Pedestrian safety is a serious concern in Arizona, where thousands of people are injured or killed in traffic accidents each year. While crosswalks are designed to protect pedestrians, accidents can still occur due to a variety of factors.
In this article, we will explore some basic crosswalk and pedestrian laws in Arizona, as well as common injuries suffered by pedestrians who are hit while crossing the street.
One of the most important things for pedestrians to remember is that they have the right of way in crosswalks. This means that drivers are required to stop and allow pedestrians to cross the street safely.
However, pedestrians must also exercise caution and ensure that they are crossing the street safely and within the designated crosswalk area. Failure to do so can result in serious injury or even death.
Unfortunately, even when pedestrians follow all the rules and take necessary precautions, accidents can still happen. In the next section, we will discuss some of the most common injuries that pedestrians suffer when they are hit by a car in a crosswalk.
We will also provide some tips on what to do if you are injured in a crosswalk accident, including whether or not you should hire a lawyer to help you navigate the legal process.
Why Contact the Law Gang
If you were injured as a pedestrian while walking on a street, sidewalk or on a crosswalk then you deserve to be compensated. That is precisely what insurance is for and why it exists. Yet, after a being hit as a pedestrian, it can be quite difficult for an everyday person to get the compensation benefits they are entitled to.
Battling the insurance companies with their lawyers is no easy task which is why you need help and should call the Law Gang today. We will help you and can do the dirty work of negotiation and dealing with the insurance companies so you don’t have to.
No person should have to take on that battle themselves let alone try and get healthy at the same time.
The Law Gang will work hard for you and will try to get the highest settlement possible to make up for your pain, suffering, missed work, doctor bills and other out of pocket expense. Contact us today!
Basic Crosswalk and Pedestrian Laws in Arizona
As pedestrians, it is important to know and follow the basic crosswalk and pedestrian laws in Arizona to ensure safety on the road. Here are some important rules to keep in mind:
Right-of-Way Rules
In Arizona, pedestrians have the right-of-way in crosswalks, whether they are marked or unmarked. This means that drivers must yield to pedestrians who are crossing the street. Additionally, pedestrians must not suddenly leave the curb and enter the crosswalk when a vehicle is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.
Signal Compliance
Pedestrians must obey traffic signals and signs at all times. If there is a pedestrian signal, they should wait for the walk signal before crossing the street. If there is no pedestrian signal, they should obey the traffic signal and only cross when the light is green.
Crossing Locations
Pedestrians should always use marked crosswalks when available. If there is no marked crosswalk, they should cross the street at a right angle to the curb. It is illegal to jaywalk or cross the street between two adjacent intersections with traffic signals.
By following these basic crosswalk and pedestrian laws in Arizona, pedestrians can reduce their risk of being involved in an accident with a vehicle.
It is important to note that if a pedestrian is injured while crossing the street (even by an Amazon truck), they should seek medical attention immediately and report the incident to the police. They may also want to consider hiring a lawyer to help them navigate the legal process and receive compensation for their injuries.
Most often in Arizona, pedestrians are hit while crossing surface streets such as Acoma Dr. or E. Brilliant Sky Dr. Pedestrian injuries normally don’t occur on the major thoroughfares like The Stack, Agua Fria or Santan Freeway.
Pedestrian Injuries and Causes
When it comes to pedestrian accidents, injuries are unfortunately all too common. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most common causes of crosswalk injuries, as well as the typical injuries that pedestrians may suffer.
Common Causes of Crosswalk Injuries
Pedestrian accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, but some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in other distracting behaviors may not see pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Failure to yield: Drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks are a major cause of pedestrian accidents.
- Speeding: Drivers who are going too fast may not be able to stop in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
- Impaired driving: Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol may not be able to react quickly enough to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
Typical Pedestrian Injuries
Pedestrians who are hit by cars in crosswalks can suffer a wide range of injuries, including:
- Broken bones: Pedestrians may suffer broken bones in their legs, arms, or other parts of their bodies.
