According to Motor Vehicle Crash Facts for the State of Arizona, there were 1,697 total pedestrian accidents in 2019. Of those accidents, approximately 11.7% were fatal. If you are involved in a collision with a pedestrian, you may be worried about who is at fault. On the other hand, if you are a pedestrian who is injured by a driver, you may have the same question.
It is important to understand that legislation governing pedestrian and motor vehicle driver behaviors will vary between states. That’s why it is so important to review Arizona laws if you are involved in a pedestrian accident in this state. Our knowledgeable team of Phoenix personal injury attorneys share a brief overview of Arizona pedestrian laws.
Arizona Laws Regarding A Pedestrian Accident
In Arizona, “pedestrian” refers to not just people walking on foot but also to runners and people who are in wheelchairs, whether motorized or manual. Most accidents involving pedestrians happen in urban areas with the majority of those occurring in Phoenix and Maricopa County.
All drivers must do the following:
- Yield to people who are crossing within a crosswalk
- Reduce speed to 15 miles per hour or less when driving in a school zone
- Avoid passing a vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk
- Avoid passing a school bus with the lights flashing and the stop sign extended
These requirements are intended to prevent a pedestrian accident. In addition to motor vehicle laws, there are also rules that pedestrians must follow, including:
- Yield the right-of-way to vehicles when not in the crosswalk
- Avoid suddenly walking or running out into the path of an oncoming vehicle
- Follow all traffic control signals when crossing at intersections
- Walk along the right half of the crosswalk when possible
- Avoid walking on a roadway even when a sidewalk is unavailable (an alternate route should be taken)
- Walk on the left side of the shoulder facing traffic if there is no sidewalk or alternate route available
- Cross at a marked crosswalk in intersections where traffic control signals are operating
When determining fault in a pedestrian accident, it is necessary to determine whether the driver, the pedestrian, or both broke the law. Motorists are legally required to obey all traffic laws and drive with reasonable care. If a driver fails to do so and injures or kills someone, the driver can be sued for negligence. Working with an experienced Phoenix car accident lawyer can help you with your claim and hold the negligent party responsible.
Pedestrians are also legally required to exercise reasonable care when traveling along roadways. Failure to do so (by running unexpectedly into the road or crossing outside of a marked crosswalk, for example) could result in him or her being sued for negligence in the event of a pedestrian accident.
Get Legal Help After a Pedestrian Accident
If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, it is in your best interest to contact a skilled pedestrian accident attorney in Phoenix as soon as possible. An attorney can advise you about what steps you need to take to protect yourself against a lawsuit or help you file a suit against the responsible party. Contact Sargon Law Group to request a complimentary, obligation-free consultation.