If you or a loved one has been struck by a vehicle while walking about Scottsdale, it’s crucial to consult a local attorney specializing in these types of cases. A Scottsdale pedestrian accident lawyer at Esquire Law is well-versed in Arizona traffic laws, local court procedures, and the unique challenges pedestrians face in our city. We will thoroughly investigate the accident, gather evidence from Scottsdale’s traffic cameras or local witnesses, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
Should the need arise, we are prepared to represent you in Maricopa County courts to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. While Scottsdale’s streets offer beautiful scenery and exciting attractions, pedestrian accidents can overshadow these things. By working with Esquire Law, you can protect your rights and focus on recovery knowing that a dedicated legal professional is advocating for your interests and compensation.
Why Choose Esquire Law As Your Scottsdale Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Esquire Law is a pedestrian accident law firm committed to providing expert legal representation for the residents of Scottsdale. We combine the resources of a big firm with the personalized attention and transparent communication of a small firm. From the initial consultation, clients understand why they can trust Esquire Law during their time of need. When insurance companies try to undervalue cases, our attorneys fight relentlessly to maximize compensation for our clients in Scottsdale.
Esquire Law’s reputation, expertise, and client-focused approach make us the trusted choice for those seeking top-tier legal representation after sustaining injuries. Our case results speak for themselves, with clients having been awarded millions after entrusting us with their recovery process.
Everything You Should Know About Pedestrian Accidents
Understanding the causes of pedestrian accidents is crucial for both injury prevention and legal action. In Scottsdale, where the warm climate encourages outdoor activities year-round, pedestrians and drivers must be especially vigilant.
Some common causes of pedestrian accidents in Scottsdale include:
- Distracted Driving: Using a cell phone, eating, or even talking with passengers are all activities that can be considered distracted driving. Engaging in these activities can cause drivers to lose focus and hit pedestrians in their path.
- Failure to Yield / Right of Way: Drivers neglecting to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks or intersections is a frequent cause of accidents — especially in busy areas like Old Town Scottsdale.
- Improper Pedestrian Crossings: Pedestrians who fail to use designated crosswalks or who dart into traffic put themselves at risk of being struck by vehicles driving on designated parts of the road.
- Low Visibility: Scottsdale’s intense sunlight can create glare during the day, while nighttime activities may lead to accidents if pedestrians wear dark clothing in poorly lit areas. Under both circumstances, pedestrians are difficult to see, putting them at risk of being hit by moving vehicles.
- Speeding: Drivers exceeding speed limits, particularly in residential areas or school zones, have less time to react to pedestrians crossing the road or walking alongside it.
Because pedestrians aren’t shielded like vehicle occupants, injuries from pedestrian accidents can be severe. The Scottsdale pedestrian accident lawyers at Esquire Law are experienced in handling cases involving a wide range of injuries, including:
- Skin Lacerations
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Broken Bones and Fractures
- Internal Injuries
Beyond physical injuries, pedestrian accidents can lead to significant emotional distress and financial burdens. Victims may face long-term rehabilitation, lost wages, and a diminished quality of life. In the most tragic cases where a pedestrian accident results in death, family members may pursue wrongful death claims.
At Esquire Law, we understand the complexities of these cases and will work diligently to investigate the accident, gather evidence from Scottsdale’s traffic cameras or local witnesses, and build a strong case to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Legal Rights of Pedestrian Accident Victims
Pedestrians have rights under Arizona law, and most pedestrian-vehicle collisions are preventable when drivers understand and obey these laws. At Esquire Law, we’re well-versed in Scottsdale’s pedestrian regulations and how they impact accident cases.
For example, pedestrians always have the right-of-way within a crosswalk — which is particularly important in busy areas like downtown Scottsdale or near popular attractions such as Scottsdale’s Fashion Square. When pedestrians cross the road within a crosswalk, motorists must slow down or stop to yield to their right-of-way. Failing to yield makes the driver legally responsible for the resulting consequences.
While drivers carry significant responsibilities, pedestrians in Scottsdale also have their own set of duties when walking the city’s streets and sidewalks. For example:
- Pedestrians should not suddenly step into the path of a vehicle that is too close for the driver to yield.
- At intersections with pedestrian traffic control signals, such as those found in Scottsdale’s downtown area, pedestrians must only cross when the signal permits.
- When sidewalks are available, pedestrians should use them rather than walking on the road. This is particularly relevant in residential Scottsdale, where sidewalks are prevalent.
- If there is no sidewalk, pedestrians should walk on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.
