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Pedestrian Accidents

When we get in our car, we assume some risk. Even though our minds are preoccupied by kids’ dance rehearsals or soccer practice, the errands we have to run, or getting to work on time, we know that we may get into a car accident because of other peoples’ actions. But pedestrian accidents are different. No one thinks there is even a chance of getting hit by a car when you take a walk around your neighborhood, get your mail, or go for a quick jog.

Pedestrian accidents are extremely difficult to cope with. Statistically, they are more likely to result in more serious injuries than other types of accidents. This is because in pedestrian accidents, a person with no protection is hit by a car. Even in neighborhoods where speed limits are low, injuries from pedestrian accidents may be worse than injuries from other types of accidents, because in other types of accidents both parties have the safety features built into the car to protect them.

The injury attorneys at Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm near you have significant experience in helping clients who have been injured in pedestrian accidents.  Our offices are conveniently located in Chandler, Peoria, and North Phoenix, and we can meet in-person or over the phone or video call.  You can contact us for a free consultation, or read on to find out more.

By the way, we will also help with other problems that have cost you sleep, like getting a rental car very soon and finding a nearby doctor who can help you. Even the best legal team isn’t good enough if your quality of life isn’t sustainable while justice and compensation are on the way. The whole point of legal action is to regain quality of life, so we help you long-term as attorneys and short-term as your go-to people.

Pedestrian Accidents in the East Valley

The Phoenix area has one of the highest rates in the country for fatal pedestrian accidents. In response, Arizona is deploying the High-intensity Activated crossWalk (HAWK) system first developed in Tucson in the late 1990s. Using the HAWK system, which is designed for high-speed and wide-crossing roadways, drivers receive multiple cues to alert them to the potential presence of a pedestrian.

According to the Arizona Crash Facts Summary published by the Arizona Department of Transportation, there were 1,523 accidents involving pedestrians in 2020. 232 of these were fatal. Not surprisingly, pedestrians were injured in 84% of these accidents.

Men are far more likely to be hurt or injured in pedestrian accidents than are women. The age groups with the highest accident rates are pedestrians age 25–34 and 55–64.

Most accidents happen when pedestrians are crossing roads, and most happen in daylight. In about 13% of cases, the pedestrian involved in an accident had been drinking or appeared to be under the influence of drugs.

Who Is Liable in Pedestrian Accidents?

When a pedestrian is hit by a car, liability will depend on whether the driver, the pedestrian, or both were at fault.

One consideration in determining fault is whether the driver and pedestrian were obeying the law.

If there are no traffic lights or stop signs at a crosswalk, or if the traffic lights are not working, a motorist must yield the right of way to a pedestrian crossing the road within a crosswalk when the pedestrian:

  • is on the half of the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling, or
  • is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger of being hit by the motorist’s car.

Drivers are also required to:

  • Exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians
  • Warn pedestrians by sounding the horn when necessary
  • Exercise proper caution when seeing a child or a confused or incapacitated person on a roadway

What are the Duties of Pedestrians?

  • By law, a pedestrian “shall not suddenly leave any curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.”
  • If a vehicle is stopped at a crosswalk to allow a pedestrian to pass, the driver of another vehicle approaching from the rear may not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle.
  • If a pedestrian is trying to cross a road at some point other than within a crosswalk at an intersection, the pedestrian must yield the right of way to all vehicles on the road.
  • Between adjacent intersections at which traffic signals are in operation, pedestrians may only cross at crosswalks.
  • If sidewalks are available, pedestrians are required to walk on the sidewalks rather than on the road.
  • If sidewalks are not available, then pedestrians walking along a highway are required to walk on the left side of the road, or on the shoulder, facing approaching traffic.
  • Standing in a road to flag down a car in order to hitchhike is prohibited.

Get Help Now

At Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm near you, we have more than 10 years of experience helping clients obtain compensation for their personal injuries, including those from pedestrian accidents. When you’re ready to talk, please contact our office to arrange a free initial consultation by phone or at our nearby Chandler office.

If you have been in a pedestrian accident, contact Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm in nearby Chandler, AZ to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. We provide personal injury legal services to clients in your area including Chandler, GilbertMesaScottsdale, Tempe, and Peoria.

Get Your Free Consultation Now

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Brenden Lewis
a month ago

So I suffered a tragic motorcycle accident leaving me injured and quite unhappy…… also the bike was totaled. This all star law team secured a large settlement for all my suffering. This process was very well advised by an aggressive and determined lawyer. All I can say is now I’m left a very happy man. Thank you karissa for working quick to bring my tragic story to a much warmer end. Just call them! You won’t regret it!

Shayianna Guyton
a month ago

They literally conversed with me every step of the way throughout my journey. Thank you guys

I was very pleased with my experience. They kept me informed the whole way through the process and checked on me through my treatment. Definitely would recommend

My dad was in a car accident and during those difficult moments, Phoenix Accident and Injury Law firm has been there for us. They care for their clients, will walk you through everything you need to know step by step, they follow up, very easy to reach and fast to respond. And one thing is for sure! they will fight for you! we felt safe with them! Me and the entire family thank them all so much for all their help! These people that works here are amazing!

Jenifer henke
a year ago

I was in an accident that resulted in getting whiplash and a concussion. I contacted Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm that day. Everyone was helpful (Rhea, Karissa, and Jeff) from the very beginning to the very end. They sent me to a physical therapy location that was pretty far away but the doctor and physical therapist were very kind so I did make the trek. They handled all aspects of my case in a timely manner and answered all my questions. They got the max amount possible, and from that, paid the medical bills and took their fair cut. I would not hesitate to recommend them to family or friends.

I would give ten stars if I could. This law firm is about as professional and friendly as it gets!! They stayed in constant contact with me and answered every question I had. I got a settlement that was higher than I expected and will definitely use this law firm again. I highly recommend hiring them to handle your legal issues!!

Fernando Lopez
a year ago

My experience with this team was superb, as they were ongoing with the case and making sure that the client gets what they deserve. I recommend anyone looking for a accident law group that this is the team you want to be representing you!!

Kimberly Legaspi
2 years ago

What can I say about the Thompson Law Firm? They are AMAZING!! It’s never fun when you need an accident lawyer because you are pretty much in a bad place. Shane and the staff have been wonderful, kept me informed at every step of this process. I would recommend Thompson Law Firm to anyone, in fact, I have referred several friends already!! Thank you Thompson Law Firm for everything you did for me!!!

Amanda Olney
2 years ago

These guys were absolutely amazing. They were very clear with me about what I needed to do on my end and I saw fast results. I just recommended them to a friend a week ago and he also dealt with my mother's case. I wouldn't see anyone else.

Malik
2 years ago

Karissa and Shane were amazing! They were there for any questions I had and checked up on me regularly. Highly recommend these guys!!

Karissa Murphy
2 years ago

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