Mesa Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Returning back to normal after being struck by a vehicle can be a prolonged process that may cost you thousands of dollars in lost wages, mental health support, and injury treatment. That’s why it’s important to our Mesa, AZ pedestrian accident lawyer that we use our award-winning team to build a rock solid case for you.

Facing insurance companies can be intimidating on your own. Our team at SL Chapman Trial Lawyers offers compassion for your suffering—we are motivated to recover the highest amount of compensation possible from any liable parties.

Hiring A Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help

There are many intricacies in a pedestrian accident claim. For example, you don’t necessarily have to be walking to be classified as a pedestrian. Riding a scooter, scraping snow off your car, or changing a tire all classify as being a pedestrian; you are a pedestrian if you are not in a motor vehicle when a collision occurs.

What To Do Following A Pedestrian Accident

The body’s first response to a jarring situation is fight, flight, or freeze. You may not feel pain as intensely during this period and will probably feel an urge to take action, stay put, or leave the scene. In this moment, it is detrimental that you take the following steps to ensure our Mesa pedestrian accident lawyer can build the strongest case for you:

• Take A Breath & Assess. Remain calm as best you can. Determine whether you can move or if your injuries are preventing you from moving. If you are unable to get out of the street, ask a bystander to call 911.
• Contact The Police. The likelihood of someone else already having called the police is high, especially if there were witnesses. If you find no one has, ask them to or do it yourself. The police will need to file an official report which will help your case later on. 
• Gather The Driver’s Information. Despite the assumed seriousness of your injuries, you need to do whatever you can to make the driver stay. At the very minimum, get the driver’s name, license plate number, and contact information. Keep your conversation concise and do not blame or assume fault as this could negatively affect the integrity of your case.
• Document The Scene. If you notice there are bystanders who may have witnessed the accident, get their information. Take photos of the details from the scene that may be useful later such as speed limit signs and road conditions. Note everything you can recall about the accident in writing immediately.
• Get Treated. You may be tempted to go on with your life as if nothing happened, especially if you don’t feel like anything is wrong with you physically. However, it’s crucial you seek medical attention promptly following the accident as it can be easy to miss injuries when your adrenaline is running high.

Following the above, you should get in touch with our Mesa pedestrian accident lawyer. We offer a free consultation, and our legal team at SL Chapman Trial Lawyers will remain steadfast in our position to defend you. Please reach out today.

Legal Rights Of Pedestrians Injured In Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can result in serious injuries, leaving us with physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Knowing our legal rights after being injured as a pedestrian is essential for securing the compensation we need to recover. Whether it’s covering medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering, there are steps we can take to protect ourselves and hold the responsible party accountable.

The Duty Of Care Owed To Pedestrians

Drivers owe a duty of care to everyone on the road, including pedestrians. This means they are expected to operate their vehicles safely, follow traffic laws, and remain alert to avoid accidents. When a driver’s actions, such as speeding, running a red light, or failing to yield at a crosswalk, result in injuries to a pedestrian, they may be held legally responsible.

As pedestrians, we also have a duty to follow traffic laws and exercise caution. If the accident occurs while we’re using a crosswalk, obeying signals, or walking where it’s safe and legal, it strengthens our case for compensation. However, even if we share some level of responsibility, we may still have the right to recover damages under Arizona’s comparative fault laws.

Recovering Compensation For Injuries

Pedestrian accidents often lead to significant injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and spinal cord damage. These injuries can result in substantial medical expenses, ongoing treatment, and lost income if we’re unable to work. Under Arizona law, injured pedestrians have the right to seek compensation for these damages.

In addition to financial losses, we may also be entitled to non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the impact the injuries have on our quality of life. It’s important to document the full extent of our injuries and losses to build a strong case.

The Importance Of Evidence

Evidence plays a crucial role in pedestrian accident cases. Gathering information such as police reports, eyewitness accounts, and photos of the accident scene helps establish who was at fault. Medical records and treatment plans also demonstrate the severity of our injuries and their connection to the accident.

