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Sierra Vista Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Walking is an essential part of daily life, whether for exercise, commuting, or simply enjoying Sierra Vista’s scenic streets. However, when drivers fail to exercise caution, pedestrians — who lack the protection of vehicles — are at significant risk of serious, life-altering injuries. Pedestrian accidents are far too common, and their consequences can leave victims facing overwhelming medical expenses, lost wages, and physical and emotional trauma.

The personal injury lawyers at Torgenson Law understand the devastating impact a pedestrian accident can have on your life and your family. Our dedicated team of Sierra Vista pedestrian accident lawyers is here to fight for you. We are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable and helping you pursue the compensation you need to heal and rebuild your life.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents often occur due to the reckless or negligent actions of drivers. Identifying the root cause of the accident is critical to building a strong claim. Some of the most common causes include:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, adjusting GPS devices, or engaging in other distractions take their attention away from the road. Even a split-second lapse in focus can result in a collision with a pedestrian crossing the street, walking along a sidewalk, or standing at an intersection.

Failure to Yield at Crosswalks

Pedestrians have the right of way at marked and unmarked crosswalks under Arizona law. Unfortunately, many drivers fail to yield, particularly at intersections or when turning. This negligence can lead to devastating accidents, even when pedestrians are following traffic laws and walking responsibly.

Speeding

Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to stop in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian. The faster a vehicle is traveling, the greater the force of impact, which significantly increases the severity of pedestrian injuries or the likelihood of fatalities.

Impaired Driving

Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs pose a serious danger to pedestrians. Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times, impaired judgment, and diminished coordination, all of which increase the likelihood of collisions. Pedestrians are especially vulnerable in these situations due to the driver’s inability to react appropriately.

Poor Visibility and Road Conditions

Low lighting, lack of marked crosswalks, or poor weather conditions can contribute to pedestrian accidents. Drivers must remain vigilant in such situations and adjust their driving behavior to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. When they fail to do so, pedestrians can suffer the consequences.

Reckless Driving

Aggressive or reckless driving behaviors, such as running red lights, failing to stop at stop signs, or improper lane changes, put pedestrians at significant risk. Drivers who disregard traffic laws or fail to consider pedestrian safety can — and should — be held accountable for the injuries they cause.

At Torgenson Law, we conduct thorough investigations into the cause of pedestrian accidents. By analyzing police reports, gathering witness statements, and consulting with experts, we determine exactly what happened and who is responsible.

Injuries Commonly Sustained in Pedestrian Accidents

The lack of physical protection leaves pedestrians vulnerable to catastrophic injuries in the event of a collision. Common injuries include:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Head injuries caused by falls or impact can lead to concussions, long-term cognitive impairment, or permanent brain damage.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong medical care and rehabilitation.
  • Fractures and Broken Bones: Pedestrians frequently suffer broken arms, legs, hips, and ribs due to the force of a vehicle’s impact.
  • Internal Injuries: Collisions often cause internal bleeding or damage to vital organs, which can be life-threatening without immediate medical attention.
  • Soft Tissue Injuries: Torn ligaments, sprains, and deep lacerations can lead to chronic pain and limited mobility.

These injuries can require extensive medical care, including emergency treatment, surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation. Our lawyers ensure your claim reflects the full scope of your injuries and losses so you can access the care you need.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?

Determining liability in a pedestrian accident is crucial for pursuing compensation. While drivers are most often responsible, other parties may share liability depending on the circumstances of the accident:

  • Negligent Drivers: If a driver’s actions — such as speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield — caused the accident, they can be held liable for the pedestrian’s injuries.
  • Vehicle Manufacturers: In rare cases, mechanical failures, such as faulty brakes or tires, may contribute to an accident. In these situations, the vehicle’s manufacturer may be held responsible.
  • Property Owners or Government Entities: Poorly maintained roads, unmarked crosswalks, malfunctioning traffic lights, or inadequate lighting can make walking dangerous. Property owners or government agencies may be held liable if they fail to address known hazards.

Our team at Torgenson Law investigates every detail of your case to identify all responsible parties. Holding the right individuals or entities accountable ensures you can pursue the maximum compensation available.

Damages You May Be Entitled to After a Pedestrian Accident

Pedestrian accidents often leave victims and their families facing significant financial, emotional, and personal challenges. Pursuing compensation through a legal claim can help you address the full impact of your injuries and losses. In pedestrian accident cases, damages are generally divided into three categories: economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. Understanding each type of compensation is critical to ensuring your claim reflects the total effect of the accident on your life.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover the measurable financial losses you incur as a result of a pedestrian accident. This includes immediate expenses like emergency medical care, hospital stays, surgeries, and follow-up treatments, as well as ongoing costs such as physical therapy, rehabilitation, or future medical needs. If your injuries prevent you from working, economic damages can also include lost wages and compensation for reduced earning capacity if your ability to earn income in the future is impacted.

