Phoenix pedestrian accidents can be devastating events that result in serious injuries or even fatalities. These accidents occur when a pedestrian is struck - usually by a vehicle - while walking or crossing the road. Whether it's a busy intersection, a residential street, or a crosswalk, pedestrians are vulnerable to the actions of drivers who may be distracted, speeding, or failing to yield the right of way. Talk to an experienced Phoenix pedestrian accident lawyer after an incident with serious injuries or wrongful death.
Our attorneys understand the pain, trauma, and upheaval this type of incident can cause in your life. From physical injuries and medical expenses to emotional distress and lost wages, a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming. However, you don't have to face these challenges alone. A personal injury claim or wrongful death claim provides an avenue to find relief
Why Choose Abels & Annes, P.C. for a Pedestrian Accident Injury Claim?
Our team of compassionate and experienced Phoenix pedestrian accident lawyers is here to help you navigate the legal process and seek the compensation you deserve. We'll investigate the circumstances of your accident, gather evidence, and advocate for your rights every step of the way. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court, we'll fight tirelessly on your behalf. Your Phoenix pedestrian accident attorneys will work to secure fair and just compensation for your injuries and losses.
At our firm, we prioritize your well-being and peace of mind. We'll provide you with personalized attention and support, guiding you through the complexities of your case with empathy and understanding. Let us be your advocates in seeking justice and holding negligent parties accountable for their actions. Don't hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation to discuss your pedestrian accident case. Our Phoenix personal injury lawyers focus on compassion and results.
Common Causes of Phoenix Pedestrian Accidents
Most pedestrians are injured when a driver is distracted and not paying attention to their surroundings. Motorists often keep watch for dangers to themselves, such as cars, trucks and buses, but then they don't look for those that are most likely to get hurt, such as people on foot, bicyclists and motorcycle riders.
Phoenix pedestrian accidents occur when negligent drivers are not careful in a variety of situations, such as:
- Failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks;
- Backing out of parking spaces in parking lots
- Speeding in residential areas where there are children playing
- Turning at a stoplight or stop sign, and not observing pedestrians in a crosswalk
- Failing to obey traffic signals
- Driving while distracted, whether by texting, talking on the cell phone, or other distractions such as eating or drinking
Although less common, our Phoenix pedestrian accident lawyers also work on pedestrian injury claims where motorists lose control of their vehicles and drive onto sidewalks. This is more common than you might think.
Personal injury claims involving injured pedestrians or pedestrian fatalities can hold an at-fault driver responsible for the financial and emotional costs of catastrophic injuries or wrongful death.
Pedestrian Accident FAQs
How Common are Pedestrian Accidents in Phoenix?
Each year in Arizona, about 150 pedestrians are killed and about 1,300 are injured in crashes involving motor vehicles, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
Arizona ranked as the second-worst state for pedestrian fatalities in the last year as reported by the Governors Highway Safety Association. Statistics show 307 individuals lost their lives due to vehicle-pedestrian collisions. This resulted in a rate of 4.17 pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 people, trailing only New Mexico's 4.4 per 100,000.
The total number of pedestrian fatalities in Arizona has risen steadily over the past four years, from 220 to 235 most recently and 260. Notably, only seven states experienced a larger percentage increase in pedestrian deaths in the same reporting period.
Nationwide, pedestrian fatalities were at the highest figure since 1981 with a total of 7,508 pedestrian fatalities recorded.
A recent analysis by the Arizona Republic listed the deadliest streets for pedestrians in Phoenix as 27th Avenue north of Bethany Home Road, McDowell Road between 40th and 43rd streets, Northern Avenue near 12th Street, Seventh Avenue near Buckeye Road, and Indian School Road between Seventh and 12th streets.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that a pedestrian is injured in an accident every 8 minutes in the USA. Further, a pedestrian is killed every 113 minutes.
Across the country, around 5,000 pedestrian accident deaths occur each year, along with injuries to approximately 70,000 people.
Call us today and let us help you bring a claim for your damages now. We offer free, no obligation consultations. Call us 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (602) 819-5191.
Does Arizona Law Protect Pedestrians?
Arizona law requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians. They also must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk, use the horn to warn them when necessary, and use proper precaution if they see a child in the road. But, as our Phoenix pedestrian collision attorneys are well aware, drivers often fail to take these necessary precautions and this causes accidents.
In the vast majority of pedestrian-related crashes, there is some type of negligence on the part of the driver. Often, multiple factors may lead to the accident. For example, distracted driving, failing to look for pedestrians before proceeding into an intersection, and speeding.
Cars are not the only threat facing pedestrians in Phoenix. Additional dangers can come from semi-trucks, buses, vans, and trains.
Regardless of what type of vehicle causes a pedestrian accident, there may be a claim for the damages incurred by the pedestrian if there was negligence on the part of a driver.
What Should I Do if Injured in a Pedestrian Accident?
