Is Jaywalking Illegal in Arizona?

In Arizona, jaywalking is not always illegal, but pedestrians must follow traffic laws when crossing roads. State law requires pedestrians to use marked crosswalks at intersections with control signals. If someone crosses between adjacent intersections without a designated crosswalk, they may be violating traffic laws. 

With high foot traffic at intersections and crosswalks, understanding pedestrian laws can help reduce accidents between pedestrians and vehicles.

Jaywalking is a term used to describe crossing a road outside a designated crosswalk or against a traffic control signal. A Phoenix pedestrian accident lawyer can explain whether jaywalking could be considered illegal.

What Arizona Law Says About Jaywalking

Jaywalking is a term often used to describe pedestrians crossing a road outside designated areas, such as marked crosswalks or intersections with control signals.

In Arizona, pedestrian laws outline when and where people can legally cross streets, as well as when crossing may be considered a traffic violation.

Legal Definition and Common Situations

Arizona law requires pedestrians to use crosswalks at intersections with traffic control signals. If a pedestrian crosses between adjacent intersections without a marked crosswalk, they may be in violation of traffic laws.

In areas without traffic-control signals, pedestrians can legally cross as long as they yield to oncoming vehicles. This means that jaywalking is not automatically illegal, but it depends on the situation and whether a pedestrian disrupts the flow of traffic.

Unmarked Crosswalks and Other Pedestrian Crossings

An unmarked crosswalk exists at many intersections, even if there are no painted lines on the road. Pedestrians at crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked, typically have the right of way, but they must still exercise caution. Traffic laws also apply to crossings outside of functional intersections, such as pedestrian tunnels and overhead pedestrian crossings.

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Can You Get a Ticket for Jaywalking in Arizona?

Jaywalking in Arizona can have legal consequences depending on the situation and location. Pedestrians are expected to follow traffic laws when crossing roads, and failure to do so may result in citations or shared liability if an accident occurs.

Traffic Violations and Fines

Some city laws allow officers to issue citations if a pedestrian crosses outside a marked crosswalk or ignores a traffic signal. A pedestrian ticket is usually considered a civil traffic offense, and the fine may depend on local regulations.

Liability in Accidents Involving Jaywalking

If a pedestrian is injured while crossing outside a designated area, determining fault in accidents can be complicated. According to Arizona law 12-2505, the state follows comparative negligence laws, which means that both the pedestrian and the driver may share a percentage of fault.

A pedestrian who fails to follow traffic laws may be partially responsible for their injuries, but a negligent driver who was speeding, distracted, or failed to yield could also bear liability.

How Long do You Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Arizona?

In Arizona, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a pedestrian accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. This legal deadline applies to cases involving injuries caused by a negligent driver, dangerous pedestrian practices, or failure to follow traffic laws. 

In some cases, property owners may also be involved if dangerous roads or a lack of pedestrian signals contributed to the accident. Understanding traffic laws and the rules of negligence can help pedestrians and drivers avoid accidents and determine legal responsibility when one occurs.

Types of Accidents and Injuries Caused by Jaywalking

Jaywalking can increase the risk of accidents, especially in areas with heavy vehicle traffic, fast-moving roads, and intersections with control signals.

The impact of these accidents can vary depending on the speed of the vehicle, the road conditions, and the actions of both the pedestrian and the driver.

Common Accidents Involving Jaywalking

Some of the most common jaywalking accidents include:

• Collisions at Intersections: Accidents between pedestrians and vehicles often happen at adjacent intersections or functional intersections where drivers expect pedestrians to use marked crosswalks. 
• Mid–Block Collisions: Pedestrians crossing roads away from intersections, especially in areas without pedestrian tunnels or overhead pedestrian crossings, are at risk of being struck by oncoming vehicles.
• Hit–and–Run Accidents: In some cases, drivers involved in pedestrian accidents may leave the scene, making it difficult for injured pedestrians to seek compensation. 
• Accidents Involving Distracted or Intoxicated Pedestrians: Pedestrians who are using electronic devices, under the influence of alcohol, or unaware of the direction of traffic may step into the road unexpectedly, increasing the danger to pedestrians and drivers.

Types of Injuries Resulting From Jaywalking Accidents

Some of the most common injuries sustained in jaywalking accidents include:

• Head and Brain Injuries: Pedestrian accidents can lead to concussions or traumatic brain injuries, especially if the pedestrian is thrown onto the pavement.
• Bone Fractures and Crush Injuries: A pedestrian hit by a vehicle may suffer broken bones, including arm, leg, or hip fractures. Crush injuries can occur if a pedestrian is trapped between vehicles or against a fixed object.
• Spinal Cord Injuries and Amputations: Severe accidents may result in long-term mobility issues, including paralysis or the loss of a limb. Amputation injuries can occur in high-impact crashes.
• Fatalities: Pedestrian accident fatality rates tend to be higher when collisions involve high-speed roads, large vehicles, or distracted drivers. Factors in pedestrian deaths often include jaywalking on dangerous roads or in areas with poor lighting.

Traffic laws exist to reduce the number of accidents and injuries, but driver awareness and adherence to traffic laws also play a role in preventing serious harm.

If you or a loved one were injured, a Phoenix catastrophic injury lawyer can review your case and explain your legal options. 

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Consult an Arizona Pedestrian Accident Lawyer at No Cost

Attorneys at Zanes Law handling pedestrian accident cases consider factors such as video surveillance, traffic laws, and accident injury claims. If a negligent driver or another party contributed to the incident, an injured pedestrian may pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.

After a pedestrian accident, injured parties may have questions about liability, damages, and their legal rights. A personal injury attorney can review the circumstances of the accident and explain how Arizona’s claims process works. Schedule a free consultation today.

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