por Zayed Al-SayyedIs It Illegal to Jaywalk in Arizona?
Arizona leads the country in pedestrian accident fatality rates and Phoenix alone sees numerous pedestrian accidents every day. In many cases, the driver is not entirely at fault—some victims are struck while jaywalking.
Jaywalking is a colloquial term that refers to a pedestrian crossing the road where they are not legally supposed to do so. It’s a dangerous practice, yet it’s surprisingly common in Arizona and around the country. Jaywalking is risky for both drivers and pedestrians and can lead to collisions.
In many cases, the injured pedestrian can get compensation through a personal injury case even if they are partly to blame for the collision. This brings up a valid question: is it illegal to jaywalk in Arizona? What does the law say about jaywalking in Arizona? Let’s find out.
Jaywalking Laws in Arizona
Arizona’s jaywalking laws require any pedestrian to yield the right-of-way unless they are within a crosswalk. However, it is not illegal to cross a street where there are no crosswalks if there is no functional intersection in each direction.
Although jaywalking is not illegal in Arizona, it is highly dangerous because motorists are not always prepared to hit the brakes at a sudden moment. While motorists are expected to stop or slow down for pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections, they usually don’t foresee people crossing the road elsewhere.
It’s illegal to cross the road between two adjacent intersections with traffic-control signals. In these areas, pedestrians must cross the road within marked crosswalks. Depending on the city you live in, you may have more specific jaywalking laws that are unique to your area.
Can Pedestrians Be Responsible For An Accident?
It is certainly possible for pedestrians to be responsible for causing an accident. For example, intoxicated pedestrians are at fault in a significant number of fatalities and injuries in Arizona pedestrian accidents. Drugs and alcohol can impair an individual’s judgment, which often leads to fatal mistakes.
Another common cause of pedestrian accidents is pedestrians not paying attention. Many people assume that the drivers on the road would never hit them, so they feel confident walking across the street with their eyes glued to their phone.
In the event that a pedestrian accidentally strolled out in front of a car because they were busy on their smartphone, they could be at fault for the collision, even if only partially.
Comparative Negligence in Arizona
Arizona’s pedestrian accident laws rely on the comparative negligence principle. The court will listen to both parties and then allocate a percentage of liability to both sides. It’s up to the court to determine not only who is responsible, but exactly how responsible each party is.
After determining responsibility, the judge will award each party according to their percentage of liability. Arizona is one of only a few states that relies on a pure comparative negligence principle in these cases.
Under this model, compensation is awarded depending on the assigned percentage of fault as determined by the court. This means that a plaintiff could still get a percentage of the compensation even if they were 99 percent at fault. Technically, they would get 1 percent of the compensation in this case.
Top Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Phoenix, AZ
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident because of the negligent actions of another party, our legal team is here to help. Our expert Phoenix pedestrian accident attorneys utilize our Aggressive Compassionate Representation to ensure that you are treated with the utmost compassion and respect while we aggressively pursue the best outcome for your case.
Contact our Phoenix pedestrian accident attorneys today for more information or to schedule a free consultation.
por Zayed Al-SayyedPedestrian Accidents in Arizona
Getting involved in an accident can be a traumatizing experience, but pedestrian accidents are especially frightening. Odds are you or your loved one will be grappling with a long recovery period. Between lofty medical bills and loss of income, victims of pedestrian accidents in Arizona may find themselves facing serious financial difficulties.
In this article, our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys are covering everything you need to know about pedestrian accidents in Arizona. The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed aims to help you understand your legal rights and receive fair compensation for the damages and injuries caused as a result of a negligent person or party.
How Common are Pedestrian Accidents In Arizona?
Arizona has witnessed a major increase in pedestrian accident cases in recent years. Between 2014 and 2019, there were 1,202 pedestrians killed in vehicle accidents, according to the most recent data from the Arizona Department of Transportation.
Over a thousand more were severely injured, presenting themselves and their loved ones with the prospect of dealing with a long-term and debilitating condition. Data analysis shows that Arizona had the fourth-highest rate of pedestrian deaths in the US in 2018—after Florida, Louisiana, and New Mexico.
Most pedestrian accidents happen in places where people and motor vehicles share street space. These include crosswalks, intersections, and on-street parking lots. Pedestrian accidents also occur more often in the evenings and during inclement weather; aka when poor visibility is a factor.
Common Causes of Arizona Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents in Arizona take place for a number of reasons. Some of the most common causes include the following:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Making the wrong turns
- Traffic signal violations
- Failure to yield to pedestrians
- Driving while tired or drowsy
- Bad road and/or weather conditions
- Texting and driving
While you cannot control what other drivers do on the road, you should exercise caution for your own safety and for the safety of those around you. Pedestrian injuries can be fatal or result in damages including physical injuries, lost wages, and high medical bills.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian injuries are often debilitating because an individual cannot withstand the impact of a motor vehicle collision. Being hit by an automobile can cause serious injuries, such as:
- Bruises, burns, and road rash
- Extensive bleeding/internal bleeding
- Deep cuts and lacerations
- Head injuries
- Facial or dental injuries
- Spinal cord injuries like paralysis
- Orthopedic injuries like broken bones
- Brain damage or memory loss
- Wrongful death
If you or someone else has been involved in a pedestrian-vehicle collision, the first step is to seek emergency medical attention. Once the injuries have been identified and treated, it’s imperative to gather evidence to prove the cause and severity of your injuries.
It’s also important to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as you’re able. Each case is unique, so your attorney will offer advice based on your specific case. This may include tracking damages, collecting witness statements, limiting social media activity, and directing all correspondence from your insurance provider to your personal injury lawyer.
Top Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Phoenix, AZ
If you or a loved one has been injured in a recent accident, our skilled pedestrian accident attorneys are here to support you through this painful time. We employ our Aggressive Compassionate Representation to ensure that you are treated with the utmost compassion while we aggressively pursue the best outcome for your case.
Contact our Phoenix pedestrian accident attorneys today for more information or to schedule a free consultation.
