Phoenix Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Pedestrian accidents are a serious and all-too-common occurrence, often resulting in traumatic injuries due to the vulnerability of individuals on foot. Whether navigating parking lots, walking along sidewalks, or crossing the street in a crosswalk, pedestrians face unique risks, especially in areas with heavy traffic or careless drivers. Recovering from such crashes may be challenging and may involve extensive treatment, time away from work, and emotional trauma. Understanding your rights and options is important to securing the support and compensation needed for recovery.

Contact a skilled Phoenix pedestrian accident lawyer to learn how they can support you on your path to recovery and seek the compensation you deserve.

Statistics on Pedestrian Accidents

• High-Risk Times: Most pedestrian deaths occur during nighttime conditions, particularly in low visibility, contribute to 77 percent of pedestrian fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
• Increasing Fatalities: In a 2022 preliminary data report by the Governors Highway Safety Association, Arizona had 307 pedestrian deaths in 2022, marking a significant increase from 260 in 2021. The state ranks second in the nation for pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 people.
• The Arizona Department of Transportation indicated in a 2024 report that approximately 1,882 pedestrian accidents occurred in AZ. The peak hour for these crashes was reported to be between 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Of the reported vehicle-pedestrian collisions, 14.4 percent were fatal.

Injuries Commonly Suffered in Vehicle-Pedestrian Collisions

Due to the vulnerability of pedestrians to motor vehicles, crashes may often lead to serious, life-threatening injuries. Some common pedestrian injuries include:

• Broken Bones: Fractures in the ribs, legs, and arms are common and often require extensive rehabilitation for recovery.
• Head and Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) may result from even an impact at low speed, causing long-term complications for the injured pedestrian.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord may result in partial or total paralysis, affecting an individual’s independence and mobility.
• Internal Trauma: Internal organ damage and bleeding are serious risks in car versus pedestrian crashes and often require immediate treatment to avoid potentially deadly consequences.

Are Drivers Always Responsible for Accidents Involving Pedestrians?

Although drivers are often responsible for motor vehicle collisions involving pedestrians, this is not always the case. Laws exist to protect both motorists and pedestrians. Drivers have a duty of care to avoid traffic collisions, but pedestrians also have a responsibility to take reasonable steps to prevent crashes. If a pedestrian fails in their duty, such as by stepping into traffic, they may be found partly at fault for the incident. Under Arizona’s comparative fault law, an injured pedestrian may be entitled to compensation even if they are partially to blame for the accident.  

Establishing Fault After a Vehicle Versus Pedestrian Collision

Determining fault after a pedestrian accident in Phoenix may be complex due to the various factors involved. An independent investigation is often necessary to establish liability and to support a bodily injury claim for the compensation an injured party deserves. To prove fault in a crash, it must be shown through clear evidence that:

• The driver had a duty of care to ensure the safety of others on the road, including pedestrians
• The driver breached this duty through negligence, such as not yielding the right of way or running a red light
• The driver’s negligent actions directly caused the vehicle-pedestrian collision and the resulting injuries
• The pedestrian suffered damages as a direct result of the incident

Proving negligence may be challenging, even in cases where liability is clear and seems straightforward. Consulting an experienced Phoenix pedestrian accident attorney may improve your chances of obtaining justice and compensation. For more information, contact a skilled injury lawyer near you for a free case review today.

How Do Drivers Cause Car-Pedestrian Crashes?

Driver negligence may occur in many ways, all of which may pose significant risks to individuals on foot. Some common forms of driver negligence may include:

• Distracted Driving: Motorists who are adjusting the stereo, eating, texting, talking on the phone, or applying makeup may fail to see pedestrians in their path.
• Speeding: Excessive speed may reduce a driver’s reaction time and increase the severity of injuries in a pedestrian accident.
• Failure to Yield: Many crashes involving pedestrians occur at intersections or crosswalks when motorists fail to yield as required by Arizona law.
• Drunk Driving: Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol often have impaired judgment and slower reaction times, which may prove disastrous in collisions involving those on foot.
• Poor Visibility: Drivers are expected to take necessary precautions to watch for others on the road, such as people walking, in conditions such as inclement weather or poor street lighting.

What if the Driver Left the Scene of the Vehicle-Pedestrian Collision?

If the driver fled the scene of a pedestrian accident, there may still be options for securing compensation. In hit-and-run cases, uninsured motorist (UM) on your auto insurance policy may provide compensation if you are injured in a crash as a pedestrian. If you did not have car insurance but live with a family member who carries UM coverage, you may be able to file a claim under that policy so long as you were not listed as an excluded member. Understanding your options after a hit-and-run starts with a free consultation with a Phoenix pedestrian accident lawyer.

Why You Need an Attorney for a Phoenix Pedestrian Accident Case

Vehicle-pedestrian collisions may often involve complex liability issues, as drivers, pedestrians and sometimes even other parties such as government entities or auto manufacturers may share liability. Proving fault in these cases requires a deep understanding of accident reconstruction, Arizona personal injury law, and insurance defense tactics. An experienced Phoenix pedestrian accident attorney can protect your rights, collect key evidence, and hold the at-fault parties accountable for your injuries and losses.

How Southwest Injury Law Can Help You

After a pedestrian accident in Phoenix, Arizona, you may be overwhelmed with difficult insurance companies, mounting medical bills, and the stress of recovery. Our legal team is here to help relieve that burden by handling every aspect of your personal injury case, including:

• Investigation: We conduct an in-depth investigation, collect evidence, and consult with experts to determine how the incident occurred and who should be held liable for your damages.
• Negotiations: We have extensive experience dealing with difficult insurers and are prepared to seek the compensation you deserve through an insurance settlement or court-ordered award.
• Managing Claims: We handle all legal paperwork, deadlines, and court filings to make the process as smooth as possible for you and your family.
• Seeking Maximum Compensation: We identify all possible sources of financial recovery to help secure the full compensation you deserve for medical bills, wage loss, and other damages.

Learn more about how our legal team at Southwest Injury Law can help you after a vehicle-pedestrian collision in Phoenix by scheduling a free consultation today. Book today by calling our law office or messaging us online.

Contact a Knowledgeable Phoenix Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

Recovering from traumatic injuries while navigating the complex personal injury claims process may be challenging, making it important to consult with an experienced injury lawyer. At our law firm, our legal team has the experience, skills, and resources to thoroughly investigate the incident, gather and preserve evidence, establish liability, and seek the compensation necessary for your recovery. Protect your rights by contacting our Phoenix pedestrian accident attorneys. Discuss your injury case today in a free consultation at (602) 777-3300.