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Walking through Tempe should never be dangerous, but for many, a simple trip down Mill Avenue or a walk across Apache Boulevard ends in tragedy. With heavy foot traffic from Arizona State University, bustling entertainment zones, and major roadways like University Drive and Rural Road, the city sees a high number of pedestrian collisions each year.
Whether you’re a student, tourist, or local resident, getting injured while walking can turn your life upside down in seconds. If you’ve suffered a crosswalk injury in Tempe or were a pedestrian hit by a car in Tempe, it’s important to understand your legal rights and how an experienced advocate can help protect them.
Why Pedestrian Accidents in Tempe Are So Common
Tempe’s walkable urban design and vibrant downtown core make it a popular destination for on-foot travel, but it also means pedestrians are at risk, especially at busy intersections and during rush hour traffic. Drivers distracted by cell phones, speeding through yellow lights, or failing to yield at crosswalks can cause devastating injuries.
A few common hotspots for pedestrian incidents include:
- The intersection of Rural Road and Apache Boulevard: Near the ASU campus, with heavy student foot traffic
- Mill Avenue near Tempe Beach Park: A popular nightlife area where drivers may be impaired or inattentive
- Broadway Road and McClintock Drive: High-speed traffic zones with limited pedestrian protection
Even in marked crosswalks, pedestrians are often overlooked, especially at night or during poor weather conditions.
The Aftermath of Being Hit by a Car
Being hit by a car in Tempe can leave you with serious, life-altering injuries. Broken bones, spinal trauma, brain injuries, and internal bleeding are just a few of the medical emergencies victims face. Recovery can involve surgery, rehabilitation, and months of missed work or school. On top of the physical toll, there’s the emotional and financial burden of dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and lost income.
If you were struck while walking, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (including ER visits, surgery, rehab, and follow-up care)
- Lost wages and loss of future earning potential
- Pain and suffering related to your physical and emotional injuries
Navigating this process on your own is rarely easy, especially when insurers are quick to point fingers or minimize your claim.
Why You Need a Tempe Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Pedestrian accident claims are complex. They often involve detailed investigations, multiple insurance policies, and legal rules that differ from standard car accident cases. A skilled Tempe pedestrian accident lawyer knows how to build a strong claim, prove liability, and demand the full compensation you deserve. Whether your case involves a negligent driver, a hit-and-run, or dangerous road conditions, having a lawyer on your side means you don’t have to face it alone.
In the final section of this page, we’ll explain how to get help right away if you’ve been injured in Tempe and why hiring a local legal team can make all the difference.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Tempe
Tempe is a walkable city with a vibrant mix of students, locals, and tourists moving through its streets daily. Unfortunately, high foot traffic, especially near Arizona State University, Tempe Marketplace, and busy roads like Rural Road and Mill Avenue, also means an increased risk of pedestrian accidents.
Understanding the common causes of these incidents can help highlight who may be at fault and how victims can pursue compensation after being hit.
Distracted Driving
One of the leading causes of pedestrian injuries in Tempe is distracted driving. With so many drivers using phones to text, check GPS, or scroll through apps, their attention is often diverted from the road. A driver only needs to look away for a few seconds to miss a pedestrian crossing the street.
Even at clearly marked crosswalks, pedestrians are vulnerable when drivers fail to stop or react in time due to distraction.
Failure to Yield at Crosswalks
Despite laws requiring drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, many collisions occur because motorists ignore this obligation. Intersections along Apache Boulevard and University Drive are particularly dangerous, especially during morning and evening rush hours.
Common failure-to-yield scenarios include:
- Drivers turning right on red without checking for pedestrians
- Motorists speeding through yellow lights and ignoring walk signals
In these cases, the pedestrian usually has the legal right of way, but the driver’s negligence can result in catastrophic injuries.
Speeding in Urban Zones
Speeding is a dangerous and often overlooked factor in pedestrian crashes. In areas like Broadway Road or McClintock Drive, where speed limits may seem low, drivers often push the limit, leaving little room to stop if someone is crossing the street. Higher speeds dramatically increase both the likelihood of a collision and the severity of injuries sustained.
