Every year, pedestrians throughout Arizona suffer devastating injuries after being struck by cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles. Unlike drivers, pedestrians have no seatbelts, airbags, or vehicle frame to absorb the impact. As a result, even a crash at relatively low speeds can lead to life-changing injuries.
Whether you were hit in a marked crosswalk, a parking lot, a residential neighborhood, or while walking near traffic, you may have the right to pursue compensation if another person’s negligence caused the collision.
At Orange Law, we help injured pedestrians across Arizona investigate crashes, preserve evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue the maximum compensation available.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents often happen because drivers fail to pay attention or obey traffic laws.
Common causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Running red lights
- Failure to yield at crosswalks
- Left-turn collisions
- Right-turn collisions
- Drunk driving
- Backing out without looking
- Driving while fatigued
- Poor visibility
- Reckless driving
- Failure to obey school zone laws
Many of these crashes could have been prevented with ordinary care.
Where Pedestrian Accidents Commonly Occur
Serious pedestrian collisions frequently occur in:
- Crosswalks
- School zones
- Parking lots
- Apartment complexes
- Shopping centers
- Residential neighborhoods
- Downtown intersections
- Gas stations
- Bus stops
- Sidewalk entrances
Busy areas throughout Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Glendale, and Tucson often experience heavy pedestrian traffic.
Common Pedestrian Injuries
Because pedestrians are completely exposed during a collision, injuries are often severe.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken legs
- Broken arms
- Pelvic fractures
- Internal bleeding
- Facial fractures
- Road rash
- Neck injuries
- Permanent disability
- Wrongful death
Many victims require emergency surgery, lengthy rehabilitation, and long-term medical treatment.
Arizona Comparative Negligence
Arizona follows a comparative negligence system under A.R.S. § 12-2505. If a pedestrian is found partially responsible for the accident, compensation may be reduced by that percentage of fault rather than completely barred.
Insurance companies may argue the pedestrian:
- Crossed outside a crosswalk
- Was distracted by a phone
- Entered traffic unexpectedly
- Ignored traffic signals
- Was wearing dark clothing at night
Orange Law carefully investigates each case to challenge unfair attempts to shift blame.
Important Evidence
Strong pedestrian accident claims often rely on:
- Police reports
- Traffic camera footage
- Dashcam videos
- Surveillance footage
- Witness statements
- Accident reconstruction
- Medical records
- Photographs of the scene
- Vehicle damage
- Cell phone records (when distraction is suspected)
Acting quickly helps preserve critical evidence before it disappears.
Arizona Filing Deadline
Many Arizona personal injury lawsuits generally must be filed within two years under A.R.S. § 12-542, although exceptions may apply.
Waiting too long can make it more difficult to recover surveillance footage, locate witnesses, and build a strong case.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Pedestrian accident victims may recover compensation for:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospital bills
- Surgery
- Physical therapy
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Every case depends on the facts, injuries, insurance coverage, and available evidence.
Insurance Companies Often Fight Pedestrian Claims
Insurance companies frequently argue:
- The pedestrian caused the accident.
- The driver could not avoid the collision.
- The injuries are exaggerated.
- Treatment was unnecessary.
- Pre-existing conditions caused the symptoms.
Orange Law conducts independent investigations and works with medical experts to present the strongest possible claim.
How Orange Law Helps Injured Pedestrians
Orange Law helps clients by:
- Investigating the collision
- Preserving evidence
- Interviewing witnesses
- Working with accident reconstruction experts
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Filing lawsuits when necessary
Our goal is to maximize compensation while allowing clients to focus on recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover compensation if I wasn’t in a crosswalk?
Possibly. Every case depends on the circumstances, and Arizona’s comparative negligence law may still allow recovery.
What if the driver fled the scene?
You may still have legal options, including uninsured motorist coverage if applicable.
What if I was partly at fault?
Arizona law may still allow compensation, although damages may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Many Arizona personal injury claims generally must be filed within two years, although exceptions may apply.
Can Orange Law help?
Yes. Orange Law represents injured pedestrians throughout Arizona and fights aggressively to recover full compensation.
Final Takeaway
Pedestrian accidents often leave victims with catastrophic injuries and overwhelming financial burdens. Because insurance companies frequently dispute these claims, acting quickly and preserving evidence is essential.
If you or a loved one was struck by a vehicle anywhere in Arizona, Orange Law is ready to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact Orange Law Today
If you have been injured in an Arizona pedestrian accident, contact Orange Law today for a free consultation.
You pay nothing unless we win your case.