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Hoxie Law
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Personal Injury Attorney

Phoenix
Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

People Over Cases

Pedestrian Accidents in Phoenix

Arizona consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for pedestrians. The combination of wide, high-speed roadways, sprawling intersections, and extreme heat - which can limit pedestrian visibility at night - creates conditions where pedestrian-vehicle collisions occur with alarming frequency.

When a pedestrian is struck by a car, truck, or SUV, the injuries are almost always severe. There is no protective barrier between the human body and a moving vehicle. At Hoxie Law, Joseph Hoxie personally represents pedestrian accident victims and fights to hold negligent drivers accountable.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

  • Failure to yield at crosswalks - drivers are required by law to yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks, yet many fail to do so
  • Distracted driving - texting, phone use, and in-vehicle distractions cause drivers to miss pedestrians in their path
  • Left-turn and right-turn collisions - drivers focused on oncoming traffic fail to check for pedestrians entering the crosswalk
  • Speeding - higher speeds reduce a driver's reaction time and dramatically increase the severity of impact injuries
  • Impaired driving - alcohol and drugs impair judgment, reaction time, and vision
  • Poor infrastructure - missing sidewalks, inadequate lighting, and poorly designed intersections force pedestrians into dangerous situations

Injuries from Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents frequently result in life-altering injuries, including:

  • Traumatic brain injuries and skull fractures
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Multiple fractures to the pelvis, legs, and arms
  • Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
  • Severe lacerations and permanent scarring
  • Fatal injuries - many pedestrian accidents in Arizona are fatal

Arizona Law & Pedestrian Rights

  • Crosswalk rights: Arizona law requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks. Pedestrians also have duties, such as not suddenly entering a crosswalk when a vehicle is too close to stop.
  • Statute of limitations: You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (A.R.S. § 12-542).
  • Comparative negligence: Arizona's pure comparative negligence rule allows recovery even if the pedestrian was partially at fault (for example, jaywalking), though the award may be reduced by the pedestrian's percentage of fault.

Insurance companies routinely attempt to blame pedestrians for their own injuries. An experienced attorney can counter these tactics and ensure the evidence tells the full story.

There is no fee unless we win. Call or text Joseph directly at (480) 896-1040.

Practice Areas

Car Accidents Truck Accidents Motorcycle Accidents Rideshare Accidents Slip & Fall Wrongful Death Pedestrian Accidents Hit & Run Autonomous Vehicle Medical Malpractice
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Pedestrian Accidents

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I am hit by a car as a pedestrian in Phoenix?
Call 911 immediately. Do not move if you suspect a spinal injury - wait for paramedics. If you can, document the scene and the vehicle with photos or video. Get the driver’s insurance and contact information. Ask witnesses for their contact information. Seek medical attention even if you feel okay - adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Contact a pedestrian accident attorney before speaking with any insurance company.
Can I recover compensation if I was jaywalking when hit?
Yes. Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault - for example, crossing outside a crosswalk. Your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not barred from filing a claim. Drivers still have a duty to watch for pedestrians at all times.
Why is Phoenix so dangerous for pedestrians?
Phoenix’s wide, high-speed roadways, sprawling intersections, limited sidewalk infrastructure in some areas, and extreme heat that reduces nighttime visibility all contribute to a high rate of pedestrian accidents. Arizona consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for pedestrians in the country.
What compensation can a pedestrian accident victim recover?
Pedestrian accident victims may recover compensation for medical bills (emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, future treatment), lost wages and diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent disability or disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. In fatal cases, surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Arizona?
Arizona’s statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident (A.R.S. § 12-542). However, evidence deteriorates quickly - surveillance footage may be overwritten, witnesses forget details, and road conditions change. Contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Will the driver’s insurance try to blame me?
Almost certainly. Insurance companies routinely try to shift blame to the pedestrian - claiming you were distracted by your phone, wearing dark clothing, or crossing against the signal. An experienced attorney can counter these tactics with evidence including traffic camera footage, accident reconstruction, and witness testimony.
What if the driver who hit me was texting or drunk?
If the driver was impaired or distracted, this significantly strengthens your claim. Drunk driving and texting while driving are clear evidence of negligence. In cases of extreme recklessness, you may also be entitled to punitive damages - additional compensation designed to punish the driver’s dangerous behavior.
Do pedestrians always have the right of way in Arizona?
Not always, but drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks - both marked and unmarked. Pedestrians also have responsibilities, such as not suddenly stepping into the path of a vehicle that is too close to stop. However, even when a pedestrian shares some fault, Arizona’s comparative negligence rule allows them to recover compensation.

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