Our team understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents can take, and we’re committed to helping you every step of the way. Let us handle the legal burden so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
Walking should never be a dangerous act, but for pedestrians across Arizona, it too often is. Whether you’re crossing 7th Avenue in downtown Phoenix, walking near the University of Arizona in Tucson, or navigating a neighborhood sidewalk in Mesa, a single distracted or reckless driver can cause devastating harm in a matter of seconds. With nothing to shield them from the force of a collision, pedestrians are some of the most vulnerable users of the road, and the injuries they suffer are often severe, life-altering, or fatal.
If you or a loved one has been hit by a vehicle while walking, you may be entitled to significant compensation through a Tucson pedestrian injury claim or civil lawsuit. But pursuing justice takes more than just filing paperwork; it takes experience, resources, and a legal team that understands how to hold drivers and insurers accountable.
Where Pedestrian Accidents Commonly Occur in Arizona
Pedestrian crashes can happen anywhere, but they tend to cluster in high-traffic or poorly marked areas, especially at night or during commute hours. Some of the most dangerous locations include:
- Multi-lane intersections like Thomas Road & 35th Avenue in Phoenix
- Busy crosswalks along Speedway Boulevard in Tucson
- School zones and parking lots without adequate signage or visibility
An experienced Phoenix crosswalk injury attorney will understand how to collect evidence from these complex environments and push back against insurance companies that try to shift blame to the pedestrian.
Why You Need Legal Help After a Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrian accident victims often face:
- Long hospital stays and expensive rehabilitation
- Missed work and loss of income
- Permanent physical limitations or disfigurement
The insurance company may contact you quickly with a lowball offer, hoping you’ll settle before realizing the true extent of your damages. A knowledgeable Arizona pedestrian accident lawyer will ensure your rights are protected and your compensation reflects the full impact of your injuries, today and in the years to come.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Arizona
Arizona consistently ranks among the most dangerous states in the U.S. for pedestrians. In cities like Phoenix, Tucson, and Glendale, pedestrian collisions occur far too often, many at marked crosswalks, intersections, or neighborhood streets where people expect to be safe. These crashes are rarely “accidents.” Most are caused by preventable driver negligence, and victims have every right to hold those drivers accountable through a Tucson pedestrian injury claim or a civil lawsuit.
A skilled Arizona pedestrian accident lawyer can investigate the cause of the crash, gather evidence, and help injured pedestrians pursue full compensation from the at-fault party.
Distracted Driving
Smartphones, GPS devices, and in-vehicle infotainment systems are major distractions for drivers. When a motorist looks away from the road, even for a moment, they can easily miss a pedestrian in a crosswalk or stepping off a curb.
Common distraction-related crashes occur:
- Along Camelback Road in Phoenix, especially near shopping centers
- Near schools or residential streets in Tempe and Chandler
Failure to Yield at Crosswalks
Drivers are legally required to yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks, yet failure to yield remains one of the top causes of collisions. Even when pedestrians have the right of way, impatient or inattentive drivers may proceed through intersections without checking for foot traffic.
High-risk crosswalks include:
- 24th Street and McDowell Road in Phoenix
- Park Avenue and Broadway Boulevard in Tucson
This is where an experienced Phoenix crosswalk injury attorney becomes essential; they’ll use video footage, witness testimony, and traffic signal data to prove the driver violated the law.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of impact. In many pedestrian crashes, speeding is combined with other reckless behavior, like running red lights or weaving through traffic. The outcome is often catastrophic.
High-speed corridors like Bell Road in Phoenix and Kolb Road in Tucson are particularly dangerous for pedestrians, especially after dark.
Impaired Driving
Drunk or drug-impaired drivers account for a significant percentage of pedestrian fatalities in Arizona. These crashes frequently happen at night or on weekends, when visibility is low and reaction time is crucial.
Poor Road Design or Lighting
Not all crashes are solely the driver’s fault. In some cases, intersections lack adequate lighting, signage, or pedestrian signals. Crosswalks may be faded or poorly placed, forcing pedestrians to cross in dangerous areas. When this happens, local governments or property owners may share liability.
