Arizona State University attracts more than 100,000 students, faculty, staff, and visitors every year, making Tempe one of Arizona’s busiest pedestrian environments. With thousands of people walking to class, restaurants, apartments, sporting events, and the Valley Metro Light Rail every day, pedestrian accidents remain a serious concern.
Busy intersections, distracted drivers, rideshare vehicles, scooters, bicycles, and heavy traffic all contribute to the risk of severe pedestrian collisions near campus.
If you were struck by a vehicle near Arizona State University, Orange Law can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Happen Near ASU
Many accidents occur because drivers fail to watch for pedestrians in crowded areas.
Common causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Texting while driving
- Failure to yield at crosswalks
- Running red lights
- Speeding
- Illegal turns
- Rideshare pickup and drop-off confusion
- Impaired driving
- Driver fatigue
- Poor nighttime visibility
Most of these accidents are preventable.
High-Risk Areas Around Arizona State University
Pedestrian crashes frequently occur near:
- University Drive
- Mill Avenue
- Apache Boulevard
- Rural Road
- College Avenue
- Forest Avenue
- Rio Salado Parkway
- Veterans Way
- Valley Metro Light Rail crossings
- Downtown Tempe entertainment district
These areas experience heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic throughout the day and night.
Common Pedestrian Injuries
Victims often suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Broken legs
- Broken arms
- Pelvic fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Facial fractures
- Road rash
- Permanent disability
- Wrongful death
Even low-speed impacts can result in catastrophic injuries because pedestrians have no physical protection.
Who May Be Liable?
Depending on the circumstances, liability may involve:
- Negligent drivers
- Uber or Lyft drivers
- Commercial vehicle operators
- Property owners
- Government entities responsible for roadway design or maintenance
- Other negligent motorists
A thorough investigation is often necessary to identify every responsible party.
Arizona Comparative Negligence
Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence system under A.R.S. § 12-2505.
Even if a pedestrian is found partially responsible for the accident, compensation may still be available, although damages may be reduced according to the pedestrian’s percentage of fault.
Insurance companies often attempt to argue that pedestrians crossed outside a marked crosswalk or entered traffic unexpectedly. Orange Law works to challenge these claims with evidence.
Evidence That Can Strengthen Your Claim
Important evidence may include:
- Police reports
- Traffic camera footage
- Business surveillance video
- Dashcam recordings
- Witness statements
- Cell phone records
- Medical records
- Scene photographs
- Vehicle damage
- Accident reconstruction analysis
Prompt investigation helps preserve evidence before it is lost.
Compensation Available
Victims may recover compensation for:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospital bills
- Surgery
- Physical therapy
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
The value of each claim depends on the injuries, available insurance coverage, and evidence establishing fault.
Common Insurance Company Defenses
Insurance companies frequently argue:
- The pedestrian crossed against the signal.
- The driver could not avoid the collision.
- Injuries are exaggerated.
- Treatment was unnecessary.
- The pedestrian was distracted by a phone.
Orange Law investigates every case thoroughly to protect clients from unfair blame.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I wasn’t in a crosswalk?
You may still have a claim. Every pedestrian accident should be evaluated based on its specific facts.
What if an Uber or Lyft hit me?
You may have claims involving multiple insurance policies depending on the driver’s status.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
Many Arizona personal injury claims generally must be filed within two years, although exceptions may apply.
Can Orange Law help?
Yes. Orange Law represents pedestrians injured throughout Tempe and across Arizona.
Contact Orange Law Today
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident near Arizona State University, don’t wait to protect your legal rights.
Contact Orange Law today for a free consultation.
You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.