Whether you’re a full-time resident of Arizona or just visiting, Arizona is a beautiful state to explore on foot. If you’re walking around the more crowded urban areas or even headed for one of the State’s many hiking trails, Jeff GOULD Law wants you to understand the rules of the road for pedestrians in Arizona.
Just like the laws that guide vehicles and bicyclists, it’s essential that pedestrians in Arizona understand their rights and responsibilities. Pedestrian laws are crucial to preventing serious injury and other repercussions of possible accidents for drivers and pedestrians in Arizona alike. Here are 4 things to know about your rights and responsibilities as a pedestrian in Arizona.
- When do pedestrians have the right of way in Arizona?
Sidewalks can be an area of concern because many pedestrians in Arizona do not use sidewalks as they are intended. In some cases, pedestrians in Arizona fail to use sidewalks at all. Under Arizona law, pedestrians are required to use a sidewalk whenever one is present. When sidewalks are not present, pedestrians must walk in the opposite direction of traffic to ensure they are visible to oncoming motorists.
Per Arizona Law 28-792, vehicles are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks. However, it is the pedestrian’s responsibility to exercise caution and due care when stepping out into oncoming traffic. Cars that do not adequately stop at crosswalks could be cited for breaking this law. While this will likely only result in a small fine, the citation can prove crucial evidence in a personal injury case and can help support evidence against the at-fault driver and proximate cause in these situations.
- Can a pedestrian be at fault for an accident?
While pedestrians are typically given the right of way, a pedestrian in Arizona can be found to be comparatively negligent and/or a contributing cause-factor of an accident. When walking in an area with motorists and traffic, it is the responsibility of all pedestrians to maintain a level of safety and awareness to exercise reasonable care to avoid the accident and maintain a proper lookout.
Intoxicated pedestrians are responsible for a large percentage of all pedestrian accidents and fatalities in Arizona. Alcohol, illegal and/or controlled substances may impair an individual’s ability to control motor functions, make sound decisions or use reasonable care. It is also increasingly common for pedestrians in Arizona to begin crossing a street while distracted by a phone or other device. If pedestrians are impaired, distracted, or otherwise ignoring safety laws, they could be held responsible, in whole or part, for any resulting accident and injury.
- Jaywalking
The term “jaywalking” is common, but you won’t find it in any written statute. Arizona does clearly define parameters for pedestrians crossing the roads:, however: Arizona legislation section 28-793 states that pedestrians in Arizona may only cross the street when no crosswalk is present, provided they do so carefully and responsibly. This is known as maintaining a proper lookout and exercising reasonable care. If there is a marked crosswalk or signal, pedestrians must cross in these areas.
Arizona law dictates that when crossing without a crosswalk, pedestrians in Arizona must wait until all traffic is gone and it is clear to do so. An individual who commits illegal jaywalking and causes a traffic collision may be held legally responsible for the incident and unable to seek compensation, in whole or part, for any personal injuries they may suffer.
- Pedestrian accident statistics in Arizona
According to data made available by the Arizona Department of Transportation, there were 1,842 reported pedestrian crashes across the state last year. Out of those incidents, 220 pedestrians in Arizona lost their lives, and 1,697 pedestrians were injured. Unfortunately, these injuries are often severe. Auto v. pedestrian accidents involve very little protection to the human body when being struck by a 2 ton auto.
The Arizona accident attorneys at Jeff GOULD Law, the Attorney in YOUR Corner, can help when you’re injured as a pedestrian or hit by a car for numerous common injuries:
- Broken or dislocated bones
- Open head wounds or traumatic brain injuries
- Facial fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Crush or amputation injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Severe puncture wounds or lacerations
At Jeff GOULD Law, we take injuries seriously. If you were injured in a pedestrian accident and sustained any of these injuries, you should have an experienced personal injury attorney in your corner to fight for your rights and compensation. We will investigate every aspect of your claim to obtain full recovery for your losses, including medical bills, loss of income, or pain and suffering, and maximize compensation for damages.
DISCLAIMER: The information on this blog/site is NOT, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. It is for general informational use only. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. Further, this information does not create an attorney-client relationship.