Time limits apply to pedestrian accident claims in Arizona, so it’s important to act quickly before your rights expire. With the right legal guidance, you can focus on healing while we handle the fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Arizona’s beautiful desert cities like Phoenix, Tucson, and Scottsdale offer plenty of walkable areas, from busy intersections near Arizona State University to crosswalks around Old Town Scottsdale. But with heavy traffic, distracted driving, and fast-moving vehicles, crosswalk and intersection accidents remain a serious concern across the state.
Understanding Arizona crosswalk laws and pedestrian safety regulations is essential for anyone who walks, drives, or bikes in public spaces. If you’ve been injured in one of these areas, an experienced Arizona pedestrian accident lawyer can help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Arizona Crosswalk Laws: Understanding Pedestrian Rights
Crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked, are legally recognized areas where pedestrians have priority. Arizona law clearly states that drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing the street in a crosswalk, particularly at intersections. This includes both crosswalks with pedestrian signals and unmarked crosswalks located at traditional intersections.
According to Arizona Revised Statutes §28-792, drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk when the pedestrian is on the same side of the roadway as the vehicle or is approaching closely enough from the opposite side to be in danger.
When one vehicle stops to allow a pedestrian to cross, other vehicles approaching from behind are also required to stop and may not pass the stopped vehicle.
These rules are designed to prevent common and dangerous scenarios, such as a driver speeding past a stopped car and striking a pedestrian who was not visible. This statute outlines the right-of-way rules for pedestrians at crosswalks in Arizona and mandates that drivers yield to pedestrians in these areas. Such accidents often occur on high-traffic roads like Thomas Road, Broadway Boulevard, and Bell Road.
Pedestrian Responsibilities at Intersections
While Arizona law prioritizes pedestrian safety, it also places responsibilities on those walking near or across roadways. Pedestrians must follow traffic signals and avoid stepping suddenly into the path of oncoming traffic when vehicles don’t have sufficient time to stop.
Under Arizona Revised Statutes §28-793:
- Pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to vehicles when crossing outside of a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
- Crossing diagonally is prohibited unless at a designated intersection where such movement is explicitly allowed.
- Pedestrians should use sidewalks when available and walk on the left side of the road facing traffic if no sidewalk exists.
These rules help prevent collisions, particularly at busy intersections like Camelback Road and 7th Avenue in Phoenix or Broadway and Country Club Road in Tucson.
Common Causes of Crosswalk and Intersection Accidents
Pedestrian accidents in Arizona are frequently the result of driver negligence. Even at designated crossings, drivers may ignore traffic laws, speed through intersections, or fail to notice a person crossing the road until it’s too late.
The most common causes of intersection accidents involving pedestrians include:
- Failure to yield: Drivers ignoring crosswalks or pedestrian signals.
- Distracted driving: Using phones or GPS devices while behind the wheel.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol or drugs impair a driver’s ability to stop in time.
- Speeding: Excessive speed shortens reaction time and increases injury severity.
In some cases, poor lighting, obstructed signage, or malfunctioning traffic signals may also contribute to a crash, which can result in shared liability between the driver and a government agency or contractor.
Jaywalking Liability in Arizona
Many people wonder if they can still recover compensation after being injured while jaywalking. While Arizona law requires pedestrians to cross at designated intersections or marked crosswalks, the concept of comparative negligence applies. That means even if you were jaywalking, you may still be entitled to compensation, as long as you weren’t 100% at fault.
Key points about jaywalking liability in Arizona:
- Pedestrians who cross mid-block or outside a crosswalk must yield to vehicles.
- If a jaywalking pedestrian is hit, liability is determined based on each party’s level of fault.
- Compensation is reduced in proportion to the pedestrian’s percentage of fault.
For example, if a pedestrian was found 30% at fault for crossing outside a crosswalk, their damages award would be reduced by that percentage. An Arizona pedestrian accident lawyer can help investigate the circumstances and fight to minimize your share of fault.
Legal Protections for Pedestrians in Arizona
Arizona’s pedestrian safety laws are designed to protect vulnerable road users and promote the safe use of shared roadways. Drivers have a legal duty to remain vigilant and avoid endangering pedestrians. even when those pedestrians are not following every rule perfectly.
Pedestrian safety laws in Arizona provide protections such as:
- The right to walk safely in designated crosswalks and intersections.
- Protection against vehicles encroaching onto sidewalks or failing to stop before crosswalks.
- Requirements for drivers to remain stopped until pedestrians fully exit the crosswalk.
In areas with high foot traffic, such as near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, the University of Arizona campus, or downtown Flagstaff, drivers are expected to be especially cautious. Violating pedestrian safety laws not only creates civil liability but may also lead to criminal charges in extreme cases.
What to Do After a Crosswalk or Intersection Accident
The moments after a pedestrian accident can be disorienting and chaotic. But taking certain steps can help protect your rights and improve your chances of recovering compensation later on.
Here’s what to do if you’re injured in a crosswalk or intersection accident:
- Call 911 and request immediate medical attention.
- Document the scene with photos of your injuries, the vehicle, the crosswalk, and any traffic signals or signs.
- Collect contact information from witnesses and the driver.
- Avoid admitting fault or speculating about the cause.
- Contact a lawyer before speaking to any insurance representatives.
These actions help establish a record of the incident and create a foundation for a strong personal injury claim.
Compensation for Crosswalk and Intersection Injuries
Injured pedestrians are often left with costly medical bills, missed work, and lasting physical and emotional trauma. Arizona law allows victims to pursue compensation for a range of damages, including:
- Medical costs: ER visits, surgeries, physical therapy, prescriptions, and long-term care.
- Lost income: Wages lost during recovery or permanent loss of earning ability.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Loss of quality of life: In cases of permanent disability or disfigurement.
If the accident was caused by a reckless or intoxicated driver, punitive damages may also be available. Your lawyer can assess the full impact of the accident and fight for maximum recovery.
Speak With an Arizona Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in a crosswalk or intersection accident, whether in Phoenix, Tucson, Scottsdale, or anywhere in Arizona, you have legal rights and options. Don’t leave your recovery to chance.
Contact our team at National Injury Help by calling 1 (800) 214-1010 and schedule a free consultation with a skilled Arizona pedestrian accident lawyer. We’ll help you understand your rights under Arizona crosswalk laws, assess jaywalking liability, and build a case for the compensation you need. Let us help you take the next step toward justice.
