A Goodyear Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Who Fights Back When You’re Blamed for What Happened
Hit while crossing the street? We hold drivers and insurance companies fully accountable
Drivers in Goodyear blow through crosswalks on Yuma Road, roll past signals near McDowell and Cotton, and treat pedestrian right-of-way like a suggestion. Yet when someone on foot gets hit, the blame almost always shifts toward the person walking. “They weren’t paying attention.” “They came out of nowhere.” It’s a pattern seen too often in Maricopa County and one that insurers are all too eager to exploit.
However, Arizona law is clear: pedestrians have rights in both marked and unmarked crosswalks. But getting those rights respected takes more than the law. It takes a legal team that’s not afraid to challenge the excuses and demand the truth – one with a track record of real results, including multi-million-dollar settlements for injury victims across Arizona.
Browne Law Group fights for injured pedestrians who’ve been blamed for simply walking where they had every right to be. We know how to investigate these cases, expose negligent driving behavior, and push back when insurance companies try to shortchange the people they hurt. Whether the crash happened near a school, shopping center, or residential intersection, we help victims pursue the full compensation they’re entitled to for medical bills, lost income, long-term health issues, and more.
If you or a loved one was hit by a car in Goodyear, we make it easy to get justice. Contact Browne Law Group for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Goodyear Pedestrian Accidents
Liability after a pedestrian accident can be twisted by insurers and at-fault drivers, but the right legal information from a trusted authority helps victims stand their ground, assert their rights, and pursue the full compensation they deserve.
- What are my rights if I was hit while using a crosswalk in Goodyear or surrounding areas?
- Can I file a claim if I was injured while walking near a construction site or business driveway in Maricopa County?
- How does Arizona law define liability in pedestrian accidents involving marked and unmarked crosswalks?
- What happens if the driver who hit me in Goodyear claims I “darted into the street?”
- Can I still pursue compensation if I wasn’t in a crosswalk when the crash happened?
- Who is responsible if I was hit by a delivery truck, rideshare vehicle, or commercial van while walking?
- What kind of evidence strengthens a pedestrian accident claim in Goodyear or nearby communities?
- What are common injuries in pedestrian crashes, and how do they affect the value of a legal claim?
- What if my child or elderly parent was hit by a car while walking near a school or care facility?
- Can I still file a claim if the driver fled the scene or gave false information after the crash?
- What deadlines apply to filing a pedestrian injury lawsuit in Arizona, and are there exceptions?
- How does comparative negligence impact compensation if the insurance company says I was partially at fault?
- Why do insurance companies often try to downplay pedestrian injuries or delay paying claims?
- What legal options do I have after a fatal pedestrian accident in Goodyear or Maricopa County?
- Why is it important to have a Goodyear hit by a car lawyer who understands local traffic and liability laws?
What are my rights if I was hit while using a crosswalk in Goodyear or surrounding areas?
Pedestrians in Arizona, including Goodyear, have specific rights when crossing the street:
- Legal right of way: Pedestrians have the right of way in both marked and unmarked crosswalks.
- Protection in school zones: Drivers must yield to pedestrians in school zones, and speeding in these areas carries enhanced penalties.
- Eligibility for compensation: Victims may seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
Even if the driver claims you “darted out,” Arizona law is on your side. A lawyer can help gather witness statements, traffic cam footage, and expert opinions to protect your rights.
Can I file a claim if I was injured while walking near a construction site or business driveway in Maricopa County?
Yes, you may have a valid claim if a driver hit you while entering or exiting a construction site or commercial driveway, for example, along busy corridors like McDowell Road or Dysart Road. Property owners, construction crews, and delivery drivers all have a legal duty to watch for pedestrians in these shared spaces. Liability could rest with the driver, their employer, or even the site manager depending on conditions, signage, and visibility. A lawyer can investigate site conditions and gather evidence to hold the right parties accountable.
How does Arizona law define liability in pedestrian accidents involving marked and unmarked crosswalks?
Determining liability involves the driver’s behavior and whether the pedestrian was within their legal rights:
- Marked crosswalks: Drivers must yield to pedestrians legally crossing in designated crosswalks.
- Unmarked crosswalks: Arizona law recognizes implied crosswalks at intersections even if not painted, and pedestrians still have the right of way.
- Failure to yield: If the driver failed to yield or ignored traffic control devices, they are likely liable.
A lawyer can show how local traffic rules, including right-of-way laws, apply to your specific location and strengthen your case.
What happens if the driver who hit me in Goodyear claims I “darted into the street?”
This is a common defense tactic on roads like Van Buren or Yuma Road where drivers often speed through pedestrian zones. However, Arizona law gives pedestrians the right of way in marked or unmarked crosswalks and doesn’t excuse a driver who wasn’t paying attention. A skilled lawyer can challenge this excuse by reconstructing the crash, identifying witnesses, and securing surveillance footage. The goal is to shift the narrative from blame to accountability.
Can I still pursue compensation if I wasn’t in a crosswalk when the crash happened?
Yes. While being in a crosswalk strengthens your case, Arizona law doesn’t automatically bar claims if you’re not. You still have rights as a pedestrian, and drivers have a duty to avoid hitting someone in the road, even outside marked crossings. If the driver was speeding, distracted, or failed to yield, they may still be liable. A lawyer can help show how the driver’s actions, not your location, caused the crash.
