Arizona has been ranked as the second most dangerous state for pedestrians and cyclists, highlighting a critical public safety issue. According to recent data, the state has experienced an alarming number of fatalities involving pedestrians and cyclists, placing it among the most dangerous places in the U.S. for non-motorized road users.
Pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities in Arizona
According to the Arizona Public Health Association (AzPHA), in 2022, Arizona had a pedestrian and bicyclist death rate of 4.6 per 100,000 people, making it the second-highest in the nation, just behind Louisiana. This figure highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions and enhanced safety measures to protect pedestrians and cyclists. Improving the built environment at the city level is essential, as is addressing Arizonans' driving behavior, which ranks as the fifth worst in the country based on various injury and death criteria.
Furthermore, recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified Interstate 17, which runs between Phoenix and Flagstaff, as the ninth deadliest stretch of highway in the United States. This underscores the critical need for improvements along I-17 to reduce traffic-related fatalities and enhance safety for all road users. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is currently undertaking a multi-year project to address safety and congestion issues on this highway.
Factors contributing to high fatality rates
Several factors contribute to the high rates of pedestrian and cyclist fatalities in Arizona:
Speeding
Many drivers in Arizona travel at speeds way above the posted speed limit, which increases the severity of injuries in the event of an accident. When vehicles travel at higher speeds, drivers have less time to react to unexpected situations, and the force of impact in a collision is much greater. This results in more severe injuries and a higher likelihood of fatalities for pedestrians and cyclists who are struck by speeding vehicles.
Distracted driving
The prevalence of distracted driving, including texting and other smartphone use, significantly raises the risk of accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists. When drivers take their attention off the road, even for a few seconds, they are more likely to miss seeing a pedestrian or cyclist until it is too late. Distracted driving reduces a driver's ability to react quickly and appropriately to avoid collisions, making it a major factor in many accidents.
Driving under the influence
Impaired driving remains a major concern, with many accidents attributed to drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Driving under the influence affects a driver’s judgment, reaction times, and coordination, which are crucial for safe driving. Impaired drivers are more likely to speed, disregard traffic signals, and fail to yield to pedestrians and cyclists, leading to a higher number of serious accidents and fatalities.
Urban sprawl
The sprawling nature of Arizona’s cities often results in long distances between destinations, encouraging higher speeds and increasing the risk of accidents. Urban sprawl leads to the development of wide, multi-lane roads designed to move traffic quickly, but these roads often lack adequate safety features for pedestrians and cyclists. The long travel distances also mean drivers may be more prone to fatigue and impatience, further elevating the risk of collisions with bicyclists and people on foot.
Inadequate infrastructure
Many areas in Arizona lack sufficient sidewalks, bike lanes, and crosswalks, forcing pedestrians and cyclists to navigate dangerous roadways. Without dedicated pathways, pedestrians and cyclists are often left to share the road with vehicles, putting them at significant risk. Inadequate infrastructure can also mean poorly marked crosswalks, insufficient pedestrian signals, and a lack of protective barriers, all of which contribute to a higher incidence of accidents.
Common tactics insurance companies use in pedestrian and cyclist claims
After an accident, dealing with insurance companies can be challenging and frustrating because they often use various tactics to reduce or deny claims, such as:
- Blaming the victim: One common strategy is to blame the pedestrian or cyclist for the accident. Insurance companies may argue that the victim was jaywalking, not using a designated crosswalk, or violating traffic laws. They might even suggest that the pedestrian or cyclist was distracted at the time of the accident. By shifting the blame, they attempt to reduce their liability and, consequently, the compensation owed.
- Disputing the severity of injuries: Insurance adjusters may question the severity of the injuries sustained in the accident. They might argue that the injuries were pre-existing or not as serious as claimed. This tactic involves scrutinizing medical records and downplaying the impact of the injuries on the victim’s life. Their goal is to minimize the payout by suggesting that the medical treatments and related expenses are excessive or unnecessary.
- Offering quick, lowball settlements: Another tactic is to offer a quick settlement that is significantly lower than what the claim is actually worth. Insurance companies hope that victims, eager to cover immediate expenses or unaware of the full extent of their rights, will accept these lowball offers. These settlements often fail to account for long-term medical costs, lost wages, and other damages.
- Delaying the claims process: Insurance companies may deliberately delay the claims process to wear down the claimant. By dragging out the process, they hope victims will become frustrated and desperate, eventually accepting a lower settlement out of necessity. Delays can include slow responses, repeated requests for additional documentation, and prolonged investigations.
- Misinterpreting policy language: Insurance companies might also misinterpret or selectively apply policy language to deny claims. They may assert that certain coverages do not apply to the accident circumstances or that the policyholder’s coverage limits have been exceeded. This tactic relies on the complexity of insurance policies, which can be difficult for claimants to understand without legal assistance.
- Denying liability: In some cases, insurance companies may outright deny liability, claiming that their policyholder was not at fault or that the accident did not cause the injuries claimed. This denial can force victims into lengthy disputes or litigation to prove their case.
How Browne Law Group can help
If you or a loved one has been injured after being hit by a car, the experienced pedestrian accident attorneys and bicycle accident lawyers at Browne Law Group in Gilbert, Arizona, are here to help. Our attorneys have extensive experience successfully representing injured pedestrians and bicyclists, and we promise that we won't let the insurance company push you around.
We will protect your rights and fight for every single dollar you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can support you through the claims process. Let us handle the insurance companies so you can focus on what matters most – your recovery. Our office is located in Gilbert, AZ, and we offer legal representation to clients throughout Maricopa County.
“Definitely recommend. Personal service, Byron handled my case himself, never kept me guessing, answered all of my questions, got a fair and fast resolution.” - Darin D.