Pedestrian Accident: How to Maximize Your Settlement

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Mesa

• Distracted Driving: Texting, phone calls, or even changing the radio can take a driver’s attention away from the road.
• Speeding: High speeds reduce reaction times, making it difficult to avoid pedestrians.
• Failure to Yield: Drivers failing to yield at crosswalks or intersections is a major factor in many pedestrian accidents.
• Drunk or Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence significantly raises the risk of hitting a pedestrian.
• Poor Visibility: Accidents often occur at dawn, dusk, or during bad weather when visibility is low.
• Unsafe Road Conditions: Poorly marked crosswalks, lack of pedestrian signals, and other unsafe road designs can contribute to accidents.

Arizona Pedestrian Laws

• Pedestrians must use crosswalks whenever available and obey pedestrian signals.
• Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked crosswalks.
• Jaywalking is prohibited and may impact a pedestrian's ability to recover compensation if they are struck while crossing outside a designated area.
• Pedestrians should walk on sidewalks when accessible and walk facing traffic if no sidewalks exist.

Arizona Pedestrian Accident Statute of Limitations

Pedestrian Deaths in Arizona

• Arizona consistently ranks among the top five states for pedestrian fatalities.
• According to recent reports, over 250 pedestrians lose their lives annually in Arizona traffic accidents.
• A significant percentage of these fatal accidents occur in urban areas like Mesa, where traffic congestion and pedestrian activity are high.

Most Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries in Mesa

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Ranging from concussions to severe brain damage with long-term effects.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These can potentially result in partial or complete paralysis.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Arms, legs, ribs, and hips are particularly vulnerable.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to vital organs or internal bleeding can require immediate medical intervention.
• Lacerations and Soft Tissue Injuries: Cuts, bruises, and sprains are common following an accident.

What to Do After Being Hit by a Car as a Pedestrian

1. Assess for injuries: It’s crucial to remain calm, and avoid making any sudden movements that could worsen any injuries you’ve sustained. If possible, carefully move to a safe location where you can wait for emergency responders to arrive. 
2. Call the authorities: Likely, the driver or witnesses have already called 911, but if not, ask and request that someone call. Ensuring that the police make an official report and that you receive medical attention is crucial. 
3. Seek medical attention: Even if you do not feel injured, you need to be seen by medical professionals. Shock can mask injuries, and some symptoms or bruises may not appear right away. By getting checked, you not only protect your health but also create an official medical record that can be invaluable for your claim.
4. Get the driver’s information: The driver has a duty to stop and render aid, carefully speak to them and ensure that you get their name, contact information, and their license plate. 
5. Gather evidence: If you are able to, take pictures of the accident and document the scene with anything that can be used as evidence in a court hearing. Talk to witnesses, get their contact information, and take the time to write down what you remember about the accident. 
6. Contact an attorney: Hire an experienced personal injury attorney to help guide you through the legal process, speak with insurance companies, and evaluate the actual value of your claim. 

Who is Liable in a Pedestrian Accident Case?

Factors that Affect Your Settlement

• Insurance Coverage: Unfortunately, you cannot choose how much insurance coverage the driver who hit you has. There are options if the driver who hit you doesn’t have insurance, but by evaluating their coverage and your own insurance policies, your legal team can explain the best course of action for your claim.
• Fault & Liability: Determining who was liable for the accident or if you share fault with the driver is crucial in settling the case. 
• Severity of Your Injuries: More serious injuries require larger settlements to ensure you receive the financial compensation to cover the cost of your medical treatment or any physical therapy or rehab you need. 
• Impact on Your Life: The severity of the injuries you suffer can significantly impact your life. Facing life-threatening injuries can have you missing work for an extended period of time. You can be left with disabilities or injuries, and you could be attending rehab and physical therapy for many years to come. These factors should be considered when seeking a settlement, and a personal injury lawyer will be able to help calculate these damages and determine how much your settlement could be worth. 
• Risk Tolerance: Insurance companies often try to entice injured people to prematurely accept a low settlement offer. Hiring a personal injury attorney who can help determine the actual value of your claim and negotiate your injury claim will ensure that you receive the maximum compensation for your case.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Expect After a Pedestrian Accident in Mesa?

1. Medical Expenses: Covers hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and future medical needs.
2. Lost Wages: Compensation for time away from work due to injury and loss of future earning capacity.
3. Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages to address physical pain, emotional trauma, and mental anguish.
4. Property Damage: Reimbursement for personal property damaged during the accident, such as phones or clothing.
5. Wrongful Death Damages: For families who have lost a loved one, compensation may include funeral costs, loss of companionship, and more.

Seeking the Help of a Pedestrian Accident Attorney to Prove Negligence