A Phoenix Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Who Doesn’t Back Down
Hit while walking? Browne Law Group fights for full compensation. No excuses
Getting hit by a car while walking in Phoenix isn’t just an accident, it’s a life-changing event. One moment you’re crossing the street or walking through a parking lot, and the next, you’re facing broken bones, brain injuries, or worse. In a city where high-speed roads like Thomas Road, Bell Road, and stretches of Camelback see constant traffic, drivers often fail to yield or even notice people on foot. Browne Law Group fights for pedestrians across Phoenix, Maricopa County, and throughout Arizona who’ve been seriously hurt because someone else didn’t follow the rules. We don’t let the insurance companies twist the story or push lowball settlements. You deserve better.
Pedestrian accidents might seem straightforward – someone crossed the line, and someone got hurt – but they’re rarely that simple. Fault can get messy fast when distracted drivers deny responsibility or blame the victim for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. These cases involve serious injuries, steep medical bills, and an uphill battle for fair compensation. Our results include a $1 million settlement and a $750,000 settlement in motor vehicle accident cases because we know how to push back when the other side tries to avoid accountability.
That’s why Browne Law Group goes all in from day one. We gather the evidence, take on the insurance company, and fight for every dollar you’re owed. If you’ve been hit while walking, contact us for a free consultation. We make it easy to get justice. No fees unless we win.
Frequently Asked Questions About Phoenix Pedestrian Accidents
Justice starts with having the right information from a legal team you can trust to tell it straight and stand up for you when it matters most.
- What should I do if I was hit by a car while walking in Phoenix or Maricopa County?
- Who is legally responsible when a pedestrian is hit in a crosswalk in Arizona?
- Do drivers always have to yield to pedestrians at intersections or crosswalks in Phoenix?
- What if I was hit by a commercial vehicle, like a delivery truck or rideshare driver, while walking?
- How does Arizona law define pedestrian right-of-way and what does that mean for my case?
- What are the most dangerous intersections or roads in Phoenix for pedestrians?
- Can I sue if I was hit while walking across the street outside of a marked crosswalk?
- What injuries are common in pedestrian accidents, and how do they affect my compensation?
- How does fault work in pedestrian accident cases in Arizona, especially if the driver blames me?
- What if my child or elderly parent was hit while walking, can I take legal action on their behalf?
- How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim or wrongful death lawsuit in Arizona?
- What if I was hit by a car in a parking lot, apartment complex, or private property in Phoenix or nearby?
- Will the driver’s insurance cover all my medical bills, lost wages, and pain from the crash?
- How much does it cost to hire a Phoenix pedestrian accident lawyer and what if I can’t afford it?
- How can a lawyer help me if the driver’s insurance company already offered a settlement?
What should I do if I was hit by a car while walking in Phoenix or Maricopa County?
Getting hit as a pedestrian can leave you shaken, injured, and unsure about what to do next. Taking the right steps early can protect your health, preserve evidence, and strengthen your case for compensation. Following an accident:
- Call 911 right away: Emergency responders will document the scene and get you medical care immediately.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel okay, some injuries, like internal bleeding or head trauma, can take hours or days to show symptoms.
- Get driver and witness information: If you’re able, collect names, contact details, license plate numbers, and insurance information.
- Take photos of the scene: Pictures of the crosswalk, vehicle, skid marks, and your injuries can all support your claim.
- Contact a lawyer as soon as possible: A pedestrian accident attorney can launch an investigation and deal with the insurance companies so you don’t have to.
The steps you take now could determine what kind of compensation you receive later and a lawyer can help make sure you don’t leave anything on the table.
Who is legally responsible when a pedestrian is hit in a crosswalk in Arizona?
Arizona law gives pedestrians strong protections in marked and unmarked crosswalks, but determining legal responsibility still requires a close look at the facts. The driver isn’t always the only one who may be held accountable. Liable parties can include:
- The driver: Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk and exercise due care under Arizona law.
- Commercial vehicle operators: If a company-owned truck or delivery vehicle was involved, the employer may also share liability.
- Government entities: If poor traffic signal design or a malfunctioning crosswalk light contributed to the crash, the city or county may be partially liable.
- Property owners: In some cases, particularly on private roads or parking lots, property owners may be held responsible for unsafe conditions.
