Our Phoenix pedestrian accident lawyers see and speak with injured pedestrians every day. For this reason, we know that pedestrian accidents in Phoenix often involve complex factors, and understanding these incidents requires an examination of how they occur and their effects.
Prevalent Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
In Phoenix, several common factors contribute to pedestrian accidents. Distracted driving is a significant issue, with drivers often focusing on their phones or other devices rather than the road. Speeding also plays a crucial role, as higher speeds reduce reaction time and increase the severity of accidents.
Another frequent cause is failure to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections. Even though pedestrians have the right of way, many drivers fail to observe this rule. Impaired driving, whether due to alcohol or drugs, further exacerbates the risk to pedestrians. Additionally, poor street lighting and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, such as missing sidewalks or crosswalks, increase the likelihood of accidents.
Consequences of Pedestrian Accidents
The consequences of pedestrian accidents are often severe and can be catastrophic. Pedestrians are extremely vulnerable, and even low-speed collisions can result in serious injuries like broken bones, head trauma, and internal injuries. Arizona reported nearly 1,850 pedestrian accidents in 2021, leading to significant fatalities and injuries.
Victims may face long-term medical treatments, rehabilitation, and significant emotional distress. Pedestrian accidents claim thousands of lives and cause tens of thousands of injuries annually. These accidents often result in substantial financial burdens due to medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs. The overall impact extends to families and communities, who suffer from the loss or incapacitation of loved ones. This is why a personal injury claim is often necessary after accidents involving pedestrians.
Being hit by a car as a pedestrian can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity based on the circumstances of the accident. Some common injuries include:
- Fractures and Broken Bones: The impact can cause fractures in the legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis.
- Head Injuries: These can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which can have long-term effects on cognitive and motor functions.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the injury.
- Internal Injuries: The force of the impact can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys.
- Lacerations and Abrasions: Cuts and scrapes are common, especially if the pedestrian is thrown to the ground or against another object.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons can lead to sprains, strains, and tears.
- Psychological Trauma: The emotional impact of being hit by a car can lead to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Immediate medical attention is crucial for diagnosing and treating these injuries effectively.
Each state in the country has their own specific laws that grant legal protections and rights to the victims of a personal injury caused by the negligent actions of another. In most cases in Arizona, victims of a pedestrian accident can be awarded compensatory damages and punitive damages. Compensatory damages fall into two separate categories – economic and non-economic damages:
- Economic Damages: These damages would be the hard costs of the pedestrian accident. (medical and hospital bills, lost wages and emergency transportation)
- Non-Economic Damages: These damages would cover the intangible costs of your pedestrian accident. They would include the impact of the accident on your quality of life, pain and suffering and loss of consortium.
The categories that fall under each of these damage types are:
- Medical & Hospital Bills
- Lost Income (Past, Present & Future)
- Pain & Suffering
- Loss of Consortium (Impairment of Affection & Companionship of a Spouse)
- Mental Anguish & Emotional Distress
- Costs of Funeral (Wrongful Death Cases)
- Punitive Damages (Injury Claims Involving Particularly Egregious Conduct)
