We understand how life-changing a pedestrian accident can be, and we’re committed to securing the justice and financial support you need to move forward. Don’t wait to get the help you deserve: Speak with a compassionate legal professional today, call National Injury Help at 1 (800) 214-1010.
Pedestrian accidents are some of the most devastating incidents on Chandler’s roadways, often leaving victims with life-changing injuries and financial hardship.
Whether you were hit while crossing at Arizona Avenue and Chandler Boulevard or walking near Tumbleweed Park, getting struck by a car can upend your life in seconds. In a rapidly growing city with expanding traffic, busy intersections, and distracted drivers, pedestrians are at risk, especially in crosswalks and school zones.
If you or someone you love has suffered a crosswalk injury or was a pedestrian struck by a vehicle, the aftermath may feel overwhelming. Between emergency medical care, lost wages, and pressure from insurance companies, many victims struggle to understand their rights or how to seek justice. That’s where an experienced Chandler pedestrian accident lawyer becomes an essential ally.
Why Are Pedestrian Accidents So Common in Chandler?
Chandler’s mix of suburban neighborhoods and bustling urban zones creates a complex pedestrian environment. Walkers and joggers share the roads with high-speed traffic near Chandler Fashion Center, students cross near Hamilton High School, and commuters move through crosswalks along Loop 202 and Ray Road.
Factors contributing to pedestrian crashes include:
- Distracted or speeding drivers who fail to yield at crosswalks
- Poor visibility at night, especially on less-lit residential streets
- Traffic congestion near downtown Chandler and shopping areas
Pedestrians have little protection when vehicles fail to follow the rules of the road. Even accidents at relatively low speeds can cause serious injuries, long-term medical needs, and permanent disability.
When your safety has been compromised by a careless driver, you don’t have to handle the legal process alone. A knowledgeable Chandler pedestrian accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation, navigate insurance claims, and hold negligent parties accountable.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Chandler
Pedestrian accidents in Chandler continue to rise as traffic increases throughout the city. Whether it’s a casual walk through Downtown Chandler or a routine morning jog near Desert Breeze Park, pedestrians are often placed in harm’s way by careless drivers and unsafe infrastructure.
Knowing the most common causes of pedestrian accidents is crucial for both prevention and accountability, especially if you or a loved one was a pedestrian struck by a vehicle.
Distracted Driving
One of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents is distracted driving. Texting, using GPS, changing music, or even eating behind the wheel can take a driver’s attention off the road long enough to cause a serious or fatal crash. Areas near Chandler High School and along Alma School Road are especially vulnerable due to heavy pedestrian traffic.
Examples of distracted driving behavior include:
- Looking at a phone instead of the crosswalk
- Not seeing a pedestrian in a school zone
- Failing to react quickly to changing traffic lights
Failure to Yield at Crosswalks
Arizona law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks. Unfortunately, many drivers either ignore these laws or simply don’t see the pedestrian in time. Crosswalk injuries are especially common at busy intersections like Chandler Boulevard and McQueen Road, where vehicles may rush through turns or try to beat the light.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to stop in time, making it much more likely they’ll hit someone on foot. Reckless driving, such as weaving between lanes, ignoring traffic signs, or running red lights, further increases the risk. Chandler’s high-traffic roads, like Dobson Road and Loop 202 exits, are known hotspots for speeding-related pedestrian collisions.
Poor Visibility and Inadequate Infrastructure
Low lighting, missing crosswalk signals, or blocked signage can contribute to pedestrian crashes. When intersections are not well-maintained or clearly marked, drivers may not expect or see a person crossing the street.
Understanding these causes is the first step toward building a strong claim. A skilled Chandler pedestrian accident lawyer can investigate what led to the crash and help you hold negligent drivers or third parties accountable.
Typical Injuries Sustained in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians have virtually no protection in a traffic collision, which is why being a pedestrian struck by a vehicle can result in devastating, sometimes permanent injuries. Even low-speed crashes in parking lots or residential neighborhoods can lead to significant trauma. When collisions occur on high-speed roads like Arizona Avenue or near intersections on Ray Road, the risk of catastrophic injury sharply increases.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A sudden impact to the head can cause a concussion or a more severe traumatic brain injury. TBIs can result in memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, or long-term cognitive impairment. Victims may require months or years of medical care and therapy to regain basic functions, or may never fully recover.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
When a pedestrian is thrown to the ground or into a vehicle, spinal cord damage can occur. This may lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, or complete paralysis. These injuries often require surgery, ongoing rehabilitation, and major adjustments to the victim’s daily life.
Orthopedic Injuries
Broken bones and fractures are extremely common in pedestrian crashes. The legs, arms, pelvis, and ribs are especially vulnerable. These injuries may heal over time, but some require surgery or lead to long-term mobility issues.
Internal Injuries
Internal bleeding, organ damage, and punctured lungs can occur without visible signs, making immediate medical attention critical. These injuries can be life-threatening and are often difficult to detect without advanced imaging.
Severe Cuts, Bruising, and Disfigurement
Victims may suffer lacerations, road rash, facial injuries, and bruising. In some cases, deep wounds or crushed limbs may lead to permanent scarring or even amputation.