Because multiple parties could share fault, it’s smart to have a lawyer who can identify every liable party and hold them accountable.
Do drivers always have to yield to pedestrians at intersections or crosswalks in Phoenix?
Under Arizona law, drivers are required to yield to pedestrians crossing within a marked crosswalk or at an intersection with no traffic signals. However, many drivers in Phoenix neighborhoods like Encanto or along busy roads like Thomas Road either ignore this rule or claim they didn’t see the person. This failure to yield is one of the most common causes of serious pedestrian crashes. If you were hit in a crosswalk, there’s a strong chance the driver violated the law and a lawyer can help prove it.
What if I was hit by a commercial vehicle, like a delivery truck or rideshare driver, while walking?
When a pedestrian is hit by a truck, delivery van, Amazon truck, or Uber driver, the legal case often involves multiple layers of liability. In Phoenix, crashes near commercial corridors like McDowell Road or around high-traffic areas like Biltmore or downtown often involve corporate-owned or contracted vehicles. In these cases, the driver may be liable, but so might the company that hired or supervised them. A lawyer can help identify all responsible parties and ensure you pursue the full value of your claim.
How does Arizona law define pedestrian right-of-way and what does that mean for my case?
Arizona law gives pedestrians the right-of-way at marked crosswalks and intersections, and even in some unmarked situations if the pedestrian is already in the roadway. However, drivers often misinterpret or ignore these laws in Phoenix suburbs or areas with poorly marked crossings. If you were walking lawfully and a driver failed to yield, that’s a violation of state law and it could significantly strengthen your case. An attorney can use this legal framework to establish fault and fight back against false blame.
What are the most dangerous intersections or roads in Phoenix for pedestrians?
Certain areas in Phoenix are more hazardous for people on foot, with high traffic volumes, poor lighting, and limited pedestrian infrastructure. Crashes in these zones often lead to serious injuries or fatalities:
- 19th Avenue and Camelback Road: One of the most notorious intersections for pedestrian accidents in the Valley.
- 43rd Avenue and Bethany Home Road: A high-crash zone with a history of vehicle-pedestrian collisions.
- Baseline Road between 40th Street and 51st Avenue: Long stretches without crosswalks or signals make this area deadly for pedestrians.
- Van Buren Street in Central Phoenix: Poor lighting and distracted drivers create major risks.
- Grand Avenue near 35th Avenue: A busy commercial corridor with limited pedestrian safety features.
If you were hit in one of these or similar areas, your case may benefit from showing the city’s history of danger – something a lawyer with local knowledge can use to strengthen your claim.
Can I sue if I was hit while walking across the street outside of a marked crosswalk?
Yes, even if you weren’t in a crosswalk, you may still have a case. Arizona’s comparative negligence law means you can recover damages as long as the driver was also at fault, even if you were jaywalking. Many crashes in Phoenix occur on long stretches of road like Bell Road or Baseline Road, where crosswalks are spaced too far apart, leaving pedestrians with few safe options. A lawyer can help argue that the driver still had a duty to slow down, watch for pedestrians, and avoid the crash.
What injuries are common in pedestrian accidents, and how do they affect my compensation?
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries because there’s no protection between the person and the vehicle. These injuries carry serious long-term costs, which must be fully documented to pursue maximum compensation. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): These can lead to permanent cognitive issues and require lifelong care.
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis: These are life-altering injuries with ongoing medical and accessibility costs.
- Broken bones and fractures: Common in pedestrian impacts and often require surgery and rehab.
- Internal bleeding and organ damage: Not always obvious at first but can be fatal or disabling if untreated.
- Severe road rash and disfigurement: These injuries may require skin grafts or reconstructive surgery.
The more serious the injury, the higher your potential compensation, but only if your lawyer can clearly show the full physical, emotional, and financial impact.
How does fault work in pedestrian accident cases in Arizona, especially if the driver blames me?
Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. However, your total award may be reduced based on your share of responsibility. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Pedestrian fault may reduce compensation: If you were jaywalking or crossing against the signal, it may affect the outcome.
- Driver’s duty of care still applies: Even if a pedestrian makes a mistake, drivers must take reasonable steps to avoid hitting them.
- Police reports aren’t always accurate: Initial reports might unfairly favor the driver, but further investigation may tell a different story.