- Head injuries: Pedestrians may suffer concussions, traumatic brain injuries, or other head injuries if they are hit by a car.
- Spinal cord injuries: Pedestrians may suffer spinal cord injuries that can result in paralysis or other long-term disabilities.
- Cuts and bruises: Even if a pedestrian is not seriously injured, they may still suffer cuts, bruises, and other minor injuries.
If you are a pedestrian who has been injured in a crosswalk, it’s important to seek medical attention (which could include a chiropractor) right away. Even if your injuries seem minor, they could be more serious than you realize. You should also contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Who is usually at fault if a pedestrian gets hit in a crosswalk?
In most cases, the driver of the car is at fault if a pedestrian is hit in a crosswalk. However, there may be situations where the pedestrian is partially at fault. For example, if the pedestrian was jaywalking or crossing against the signal, they may share some of the blame for the accident.
Should a pedestrian who is injured hire a lawyer and why?
If you are a pedestrian who has been injured in a crosswalk, it’s a good idea to hire a lawyer. A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. They can also help you gather evidence and build a strong case to support your claim.
These types of pedestrian accidents can occur within any city of Arizona to include Phoenix, Yuma, Avondale or Casas Adobes.
After an Accident
If you have been injured in a crosswalk accident, there are some important steps you should take to protect your health and legal rights.
Immediate Steps Post-Injury
The first priority after a crosswalk accident is to seek medical attention for any injuries. Even if you feel fine, it is important to get checked out by a medical professional to ensure there are no underlying injuries that could worsen over time.
After seeking medical attention, it is important to gather information about the accident. This includes taking photos of the scene, getting contact information from any witnesses, and exchanging insurance information with the driver who hit you.
Determining Fault and Legal Considerations
Determining fault in a crosswalk accident can be complex. In Arizona, drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, but pedestrians also have a duty to exercise reasonable care for their own safety.
If you have been injured in a crosswalk accident, it is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help determine who was at fault and what legal options are available to you.
When to Consult a Lawyer
If you have been injured in a crosswalk accident, it is important to consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
At our law firm, we have years of experience helping clients who have been injured in crosswalk accidents. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explain your legal options. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
The Law Gang can assist any county within the state of Arizona including Coconino, Greenlee or Graham.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the basic pedestrian right-of-way laws in Arizona crosswalks?
Arizona law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked and unmarked crosswalks, and drivers must come to a complete stop if a pedestrian is crossing the street.
How do pedestrian injuries commonly occur in crosswalks?
Pedestrian injuries in crosswalks often occur due to driver negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, or failure to yield to pedestrians. Pedestrians can also be injured by tripping or falling on uneven or poorly maintained sidewalks.
What types of injuries are typical for pedestrians involved in crosswalk accidents?
Pedestrians involved in crosswalk accidents can suffer a range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, and spinal injuries. In some cases, pedestrian accidents can even be fatal.
What steps should a pedestrian take immediately after being injured in a crosswalk?
If you are injured in a crosswalk, seek medical attention right away. It is also important to document the accident by taking photos of the scene, exchanging contact information with any witnesses, and getting a copy of the police report. It may also be helpful to consult with a personal injury lawyer.
In pedestrian-vehicle collisions within a crosswalk, who is typically held liable?
In Arizona, drivers are typically held liable for pedestrian-vehicle collisions in crosswalks if they were negligent or violated traffic laws. However, pedestrians can also be held partially liable if they were jaywalking or crossing against a traffic signal.
Why might it be advisable for an injured pedestrian to consult with a lawyer following a crosswalk incident?
Consulting with a personal injury lawyer can help injured pedestrians understand their legal rights and options for seeking compensation for their injuries. A lawyer can also help negotiate with insurance companies and represent the pedestrian in court if necessary. And they know the statute of limitations.
