Some numbers have Arizona as the most dangerous state in the U.S. when it comes to pedestrians. They are in the most danger by simply being outnumbered, which means accidents are likely to rise as the number of automobiles on the road continues to rise. It is important for you to not only understand how to avoid potential pedestrian accidents, but also to understand what to do if you are in the unfortunate position of ending up in one. Here are five pointers about pedestrian accidents.
It seems common sense – people walking around, right? No, because you’re missing a big number of people who cannot walk – meaning people in wheelchairs (manual or motorized. It also includes runners. Pedestrians are, effectively, anyone who typically has the right of way but who could be in danger from faster and automated modes of transportation like motorized vehicles and bicycles.
Laws regarding pedestrians are primarily built around protecting pedestrians, since laws are intended to protect the vulnerable. Arizona requires that drivers yield to pedestrians and to avoid passing vehicles stopped at a crosswalk, as a pedestrian is likely to be on the other side of said vehicle. Pedestrians are subject to Arizona law as well, of course, for their own protection, including a requirement to follow traffic control signs when at intersections and yielding right-of-way to vehicles if they are not at a crosswalk.
In Arizona, the majority of pedestrian fatalities happen when the pedestrian is crossing with a road – this is also where the most injuries occur, as well. Most of the time, pedestrians in these accidents were not intoxicated or found to be under the influence of drugs, either. This should tell you that awareness of surroundings is paramount to being a safe pedestrian.
Since Arizona laws use pure comparative fault, both parties could potentially be considered at fault, which will reduce a plaintiff’s damages, in the long run, if the pedestrian is found to be in partial fault in some way. As far as potential damages, a pedestrian cam potentially seek both economic and non-economic damages.
The easiest way to stay safe, of course, is to follow all traffic laws. It is always recommended to wear bright colors and, if walking at night, to wear some sort of reflective gear in order to be more easily noticed in headlights and other lights.
While pedestrians do typically have right of way, that is no reason to assume that everyone around you will follow the rules. Just as the safest type of driving or bicycle riding is defensive, so, too, must you be a defensive pedestrian. Keep your senses sharp and pay attention to your surroundings, and if you can avoid a potentially dangerous misunderstanding regarding crossing, etc, then do avoid it. It is better not to take a dangerous chance.
blogs
Who is Liable if an Airbag Fails to Deploy During a Car Accident?
An airbag is an automobile device designed to inflate rapidly during an automobile collision. The airbag prevents a person from hitting their face on the dashboard or steering wheel. They’re customarily hidden but inflate instantly when a crash begins. When Are Airbags Supposed to Deploy? As soon as the Airbags work by inflating vehicle starts […]
Slip and Falls in Private Homes
Slips and falls are serious anywhere, but if you concentrate just on occurrences in private homes, an arresting statistic jumps out right away- falls are responsible for 50% of all accidental deaths in the home. Let’s take a look at two of the top causes of a slip and fall in a private home. We […]
Workers’ Compensation Laws in California
Accidents can be very prevalent at work. Some of the common injuries in workplaces include industry deafness as a result of working in a noisy area for a long time, a broken arm from slipping, or a muscle strain from carrying heavy loads. In many cases, employees injured at work usually receive unfair treatment and […]
Motorcycle Safety Tips for Cold Weather
Driving any vehicle in cold weather and especially snow is going to make for a much more difficult time than driving in dry, comfortable weather. With enough preparation and all of the right gear, it is possible to mitigate many of these problems, but without them, you run the risk of a deadly accident. Before […]
Great Motorcycle Roads in Arizona
There’s no freer way to see the great state of Arizona than to travel it by motorcycle. Being one of the last gateways to the West Coast, our streets are manifold, so your options are virtually endless. Whether you’re touring to see the mountains, the wildlife, the succulents or other plants, or just visit towns […]
Keeping Older Drivers Safe
A lot of us have had to have a talk with our grandparents or parents about how they are on the road. There comes a time when caring for yourself can become difficult, as an older person, especially when driving. What can you do to ensure the older person in your life is being safe […]
Car Accident Compensation Laws in California
Every year, careless and reckless drivers cause many accidents leading to severe injuries and death countrywide. In California, car accidents are due to the state’s large population and a high number of vehicles. On numerous occasions, irresponsible drivers always get away with their mistakes. Luckily, there are compensation laws in California aimed to hold at-fault […]
What You Need to Know about Pain and Suffering in a Personal Injury Case
After a personal injury, you’re typically entitled to claim compensation for two types of damages; economic and non-economic. Economic damages are usually easy to quantify, and commonly include medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages on the other hand are difficult to measure, and often include pain and suffering. But what exactly is pain and […]
How Dangerous are Ride Shares?
Everyone with a smartphone now has access to the next generation of personalized, private transportation. It used to be a matter of calling and reserving a cab or, in some places, hailing one from the side of the road. Since ridesharing is a new phenomenon, however, all of the kinks are still being worked out, […]
How Much is a Slip and Fall Claim Settlement Worth?
When filing a slip and fall claim, you might want to consider the amount of compensation. While there’s no defined amount of settlement, a successful claim should adequately compensate you for physical, emotional, and monetary loss. Hiring an experienced lawyer is critical to getting adequate compensation for a valid claim. The article explains the factors […]
contact form