Impaired or Drowsy Driving
Tempe’s active nightlife scene around Mill Avenue and Tempe Town Lake contributes to another serious issue: impaired driving. Whether due to alcohol, drugs, or fatigue, impaired drivers have slower reaction times and reduced awareness, making pedestrian collisions more likely, especially at night.
Inadequate Lighting and Poor Visibility
Many pedestrian accidents in Tempe occur at night or during early morning hours when poor lighting or glare from oncoming traffic makes it harder for drivers to see people walking near roadways. Combined with dark clothing or weather conditions, these factors can turn an ordinary crosswalk into a hazard.
Understanding these causes is essential for identifying liability and seeking justice after a pedestrian accident.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the injuries are often severe and life-changing. Without the protection of a vehicle frame, airbags, or seatbelts, pedestrians absorb the full force of impact, making even low-speed collisions dangerous. In a city like Tempe, where bustling streets intersect with high-traffic areas near Arizona State University and Downtown Tempe, the risk of serious injury is especially high.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
One of the most common and devastating injuries pedestrians suffer is a traumatic brain injury. A person struck by a vehicle may be thrown to the ground, striking their head on concrete or a car hood. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, often resulting in long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
Symptoms of a TBI may include:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Headaches, dizziness, or vision problems
- Mood changes and emotional instability
Severe TBIs may require extensive rehabilitation and permanent lifestyle adjustments.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
The force of a vehicle hitting a pedestrian can cause spinal cord damage, especially if the victim lands awkwardly or is crushed in a secondary impact. These injuries can result in partial or full paralysis, loss of mobility, and chronic pain. Victims often face lengthy hospital stays and may require assistive devices such as wheelchairs or walkers.
Broken Bones and Orthopedic Trauma
Fractures are extremely common in pedestrian accidents, especially to the legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries can range from clean breaks to compound fractures that require surgical intervention and months of physical therapy. Broken bones not only limit mobility but can also lead to long-term issues like arthritis or reduced range of motion.
Internal Injuries and Organ Damage
Internal bleeding, punctured lungs, or damage to vital organs like the liver or spleen may not be immediately visible after an accident but can quickly become life-threatening. Emergency medical attention is essential to identify and treat these hidden injuries before complications arise.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
In addition to physical harm, victims often suffer emotionally after a pedestrian accident. It’s not uncommon to experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder, especially if the accident was particularly violent or involved a hit-and-run. Emotional injuries can be just as debilitating and require mental health treatment and support.
Prompt medical attention and legal help are crucial to addressing the full scope of harm caused by a pedestrian accident.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Tempe
The moments following a pedestrian accident can be confusing and overwhelming, especially if you’ve been seriously injured. Whether the incident occurred near Arizona State University, Mill Avenue, or a neighborhood crosswalk, taking the right steps immediately after being hit is essential to protect both your health and your legal rights. Here’s what you should do after a pedestrian accident in Tempe.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your first priority should be your health. Even if you feel okay, some injuries, like internal bleeding or a concussion, might not show symptoms right away. Call 911 or have someone else do it. Paramedics can assess your condition, and having a medical report is a key piece of documentation for your case.
Call the Police and File a Report
Always report the accident to the Tempe Police Department. A formal accident report will document important details, including the driver’s identity, the location, and witness statements. This report can be invaluable when pursuing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Document the Scene
If you’re physically able, gather evidence at the scene. Important things to collect include:
- Photos of the vehicle, injuries, and roadway
- Driver and witness contact information
- Any nearby video surveillance cameras
This evidence can help establish fault and support your version of events.
Avoid Discussing Fault or Accepting Early Settlement Offers
Be cautious about what you say after the accident, especially to insurance adjusters. Do not admit fault, and avoid signing any documents or accepting quick settlements without first speaking to a lawyer.
