Pedestrian Accidents

It should come as no surprise that pedestrian accidents involving motor vehicles frequently result in serious bodily injury or death. According to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA), pedestrian fatalities have increased more than any other traffic-related death in recent years. And Arizona is no exception. In 2016, Arizona had the highest rate of pedestrian deaths in the nation.

In the U.S. in 2016, a total of 5,987 pedestrians were fatally injured in crashes involving a motor vehicle. And in 2015, 129,000 pedestrians visited the emergency department for their injuries. Pedestrians are far more likely to be killed in an accident than occupants of motor vehicles.

The Zanes Law pedestrian accident lawyers in Mesa, AZ know how devastating a pedestrian accident can be for the entire family. If the victim survives, he/she will likely require extensive medical treatment to recover. In addition to the pain and suffering involved with a serious personal injury, the cost of medical expenses and income loss can put many families over the edge.

With a continued increase in distracted driving, due in large part to texting while driving, pedestrian accidents continue to occur at an alarming rate. A pedestrian accident lawyer in Mesa, AZ will help you determine how to proceed if you have been injured due to another’s negligence. We will work with the insurance companies, gather evidence, and shoulder the burden of this complex process so that you can recover from your accident.

If you live near Phoenix, Arizona and need a pedestrian accident lawyer, please visit our Phoenix pedestrian accident lawyer page.

Pedestrian Accidents in Arizona

The leading causes of pedestrian injury in Arizona include:

• Distracted driving
• Fatigued driving
• Walking on highways because of vehicle breakdowns
• Drunk driving
• Speeding
• Reckless driving
• Drivers who run red lights or fail to stop completely at stop signs
• Drivers who fail to observe the rules of crosswalks

Pedestrian accidents can result in minor bumps and bruises, serious injuries, and even death. The legal team at Zanes Law wants to remind all drivers about the importance of paying attention to the road. Do not text or talk on the phone and drive. Make a conscious effort to protect yourself, everyone in your car, and everyone you share the road with.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident involving a motor vehicle, follow the tips below to stay safe and protect your rights.

• Move the victim to a safe area if possible. If injuries are serious, you may need to wait until medical personnel arrives.
• Call 911. Even if injuries do not appear to be serious, having an official police report can be of immense benefit if you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party.
• Take pictures of the scene of the accident, including any property damage or visible injuries. If you are unable to take the pictures, ask any witnesses if they can help.
• Follow the directions of your healthcare provider after the accident. If you are scheduled for a doctor’s appointment, do not miss it. Having a record of your visits and medications can help to substantiate your claim.
• Do not deal directly with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
• Call an experienced motorcycle accident attorney serving Mesa, AZ. We will deal with medical paperwork and negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Keep in mind that the primary goal of any insurance company is to pay out as little as possible. When victims of injury accidents negotiate directly with insurers, it is not uncommon for the insured to accept the initial offer. Unfortunately, the initial offer is generally quite low.

Fortunately, you are not alone in this fight. At Zanes Law, we understand how insurance companies think. We will negotiate for a fair settlement, and if they refuse to settle or offer an unreasonably-low settlement amount, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our legal team can meet with you in our office, at your home or work, or even at the hospital.

Once you have sought medical treatment, the most important thing to do following a motorcycle accident is to contact a motorcycle accident attorney immediately. You have a limited timeframe within which to file a claim, and the insurance company may impose additional time limitations on claims for pedestrian injuries. Contact Zanes Law today at 866-499-8989

High-Risk Groups

Although anyone can be injured or killed in a pedestrian accident, certain groups of people have a higher risk. These include:

• Adults ages 65 and older—About 20 percent of all pedestrian deaths are older adults.
• Children under the age of 15—Pedestrians account for one in every five traffic-related fatalities of children.
• Intoxicated pedestrians—Approximately 33 percent of fatal pedestrian accidents involve a pedestrian whose blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is above the legal limit.

Contact a Mesa, AZ Personal Injury Lawyer Today

A pedestrian accident lawyer in Mesa, AZ at Zanes Law will do everything A to Z to help you. We will ensure that you understand your legal options before making any decisions. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, funeral expenses, and other associated costs.

It is our goal to get you the compensation you deserve in a timely manner so that you can get on with your life. Let us help you. Contact Zanes Law today at 866-499-8989 for a free and confidential consultation about your case.