Male pedestrian crossing almost got hit by a distracted driver.
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    Motorists must do everything possible to keep pedestrians safe by driving responsibly. People on foot have no protection from the full force of impact in a collision, making them vulnerable to catastrophic injuries. Pedestrian accident victims often face massive medical bills, staggering income losses, and long-term disabilities after a crash. Fortunately, Arizona allows injured people to seek compensation for their losses through a personal injury claim.

    Navigating the legal process can be challenging without the guidance of an experienced Glendale pedestrian accident lawyer. The dedicated team of attorneys at Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C. can help. Contact us for a consultation today.

    How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents?

    Pedestrian accidents happen far too often in the United States. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), pedestrian deaths accounted for 6,516 fatalities nationwide in a single recent year, or 17 percent of all crash fatalities. Arizona recorded more than 1,700 pedestrian crashes in another year, resulting in 257 deaths and 1,535 injuries. Disturbingly, these numbers are on the rise, partly due to an increase in dangerous driving behaviors and the growing number of large passenger vehicles on the roads.

    What Are Some of the Most Common Causes of Glendale Pedestrian Accidents?

    Many different factors contribute to pedestrian accidents. Some of the most common causes include:

    • Distracted driving – Motorists who text while driving, talk on the phone, or snack behind the wheel put pedestrians at risk.
    • Speeding – When drivers exceed the posted speed limit, they have less time to react to potential hazards on the road, including pedestrians.
    • Bad lighting – Dim lighting in the area can make it difficult for drivers and pedestrians to see each other.
    • Poor road design – Roads with inadequate crosswalks or poorly designed intersections can make it more difficult for drivers to see pedestrians. They can also make it more difficult for pedestrians to cross the street safely.
    • Drunk or drugged driving – Alcohol and drugs can severely impair a driver’s ability to make safe decisions, see clearly, and react to changing road situations. Impaired motor coordination could also cause an intoxicated driver to veer off the street into pedestrians on sidewalks.

    What are the Rights and Responsibilities of Pedestrians in Glendale?

    Pedestrians have certain rights and responsibilities when sharing the streets of Glendale with motor vehicles. Under Arizona law, pedestrians have the right of way when crossing at a designated crosswalk or intersection with a walk signal. However, the law also states that pedestrians must obey traffic signals (stop signs, traffic lights, etc.) and not cause undue delay when crossing.

    The law also says that when a driver has stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross at a crosswalk (either marked or unmarked), any driver behind that vehicle must also stop and legally cannot overtake it.

    Pedestrian crossing in crosswalks.

    How Do You Prove Liability for a Pedestrian Accident in Arizona?

    In general, liability for a pedestrian accident falls upon the party(s) whose negligent or careless acts led to the accident. Negligence is the failure to take reasonable care to prevent harming others.

    Proving liability for a pedestrian accident in Arizona requires strong evidence of negligence. Examples of potential evidence include:

    • Medical records
    • Police accident reports
    • Traffic camera footage
    • Witness statements
    • Cell phone data
    • Accident reconstruction reports
    • Toxicology test results

    A Glendale pedestrian accident lawyer from Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C. can identify, gather, and preserve the evidence necessary to prove your case.

    What Compensation Can I Recover for a Pedestrian Accident?

    If you suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for losses like:

    • Medical expenses – You can seek reimbursement for any medical bills related to your injuries, including surgeries, doctor’s visits, hospital stays, and physical therapy.
    • Lost wages – If you could not work due to your injuries, you can seek compensation for your lost earnings. You could also seek compensation for the income you can no longer earn due to any lasting disabilities.
    • Pain and suffering – Accidents cause more than just physical harm. Arizona law allows claimants to seek compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering they experience after an accident.

    Are There Time Limits to Filing a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Arizona?

    In Arizona, the statute of limitations for pedestrian accident cases is two years from the date of the accident. If the accident involved the city, a school district, or another governmental entity, you have 180 days from the accident date to file suit. Miss the deadline, and you will likely lose the ability to pursue compensation for your injuries.

    While there are some exceptions to the statute of limitations, it’s safest not to assume they apply to your case. Consult with a pedestrian accident lawyer immediately to learn the deadline for your claim.

    The statute of limitations applies to lawsuits, not insurance claims. However, your ability to file suit against an at-fault party or their insurer is your primary leverage during settlement negotiations. If you lose that leverage, you will have fewer options if the insurance company makes an unfair settlement offer.

    Contact a Glendale Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

    If you or a loved one was hurt in a pedestrian accident in Glendale, seek legal assistance as soon as possible. An experienced Glendale pedestrian accident lawyer can explain your options and guide you through the legal process.

    The right lawyer can help you gather evidence, file a claim, and negotiate with the insurance company for the compensation you deserve. They can also help you file a lawsuit, if necessary, and represent you at trial. Whether your case ends in a settlement or in the courtroom, a skilled attorney will strive for the best possible outcome.

    At Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C., we have a dedicated team of talented lawyers ready to help. Contact us today for a consultation with a Glendale pedestrian accident lawyer.