No matter the cause, if a driver’s negligence led to your injuries, you shouldn’t be left with the consequences alone. A knowledgeable Arizona pedestrian accident lawyer can identify the cause and build a strong claim for the compensation you deserve.
Frequent Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
When a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle, the consequences are often devastating. Unlike motorists, pedestrians have no airbags, steel frames, or seatbelts to protect them. Even at low speeds, the human body is no match for a moving car or SUV. Whether the collision occurred at a busy Phoenix intersection or a quiet Tucson neighborhood crosswalk, victims often suffer life-altering injuries that require extensive medical care and long-term rehabilitation.
A skilled Arizona pedestrian accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for these injuries, ensuring you aren’t left covering the financial burden of someone else’s negligence.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries are one of the most serious and common outcomes of pedestrian crashes. Victims may hit their head on the vehicle’s windshield, hood, or the pavement during the fall. TBIs can range from concussions to permanent brain damage.
Common symptoms include:
- Memory loss and confusion
- Headaches and difficulty concentrating
- Sensory issues, mood swings, or personality changes
These injuries often go undiagnosed initially, especially if the victim is unconscious or dazed after the crash. A Tucson pedestrian injury claim should account for both the immediate and long-term effects of any brain trauma.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
The violent impact of a pedestrian collision can cause severe trauma to the spine. These injuries may result in temporary pain, permanent nerve damage, or even paralysis.
Types of spinal injuries include:
- Herniated or ruptured discs
- Fractured vertebrae
- Partial or complete paralysis
Victims may require extensive physical therapy or lifelong mobility support, especially if struck at high speeds.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Fractures are extremely common in pedestrian accidents, especially in the arms, legs, pelvis, and ribs. Many victims are thrown onto the pavement or crushed under the weight of the vehicle.
Multiple fractures often require:
- Surgery with plates, screws, or rods
- Immobilization with casts or braces
- Long-term physical therapy
Even with proper treatment, some fractures may heal improperly or result in chronic pain.
Internal Injuries and Organ Damage
Blunt force trauma to the torso can cause internal bleeding and serious damage to organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys. These injuries may not be visible at first, but can quickly become life-threatening if not diagnosed promptly.
Lacerations, Road Rash, and Facial Injuries
Cuts, abrasions, and disfiguring facial injuries are also frequent in pedestrian crashes. Victims often slide along the pavement, hit vehicle components, or land awkwardly.
Injuries like these may require stitches, reconstructive surgery, or leave permanent scars.
Regardless of the severity or visibility of your injuries, it’s important to seek medical attention right away and legal help soon after. A knowledgeable Arizona pedestrian accident lawyer will work to ensure your injuries are fully documented and that your settlement reflects the full scope of your suffering.
Arizona Laws That Protect Pedestrians
Pedestrians have important legal rights in Arizona, especially when crossing roads, using sidewalks, or walking through parking lots. Arizona law recognizes the vulnerability of people on foot and places clear responsibilities on drivers to yield, remain alert, and avoid preventable collisions.
Whether you were hit while walking near Phoenix’s Encanto Park or crossing the street in downtown Tucson, these laws can play a crucial role in determining fault and securing compensation through a Tucson pedestrian injury claim.
An experienced Arizona pedestrian accident lawyer will use these statutes to build a strong case and fight for justice on your behalf.
Pedestrian Right-of-Way in Crosswalks
Under Arizona Revised Statutes §28-792, drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections. This applies even when there is no traffic signal present.
Drivers must:
- Stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the road within a crosswalk
- Avoid passing vehicles stopped for pedestrians at crosswalks
- Remain alert for people entering intersections, especially when turning
Unfortunately, many drivers ignore these obligations, especially at busy intersections like Indian School Road & 7th Street in Phoenix or Broadway Boulevard & Park Avenue in Tucson.
Jaywalking and Shared Responsibility
While pedestrians have rights, they also have responsibilities. Crossing the street outside of a designated crosswalk, commonly known as jaywalking, is discouraged under Arizona law. If a pedestrian is struck while jaywalking or crossing against a traffic signal, they may be found partially at fault.