- Insurance companies use fault to undervalue claims: They may try to shift blame to avoid paying full compensation.
Don’t assume you’re out of options just because the driver or insurer says you’re at fault. An experienced lawyer can challenge those claims and fight for what you’re truly owed.
What if my child or elderly parent was hit while walking, can I take legal action on their behalf?
If your child or elderly parent was injured or killed in a pedestrian crash, you may have the right to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim on their behalf. Arizona law allows parents or legal guardians to pursue compensation for minors, and family members can act on behalf of incapacitated adults or deceased loved ones. These cases are common near schools, parks, and senior living areas, like near 75th Avenue and Indian School or along Sun City’s retirement corridors. A lawyer can help your family understand your legal rights and fight for justice and compensation.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim or wrongful death lawsuit in Arizona?
In most pedestrian injury cases in Arizona, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under Arizona law. For wrongful death cases, the two-year clock starts on the date of death. Not the date of injury. However, evidence often disappears quickly in busy areas like downtown Phoenix, so waiting too long can hurt your case. A lawyer can act fast to gather evidence and make sure your claim is filed before the deadline runs out.
What if I was hit by a car in a parking lot, apartment complex, or private property in Phoenix or nearby?
Even when a crash happens on private property, you may still have a strong case for compensation. These incidents can involve unique liability issues depending on who owned, maintained, or operated the property. Here’s what you need to know:
- The driver may still be liable: Negligence behind the wheel, like backing up without looking, is still grounds for a claim.
- Property owners could share fault: Poor lighting, lack of signage, or failure to maintain pedestrian walkways may contribute to the crash.
- Commercial property managers may be involved: In places like shopping centers or apartment complexes, liability may rest with a third-party property management company.
- Police might not respond: Many private property crashes don’t result in formal police reports, so gathering your own evidence is essential.
An attorney can investigate ownership, preserve video surveillance, and help identify all possible sources of liability to strengthen your case.
Will the driver’s insurance cover all my medical bills, lost wages, and pain from the crash?
In theory, the at-fault driver’s insurance should pay for all your damages. But in practice, it rarely works out that easily in serious pedestrian injury cases. For example:
- Coverage may be limited: Arizona only requires minimum liability coverage, which might not come close to covering serious injuries.
- Insurers dispute medical costs: They often challenge the necessity, cost, or source of your medical treatment.
- Non-economic damages are often undervalued: Pain, suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment are real damages that insurers try to minimize.
- UM/UIM coverage may help: Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can kick in if the driver’s policy isn’t enough.
Without a lawyer, it’s easy to miss out on full compensation when insurance companies know how to downplay the real costs of your injuries.
How much does it cost to hire a Phoenix pedestrian accident lawyer – and what if I can’t afford it?
Hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer in Phoenix costs nothing upfront. Most personal injury attorneys, including Browne Law Group, work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. This setup allows injured pedestrians and families, especially those already facing medical bills and lost income, to get high-quality legal help without financial risk. A free consultation can help you understand your rights and whether you have a case worth pursuing.
How can a lawyer help me if the driver’s insurance company already offered a settlement?
If you’ve already received a settlement offer, it’s likely a lowball meant to close your case quickly before you understand what your claim is really worth. An experienced attorney can step in and give you a much clearer picture. A lawyer can help by:
- Reviewing the offer carefully: A lawyer can tell you if the amount covers both current and future medical needs.
- Calculating full damages: This includes lost income, long-term care, lifestyle changes, and non-economic losses like pain and suffering.
- Negotiating for more: Attorneys know how to apply pressure using evidence, expert opinions, and real-world numbers.
- Filing a lawsuit if needed: If the insurer won’t play fair, a lawyer can take them to court and fight for a proper result.
You don’t have to accept the first number they throw at you when it comes to something as serious as your future health and financial stability.
Real justice for injured pedestrians starts here
If you were hit while walking in Phoenix, you deserve more than excuses. You deserve results. A Phoenix pedestrian accident attorney from Browne Law Group will fight to hold the driver accountable and demand every dollar you’re owed. No B.S. No upfront fees. Just a free consultation and a legal team that doesn’t get paid unless you win. Let’s make sure you don’t get left behind. Contact us today.