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Phoenix Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Unfortunately, pedestrians are extremely vulnerable road users. When struck by motor vehicles, they almost always suffer severe injuries. The aftermath of a pedestrian accident can turn your entire world upside down – from unexpected medical expenses to lost wages to keeping up with your own monthly expenses to some families dealing with the loss of a loved one.

If you or someone you love was involved in a pedestrian accident in Phoenix or the surrounding areas, you may have valuable legal rights. Hastings & Hastings is here to help. Schedule a free case review to learn how we may be able to help you receive financial compensation for your injuries and suffering. Schedule now.

Arizona Law is On The Side of Pedestrians

After a traumatic accident, it’s normal for victims to blame themselves. This is a confusing time where emotions are running high. It’s important to do your best to take care of yourself and your injuries.

Under the law, pedestrians typically have the right of way, and it is the responsibility of the automobile driver to be aware of their surroundings and watch the road. If a pedestrian is texting, pushing a stroller, doesn’t see the car, or is wearing headphones, it is still the job of the driver to watch out for them. You are at higher risk of injury as a pedestrian or while riding a bicycle, and cars and trucks are large and dangerous vehicles. The risk to pedestrians is much greater and so it is the responsibility of the driver to be careful.

Insurance companies understand this. They also understand that they are legally obligated to pay for the expenses caused by an at-fault driver.

Despite this, insurance companies are still businesses. Their primary concern is often their bottom line. They know that the victim in an accident is likely to be confused and unsure, especially immediately following an accident when evidence and documentation for a personal injury case is the most time-sensitive. This provides them with multiple opportunities to avoid covering the expenses they are obligated to pay.

This is where an experienced Arizona bicycle and pedestrian accident attorney can be most helpful. While you are recovering from the accident, you need a team on your side who will look out for your best interests and ensure your rights are properly protected.

Phoenix Residents Are At High Risk For a Pedestrian Accident

Pedestrian and bicycle accidents can result in serious injuries. A report from the Governor’s Highway Safety Association has concluded that Arizonans are particularly at risk. We have some of the highest rates of pedestrian deaths in the United States. Many of those accidents happen in Phoenix.

While the state is working to decide how to improve these conditions, it’s the job of personal injury attorneys to take care of victims after the accident. While you work to heal your injuries and recover from the effects of the accident on your life, we do our best to ensure a favorable result in your claim against the negligent driver’s insurance.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help Pedestrians

As soon as possible after a pedestrian or bicycle accident, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. Having an attorney involved in the earliest stages allows us to collect important evidence and documentation that isn’t as readily available later on.

The driver’s insurance company will react as soon as they are aware of the accident. They are experienced in these situations. They know what paperwork to look out for, the people to contact, and how the system works.

You should have an experienced Phoenix personal injury attorney doing the same for your best interests. While you are recovering from your injuries, you shouldn’t have to worry about what documents will be most helpful for your claim. You would have to research this information, contact multiple people, and worry that you could be missing something. With over 90 years of experience, the lawyers at Hastings & Hastings have seen these situations before and know what needs to be done to ensure the best result when seeking a settlement to cover the costs of your medical treatment, unpaid days off work, and the mental trauma this accident has caused.

Phoenix Pedestrian Injury Lawyers

What To Do After An Accident As A Pedestrian

After an accident, you need to do your best to take care of yourself. The biggest priorities are to contact the police, seek medical treatment and hire a personal injury lawyer. Contact the attorneys at Hastings & Hastings in Phoenix as soon as possible to schedule a free consultation with one of our licensed Arizona accident attorneys.

Why Should You Pick Hastings & Hastings to Handle Your Pedestrian Injury?

An experienced Arizona accident law firm knows how to get you every dollar you deserve in the event you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence. At Hastings & Hastings, we have been serving Arizona for over 40 years, representing injured victims and their families by battling the insurance companies to make sure you get all the compensation you deserve. At the end of your case, our discount fee puts more money in YOUR pocket, allowing you to take care of what matters most: your health and your loved ones. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s carelessness, recklessness or negligence, don’t wait and call today at 480-706-1100.

Contact The Discount Accident Lawyers® at Hastings & Hastings today.