However, Arizona follows a comparative negligence system, meaning:
- You can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault
- Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault
- Liability is assigned based on the specific facts of the crash
A Phoenix crosswalk injury attorney can help reduce your share of blame and maximize the compensation you’re eligible to receive.
Additional Legal Protections for Pedestrians
Beyond crosswalk laws, Arizona statutes offer other forms of protection, including:
- School zones and construction zones: Drivers must obey reduced speed limits and yield to pedestrians in these areas
- Sidewalk right-of-way: Motor vehicles may not block, drive on, or obstruct sidewalks unless entering or exiting a driveway
- Stop for flashing signals: Drivers must yield to pedestrians when traffic control signals or flashing warning lights are active.
Why These Laws Matter in Your Case
Violations of pedestrian protection laws can serve as powerful evidence of negligence in a personal injury claim. If the driver who hit you ignored a crosswalk, sped through a school zone, or failed to yield while turning, your attorney can use those violations to support your case and prove liability.
A knowledgeable Arizona pedestrian accident lawyer will not only know the laws but also how to apply them strategically to strengthen your claim and fight for the full recovery you deserve.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
A pedestrian accident can leave you overwhelmed, disoriented, and unsure of what to do next. Whether the crash happened while crossing 16th Street in Phoenix or near Speedway Boulevard in Tucson, the actions you take in the minutes, hours, and days after the collision can have a lasting impact on your health, your legal rights, and your ability to pursue compensation.
If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, a skilled Arizona pedestrian accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process, but it’s important to start protecting your claim from day one.
Call 911 and Get Medical Help Immediately
Always report the accident to law enforcement and request emergency medical assistance. Even if your injuries seem minor, adrenaline can mask serious internal trauma, and a delayed diagnosis can complicate both your recovery and your claim.
Be sure to:
- Stay at the scene until police arrive
- Give an accurate, factual account of what happened
- Request a copy of the police report once it’s available
Document the Scene (If Possible)
If you’re physically able to do so, collect evidence at the scene. Photos and contact information can be invaluable when building your case later on.
Try to gather:
- Photos of the vehicle, crash site, traffic signs, and any injuries
- Contact and insurance information from the driver
- Names and phone numbers of any eyewitnesses
If the crash occurred near an intersection with surveillance cameras, like Grant Road & Alvernon Way in Tucson or Indian School & 19th Avenue in Phoenix, make note of that for your attorney.
Seek Ongoing Medical Attention
Follow up with your doctor, even if you were treated at the scene or in the ER. Some injuries, like brain trauma or soft tissue damage, may not become fully apparent until days later. Medical records are also essential to proving the full extent of your injuries in your Tucson pedestrian injury claim.
Avoid Speaking With the Insurance Company Alone
After a crash, the driver’s insurance company may contact you quickly, offering a settlement or asking for a recorded statement. Politely decline and refer them to your attorney.
Why? Because insurers often try to:
- Minimize the severity of your injuries
- Get you to admit fault
- Settle your claim before you know its full value
A Phoenix crosswalk injury attorney can handle all communications and protect your legal interests from the start.
Contact an Arizona Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
The sooner you speak to a qualified attorney, the better your chances of preserving critical evidence and building a strong claim. Your lawyer will launch an investigation, deal with insurers, and make sure you’re not taken advantage of while you focus on recovery.
Determining Liability in Arizona Pedestrian Accidents
After a pedestrian accident, one of the most important legal questions is: who is at fault? Arizona law allows injured pedestrians to seek compensation from the responsible party, but before that can happen, liability must be clearly established.
Whether you were hit while crossing Central Avenue in Phoenix or walking near 4th Avenue in Tucson, a skilled Arizona pedestrian accident lawyer can investigate the crash and identify who should be held accountable.
In many cases, the driver is clearly to blame. However, in others, liability can be shared, or even extend to third parties such as government agencies or property owners.
How Fault Is Proven in a Pedestrian Accident Case
To determine liability, your attorney must show that the driver or another party acted negligently. This means proving four key elements:
- Duty of care: The driver had a legal obligation to operate their vehicle safely
- Breach of duty: The driver failed to uphold that duty (e.g., ran a red light or didn’t yield)
- Causation: The breach directly caused your injuries
- Damages: You suffered measurable harm as a result (medical bills, lost income, pain, etc.)
