Phoenix Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Phoenix Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for When You Need the Most Help
When a pedestrian is struck by a car, very severe injuries and even wrongful death can occur. Pedestrian accidents involving motor vehicles are among the most serious injury claims we handle in our legal practice. Whether a person was hit by a driver who was talking on a cell phone, driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding or engaging in other negligent or reckless behaviors, the pedestrian has no protection against the vehicle and is therefore completely vulnerable to injuries. For these reasons, it is imperative for victims to consult with an experienced Phoenix pedestrian accident attorney as soon as the incident occurs to ensure their rights are protected.
What Happens if you Get Hit in a Crosswalk?
If you got hit by a car or truck while walking, you really need a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of pedestrian accidents in Arizona to stand up for you. These situations can get pretty tricky and are tough on everyone involved. We’re here to help you figure out what you should do next, making sure you get compensated for any harm done and that fairness prevails. It’s totally normal to feel shocked and upset after such an incident, but it’s important not to wait too long before getting a lawyer involved. Actually, one of the worst things you can do is delay seeking legal advice.
Pedestrians, unlike people in cars, don’t have the safety of being enclosed in metal or having any safety gear when they’re in a crash. This makes them really susceptible to getting seriously hurt or even dying. Sadly, kids are even more likely to be in pedestrian accidents. Also, pedestrian accidents tend to happen more during autumn and winter because the days are shorter and it gets dark earlier. This leads to an increase in both pedestrian accidents and the legal claims that follow, as any lawyer specializing in these accidents will tell you.
Are You Entitled to Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident?
Pedestrians in Arizona who are hit by motor vehicles have a significant chance of recovering damages. Did you know that even if you were outside of a crosswalk you may be entitled to compensation?
Hirsch & Lyon have more than 65 years of combined experience representing pedestrians who have been struck by motor vehicles. Our personal injury attorneys handle cases involving pedestrians who are hit by cars while walking inside of a dangerous crosswalk, as well as pedestrians who have been struck by vehicles outside of a designated crosswalk area. Although the claim is stronger when the pedestrian is inside of the crosswalk, we have successfully recovered financial compensation for clients who have been crossing the street outside of the crosswalk, commonly referred to as “jaywalking.”
When we represent a client who has been hurt in an accident, our legal team works quickly to initiate a complete investigation of the case. After you contact a Phoenix pedestrian accident lawyer at our firm, we will carefully analyze the pertinent issues surrounding the event, including:
- The speed of the motor vehicle
- Whether the driver was distracted
- Whether the driver should have been able to see the pedestrian
- The color of the pedestrian’s clothing if the accident occurred when it was dark or in the evening
- Ambient lighting such as the face of the moon and the location of any adjacent street lighting
- The number of lanes the pedestrian crossed before being struck by the vehicle
Whether you were hit while walking in a parking lot, crossing the street, or jogging on the sidewalk, a thorough investigation of the accident is essential. Working with a skilled accident law firm in early on, who will properly identify and preserve the evidence, can make all the difference in a successful recovery.
Accident Coverage May Be Available Under Your Insurance Policy
Many pedestrians don’t realize that even if their own car was not involved in the accident, they still may be able to recover compensation if they own and insure a vehicle in Phoenix. Your automobile insurance contract has three types of coverage that may apply to your accident and help you to get fair compensation for your injuries:
- Medical payments
- Uninsured motorists
- Underinsured motorists
The coverages listed above are known as “portable coverages,” which means that they can apply even though you were a pedestrian. The attorneys at our firm are very adept in analyzing and interpreting complex insurance policies, and we will carefully review the language in your contract to identify all coverages that may be available in your case.
Common Questions About Pedestrian Accidents in Arizona
Should I take the money the insurance company offers me?
No, you shouldn’t. Insurance companies often suggest a smaller amount than you deserve. It’s a good idea to talk to a lawyer who knows about pedestrian accidents in Arizona before agreeing to anything.
What if I was hit by a car but wasn’t using the crosswalk?
Usually, if a car hits someone walking, it’s considered the driver’s fault, whether or not you were in a crosswalk. You might still have the right to ask for compensation.
Do pedestrian accident cases go to court?
It depends on your situation. Many of these cases are settled without going to court, but sometimes, going to trial is your best choice.
How Hirsch & Lyon Can Help After an Accident
After an accident, our team at Hirsch & Lyon is here to assist you and your family. We take care of the paperwork and talk to the insurance companies for you. This way, you can focus on getting better and moving on with your life. We also make sure you get medical care from top doctors and provide you with a skilled lawyer to support you at every step.
Call us today for a free talk about your case. Discover the difference our law firm can make with a comprehensive and free review of your situation.
Do you need a lawyer for a pedestrian accident case?
If you got hurt in a car accident while walking and have serious injuries, you should be compensated. But, getting this compensation might be really hard without a lawyer to help you. Since getting compensated is crucial for your recovery and getting back to normal, you should think about getting a pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as you can.
Here’s how a lawyer can assist you in your pedestrian accident case:
- They can figure out who was at fault and prove it.
- They have the knowledge and tools to calculate how much money you should get, making sure you’re compensated fairly.
- They can talk to insurance companies for you.
- They can guide you on what to do next.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation with an Experienced Phoenix Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you or someone you love has been seriously hurt when struck by car, truck or other motor vehicle, it is important to seek out the advice of a qualified personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. The Phoenix pedestrian accident law firm at Hirsch & Lyon will stand up to the insurance companies in the courtroom or a settlement negotiation to make sure you get fair and just compensation for your injuries.
Call us today at 602-535-1900 to schedule a free consultation, or contact us online now. Our law firm offers multiple office locations throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan area, as well as in Bullhead City and Kingman, Arizona. We accept clients from Peoria, Glendale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale and more. We will even travel to your home or hospital bed to make sure you get the help you need.