Traffic camera footage or surveillance video can provide additional proof, especially in cases where the driver denies responsibility. Working with legal professionals can help us collect and organize this evidence effectively.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are often involved in pedestrian accident cases, whether we’re dealing with the driver’s insurer or our own. Their goal is typically to settle claims quickly and for as little as possible. Knowing our rights and the true value of our damages helps us avoid accepting a low offer.

By consulting with a Mesa pedestrian accident lawyer, we can ensure that insurance negotiations are handled properly and that our claim reflects the full scope of our losses.

Contact Our Firm Today

As pedestrians, we have the right to feel safe on the road and to seek justice when accidents occur. If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Mesa, our team at SL Chapman Trial Lawyers is here to help. Contact a trusted Mesa pedestrian accident lawyer today to discuss your case and learn how we can assist in securing the compensation you deserve. Let’s work together to protect your rights and move forward.

Common Causes Of Pedestrian Incidents

Pedestrian incidents can happen in a variety of situations, often resulting in serious harm. If you need a law firm to help with your case then contact a Mesa pedestrian accident lawyer.  By recognizing the most common causes, we can better protect ourselves and others when walking near roadways or in high-traffic areas.

Distracted Driving

When drivers are focused on their phones, adjusting vehicle controls, or talking to passengers, their attention on the road decreases. Even a brief lapse in awareness can lead to a driver failing to see a pedestrian crossing or walking along the street.

Speeding In High Foot Traffic Areas

Driving at high speeds reduces the time a motorist has to react. In areas with frequent pedestrian activity, such as near schools, shopping centers, or parks, speeding can be especially dangerous. Reduced reaction time increases the risk of not stopping in time to avoid a collision.

Failure To Yield At Crosswalks

Pedestrians have the right of way in many situations, yet drivers sometimes fail to yield properly. This may occur when a driver is in a hurry, misjudges the pedestrian’s pace, or does not see the individual until it is too late.

Poor Visibility At Night Or In Bad Weather

Low lighting, rain, and fog can make it harder for both drivers and pedestrians to see each other. While reflective clothing and proper street lighting help, these conditions still create challenges that can lead to incidents.

Driving Under The Influence

Alcohol or drug impairment affects judgment, slows reflexes, and reduces coordination. Impaired drivers are far more likely to miss a pedestrian or misjudge the distance needed to stop safely.

Unsafe Left Or Right Turns

Drivers making turns at intersections often focus on oncoming traffic and fail to notice pedestrians entering the crosswalk. This is particularly common during right turns on red lights or left turns across traffic.

Jaywalking And Midblock Crossings

While drivers are responsible for staying alert, pedestrians who cross streets outside of designated crosswalks increase the risk of an incident. Midblock crossings can catch drivers off guard, especially if visibility is limited.

Backing Out Of Driveways Or Parking Spaces

Drivers reversing out of a driveway or parking spot may not see a pedestrian walking behind them, particularly if children are involved. This risk increases when larger vehicles with blind spots are in use.

Construction Zones And Road Work Areas

Changes in traffic patterns and reduced sidewalks in construction areas can force pedestrians into closer proximity with moving vehicles. Drivers may also be distracted by the work taking place and less aware of pedestrians. Your Mesa pedestrian accident lawyer can help prove if this was the cause of the accident.

Inattentive Pedestrian Behavior

While much focus is on driver behavior, pedestrians also contribute to safety risks when distracted by phones, wearing headphones, or stepping into traffic without checking for vehicles. Awareness on both sides is essential.

Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility, and knowing these common causes helps us all remain more cautious on the road. If someone has been hurt due to a traffic-related incident, working with an experienced attorney can help them pursue their legal rights. Those seeking a Mesa pedestrian accident lawyer can look to firms like SL Chapman Trial Lawyers for guidance on how to address these situations.