Pedestrian accidents can occur anytime, without warning, due to a variety of potential causes. Despite Arizona drivers having a responsibility to operate their vehicles safely and avoid pedestrians, pedestrian accidents still happen. Some common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
Pedestrians can sustain devastating or even life-ending personal injuries when struck by a car or truck. Because they lack the protection of a vehicle in the collision, they are particularly vulnerable to significant physical harm. In addition to physical injuries, pedestrians can also be emotionally traumatized by the accident.
Some common types of injuries pedestrians may suffer in an accident include the following:
Taking the proper steps after a pedestrian accident can help strengthen your case. Depending on your physical ability to do so, take these steps after a pedestrian accident to protect and preserve your legal rights:
The compensation you can seek in a pedestrian accident case depends on the severity of the accident and the extent of your injuries. Your attorney will advise you concerning the types of compensation you can pursue. However, many pedestrian accident victims are eligible to receive money for the following:
The personal injury attorneys at Valley Injury Team have experience handling all types of car accident cases, including pedestrian accidents. We will thoroughly examine your injuries and losses and evaluate the liability of the at-fault party or parties to determine the total value of your case. We are well-versed in the tactics insurance companies use to minimize the settlement value of claims like yours, and will fight hard for you to obtain the settlement you deserve. We will never hesitate to file a lawsuit and go to court to seek the money you need to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other accident-related losses.
The Arizona legislature has enacted laws to protect pedestrians. For example, if traffic control signals are not present (or not operational), vehicles must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk if they are on the half of the roadway on which a vehicle is traveling or approaching closely from the opposite half of the roadway. However, pedestrians are prohibited from leaving the curb and walking or running into the path of oncoming traffic.
If a vehicle is stopped at a crosswalk (whether marked or unmarked at an intersection) to allow a pedestrian to cross the road, a driver approaching the stopped vehicle from behind must also stop. In other words, the rear driver cannot overtake and pass the stopped vehicle because they may not see the pedestrian in the crosswalk.
Accidents still happen despite public officials’ efforts to protect pedestrians on Arizona roadways. If a driver violates any laws protecting pedestrians, your attorney will present this fact in your case as evidence of the driver’s liability. They will also obtain other evidence, which may include traffic camera surveillance or the testimony of law enforcement officers, to further demonstrate the negligence of the at-fault driver.
The Arizona statute of limitations establishes a two-year deadline for pedestrian accident victims to file a lawsuit in court. Failure to file before this deadline expires will result in the judge dismissing your case. This highlights the importance of promptly retaining an attorney to assist you in the legal process.
At Valley Injury Team, we understand that keeping track of important court dates and deadlines can be overwhelming when you’re dealing with an injury. Let us handle this for you so you can focus on healing. You can trust us to manage all aspects of your case as we pursue the best outcome possible.
If you suffered injuries in an accident due to someone else’s negligence or wrong doing, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. At Valley Injury Team, we fight tirelessly to protect your rights and seek the compensation you need. We’re proud to serve clients throughout the Phoenix area, including Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale and Queen Creek.
Valley Injury Team is committed to helping you understand your legal rights and options, reducing your stress and uncertainty, and giving you the support you need during this challenging time. Contact us today to learn more in a free consultation.
