrastructure create conditions where drivers routinely fail to yield at crosswalks.

Do Pedestrians Have the Right of Way if Not in a Crosswalk?

This is where the law gets more complicated. Massachusetts does not give pedestrians automatic right of way outside marked crosswalks.

The Code of Massachusetts Regulations (720 C.M.R. 9.09) states that pedestrians should not suddenly leave a sidewalk and walk into the path of a vehicle that is too close to stop. Crossing outside a crosswalk, sometimes called jaywalking, can affect your legal claim.

However, Massachusetts follows modified comparative negligence. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as your fault does not exceed 51%. An attorney can evaluate how the crossing location might affect your specific case and fight inaccurate or exaggerated allegations of fault that could affect your claim.

What Happens After a Pedestrian Is Hit in a Crosswalk?

Massachusetts law requires a specific response when someone is injured by a motor vehicle in a marked crosswalk.

Mandatory police investigation

Under Massachusetts pedestrian crosswalk laws, state police or municipal police must investigate any pedestrian injury in a marked crosswalk. The investigation examines:

• Whether the driver violated the crosswalk law or other traffic laws
• The cause of the injury
• Whether civil or criminal citations are appropriate

This mandatory investigation creates an official record that can support your injury claim.

Potential criminal charges

The statute explicitly allows district attorneys or the attorney general to seek criminal indictments when a driver’s violation of crosswalk laws causes injury or death. This means the same conduct that supports your civil claim could also result in criminal prosecution of the driver.

What Should You Do After Being Hit in a Springfield Crosswalk?

The steps you take after a crosswalk injury can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation.

Immediate priorities

Focus first on your safety and health.

• Move out of traffic if you are able
• Call 911 to request police and medical response
• Accept medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor

Evidence gathering

If your injuries allow, collect information at the scene.

• Get the driver’s name, insurance information, and license plate
• Take photos of the crosswalk, traffic signals, and your injuries
• Ask witnesses for their contact information
• Note whether any nearby businesses might have security cameras

Protecting your claim

In the days following the accident, take steps to preserve your legal rights.

• Follow through with all medical appointments
• Do not give recorded statements to the driver’s insurance company
• Keep records of all medical bills and missed work
• Consult with a pedestrian accident attorney before accepting any settlement

Common Questions About Massachusetts Crosswalk Laws and Pedestrian Accidents

Do pedestrians have the right of way when crossing in Massachusetts?

At marked crosswalks without operating traffic signals, yes. Drivers must yield to pedestrians who are in the crosswalk or approaching within 10 feet of the driver’s lane. At signalized intersections, pedestrians have the right of way when they have a walk signal.

Can I still recover compensation if I was crossing outside a crosswalk?

Possibly. Massachusetts uses modified comparative negligence, which allows injury victims to recover damages even when they share some fault. As long as your fault does not exceed 50%, you may still have a valid claim against the driver.

What if the driver says I stepped out suddenly and they could not stop?

The 10-foot rule requires drivers to yield before pedestrians even enter their lane. If you were approaching the crosswalk and visible, the driver had a duty to slow down and prepare to stop. An attorney can investigate sight lines, vehicle speed, and other factors to counter this defense.

How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in Massachusetts?

The general statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Massachusetts is three years from the date of the accident. However, certain circumstances can shorten this deadline, so consulting an attorney promptly is advisable.

What compensation can I recover after being hit in a crosswalk?

Injured pedestrians may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages or income, pain and suffering, and other damages. The specific amount depends on injury severity, treatment costs, and the impact on your daily life and ability to work.

Winning is NO Accident! Call Cava Law Firm for a Free Consultation

When a driver fails to yield and you pay the price, you deserve someone who will fight for accountability. Cava Law Firm has nearly 30 years of experience representing injured individuals throughout Western Massachusetts.

Securing maximum compensation for your injuries and losses, and your complete satisfaction with the legal process, are our goals. Attorneys Christopher F. Cava and Jennifer L. Cava-Foreman deliver aggressive, bold legal counsel to help you move forward. Take the first step and contact us online or call for a free consultation.

Attorney Jennifer L. Cava-Foreman

Attorney Jennifer L. Cava-Foreman would like to take the guesswork out of choosing a lawyer by letting the facts and her winning verdicts speak for themselves. Attorney Cava-Foreman is known in the local courts and has firsthand experience with many types of cases ranging from personal injury to criminal defense. Attorney Cava-Foreman understands that every case and every client is different. Whether a client is injured or mixed up in a criminal matter, she will provide the legal advice needed and stand up for her client in court. [ Attorney Bio ]