Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Phoenix, AZ

Choosing the right personal injury attorney for your pedestrian accident is about finding an attorney who will approach every claim as if it’s going to trial – because that’s your edge at the negotiating table.

If you or a loved one are the victim of a pedestrian accident, the personal injury attorneys at Nunez & Associates are poised to stand by your side and fight. Careless, distracted drivers must be held responsible for the harm they cause and we know exactly how to collect and organize evidence to create an effective, compelling claim that will result in the compensation you deserve.

Pedestrian Accidents and Fatalities

Pedestrians are especially at the mercy of automobiles, trucks and motorcycles. There is no guarantee of safety for a pedestrian who lawfully crosses at a crosswalk, on a green light, or even while walking on a sidewalk. Pedestrians are at risk in parking lots as well from cars backing out or speeding down lanes.

Pedestrian accidents and fatalities are on the rise, many of which may be due to the proliferation of cell phones and their use while driving. Statistics from the National Safety Council and the Governor’s Highway Safety Association demonstrate the dangers pedestrians face on our roadways:

• 6,100 pedestrians were killed in 2013
• 75,000 to 80,000 pedestrians are injured by motor vehicles each year
• 70% of pedestrian accidents occur between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• In 2013, Arizona ranked 7th in the number of pedestrian fatalities among the states, with 151 pedestrian deaths
• Pedestrians 65 and over account for 20% of pedestrian fatalities

Factors in Pedestrian Accidents

A major factor in pedestrian accidents is the motorists’ failure to recognize that when making a left turn, a pedestrian has the green light or walk signal to cross the street. When turning right, motorists often fail to look for traffic on their right, including pedestrians. Prominent signage warning motorists to look for pedestrians can help as well as news outlets and other media calling attention to the problem.

Other causation factors include:

• Distracted drivers
• Impaired motorists
• Poor visibility at intersections and crossings
• Motorists who are speeding and fail to stop in time

How to Reduce the Risk

Sometimes just common sense can reduce the risk of being a statistic in a pedestrian accident. Some tips to follow include:

• Stop and look both ways before crossing the street, even in a crosswalk with the light in your favor
• Put away your cell phone when crossing the street
• Do not wear headphones when crossing the street
• If no sidewalk is available, walk on the shoulder facing traffic
• If crossing with no light, try to make eye contact with the motorist before crossing
• If you have been drinking, be especially vigilant when crossing the roadway
• Walk defensively; assume cars will not stop and motorists do not see you
• Consider using a flashlight or light on your cell phone when crossing a dimly lit street at night

Communities can assist by instituting educational programs or by doing the following:

• Have crossing guards at high pedestrian crossing sites
• Install flashing lights at long crosswalks to alert approaching traffic
• Place signs before crosswalks alerting drivers of pedestrians
• Introduce measures to slow traffic down
• Install red light and speed cameras to nab violators
• Create refuge islands for pedestrians

Consult an experienced personal injury lawyer if you were injured in a pedestrian accident. You may be entitled to personal injury protection benefits that will pay for your medical expenses, compensate for lost earnings, and replace other out-of-pocket expenses.

For additional compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings and other economic losses, and for non-economic damages including pain and suffering, your attorney can bring a personal injury claim against the negligent motorist.

Our team is ready to help you. Request a free consultation today.