(435) 767-7777Experienced Phoenix Pedestrian Accident Attorney
In Need of a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Phoenix?
Walking is one of the most fundamental forms of travel, whether it’s commuting to work, visiting a neighborhood shop, walking to transit, or enjoying Phoenix’s parks and urban districts. But in sprawling, vehicle-oriented Maricopa County, pedestrians face serious risks every time they step off the curb. The combination of wide roadways, fast-moving traffic, and limited separated pedestrian infrastructure has contributed to a troubling rise in pedestrian crashes and fatalities statewide.
According to Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts, pedestrians accounted for hundreds of deaths in one recent year, and pedestrian fatalities have risen significantly compared to prior years, with statewide annual pedestrian deaths among the highest in the nation per capita. Pedestrian crashes frequently occur when drivers fail to yield, are distracted, or make unsafe maneuvers in environments not optimized for people on foot. When these crashes happen, injuries are often catastrophic and life-changing.
At Swenson & Shelley, our Phoenix pedestrian accident attorneys represent individuals and families throughout Arizona who have been seriously injured or lost loved ones in pedestrian crashes. We work to identify negligence, preserve critical evidence, and pursue full compensation against drivers and other responsible parties whose actions caused preventable harm, beginning with a free consultation.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Often Result in Severe Harm
Pedestrians lack the protective structure and safety systems that motorists and passengers enjoy. When a person on foot is struck by a motor vehicle, the forces involved often exceed what the human body can tolerate, leading to severe injuries or death. In addition, emergency response times and delays in medical care can affect outcomes following a pedestrian crash.
Pedestrian collisions not only cause immediate physical trauma but also long-term disability, financial hardship, and emotional suffering for victims and families.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Phoenix
Pedestrian-vehicle collisions do not occur in a vacuum. They typically result from unsafe driving, inadequate traffic control, or conditions that place pedestrians directly in the path of moving vehicles. Understanding the root causes of these crashes is essential to holding negligent drivers accountable.
Common factors in Phoenix pedestrian accidents include:
- Drivers failing to yield to pedestrians.
- Distracted driving (phones, infotainment systems).
- Speeding and unsafe lane changes.
- Impairment due to alcohol or drugs.
- Limited visibility at night or in low-light conditions.
- Inadequate crosswalks or pedestrian signals.
- Turning vehicles not scanning for pedestrians.
When such behaviors occur, the consequences are often devastating for pedestrians.
Where Pedestrian Accidents Occur and Why It Matters
Pedestrian crashes can occur anywhere people and vehicles interact, but certain environments pose a higher risk. These include intersections without adequate crossing infrastructure, high-speed corridors with few pedestrian controls, and commercial districts with heavy turning movements and high traffic volumes.
In Phoenix, busy arterial streets, downtown districts, areas near transit corridors, school zones, and entertainment hubs see a disproportionate number of pedestrian crashes. The city’s wide roadway network, grid-style layout, and significant vehicle traffic create conditions where pedestrians are exposed to significant danger, especially when drivers are inattentive or aggressive.
Identifying where and how these accidents occur helps our attorneys build strong cases showing negligence.
Severe Injuries Common in Pedestrian Crashes
When pedestrians are struck by motor vehicles, their injuries are often severe due to the direct impact. These injuries frequently require extensive medical care, long rehabilitation, and may result in permanent disability or life-altering outcomes.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries.
- Spinal cord and neck injuries.
- Broken bones and fractures.
- Internal organ injuries.
- Severe lacerations and contusions.
- Amputations.
- Permanent neurological damage.
Even when victims survive, the long-term effects of these injuries often extend well beyond the initial crash and can influence quality of life for years to come.
Who May Be Responsible for a Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrian accident liability is often not limited to just the driver of the striking vehicle. Multiple parties may share responsibility depending on the facts surrounding the crash.
Potentially liable parties include:
- The negligent driver.
- Employers of drivers on the job.
- Government entities are responsible for unsafe road design or maintenance.
- Vehicle manufacturers in cases of defective safety systems.
- Owners of commercial vehicles or fleets.
Our team carefully evaluates all elements to identify all sources of liability.
Evidence That Strengthens a Pedestrian Accident Case
Proving fault in a pedestrian case requires solid evidence. In many crashes, insurance companies will quickly argue contributory fault or minimize the driver’s responsibility, making early investigation and evidence preservation essential.
Helpful evidence often includes:
- Official police and crash reports.
- Surveillance and traffic camera footage.
- Photos of the scene and injuries.
- Witness statements.
- Medical records and expert testimony.
- Vehicle data or black box information.
- Pedestrian signal timing and traffic engineering analysis.
Preserving this evidence early protects the integrity of the claim and supports fair compensation.
Compensation Available After a Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrian accidents can disrupt every aspect of a victim’s life — physically, financially, and emotionally. Compensation should account for both current losses and future needs.
Depending on the case, injured pedestrians may pursue compensation for:
- Hospital and emergency care.
- Surgical procedures.
- Rehabilitation and therapy.
- Future medical treatment.
- Lost wages.
- Loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
In cases involving a death, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death damages.
Why Choose Swenson & Shelley for Your Pedestrian Accident Case
Pedestrian accident claims often involve significant legal hurdles. Insurance companies may attempt to shift blame onto the victim or settle quickly for inadequate compensation. These cases demand attorneys who understand the dynamics of pedestrian crashes and how to counter defense tactics.
At Swenson & Shelley, our pedestrian accident attorneys:
- Conduct comprehensive investigations.
- Work with medical and reconstruction experts.
- Preserve key evidence immediately.
- Communicate directly with insurers.
- Clearly establish fault and damages.
- Prepare every case for trial if necessary.
Our goal is to secure full and fair compensation for injury victims and their families.
Speak With Our Phoenix Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Phoenix or Maricopa County, you deserve experienced legal guidance. Pedestrian crashes can be life-changing, but you do not have to navigate the aftermath alone.
Contact Swenson & Shelley today at 435-216-7300 or online for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your rights, and help you understand your best path forward. Our firm takes cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you.
Accident Victims Deserve The Relentless Pursuit of Justice™ that our firm can bring.
