Pedestrian Accidents
Were you hit by a car while out walking, running, or crossing the street? Even a seemingly minor hit from a motor vehicle can cause major physical, emotional, and financial damage to a pedestrian. If you are struggling to recover after being hit by a motor vehicle, you need to speak with a trusted Phoenix pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible. You may be able to recover significant financial compensation to help you get through this difficult time.
At Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer, our practice is focused exclusively on representing people who have been injured by the reckless actions of others. We've seen just how devastating pedestrian accidents can be, and we are committed to demanding justice for people like you. Our team always puts you and your needs first. We work around your schedule and meet wherever and whenever is most convenient for you. Most importantly, we handle all the details of your injury claim, so you can focus on healing.
If you were hit by a car and suffered injuries, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with our compassionate and experienced Phoenix pedestrian accident attorney. We will fight to hold the person who hurt you accountable and demand the money and the justice you deserve for your Phoenix pedestrian accident case.
How a Phoenix Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Help
Your time and energy should be focused on treating and rehabilitating the serious injuries you suffered in a pedestrian accident.
Let a skilled pedestrian accident attorney from our firm manage everything else by:
- Investigating the crash to recover important evidence like accident scene photos, surveillance footage, police accident reports, and eyewitness statements
- Collaborating with accident reconstruction specialists to develop a strong, persuasive claim on your behalf
- Documenting your personal and medical expenses and losses, currently and for the future, so that you can demand compensation that is adequate for your needs
- Aggressively negotiating with the insurance company for a settlement that pays you fair and full compensation
- Pursuing pedestrian accident cases all the way to trial if necessary to secure the best possible outcome
Our Phoenix pedestrian accident attorney goes above and beyond to take care of our clients. We explain what to expect every step of the way, and we are here to answer questions whenever you need us. Contact us now to get started with a free consultation.
Compensation Available in Arizona Pedestrian Accident Cases
If you've been injured in a pedestrian accident that wasn't your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of expenses, such as:
- Medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries and other procedures, physical/occupational therapy, and prescription medication
- Long-term medical expenses, if you suffer permanent disabilities or other chronic health conditions
- Loss of income and employment benefits if your injuries or resulting disabilities impact your ability to return to work
- Physical pain and suffering from your injuries and medical treatments
- Emotional trauma and distress
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement, or permanent disabilities causing a reduced quality of life
No one can tell you what your pedestrian injury claim is worth without taking the time to fully document your losses. Tell us more about your pedestrian accident case during a free initial consultation.
Understanding Your Insurance Coverage in a Phoenix Pedestrian Accident
In most motor vehicle collisions, damages are covered by the at-fault driver's insurance company. However, if you have Medical Payments (Med Pay) coverage attached to your auto insurance policy, you may be able to obtain compensation from your own insurer after being hit by a car. Med Pay will provide partial or total coverage of medical bills, up to the limit of coverage you have purchased through your policy.
If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, you may also be able to turn to your own auto insurance if you were hit by a driver who doesn't have insurance, who fled the scene of the accident, or who doesn't have enough coverage to fully compensate you. With UM/UIM coverage, your insurance company effectively replaces the insurance policy that the at-fault driver should have purchased.
Our team can review insurance policies and help you identify all possible sources of compensation for personal injury claims after a pedestrian accident.
Time Limits for Filing a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Arizonay
In Arizona, the statute of limitations on pedestrian accident claims gives you only two years to file a lawsuit against the person who hit you with their vehicle. If pedestrian accident victims wait too long to file suit, the court will likely permanently dismiss your pedestrian accident case.
If you are pursuing a pedestrian accident claim against the state, a local government, or a public agency, you are required to provide the relevant agency with notice of your claim within 180 days of the accident. Failing to give timely notice of your claim may cause you to forfeit your right to compensation.
It is crucial to speak with a pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible after an accident. Our personal injury attorney can begin working on your case right away and ensure no important deadlines are missed.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
If you have been hurt in a pedestrian accident in Phoenix, you should safeguard your chances of securing compensation by taking the following steps:
- Take photos of the accident scene, ideally right after the pedestrian accident. Try to document details such as your pedestrian accident injuries, any skid marks on the road, the traffic controls at the scene, and weather and lighting conditions at the time of the accident.
- See a doctor as soon as possible so they can examine you and diagnose your injuries.
- Follow all treatment instructions that your medical providers give you.
- Keep copies of bills and invoices for any expenses you have incurred as a result of the accident. Also, keep copies of your pay stubs or income records if you miss time from your job or cannot work after the accident.
- Refrain from discussing the accident, your injuries, or your case on social media. Avoid posting photos or videos of yourself that could undermine any assertions you have made about your inability to work or your diminished quality of life.
- Get legal advice from an experienced Phoenix pedestrian accident lawyer. A seasoned attorney can go over your rights and help you pursue maximum compensation for your pedestrian accident injuries and losses.
Common Injuries Suffered in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians frequently suffer devastating injuries in collisions with motor vehicles, especially when those motor vehicles feature the “slab fronts” commonly associated with today’s trucks and SUVs. Our Phoenix pedestrian accident attorney often sees similar injuries from case to case.
Some of the most common injuries suffered by pedestrians in accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Dislocated joints
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Herniated discs
- Spinal cord injuries
- Nerve damage
- Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
- Head and facial injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Crush injuries
- Traumatic amputation
- Lacerations
- Road rash/burns/skin abrasions
In the most tragic personal injury cases, pedestrians do not survive the impact of the motor vehicle. When this happens, families can demand justice on behalf of their loved one through a wrongful death claim.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Tens of thousands of pedestrians are hit by motor vehicles every year and under a variety of circumstances. However, some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Speeding or driving too fast for the conditions
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Disregarding traffic signals
- Unsafe turns, including failing to signal or look for pedestrians before turning
- Failing to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk or intersection
- Distracted driving, including texting while driving
- Drowsy or fatigued driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Backing up without looking
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance
- Brake or other auto part defects
- Defective road or intersection design
- Negligent road maintenance
- Night driving
- Adverse weather conditions
Alex Silkman
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Alex Silkman is the founder and managing member of Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer. He focuses exclusively on personal injury and wrongful death cases, with the goal of getting truly just results for accident victims and their families...
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