Contact a Tempe Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
An experienced attorney can help you navigate medical bills, insurance claims, and legal deadlines. The sooner you involve legal counsel, the better protected your rights will be throughout the process.
Liability in Arizona Pedestrian Accidents
Determining liability in a pedestrian accident is one of the most critical and often complex parts of any injury claim. In Arizona, pedestrian accident cases require a careful examination of the facts, the actions of both parties, and how state law applies.
Whether the incident occurred on a busy road like University Drive or in a residential crosswalk near ASU, identifying who is at fault will directly affect your ability to recover compensation.
Arizona’s Comparative Negligence Law
Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence rule when determining fault in personal injury cases. This means that even if a pedestrian is found partially responsible for the accident, they may still recover compensation, though the amount will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
For example, if a pedestrian was found to be 20% at fault for jaywalking, and the total damages were $100,000, they would still be eligible to recover $80,000. This legal framework allows for shared liability, which can be especially important in pedestrian accidents where both parties may have contributed to the crash.
When Drivers Are at Fault
In many pedestrian accidents, the driver is primarily or entirely at fault. Common driver-related causes include:
- Failing to yield at crosswalks
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Distracted or impaired driving
- Ignoring traffic signals or signage
If a driver violates traffic laws or fails to exercise reasonable care, they can be held liable for resulting injuries.
When Pedestrians Share Fault
Pedestrians also have a legal duty to follow traffic laws, such as crossing at designated crosswalks and obeying walk signals. If a pedestrian darts into traffic, crosses against a light, or walks in a restricted area, they may be found partially liable.
However, even if a pedestrian is partly at fault, Arizona law still allows them to seek compensation.
Multiple Liable Parties
Sometimes liability extends beyond just the driver or pedestrian. Additional parties may include:
- Government entities for poorly designed crosswalks or a lack of signage
- Vehicle manufacturers, if a defect contributed to the crash
- Third-party drivers whose actions triggered a chain reaction
Our team of pedestrian accident lawyers in Tempe can thoroughly investigate your case to identify all potential sources of liability and maximize your recovery.
How a Tempe Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help
After a pedestrian accident in Tempe, victims often face a long and challenging road to recovery, physically, emotionally, and financially. Medical bills can pile up quickly, and insurance companies may push you to settle for less than you deserve. When you’re dealing with pain, lost income, and uncertainty, a Tempe pedestrian accident attorney can be your strongest advocate.
Investigating the Accident and Building Your Case
An experienced pedestrian accident attorney will begin by conducting a thorough investigation into how the accident occurred. This includes:
- Reviewing police reports and medical records
- Interviewing eyewitnesses
- Collecting surveillance footage or dashcam videos
- Working with accident reconstruction experts, if needed
Our team of pedestrian accident lawyers’ thorough and detailed approach helps establish who was at fault and strengthens your claim for compensation.
Managing Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance adjusters can be overwhelming. Their goal is often to minimize your payout, and they may try to use your statements against you. Your lawyer will handle all communications with insurers on your behalf, ensuring nothing is said or signed that could hurt your case. They’ll also review settlement offers to make sure you’re not accepting less than you need to cover current and future expenses.
Calculating Full Compensation
Our team of skilled pedestrian accident lawyers in Tempe, Arizona, knows how to evaluate the full impact of your injuries. That means looking beyond immediate medical bills and considering:
- Future medical treatment and therapy
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Long-term disability or disfigurement
By accurately valuing your claim, your lawyer can push for a settlement or verdict that truly reflects your losses.
Representing You in Court if Necessary
While many pedestrian accident claims are resolved through negotiation, some require litigation. If the at-fault party refuses to accept responsibility or the insurer won’t offer a fair settlement, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court. Having an experienced trial attorney on your side shows the other side you’re serious about getting justice.
In a city like Tempe, where pedestrian traffic is high and roadways are busy, legal guidance can make all the difference in protecting your future.