Your Phoenix crosswalk injury attorney will gather evidence such as surveillance footage, police reports, eyewitness statements, and expert analysis to build your case.
Common Scenarios Involving Driver Fault
Drivers are often found at fault for pedestrian accidents due to:
- Failing to yield at a crosswalk
- Speeding through residential or school zones
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving (e.g., texting, eating, or using GPS)
- Rolling through stop signs or red lights
These behaviors are especially dangerous in pedestrian-heavy areas like Roosevelt Row in Phoenix or near the University of Arizona campus in Tucson.
What If the Pedestrian Shares Some Fault?
Arizona uses a pure comparative negligence rule. This means that even if you were partially at fault, for example, by jaywalking or crossing against a signal, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.
For example:
- If you were found 20% at fault and awarded $100,000, you’d receive $80,000
- If you were 50% at fault, you’d still recover 50% of your damages
An experienced Tucson pedestrian injury lawyer will work to minimize your share of fault and counter any efforts by insurance companies to unfairly shift blame.
Third-Party Liability
Sometimes, the matter of fault lies beyond the driver. In certain cases, your attorney may find that a city or municipality failed to maintain a safe crosswalk, fix broken pedestrian signals, or provide adequate lighting. These parties may also bear liability in your claim.
Determining fault is rarely as simple as it seems. A knowledgeable Arizona pedestrian accident lawyer can sort through the facts, uncover every liable party, and help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Compensation Available for Pedestrian Injury Victims
When a pedestrian is injured due to a driver’s negligence, they may be entitled to seek compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial impact of the incident. Whether the accident occurred in a marked crosswalk, at an intersection, or in a parking lot, pedestrians generally have the right of way.
When this right is violated, the consequences can be life-altering. Understanding the types of compensation available is essential for injury victims pursuing a personal injury claim.
Medical Expenses and Ongoing Treatment
One of the most significant categories of compensation available to pedestrian injury victims is reimbursement for medical expenses. This includes emergency room visits, ambulance fees, surgeries, physical therapy, follow-up appointments, medications, and assistive devices like crutches or wheelchairs.
In cases of severe or catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries, victims may also recover compensation for future medical care, home health services, or rehabilitation.
Pedestrian accidents often result in extensive injuries that require long-term treatment. Even after the initial hospital visit, victims may face ongoing expenses that can add up quickly.
A personal injury claim should reflect not only the cost of treatment already received but also anticipated future costs, which can be calculated with help from medical experts and life care planners.
Lost Income and Loss of Earning Capacity
Many pedestrians injured in accidents are unable to return to work immediately, or in some cases, permanently. Victims may recover compensation for the wages they lost while recovering from their injuries. In more severe cases, if the victim is unable to return to their previous job or can no longer work at all, they may also be entitled to damages for loss of earning capacity.
Factors that influence this type of compensation include:
- The victim’s age and occupation
- The extent and permanence of the injury
- Whether the injury has impacted the ability to perform the same type of work
These calculations can be complex and often require testimony from vocational experts and economists.
Pain and Suffering
Not all damages are financial in nature. Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident. This can include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and diminished enjoyment of life.
Unlike medical bills, these damages are subjective and often depend on the severity of the injury, its impact on the victim’s daily life, and how long recovery is expected to take.
Examples of non-economic damages may include:
- Chronic physical pain
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Loss of independence
While more difficult to quantify, pain and suffering compensation can be a substantial part of a pedestrian injury settlement or verdict.
Additional Damages
In some pedestrian accident cases, additional forms of compensation may be available. For instance, if a driver was drunk or acted with extreme recklessness, the court may award punitive damages to punish that conduct and deter future wrongdoing. If the pedestrian’s clothing or footwear was damaged, personal property loss may also be included in the claim.
Understanding the full scope of compensation available ensures victims aren’t shortchanged by insurance companies. A skilled pedestrian accident lawyer can identify all potential sources of recovery and build a strong case for maximum compensation.