Stay Safe! The Most Dangerous Places to Walk in Phoenix

There are several areas in Phoenix that are particularly dangerous for pedestrians. It’s vital if you walk in the following areas that you take extra precautions:

  • I-10 Interchange and 7th Avenue
  • State Road 202 and 32nd Street
  • I-17 Interchange and Cactus Road
  • I-17 Interchange and Bethany Home Road
  • I-17 Interchange and Camelback Road
  • I-17 Interchange and Dunlap Avenue

Regardless of where you walk and although the law is often on your side, it is crucial that you take precautions as a pedestrian. Pay attention to your surroundings and do what you can to keep yourself safe.

What Are the Common Causes of Phoenix Pedestrian Accidents?

In 2018, the City of Phoenix experienced a peak of pedestrian fatalities from accidents. Over 100 pedestrians died. Because of many of these accidents occurred at night, the City installed additional lighting to help reduce the number of deaths. However, it did not eliminate all of the issues that cause pedestrian accidents. In addition to poor lighting factors at night that cause motorists to not see, other causes of Phoenix pedestrian accidents include:

  • Drivers who are distracted with their cell phones or distracted by other matters that result in safety issues to pedestrians and other drivers
  • Larger vehicles on the road that cause more serious injuries when these accidents occur
  • The very fact that Phoenix has a warmer climate that is inviting to pedestrians to walk at all times of the day and night
  • The very fact that Phoenix is a walkable city
  • Drivers under the influence of drugs, alcohol, prescriptions, and medical cannabis
  • Roads with higher speed limits can result in fatal injuries to pedestrians
  • Drivers speeding, regardless of the speed limit on the road
  • Crosswalks that are unmarked or unsafe for pedestrians to use
  • Broken or malfunctioning traffic signals
  • A vehicle has faulty brakes or another malfunction
  • The driver of the vehicle or the pedestrian ignores traffic light or crosswalk signals
  • The driver did not slow down while a pedestrian was walking
  • The driver turned into the path of the pedestrian who was already in the intersection
  • The driver did not check thoroughly before backing out of a space or their drive way
  • The driver attempted to pass a vehicle that is stopped because of a school bus or even a cross walk

What Are the Most Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents?

Pedestrian accidents can be critical. They can cause minor injuries or they can cause injuries that can last a lifetime. They can also leave a family without someone they love. Some of the most common injuries caused in Phoenix pedestrian accidents include:

  • Injuries to the spinal cord. Any type of injury to the spinal cord can be devastating and lead to paralysis of some type.
  • Cuts to the body. These cuts can be minor or serious. They cause a risk of infection, pain, and permanent scars that lead to disfigurement.
  • Broken bones. These breaks can be minor or complex that require surgery and rehabilitation, among other things.
  • Pelvic bone injuries. Many pedestrians who are hit by a vehicle suffer from pelvic bone injuries. These injuries are very serious in nature and often require reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation to help you learn to walk again.
  • Traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries can change your entire life. It may cause temporary or permanent disability, issues with cognitive function, and may even require ongoing care.
  • Internal injuries. Internal injuries can range in severity. It could be something as mild from a fractured rib to something as severe as an internal organ that’s ruptured or bleeding. Some internal injuries have few to no signs until it’s too late.

Why It’s Important to Get Medical Care Immediately

It’s important to get medical care immediately if you’ve been in a pedestrian accident in Phoenix even if you don’t feel as if you’ve been seriously injured. As a pedestrian, you don’t have anything protecting your body. A vehicle, which is a minimum of 2600 pounds, has come into contact with your body. If you were very lucky, it only impacted you once and you did not hit the ground or anything else. However, it doesn’t matter if you hit only the vehicle or the vehicle and the ground, that’s still a lot of pressure onto the human body.

You could have internal injuries and not be aware of it. Many internal injuries, including internal bleeding, can be hard to spot until your symptoms are severe. Additionally, getting medical attention as soon as possible can help you protect your potential legal rights.

Why a Phoenix Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Is Helpful

Hiring an experienced Phoenix pedestrian accident lawyer is helpful for several reasons. First, as the victim of a pedestrian accident, you only have two years from the date of the accident to pursue your claim. In addition to the deadline, securing the evidence, and locating and interviewing witnesses as soon as possible can be more easily done by your attorney.

Second, the insurance company isn’t known for playing fair with pedestrian accident victims. The insurance company is a for-profit company. Their job is to keep payouts low and profits high. The job of the experienced pedestrian accident attorneys of Hastings & Hastings is to help our clients get the fair compensation that they deserve.

Ready to get started? Schedule your free consultation now.