Types of Compensation an Experienced Tempe Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Secure for Victims
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Tempe, you may be eligible for financial compensation, also known as damages, to help cover the wide-ranging impacts of your injury. The exact amount you can recover depends on the severity of your injuries, the degree of liability, and how the accident has affected your daily life. Our team of pedestrian accident lawyers in Tempe, Arizona, can help you pursue both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
These are financial losses that can be calculated and documented. They’re often supported by bills, receipts, or employment records. Common examples include:
- Medical expenses: ER visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
- Lost wages: Income lost due to missed work during recovery
- Loss of earning capacity: If you can no longer work at the same level as before the accident
- Out-of-pocket costs: Including transportation, medical equipment, or home modifications
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more subjective but just as important. These address the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by the accident. You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or permanent disability
These damages aim to acknowledge how your life has changed, even if those losses can’t be measured by receipts.
Punitive Damages
If the driver who hit you acted with extreme negligence or reckless disregard, such as in a drunk driving case, you may also be awarded punitive damages. These are not meant to compensate you directly, but to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar behavior in the future.
A qualified attorney will review your case carefully to identify all possible sources of compensation and fight for the maximum amount you deserve.
Special Considerations for Tourists and College Students
Tempe is a hub for both out-of-state visitors and thousands of students attending Arizona State University. If you’re a tourist or a student involved in a pedestrian accident, your case may involve unique legal challenges that require special attention.
For Tourists Injured in Tempe
Vacationers often walk through areas like Tempe Town Lake, Mill Avenue, or near hotels and attractions. If you’re a tourist injured while walking, you may face added complications such as:
- Coordinating medical care far from home
- Filing insurance claims across state lines
- Returning to Arizona for court appearances, if needed
Working with a local Tempe pedestrian accident lawyer ensures your case is handled properly, even if you’ve already returned home.
For College Students at ASU
Arizona State University students often walk or bike between classes and through high-traffic zones. If you’re a student hit by a car, you might struggle to balance recovery with academic responsibilities.
Common concerns include:
- Dealing with campus health services vs. private care
- Handling legal matters while attending classes or exams
A local attorney can guide students through the claims process and help manage communication with insurance companies, so they can focus on healing and continuing their education.
Insurance Challenges in Pedestrian Accident Cases
Navigating insurance issues after a pedestrian accident in Tempe can be surprisingly complex. Unlike typical car accidents, where both parties are drivers with auto insurance, pedestrians may not have their own coverage or may be unsure which policy applies.
Dealing with Auto Insurance as a Pedestrian
If you were hit by a car, the driver’s auto insurance should typically cover your injuries through their bodily injury liability coverage. However, complications arise when:
- The driver is uninsured or underinsured
- The driver flees the scene in a hit-and-run
- The driver’s insurance denies fault or offers a low settlement
In some cases, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, if you carry auto insurance, may help cover your losses, even though you were walking.
Health Insurance and Subrogation Issues
Your health insurance can help cover initial medical treatment, but it may seek reimbursement (subrogation) from your final settlement. Coordinating this process correctly is essential to avoid losing a significant portion of your compensation.
A Tempe pedestrian accident lawyer can handle these insurance complications, negotiate with adjusters, and protect you from bad-faith practices. They’ll ensure you receive fair compensation without getting overwhelmed by red tape or legal loopholes.
Speak with a Tempe Pedestrian Accident Lawyer You Can Trust
Sustaining an injury as a pedestrian in Tempe can result in serious physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Navigating complex insurance claims, understanding liability laws, and securing full compensation make having the right legal support essential.
Regardless of whether your accident occurred near campus, downtown, or in a quiet neighborhood, you deserve a strong advocate who understands local laws and genuinely cares about your recovery.
If you or a loved one was involved in a pedestrian accident, whether it was a crosswalk injury in Tempe or you were a pedestrian struck by a car in Tempe, don’t hesitate to seek the assistance you need. Reach out to an experienced Tempe pedestrian accident lawyer today to discuss your legal options and take the first step toward obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Call National Injury Help at 1 (800) 214-1010 for a free, no-obligation consultation with a trusted legal team that knows how to fight for your rights.