Chandler Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Everyone has that moment when we want to take a break from driving or cycling from one place to another. Chandler is one of the most beautiful cities where you can walk freely along the way. However, the breathtaking scenery can lead to foot traffic and sometimes pedestrian accidents. Arizona has the highest rate of pedestrian deaths in the United States, with a rate of 1.4 fatalities per 100,000 people.
Pedestrians have little protection on the roads and are highly vulnerable to accidents and injuries from careless drivers and others on the road. Injuries may be fatal, especially to children and senior citizens. Being hit by a vehicle or bicycle in Chandler, Arizona, may attract hefty medical bills. Nonetheless, pedestrians still have the same rights as any other road user. If you’ve had an accident while on pedestrian paths in Chandler, Arizona , Feller and Wendt will fight for your legal rights and help you get compensation for your injuries.
How to Establish Negligence After a Pedestrian Accident in Chandler, AZ
When a pedestrian is hurt in an accident, be it by a property defect, bicyclist, or car, one may seek compensation if another person’s negligence contributed to the accident. Negligence is failure to do or not to do something that another person in the same situation would have done to protect others from injury or harm. Negligence is an essential factor to prove in a pedestrian accident case. But, to successfully establish negligence, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant:
- Carelessly directly or indirectly contributed to pedestrian harm or injury
- Failed to exercise the duty of care
- Legally owed the duty of care to the pedestrian
Like in other accidents, multiple parties may be at fault. The negligence can rest with the authority responsible for maintaining pedestrian paths, drivers, bicyclists, or parking managers.
What Happens if You’re Hit By a Car as You Cross the Street?
Often, accidents occur as pedestrians cross the road. Sometimes drivers may not notice pedestrians at the crosswalk, which may result in catastrophic incidents. If a pedestrian survives the accident, they may suffer injuries, incur expensive medical bills, and also encounter an extended recovery time which may mean they are unable to work.
Drivers are expected to remain vigilant on the road at all times. But, when a driver fails to exercise a reasonable duty of care for a moment, it may lead to fatality and serious injuries. Some situations may prove the driver is liable for a pedestrian accident, including:
- Not adhering to required speed limits
- Failing to use their turn signals
- Not paying attention to the surroundings
- Ignoring traffic signs
- Ignoring weather conditions
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failure to give right of way at crosswalks.
In addition, pedestrians also have a duty of care, and the court may be able to consider this while determining the extent of the negligence. A pedestrian hit by a vehicle may be found careless of practicing reasonable care if they:
- Ignored traffic signals and signs
- Crossed the road at an undesignated pedestrian crosswalk
- Entered the road and disrupted traffic
In this case, the injured pedestrian may not receive full compensation. Instead, Arizona’s rule of modified comparative negligence may apply — the rule reduces a pedestrian’s financial compensation by an amount equal to the pedestrian’s percentage of negligence.
Chandler, Arizona Pedestrian Accidents Compensation
In some instances, pedestrians have a right to receive compensation from the negligent party that causes an accident. However, receiving compensation may not be a given in every case, especially if the defendant puts a strong defense against you. Therefore, it’s important to hire a qualified pedestrian accident lawyer to present your case. An experienced pedestrian lawyer may help you through the complex legal process and present your case with your best interest in mind.
In the case of a motor vehicle-pedestrian accident, as a pedestrian, you may receive compensation from various sources. First, the negligent driver’s vehicle insurance company may be required to compensate you for all the medical expenses, property damages, pain and suffering, and other out-of-pocket expenses resulting from the accident. Second, if an at-fault driver’s insurance policy fails to guarantee the exact amount required for compensation, the pedestrian may seek underinsured or uninsured coverage.
What Should You do After a Pedestrian Accident in Chandler?
If you or a loved one is involved in a pedestrian accident, contact the police immediately. If you can, taking videos and photographs of the scene may provide evidence in a court hearing. You should also exchange contact and insurance information with the party that caused the accident. Most importantly, seek treatment without delay.
Lastly, contact an accredited pedestrian accident lawyer in Chandler. Your attorney may help you understand your legal rights and the complexities of the case process. Pedestrian lawyers in Chandler understand the legal requirements for filing a strong case to receive compensation.
Contact the Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at Feller and Wendt in Chandler, Arizona Today
Pedestrian accidents are not uncommon in Arizona. It’s more likely to be hit by a vehicle, bicyclist, or other elements while on pedestrian paths in Arizona than in any other state in the US. With this in mind, it’s important to be extra cautious while walking across streets in Chandler, Arizona. When you or your loved one suffers an accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may hire an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer to help you receive compensation.
Feller and Wendt offer personalized and dedicated injury representation. We understand that our clients go through a lot of physical and emotional pain from their injuries. Therefore, we see it as our responsibility to help our clients get financial compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses attributed to a pedestrian accident.
Call us today at (480) 702-2277 or fill out our contact form to learn more about our free case evaluation packages.
