What Is a “Dart-Out” Accident?
A dart-out crash occurs when an individual suddenly moves in front of an approaching vehicle. This action does not allow drivers to react in time, ultimately causing severe accidents. Common dart-out scenarios include:
- Children running into the street after a ball
- Someone stepping out from between parked cars
- A person exiting a rideshare vehicle into oncoming traffic
- Pedestrians crossing mid-block instead of at intersections
- Nighttime crossings in poorly lit areas
As a result, collisions can become unavoidable; however, the law does not always agree.
Why Dart-Out Crashes Are Increasing in 2026
Dart-out crashes seem to be increasing in recent years. The following can be causes of dart-out crashes.
- Smartphone distractions: Drivers and pedestrians can become distracted by the use of smartphones, including texting, looking at GPS, or listening to music while walking or driving.
- Large vehicles: Oftentimes, larger vehicles cause visibility issues with children and shorter pedestrians. Vehicles like SUVs and pickup trucks can heighten accidents even when moving at slow speeds.
- Rideshares: Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft create mid-block stops, ultimately causing pedestrians to step into traffic in areas not created for crossing.
Jaywalking Does Not Automatically Suggest the Pedestrian Is at Fault
One of the most common misconceptions about the law is that an individual is automatically at fault if they jaywalk. Pedestrians on the road are extremely vulnerable and are therefore often treated differently by the law. Traffic laws often impose a duty of due or reasonable care, which ensures that drivers do the following:
- Maintain a proper lookout
- Control their speed
- Anticipate hazards on the road
- Take action to avoid hitting pedestrians
Why Drivers Are Often Found Liable
Drivers are often found liable if they could have avoided the collision. Vehicles, as opposed to pedestrians, can cause serious harm, so operating a vehicle with caution and care is essential to ensuring the safety of the driver, pedestrians, and other vehicles on the road. Accountability of the driver occurs from the following:
- Speed
- Failure to pay attention
- Failure to scan the road
- Failure to drive responsibly, especially at night
Comparative Negligence: Both Parties Can Share Responsibility
Comparative negligence law is followed to grant shared responsibility to both the pedestrian and the driver. Comparative negligence makes it so that the driver must pay a certain percentage of the damage caused, while the pedestrian also suffers a percentage of that fault. The court may assign a fraction of the fault to both the victim suffering injuries and the defendant. An individual must prove one’s negligence by the following:
- The other driver violated a duty by running a red light
- The breach of duty caused direct injuries
- There were actual damages caused by the accident
Evidence That Determines Liability
Evidence can help strengthen an individual's overall claim and provide support to ensure they receive maximized compensation. Strong documentation can increase the chances of granting responsibility and determining that the injuries caused were a result of the accident itself.
Key evidence in dart-out cases includes:
- Surveillance cameras
- Nearby business security footage
- Vehicle event data recorder (EDR)
- Skid marks and stopping distance
- Cell phone usage records
- Lighting conditions
- Witness statements
Seeking Legal Representation
When dealing with dart-out accidents, it is crucial to seek legal representation, as it can help victims understand their rights and seek the justice and compensation they deserve. Without legal care, many individuals accept settlements far below the value of the damages caused. The proper legal support and guidance can identify the necessary steps to take to understand who is liable for misconduct during dart-out collisions.
Victims of these accidents are usually unable to work and face financial hardships. Pedestrian accidents often cause catastrophic injuries, including but not limited to the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Internal bleeding
- Permanent disability
How KAASS LAW Can Help
At KAASS LAW, we understand the severity and anxiety victims face during dart-out collisions. We acknowledge that pedestrian incidents are complicated and overwhelming for all parties involved. KAASS LAW works with clients to secure crucial evidence to build a claim, ensuring that parties are held legally responsible and that victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
KAASS LAW can assist by:
- Investigating the crash scene
- Obtaining surveillance and traffic camera footage
- Communicating with insurance companies
- Identifying all liable parties
- Negotiating for compensation
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a pedestrian accident, you may be eligible for a strong legal claim. Our experienced attorneys will guide their clients through every step of the legal process to ensure that victims understand their rights and the steps to take to receive justice. KAASS LAW provides support and care so that victims are not navigating the legal process alone. Call KAASS LAW today to discuss your rights and receive the justice and compensation that you deserve.