How an Arizona Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help
After a serious pedestrian accident in Arizona, victims are often left with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and countless questions about what comes next.
Whether the crash occurred near Phoenix’s Camelback Road or on Tucson’s busy Speedway Boulevard, injured pedestrians need more than just time to heal; they need strong legal guidance to protect their rights and secure fair compensation. An experienced Arizona pedestrian accident lawyer can step in to handle the legal challenges while victims focus on recovery.
Investigating the Accident and Determining Fault
One of the first ways a pedestrian injury lawyer can help is by launching a thorough investigation into how the accident occurred. While pedestrians generally have the right of way, insurance companies may attempt to shift blame or argue comparative negligence. A knowledgeable attorney will work quickly to collect critical evidence such as:
- Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras
- Witness statements from bystanders or drivers
- Police crash reports and expert accident reconstructions
By building a clear and persuasive picture of what happened, your lawyer can push back against efforts to minimize your claim and ensure the at-fault party is held accountable.
Managing Insurance Communications
Dealing with insurance companies after a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming and frustrating. Adjusters may pressure you to give a recorded statement, ask misleading questions, or offer a quick settlement that doesn’t fully cover your losses. An Arizona pedestrian accident lawyer will communicate directly with the insurance companies on your behalf, preventing you from making statements that could harm your claim.
Having legal representation signals to insurers that you’re serious about your case. This often results in more reasonable settlement discussions and can help speed up the resolution process.
Calculating the Full Value of Your Claim
Pedestrian injuries can range from broken bones to permanent disabilities. Without legal guidance, it’s easy to underestimate the value of your claim, especially when the physical, emotional, and financial toll of your injuries extends far beyond the initial hospital visit.
Your lawyer will review medical records, consult with healthcare providers, and calculate both economic and non-economic damages, which may include:
- Emergency medical care, surgeries, and follow-up treatments
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
By understanding the full scope of your damages, your attorney can pursue the maximum compensation you’re legally entitled to recover.
Litigating When Necessary
While many pedestrian injury claims settle out of court, sometimes the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement. When that happens, your Arizona pedestrian accident lawyer will be prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to trial. Whether your injury occurred in a Phoenix crosswalk near Grand Avenue or during an evening walk in downtown Tucson, your legal team can present a compelling case to a judge or jury.
With a skilled attorney by your side, you won’t have to navigate the legal process alone. From initial consultation to courtroom advocacy, your lawyer is your advocate every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I was hit by a car but feel okay afterward?
Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it’s essential to get medical attention immediately. Adrenaline can mask symptoms of serious injuries like concussions or internal bleeding. A doctor’s evaluation not only protects your health but also creates a medical record, which is critical if you decide to file a claim later.
Can I still recover compensation if I was jaywalking when I got hit?
Possibly. Arizona follows a comparative negligence system, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. However, your total compensation may be reduced in proportion to your share of the blame. A pedestrian accident lawyer can help assess your situation and fight to minimize the fault assigned to you.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Arizona?
In most cases, Arizona law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, exceptions may apply, such as cases involving government vehicles or minors, so it’s best to consult an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your right to take legal action.
Do pedestrian accident claims ever involve third-party liability?
Yes. In some cases, parties other than the driver may share responsibility. For example, a poorly maintained crosswalk, defective traffic signal, or obstructed signage could make a city or property owner liable. Your lawyer can investigate whether third-party negligence played a role in your accident.
Are pedestrian accidents more common at night?
Yes. Low visibility, fatigued drivers, and impaired vision increase the risk of nighttime collisions. Wearing reflective clothing and crossing in well-lit areas can help, but drivers still have a legal duty to remain alert and yield to pedestrians.
Contact National Injury Attorneys Today
If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident, whether in a Phoenix crosswalk, on the streets of Tucson, or anywhere across Arizona, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. From investigating the crash to negotiating with insurers and pursuing full compensation, a knowledgeable legal advocate can make all the difference in your recovery. Don’t wait to protect your rights and hold the at-fault party accountable.
Call National Injury Help today at 1 (800) 214-1010 to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Arizona pedestrian accident lawyer. We’re here to fight for justice and help you move forward.