The physical, emotional, and financial toll of a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming. A trusted Chandler pedestrian accident lawyer can help you document your injuries, connect with medical experts, and pursue compensation that reflects the true extent of your suffering.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Chandler
Being a pedestrian struck by a vehicle is a traumatic experience, and the steps you take in the aftermath can significantly impact your physical recovery and ability to pursue compensation. Whether the accident occurred near Downtown Chandler, on Arizona Avenue, or outside a neighborhood school, knowing what to do next is essential.
Prioritize Your Safety and Medical Needs
Your health comes first. Even if you feel okay immediately after the crash, many serious injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussions, may not show symptoms right away.
Steps to take at the scene include:
- Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request emergency assistance.
- Accept medical evaluation from first responders and go to the ER if recommended.
- Avoid moving unless it’s necessary to avoid further injury or danger.
Documenting your injuries early ensures they are properly treated and linked to the accident.
Collect Information and Report the Incident
If you’re able, try to gather important details before leaving the scene. If not, ask a friend or bystander for help.
Key information includes:
- Driver’s name, contact info, and insurance details
- Make, model, and license plate of the vehicle
- Names and contact info of any eyewitnesses
Also, request a copy of the police report later; it’s a crucial piece of evidence in any pedestrian accident claim.
Avoid Speaking with Insurance Companies Alone
Soon after the accident, the driver’s insurance company may contact you. Avoid giving recorded statements or accepting settlement offers until you’ve spoken to a legal professional. Insurance adjusters often aim to minimize payouts, even when liability is clear.
Contact a Chandler Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Reaching out to an experienced lawyer ensures that your rights are protected and that your claim is backed by solid evidence. A Chandler pedestrian accident lawyer can guide you through the next steps, from dealing with insurers to seeking compensation for your injuries and losses.
Determining Liability in a Pedestrian Accident Case
When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, determining who is at fault is a critical step in recovering compensation. Liability in these cases can be complex, especially in busy areas of Chandler where traffic congestion, construction zones, and high foot traffic, like the intersections near Chandler Fashion Center or Arizona Avenue and Ray Road, create challenging conditions.
To hold the appropriate party accountable, a thorough investigation is required to uncover how the accident occurred and who contributed to the harm.
The Driver’s Responsibility
In many cases, the motorist who hit the pedestrian bears legal responsibility. Drivers in Arizona are required to yield the right of way at crosswalks and drive with reasonable care. When they fail to meet this duty, by speeding, texting, running red lights, or driving under the influence, they may be held liable for the accident.
Driver-related causes of liability include:
- Failure to yield at a marked or unmarked crosswalk
- Distracted or impaired driving
- Speeding or ignoring traffic signs and signals
Third-Party and Government Liability
Sometimes, liability extends beyond the driver. A poorly designed intersection, a non-functioning pedestrian signal, or an obstructed crosswalk may shift some or all liability to a government entity or property owner. For example, if a city-maintained crosswalk near a school on Dobson Road lacks adequate signage, the municipality could be partially responsible for the crash.
In other cases, an employer may be liable if the driver was working at the time of the crash, such as delivering packages or driving for a rideshare company. These claims may involve deeper insurance policies and more complex legal standards.
Comparative Fault in Arizona
Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means a pedestrian can still recover compensation even if they were partially at fault, for example, if they crossed outside a designated crosswalk. However, their compensation would be reduced by their percentage of fault.
A skilled Chandler pedestrian accident lawyer can help identify all liable parties, gather the necessary evidence, and fight for the maximum compensation possible. By understanding how liability is determined, injured pedestrians can better protect their rights and build a strong legal claim.
Pedestrian Laws in Arizona and How They Affect Your Claim
Arizona has specific laws in place to protect pedestrians and regulate how they interact with traffic. These laws not only promote safety but also play a significant role in determining who is at fault after a crosswalk injury or other pedestrian-related incident.
If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident in Chandler, understanding these laws can directly impact your ability to pursue compensation.
Right-of-Way in Crosswalks
Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-792, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing within marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections. This is one of the most important protections for pedestrians and is often the basis for holding a driver liable when a pedestrian is struck.
However, the law also clarifies that pedestrians should not suddenly leave the curb or step into the path of a vehicle that is too close to safely stop. This means timing and visibility are key factors in determining fault.
Driver responsibilities at crosswalks include:
- Stopping for pedestrians in any part of the crosswalk
- Not passing a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk (to prevent hidden pedestrian injuries)
Pedestrian Responsibilities
Pedestrians also have duties under Arizona law. They must obey traffic signals and should use sidewalks when available. If there is no sidewalk, they must walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
Jaywalking, crossing the street outside of a designated crosswalk, can complicate a personal injury claim. Although it doesn’t necessarily bar a pedestrian from recovering damages, it can reduce the total amount of compensation based on Arizona’s comparative negligence laws.