Who is responsible if I was hit by a delivery truck, rideshare vehicle, or commercial van while walking?
Multiple parties may be liable in pedestrian crashes involving commercial or rideshare vehicles, including:
- The driver: The person operating the vehicle may be held personally liable for negligence.
- An employer or company: Businesses like Amazon or Uber may share responsibility depending on the driver’s status and duties at the time.
- The vehicle owner or maintenance provider: If faulty equipment or poor maintenance played a role, others may be liable too.
These cases are complex. A lawyer can identify all liable parties and help pursue the full compensation you deserve.
What kind of evidence strengthens a pedestrian accident claim in Goodyear or nearby communities?
Strong evidence can make or break a pedestrian injury claim, including:
- Crash reports and witnesses: Statements from police and bystanders provide key support.
- Traffic camera or surveillance footage: Many Goodyear intersections, including those along Estrella Parkway, are monitored.
- Medical records and injury photos: Documentation helps prove the extent and cause of injuries.
- Expert testimony or accident reconstruction: Professionals can recreate the scene and confirm fault.
Gathering this evidence quickly can improve your chances. A lawyer can act fast to preserve what matters before it’s lost or altered.
What are common injuries in pedestrian crashes, and how do they affect the value of a legal claim?
Pedestrian crashes often result in life-changing injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Often caused when the head hits the pavement or vehicle.
- Spinal injuries and paralysis: Common in impacts with trucks or SUVs.
- Broken bones and internal bleeding: From being knocked to the ground or run over.
- Psychological trauma: Anxiety, PTSD, and depression can also be part of the claim.
The severity, cost of treatment, and long-term impact on your life all increase the value of your claim. An experienced lawyer will know how to document this for maximum compensation.
What if my child or elderly parent was hit by a car while walking near a school or care facility?
Children and elderly pedestrians are vulnerable in areas like school zones near Centerra Mirage or near assisted living facilities along Estrella Parkway. Arizona law imposes heightened duties on drivers in these areas, including reduced speed limits and yield obligations. Claims involving children or older adults often involve complex damages and long-term care costs. A lawyer can help families pursue compensation and justice for these life-altering injuries.
Can I still file a claim if the driver fled the scene or gave false information after the crash?
Yes. Hit-and-run crashes are all too common in Maricopa County, but victims still have legal options. You may be able to file an uninsured motorist claim through your own auto insurance or pursue third-party liability if surveillance footage or witnesses identify the driver. A lawyer can track down evidence and work to hold the at-fault party accountable, even if they tried to disappear.
What deadlines apply to filing a pedestrian injury lawsuit in Arizona, and are there exceptions?
In Arizona, the general statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the crash. However, if the victim is a minor or if the case involves a government entity (like a city-owned vehicle), shorter notice deadlines may apply, sometimes as soon as 180 days. Missing a deadline can permanently bar your claim. That’s why it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to make sure everything is filed correctly and on time.
How does comparative negligence impact compensation if the insurance company says I was partially at fault?
Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning:
- Damages can be reduced, but not barred: You can recover damages even if you were partly at fault, but your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000.
- Fault assignment is disputed: Insurance companies often inflate fault so they can pay you less.
An attorney can push back against unfair blame and make sure your actual share of fault, if any, is fairly assessed.
Why do insurance companies often try to downplay pedestrian injuries or delay paying claims?
Insurance companies are financially motivated to minimize payouts. They do this through:
- Denying or delaying tactics: Hoping you’ll settle for less out of frustration or desperation.
- Blaming the victim: They may suggest you weren’t paying attention or were jaywalking.
- Lowball Offers: Common when injuries aren’t immediately visible.
You don’t have to accept less than what your case is worth. A lawyer who’s dealt with these tactics before can keep your claim on track.
What legal options do I have after a fatal pedestrian accident in Goodyear or Maricopa County?
Surviving family members may have several paths to justice, including:
- A wrongful death claim: Allows spouses, children, and parents to seek compensation.
- Loss of financial and emotional support: Claims can account for lost wages, companionship, and household contributions.
- Funeral and burial costs: These can be part of the settlement or verdict.
Pursuing a wrongful death claim won’t undo the harm, but it can bring closure and financial security. A lawyer can guide families through the process with care and experience.
Why is it important to have a Goodyear hit by a car lawyer who understands local traffic and liability laws?
Local experience matters when your case is on the line. A local attorney can offer:
- Knowledge of dangerous intersections: Like Yuma and Sarival or Estrella Parkway near schools.
- Understanding of local law enforcement reports: Police reports can vary in quality. Knowing how Goodyear PD handles them helps.
- Familiarity with judges and insurance tactics in Maricopa County: Local lawyers know what to expect in court and during negotiation.
The right lawyer isn’t just skilled, they’re rooted in the area and ready to fight for you.
Real respect. Real compensation. No excuses.
If you were hit while walking in Goodyear or lost someone you love to a driver’s negligence, you deserve real answers and real accountability. Browne Law Group has the experience, resources, and reputation to take on tough cases and demand full compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain. Talk to a trusted Goodyear pedestrian accident attorney today. Your consultation is free, and you pay no legal fees unless we win. A member of our team is available to hear from you 24/7. Contact us now.