Scottsdale Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrians face many safety issues when walking through busy neighborhoods or on busy streets. Drivers have the responsibility to watch for and drive cautiously around pedestrians, but accidents still happen. If you’ve been struck by an inattentive driver as a pedestrian, you need a Scottsdale pedestrian accident lawyer to evaluate your case and help you secure fair compensation.

Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the injuries sustained can often be severe. You are likely to be left with unexpected medical bills, emotional trauma, and lost wages. When you hire a pedestrian accident lawyer, you gain an ally who can help you secure a fair settlement. At Bleaman Law Firm, P.C., we have over two decades of experience representing personal injury victims.

Pedestrian Accidents in Arizona

Pedestrian accidents occur when a person traveling on foot is struck by a motor vehicle. These accidents can happen on roadways, parking lots, or anywhere with foot traffic. According to the 2024 Arizona Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Crash Facts publication, there were a total of 2,079 crashes involving pedestrians. Of those crashes:

• 263 resulted in a pedestrian fatality
• 1,912 resulted in a pedestrian injury
• 1.72% of all crashes involved pedestrians
• 12.55% of pedestrian crashes were fatal
• 87.45% of pedestrian crashes caused injury

In the majority of cases (1,505), the pedestrian’s condition played no role in the accident. In a small number of cases, alcohol (158), illegal drugs (80), or illness or physical impairment (7) of the pedestrian played a part in the accident.

Pedestrians are at higher risk in areas with high traffic volume. In Scottsdale, Camelback Road, Scottsdale Road, and Shea Boulevard see high pedestrian activity in areas where shopping occurs, such as Old Town or Kierland. Using sidewalks, crosswalks, high-visibility clothing, and staying alert can help pedestrians avoid accidents.

Most pedestrian accidents in Scottsdale are handled at the Maricopa County Superior Court, Central Court Building at 201 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix.

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

Being involved in a pedestrian accident can be frightening and overwhelming. You should always ensure your own safety following an accident. If you are able, there are a few things you can do that can improve your chances of getting a fair settlement. Following the accident, you should:

• Stay at the scene of the accident. Do not leave until you have been cleared by a paramedic.
• Call for emergency services. Police officers can write a report of the accident and provide you with a copy you can use later as evidence.
• Exchange information with the other parties involved. Do not discuss who was at fault or admit to anything.
• Collect names and contact information for any witnesses at the scene.
• Collect evidence, including photos or video of the accident scene and any damage to the vehicle or other property.
• Seek medical attention following the accident, even if you feel fine. Some injuries do not become apparent until hours or days after an accident.
• Hire a pedestrian accident attorney to represent your interests.
• Notify your insurance company of the accident, but do not admit fault for the accident. You are not obligated to talk to any other insurance company.
• Collect documentation of any expenses accrued as a result of the accident.
• Keep a journal to help demonstrate the emotional toll caused by the accident.

FAQs

Do Pedestrians Have the Right of Way in Arizona?

Yes, pedestrians have the right of way in Arizona, but they are also expected to obey applicable traffic laws. Under Arizona’s comparative negligence laws, if a pedestrian is partially at fault for an accident, the total amount of possible compensation can be reduced. Pedestrians can be cited for jaywalking, ignoring signals, or sudden movements into traffic. A trusted attorney can help you understand how this applies in your case.

What Is the First Responsibility that Arizona Requires of Pedestrians?

Arizona requires pedestrians to abide by several rules. Pedestrians are required to use sidewalks whenever they are available. If a sidewalk is not available, pedestrians must walk on the left side facing traffic.

Pedestrians must also use marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections when crossing the street. If crossing anywhere else, the pedestrian must yield right-of-way to all vehicles. Pedestrians are also prohibited from standing on roadways to solicit a ride.

How Much Do Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Charge in Arizona?

Pedestrian accident attorneys do not have a set amount they charge in Scottsdale, Arizona. Pedestrian accident attorneys tend to charge on a contingency fee basis with a sliding fee scale. For simple cases that are settled through negotiations, the fee is generally lower. More complicated cases that require litigation may have a higher fee. If no settlement is reached in the case, then no fee is collected. Fees for your case can be discussed during the initial case review.

What Are Some Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Arizona?

Many of the common causes of pedestrian accidents in Arizona are due to distracted motor vehicle drivers. Accidents are more likely to happen when a driver is texting, drowsy, speeding, or intoxicated. Pedestrian accidents can also be caused by motorcyclists or bicyclists who are improperly using roadways or sidewalks, or by inattentive or distracted pedestrians not following basic road safety rules. More than one party may have responsibility.

Do I Need to Inform My Insurance Company if I Am Involved in a Pedestrian Accident?

Yes, when applicable, you do need to inform your insurance company if you are involved in a pedestrian accident. Waiting too long to report the accident can result in a claim denial or policy cancellation. You should provide your insurance company with the contact and insurance information of other parties and the facts about what happened. Do not minimize or exaggerate any details, and do not admit to fault in the accident.

Contact Bleaman Law Firm, P.C.

Pedestrian accident claims face unique challenges compared to car accident claims. Having an experienced Scottsdale pedestrian accident attorney can help you recover a fair settlement for your injuries. You do not have to face a long recovery without the assistance of a compassionate attorney. Contact Bleaman Law Firm, P.C. to schedule your initial case review.

Scottsdale Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Reviews