Economic damages also account for property damage, such as the replacement or repair of personal items damaged in the accident, like a phone or other belongings. By documenting all expenses and financial losses, you can seek full compensation to alleviate the financial strain caused by your injuries.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages address the more personal and intangible losses that do not have a direct monetary value but still have a significant impact on your life. Pain and suffering are common components of non-economic damages, compensating you for the physical pain and discomfort you endure.

Emotional distress — such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder — is also often included, as these challenges can disrupt your ability to enjoy life and engage in daily activities. If your injuries limit your ability to participate in hobbies, exercise, or time with loved ones, you may also pursue compensation for loss of enjoyment of life. While harder to quantify, these damages acknowledge the emotional toll of the accident and ensure you are fairly compensated for the harm you have suffered.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are less common but may apply in cases where the at-fault party’s behavior was especially reckless, intentional, or malicious. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which are intended to compensate the victim, punitive damages serve a different purpose: to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar conduct in the future.

If the driver responsible for the accident was driving under the influence, excessively speeding, or engaging in egregiously dangerous behavior, punitive damages may be pursued. These damages send a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated and hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.

Understanding the types of damages available after a pedestrian accident is crucial for ensuring you pursue fair and comprehensive compensation. Economic damages address financial losses, non-economic damages acknowledge the personal and emotional impact, and punitive damages may hold reckless individuals accountable.

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

The moments following a pedestrian accident can be chaotic and overwhelming, but the steps you take are crucial for protecting your health, safeguarding your rights, and building a strong legal claim. Acting quickly and carefully can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Seek Medical Attention

Your health is the top priority after a pedestrian accident, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some injuries, such as concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage, may not show immediate symptoms but can worsen over time without treatment. Seeking medical care ensures that your injuries are diagnosed and treated promptly.

Remember that medical records create an essential link between the accident and your injuries, serving as vital evidence in your legal claim. Be sure to follow all medical advice, attend follow-up appointments, and keep copies of your treatment records and bills.

Call the Police

It is critical to report the accident to law enforcement as soon as possible. The responding officers will document the scene, interview witnesses, and file an official accident report. This report is a key piece of evidence when determining liability, as it provides a detailed account of the incident, including the time, location, and potential causes. Make sure to obtain a copy of the police report or request the report number so your lawyer can access it later.

Gather Evidence

If you are physically able to do so, gather as much evidence as possible at the scene of the accident. Use your phone to take clear photos of your injuries, the vehicle involved, the license plate, any visible damage, and the surrounding area. Be sure to capture road conditions, traffic signs, crosswalks, skid marks, and any other factors that may have contributed to the accident.

If there were witnesses, ask for their names, phone numbers, and email addresses, as their statements may support your version of events later. If the driver was present, exchange contact and insurance information, but avoid lengthy discussions about the accident.

Avoid Admitting Fault

In the aftermath of an accident, emotions run high, and it may feel natural to apologize or say something that could be misinterpreted as admitting fault. Even a simple apology can be used against you by insurance companies looking to minimize your claim.

Refrain from making any statements about who was at fault and avoid speculating about the cause of the accident. Let the investigation and your lawyer determine liability based on evidence. Similarly, avoid discussing the incident on social media, as insurance adjusters may monitor your accounts to find information that could be used to weaken your case.

Contact a Lawyer

One of the most important steps you can take is contacting an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer will guide you through the complex legal process, ensuring that your rights are protected from the start. They will handle all communication with insurance companies, gather critical evidence, and negotiate on your behalf to secure the compensation you deserve.

Your attorney will also ensure you meet all legal deadlines, including the statute of limitations, which limits the time you have to file a claim. The sooner you involve a lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong case while evidence is still fresh, witnesses’ memories are clear, and documentation remains readily available.

Injured in a Pedestrian Accident? Contact Torgenson Law Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Sierra Vista, you don’t have to face this challenging time alone. At Torgenson Law, our dedicated team of pedestrian accident lawyers will fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

We handle all the legal details — from investigating your accident to negotiating with insurance companies — so you can focus on your recovery. Let us hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Call us today at 602-726-0747 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. There are no upfront costs, and you won’t pay a dime unless we win your case. At Torgenson Law, your recovery is our priority.