- Call the police and make a report
- Exchange information with the driver that hit you
- Obtain contact information for any witnesses to the accident
- If needed, seek medical treatment ASAP
- Contact a Phoenix pedestrian accident attorney and do this before speaking to any auto insurance adjuster
Common Phoenix Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Some common injuries pedestrians sustain in an accident include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Internal bleeding and damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations, cuts, and scars that require stitches, staples, or plastic surgery to repair
- Back & neck injuries
- Fractures (broken bones), sometimes involving surgical repair
- Wrongful death
Head trauma is particularly dangerous because of the risk of traumatic brain injuries that can cause permanent and debilitating effects. For example, memory loss, motor function loss, or death.
Internal injuries refer to any number of injuries. For example, internal bleeding can be fatal if not properly treated by medical professionals.
Bone injuries can include spinal, pelvic, rib, and limb injuries that can range from painful fractures to quadriplegia or paraplegia.
In some spinal injuries, it can result in severe nerve damage.
Finally, in the worst of pedestrian accident cases, death is possible because of the weight of a car against a person.
Possible Compensation for a Pedestrian Accident Injury or Wrongful Death
In the aftermath of a Phoenix pedestrian accident, victims and their families may be entitled to various forms of compensation to help them recover from their injuries and losses. Compensation for a pedestrian accident claim typically falls into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages. Additionally, in cases involving fatalities, wrongful death damages may apply.
Economic damages aim to reimburse victims for quantifiable financial losses incurred because of the accident. This may include medical expenses, such as hospital bills, surgeries, medication costs, rehabilitation services, and ongoing medical care. Lost wages and future earning capacity may also be factored in, especially if the injuries result in a temporary or permanent disability that impacts the victim's ability to work.
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, encompass the intangible losses that injured pedestrians experience, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental anguish. These damages seek to compensate victims for the physical and emotional toll the accident has taken on their lives, acknowledging the lasting impact it may have on their well-being and quality of life.
In cases where the pedestrian accident results in the tragic loss of life, wrongful death damages may apply. These damages aim to provide compensation to surviving family members for the loss of their loved one. This may include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and emotional trauma suffered by the surviving family members.
Navigating personal injury claims to pursue compensation for a Phoenix pedestrian accident can be complex and overwhelming. This is especially true while you're dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of the accident. However, with the guidance of an experienced Phoenix pedestrian accident attorney, victims and their families can seek justice and fair compensation for their injuries and losses. A skilled attorney will assess case details, advocate for the victim's rights, and work diligently to recover compensation.
Pedestrian Accident Settlements by Abels & Annes
Abels & Annes can represent you in a successful pedestrian accident claim. Here are just a few of our pedestrian accident settlements:
- $600,000 – Resolved heavily contested claim for pedestrian crossing at night an unmarked crosswalk.
- $300,000 – Policy limits settlement for a woman that was hit by a car while crossing the street.
- $95,000 – Settled case for pedestrian who was hit while in crosswalk.
- $255,000 – Insurance policy limits settlement (plus medical payments) for a pedestrian who suffered significant head injuries after being struck in the crosswalk by a left turning driver.
- $95,000 – Resolved case for a pedestrian that was hit in a crosswalk by a speeding car that was passing stopped cars on the right in a parking lane.
How a Lawyer Can Help with a Phoenix Pedestrian Accident Case
Navigating personal injury claims to pursue compensation for a Phoenix pedestrian accident can be complex and overwhelming. This is especially true while you're dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of the accident. This is not something you have to handle alone. With the guidance of an experienced Phoenix pedestrian accident attorney, victims and their families can seek justice and fair compensation for their injuries and losses.
A skilled attorney will assess the case details, advocate for the victim's rights, and work diligently to recover compensation. They can negotiate with the insurance company on behalf of the victim to pursue a fair settlement that adequately compensates for their injuries and losses. In cases where a settlement cannot be reached, the lawyer can represent the accident victim in court, advocating for their rights and presenting a strong case to seek maximum compensation.
A lawyer ensures that all deadlines and court requirements are met, including the statute of limitations, which dictates the timeframe within which a lawsuit must be filed. By staying organized and on top of these deadlines, the lawyer helps protect the victim's legal rights and ensures that they have the opportunity to pursue their case in court if necessary.
Furthermore, a lawyer provides much-needed support and guidance throughout the legal process. They offer reassurance to the victim and their family, answer questions, and address concerns, easing the burden during a challenging time. A lawyer empowers an injured pedestrian to focus on their recovery while pursuing justice for their injuries and losses.
Contact a Phoenix Pedestrian Accident Lawyer at Abels & Annes
Speaking with a Phoenix injury lawyer is the best way to learn about your legal rights and your options following an accident. This includes whether you may have a valid claim for your injuries. When it comes to finding a lawyer, it is a good idea to work with a firm that has experience working on pedestrian accident claims.
Abels & Annes has years of experience working on pedestrian accident cases involving catastrophic injuries and pedestrian fatalities. Further, we have obtained numerous settlements on behalf of those clients. We are ready to fight just as hard for you.
Our personal injury law firm will work to help you make a financial recovery for your pain and suffering, medical bills, time off work, disfigurement, loss of normal life, and any other loss from the accident. If you receive injuries in an accident, make sure you receive the relief that you deserve. Call us today and let us help you bring a claim for your damages now. We offer free, no-obligation consultations. Contact us 24 hours a day, seven days a week online or by calling (602) 819-5191.