Pedestrians can suffer serious injuries in any type of collision with a motor vehicle. Unfortunately, too many distracted or dangerous drivers are on the road, and they can collide with pedestrians, often in crosswalks. At CLS Law, PLLC, our injury law firm represents people like you—injured pedestrians who end up in the hospital because a negligent driver made a mistake.

You deserve an experienced car accident attorney on your team who can dig into the facts, gather evidence, and analyze whether you have a legitimate personal injury claim for compensation. Our legal team can help injury victims recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and future medical expenses. A Gilbert pedestrian accident attorney at CLS Law will be in touch to discuss your case.

Do You Really Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

Yes! A lawyer makes the claims process much easier. If a negligent driver hit you in a car accident, then we can:

  • Investigate the crash to gather evidence and uncover details for your personal injury claim;
  • Contact the insurance company of the at-fault driver to open a claim and complete all necessary paperwork;
  • Help you document your medical records, car accident injuries, lost wages, and other financial losses;
  • Interview witnesses and open settlement talks with the defendant or their insurer to seek compensation for your injuries;
  • File a car accident lawsuit and take additional legal action if necessary to protect your rights under Arizona law.

Car accidents often leave victims suffering from common injuries that cause excruciating pain and a diminished quality of life. Speak with our expert pedestrian accident lawyer today so you aren’t left struggling to file your own claim.

Pedestrian Accident Injuries

A pedestrian can suffer a direct body blow, often at the legs and torso, leading to various personal injury claims, such as:

  • Pelvic fracture
  • Broken leg
  • Hip fracture
  • Knee injury

A collision might also send a pedestrian flying through the air, causing the following injuries upon impact:

  • Concussion and traumatic brain injuries
  • Whiplash and neck injuries
  • Shoulder injuries
  • Compressed nerves and soft tissue injuries
  • Herniated discs
  • Spinal column injuries
  • Paralysis
  • Organ damage

The risk of fatal injuries is also high, particularly when motor vehicles are involved. Pedestrian wrongful death cases occur even at low speeds, but the faster a vehicle is traveling, the more likely the accident will result in fatal injuries. These tragic accidents often happen at the most dangerous intersections, and complying with traffic laws can sometimes be the difference between life and death.

Who is At Fault for Your Pedestrian Accident?

The central question in any pedestrian accident is fault. Who is to blame for your injuries? Once we answer that question, we can take the next step and negotiate a fair settlement under personal injury law.

In many cases, a dangerous or negligent driver is to blame for the accident due to:

  • Driving while distracted
  • Texting and driving
  • Eating and driving
  • Making an illegal turn
  • Failing to yield
  • Running a red light

Some drivers fail to understand Arizona laws regarding right of way, and they might try to sneak past, ending up clipping a pedestrian.

It’s not unusual for the defendant to blame you for crossing outside the crosswalk or entering traffic. However, you can still seek compensation if the driver is at fault, even partially, though your comparative negligence might reduce the amount of fair compensation you receive. With a successful track record in Maricopa County, our accident attorneys can review police reports and build your case to pursue the best possible outcome.

Who Else Might Be to Blame?

Drivers are not always at fault. Sometimes the government is to blame for:

  • Poorly designed crosswalks
  • Missing or malfunctioning lights and signs
  • Road debris or defects that cause a driver to lose control

We can investigate to see if the layout of the intersection is dangerous. If so, we can bring a legal claim against the appropriate government entity.

Financial Compensation for Your Injuries

Our clients seek financial compensation after an accident to help cover the costs and obtain justice. If you have suffered injuries, we can evaluate the monetary value of your damages. Our experienced accident attorneys often help clients in Maricopa County pursue economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. We ensure that reasonable care is taken in assessing each case, providing a thorough evaluation.

Economic Damages

You should receive compensation for:

  • The cost of any medical care and rehabilitation services
  • Lost income or wages, including lost benefits, when you can’t work
  • Property damage

Economic damages are relatively easy to calculate, so share medical bills and a W-2 form with our office. We use this documentation in support of a claim.

Non-Economic Damages

You can receive compensation for the following losses, which are not economic in nature:

  • Bodily pain and inconvenience
  • Sleeplessness and irritability
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of consortium

CLS Law can rely on years of experience to estimate how much to request for these non-economic damages. Give us a call so we can get started.

Punitive Damages

We might also request punitive damages as a form of punishment. We can request them when a driver intentionally strikes you or acts with an evil mind. A drunk driver who flies through an intersection and crashes into a pedestrian is a candidate for punitive damages.

Steps to Take after an Accident in Gilbert

You should try to do as many of the following steps as possible to help your case:

  • Call the police to the accident scene. Assuming you are conscious, you can use your phone to call and tell them the location. A police officer should create an accident report for your case, which is an essential part of a case.
  • Ask the driver who hit you for name and insurance information, as well as registration and license details.
  • Talk to witnesses and ask if you can have their name and contact details. They can testify as to what happened.
  • Request an ambulance, if necessary, to take you to the hospital. You will need immediate medical treatment. Otherwise, head to the hospital or emergency room when you are done at the accident scene.

As soon as your medical condition stabilizes, you can begin a search for a Gilbert pedestrian lawyer to represent you. Remember not to give a recorded statement or anything to an insurance adjuster or private investigator. Insurance companies often reach out immediately after an accident, digging for information. You should point them in our direction.

Arizona Pedestrian Laws

Various laws lay out the duties of pedestrians and motorists. For example, Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-792 states:

  • Motorists must slow down and even stop when a pedestrian is in the crosswalk and on their half of the road. Motorists should also stop if the pedestrian is so close that they are an immediate danger.
  • Pedestrians should not jump into traffic or run in front of a car so that it is impossible for a driver to yield.
  • When a car is stopped at the crosswalk to let a pedestrian cross, another car coming from behind should not pass.
  • Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-793 further requires:
  • Any pedestrian crossing other than in a crosswalk must yield the right of way to vehicles on the road.
  • A pedestrian crossing where a pedestrian crossing or tunnel is provided shall yield the right of way to vehicles on the road.
  • Pedestrians should not cut diagonally between adjacent intersections but should cross only in a marked crosswalk.

These rules protect everyone on the road. It is critical for pedestrians to follow them. Even if jaywalking is convenient, you could end up harming your case. A negligent pedestrian will have their compensation reduced by their share of fault.

Other safety tips include walking with a flashlight at night and never standing in the road, even if you are waiting for an Uber or trying to get a taxi. Stay on the sidewalk where it is safer.

Reach Out to a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Gilbert Today

At CLS Law, PLLC, we provide the highest level of service to our neighbors in Gilbert. After a pedestrian accident, you should reach out to our legal team to discuss the crash and learn more about your legal rights. We have obtained several million-dollar settlements for injured victims like you, and we are eager to hear your story. Call us today (855) 257-9467 to schedule a free consultation and find out more about how we can help with your case.