Pedestrian responsibilities include:
- Using marked crosswalks when available
- Obeying traffic control devices, like “Don’t Walk” signals
- Avoiding sudden movement into traffic
Chandler Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Explains How These Laws Affect Your Claim
Violations of traffic or pedestrian laws can significantly impact a personal injury case. If a driver failed to yield, they may be fully or mostly at fault. If a pedestrian crossed unlawfully, liability may be shared. Arizona’s pure comparative fault system means even partially at-fault pedestrians may still recover damages, though reduced in proportion to their share of responsibility.
A Chandler pedestrian accident lawyer can review the facts of your case, apply the relevant laws, and help you fight for fair compensation.
Recoverable Damages in a Pedestrian Injury Claim in Chandler
When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming. Arizona law allows injured pedestrians to seek compensation, known as “damages,” to help restore what was lost due to the crash. These damages can be economic (measurable financial losses) or non-economic (intangible harm like pain or trauma). If the driver acted recklessly or egregiously, additional punitive damages may also be awarded.
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate for direct financial losses resulting from the accident. These are often supported by documentation like medical bills, pay stubs, and repair estimates.
Common examples include:
- Medical expenses: emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, prescriptions, and long-term care.
- Lost income: wages lost during recovery, reduced earning capacity, or inability to return to previous employment.
- Out-of-pocket costs: transportation to medical appointments, mobility aids, or home modifications needed due to disability.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages compensate for the more personal and subjective effects of being injured in a crosswalk injury or roadside accident.
Examples of non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering: physical pain and emotional trauma related to the accident and recovery.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: inability to participate in hobbies, social activities, or daily routines.
- Disfigurement or permanent disability: long-term impact on your appearance or bodily function.
Punitive Damages
If the at-fault driver was excessively reckless, such as driving under the influence or intentionally ignoring traffic laws, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.
Calculating damages in a pedestrian injury claim requires a detailed understanding of your case’s short- and long-term impact. An experienced Chandler pedestrian accident lawyer can work with medical experts, economists, and other specialists to ensure your compensation reflects the true extent of your injuries and losses.
How a Chandler Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, whether in a marked crosswalk on Arizona Avenue, near Chandler Fashion Center, or along a neighborhood street, you may be facing serious injuries, lost income, and a growing stack of medical bills. In the aftermath of such a traumatic event, working with a skilled Chandler pedestrian accident lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
From the moment you reach out for help, a lawyer’s role is to protect your legal rights, handle the stressful aspects of the claims process, and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
Investigating the Accident and Establishing Fault
One of the first and most important steps an attorney will take is to conduct a thorough investigation. This includes reviewing police reports, analyzing traffic camera footage, obtaining witness statements, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts if needed.
In busy urban areas like downtown Chandler or intersections near Loop 202, multiple parties may be involved, and your lawyer will work to clearly establish fault.
An attorney will gather:
- Surveillance or dashcam footage from nearby businesses or vehicles
- Medical records and expert opinions that support your injury claims
- Eyewitness accounts and official accident reports
This kind of evidence is essential when negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your case in court.
Managing Communication with Insurance Companies
After a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may contact the victim quickly, sometimes within hours. While adjusters may sound sympathetic, their goal is to minimize payouts and protect their bottom line. A pedestrian accident lawyer serves as your representative in all communications, ensuring you don’t say anything that could be used against you.
Your attorney will:
- Handle all calls, emails, and letters from insurers
- Push back against unfair settlement offers
- Negotiate for the full value of your claim
Accurately Valuing Your Claim
Determining the true value of your pedestrian injury claim involves much more than adding up your hospital bills. A knowledgeable attorney will consider both current and future damages, such as ongoing rehabilitation, lost earning capacity, and emotional distress. They may work with medical experts, economists, and vocational specialists to build a complete picture of your losses.
Navigating Arizona’s Comparative Fault Rules
Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which allows injured pedestrians to recover damages even if they were partially at fault. However, any award is reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to the pedestrian. For example, if a pedestrian is found 20% at fault for crossing outside a crosswalk, their compensation will be reduced accordingly.
A skilled attorney can help minimize your share of fault and defend your actions with strong legal arguments.
Preparing for Litigation If Necessary
Most pedestrian accident claims settle out of court, but not all. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney can file a lawsuit and represent you through each phase of litigation, from discovery to trial. Having a legal advocate by your side signals to insurers that you’re serious about your case and won’t accept lowball offers.
By working with an experienced Chandler pedestrian accident lawyer, you gain a powerful ally who can guide you through the complexities of personal injury law while you focus on recovery. Their goal is not just to win your case, but to restore your peace of mind and help you move forward with the compensation you deserve.
Contact Chandler Pedestrian Accident Lawyer: Take the First Step Toward Justice After a Pedestrian Accident
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury after being struck by a vehicle in Chandler, whether at a busy intersection, school zone, or quiet neighborhood street, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.
Navigating medical care, insurance claims, and legal deadlines can be overwhelming, but a dedicated advocate can help you regain control and pursue the compensation you deserve. With the right legal guidance, you can hold the at-fault party accountable and focus on healing without added financial strain.
To learn more about your rights and options after a pedestrian accident, contact National Injury Help at 1 (800) 214-1010 for a free consultation with an experienced Chandler pedestrian accident lawyer. We’re here to fight for your recovery, every step of the way.