Collisions between motor vehicles and pedestrians are unfortunately common in the metro area. For the most part, these accidents stem mainly from negligence by the people driving the vehicles involved. That said, a court will not just assume the driver who struck and injured you while you were walking is legally at fault for your ensuing losses, especially if you do not have evidence to prove that the driver’s misconduct was the main cause of the wreck.
Fortunately, you have help available in situations like this from legal professionals who have extensive experience handling cases like yours. Here are some common causes of pedestrian accidents in Glendale, which the seasoned pedestrian accident attorneys at Phillips Law Group can help you build a strong civil claim around.
Failure to Yield
Under Arizona state law, drivers are required to yield to pedestrians who are in marked or unmarked crosswalks—in other words, virtually everywhere there are walking paths that naturally lead towards and through intersections. Unless a pedestrian steps out into oncoming traffic so suddenly that the driver has no way to avoid hitting them, Glendale drivers who strike pedestrians in crosswalks are almost always legally at fault for ensuing injuries.
Not Checking Blind Spots While Turning
Along similar lines, drivers are expected to check their blind spots: beyond their front and back bumpers and along the sides of their vehicles while turning or switching lanes near pedestrian infrastructure. Failing to do this is among the most common causes of pedestrian injuries not just in Glendale but all throughout the state of Arizona.
Speeding
Drivers who approach intersections while traveling over the posted speed limit are much more likely to accidentally run a red light or stop sign, and therefore much more likely to strike a pedestrian who is lawfully crossing the road in front of them. Even if a driver is traveling under the speed limit, proceeding illegally through a red light or stop sign would still be considered a legally actionable breach of duty if it directly leads to injuring a pedestrian.
Drunk and Distracted Driving
Unfortunately, some common causes of Glendale pedestrian accidents are not just violations of traffic law but serious violations of Arizona state law that can be classified as criminal offenses. Drunk driving is a particularly big problem in this regard, but so too is driving while distracted by a cell phone, a map or GPS readout, another passenger in the vehicle, or even a personal activity like eating or grooming.
A Glendale Attorney Can Help Sue Over Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Even if you are able to identify exactly what led to a motor vehicle driver striking and injuring you as a pedestrian, that is just the first of many steps you will need to take on the road toward civil recovery. While there are some similarities between common causes of pedestrian accidents in Glendale regarding the basic rules governing the litigation process, each unique cause of action also makes for a unique civil claim.
Regardless of how your accident happened or what damages you need to seek restitution for, assistance from a knowledgeable legal professional is vital to achieving the best possible result from your settlement demand or lawsuit. Call Phillips Law Group today to speak with a member of our team and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
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