por Zayed Al-Sayyed

Pedestrian Accidents in Arizona

Did you know that the number of pedestrian deaths in Arizona is 62 percent higher than the national average? Thanks to year-round sunshine and plentiful sidewalks, we live in an incredibly walkable state. Unfortunately, that also means that pedestrian accidents in Arizona are more common than they are in most states.

Today, our legal experts are diving deeper into this topic and revealing everything you should know about pedestrian accidents in Arizona. Stay tuned and feel free to reach out if you still have questions after reading this blog post.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Knowing how accidents occur can help to prevent them from taking place. Let’s go over some of the main causes of pedestrian accidents in Arizona.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving includes everything from applying makeup to fiddling with the GPS, and it’s a leading cause of pedestrian accidents. When drivers pay attention to their food, drink, phones, or passengers, they are less likely to notice pedestrians crossing the street.

Speeding

In Arizona, speeding is considered to be a form of reckless driving. That’s because it’s harder to maintain control of a speeding vehicle. Unfortunately, when pedestrians are struck by speeding vehicles, they are far more likely to sustain life-threatening injuries.

Taking a Left-Hand Turn

Left-hand turns are another common cause of pedestrian accidents in Arizona. Oftentimes, when drivers are focused on clearing the intersection, they forget to check the adjacent crosswalk for pedestrians. In this instance, pedestrians have the right of way. However, drivers might not realize they are there until it’s too late.

Arizona Pedestrian Laws

So, what should Arizona drivers know about pedestrian laws? Aside from exercising extreme caution, drivers are expected to do the following:

• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks 
• Avoid passing another vehicle when it’s stopped at a crosswalk 
• Avoid passing a school bus when its stop sign is extended (and lights are flashing)
• Reduce speed to 15mph or less when traveling through a school zone 

Determining Fault of Pedestrian Accidents in Arizona

When pedestrian accidents in Arizona occur, who is to blame? Is it the pedestrian illegally crossing the road? Or the driver who wasn’t paying attention? As experts in Arizona traffic law, we can attest that the answer is both.

All Arizona drivers are required to obey traffic laws and drive with caution. So if they breach that duty and cause a pedestrian accident, they can be sued for negligence.

However, Arizona pedestrians also have a duty to obey traffic laws and exercise caution. If a pedestrian fails to do so (say they dart out into the middle of a busy roadway), they can also be sued for negligence.

If you’re not sure who is at fault for your pedestrian accident, enlisting the assistance of an experienced pedestrian accident attorney can help you to determine that.

Phoenix Car Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one have been involved in a pedestrian accident in Arizona, the next step is to meet with a pedestrian accident attorney. With ample experience in this area, the attorneys here at The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed can help you navigate the personal injury claim process and determine how to move forward.

With our team by your side, you can expect to benefit from the full force of our famous Aggressive Compassionate Representation. Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.

por Zayed Al-Sayyed

Pedestrian 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.