At Esquire Law, we use our knowledge of local and state pedestrian laws to advocate for our client’s rights and pursue fair compensation for their injuries. If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident in Scottsdale, contact us immediately.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
The immediate aftermath of a pedestrian can be a confusing and traumatic moment. Especially since head injuries are common for unprotected pedestrians, you may feel disoriented and cloudy. However, taking the right steps at the scene of the accident can significantly impact your safety and, later on, improve the course of any legal action you decide to pursue.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for those who have been in pedestrian accidents in Scottsdale:
- Ensure your safety first: Move to a secure location off Scottsdale’s busy roads, such as onto a sidewalk or into a nearby parking lot, to avoid additional hazards from passing vehicles.
- Alert authorities: Contact the Scottsdale Police Department or call 9-1-1 to report the accident and request medical assistance. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to get checked by paramedics or visit a local hospital. This creates an official record of your injuries, which can be valuable for any future claims.
- Document the scene: Scottsdale’s sunny weather usually provides good conditions for taking clear photos and videos. Capture images of the accident site, including your injuries. Note any relevant factors like traffic control signals, sidewalks, and pedestrian walkways.
- Gather information: Collect contact details from witnesses and other involved parties. Scottsdale residents and tourists are often willing to help, so don’t hesitate to ask for their accounts of what happened.
- Be cautious with insurance companies: While you should notify your insurer about the accident, avoid giving any sort of detailed, recorded statement until you’ve consulted with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Scottsdale.
- Seek legal advice: Contact a Scottsdale pedestrian accident attorney like Esquire Law as soon as possible to see if you have a legal case. We can help preserve crucial evidence while it’s fresh, mediate communications with insurance companies, and ensure you meet all legal deadlines specific to Arizona law. An experienced local lawyer will navigate the complexities of Scottsdale’s legal system and work towards maximizing your compensation.
How A Scottsdale Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help
Esquire Law emphasizes personalized attention and aggressive representation when achieving favorable outcomes for our clients.
We start by getting to know you and the circumstances of your pedestrian accident during a free case evaluation. Next, we’ll conduct a thorough investigation, gathering police reports, medical records, photos/videos, witness accounts, and expert testimony, all of which are used to build a strong case on reliable, physical evidence. Leveraging this evidence, we will negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement on your behalf.
If negotiations fail — or if further action is needed to obtain justice — Esquire Law can pursue legal action and represent you in court. We will prepare for trial and litigate in front of a judge and jury, if necessary, to make sure you receive a favorable verdict. In addition to providing the peace of mind and financial compensation needed for a full recovery, successful lawsuits hold negligent parties accountable, preventing future pedestrian incidents from occurring in Scottsdale.
Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Victims
As a pedestrian accident victim, you can seek two types of compensation, or compensatory damages, from a personal injury case.
- Economic: These are measurable losses with a monetary value. Common examples include medical bills, rehabilitative care, property damage, lost wages, mental health treatment, and prescription medication.
- Non-Economic: These are intangible losses that affect a person’s well-being but have no direct monetary repercussions. Common examples include pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional trauma, scarring and disfigurement, amputation, and loss of companionship or consortium.
Insurance companies often neglect the full extent of your damages when offering settlements. At Esquire Law, we’ll make sure you receive the compensation necessary for a seamless recovery.
Common Challenges in Pedestrian Accident Cases
When insurance companies prioritize their bottom line over your well-being, we negotiate with them on your behalf to award a fair settlement. This typically begins with the filing of an insurance claim against the at-fault party’s provider. However, insurance companies don’t always act in good faith. They may try to minimize your compensation on the assumption that you don’t know your legal rights. To prove them otherwise, follow these helpful tips:
- File your claim promptly
- Avoid admitting fault for your injuries
- Decline requests to provide a recorded statement
- Only provide the information specifically requested
- Consult an attorney before accepting any settlement offer
Insurance companies’ initial settlement offers are notoriously lower than the claim’s true value. Rather than settling for an inadequate sum, Esquire Law will advise you and negotiate with the insurer for a fair outcome. Insurance carriers take claimants more seriously when they’re represented by legal counsel.
Last, you may have the right to pursue legal action against the party responsible for your accident. If necessary, Esquire Law will prepare for trial and litigate in court on your behalf. To prove liability in pedestrian accidents, we understand that we must rise to the challenge of establishing negligence — which is defined as a failure to meet the expected duty of care, resulting in harm.
To demonstrate negligence, four elements must typically be established:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care
- The defendant breached that duty of care
- The breach caused your accident/injury
- You sustained damages
At Esquire Law, we rise to these challenges — and our satisfied clients agree.
Get a Free Case Evaluation with a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Scottsdale
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Scottsdale, take the first step toward recovery and schedule a free consultation with a lawyer at Esquire Law. We’ll treat you with the dignity you deserve during these otherwise difficult situations. We take our attorney-client relationship very seriously, so everything we discuss together will remain confidential.
Our team of pedestrian accident lawyers is committed to justice — and your recovery.