Since vehicle versus pedestrian collisions often result in severe injuries, pedestrians may require lifelong medical treatment. The cost of long-term care is extremely high, with expenses for ongoing doctor visits, multiple surgeries, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. To protect your future after a pedestrian accident in Tempe, it is important to hire a skilled attorney who will file a claim against the driver responsible for the incident and seek full compensation on your behalf.
To learn more about our experience handling complex injury cases, call us to schedule a free consultation with our Tempe pedestrian accident attorneys.
Pedestrian injuries are often severe or life-threatening due to a lack of protection against a motor vehicle. An injured party is likely to require ongoing treatment to recover, including rehabilitation, physical therapy, and surgery. Some injured pedestrians may need help with activities of daily living or are unable to return to work due to permanent disability. Common injuries may include but are not limited to:
Arizona’s fault-based system means that the driver responsible for the crash may be held financially liable for the resulting injuries and losses. Arizona law mandates that all motorists carry liability insurance with these minimum coverage limits:
Bodily injury liability coverage may help compensate for various losses resulting from the incident, including medical bills, wage loss, diminished earning capacity, loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, scarring and disfigurement, and more. For additional details, contact a skilled attorney.
If the driver responsible for the Tempe pedestrian accident has insufficient or nonexistent liability coverage, the injured party may be able to file a claim with their auto insurance company. Even as a pedestrian, your car insurance may step in to cover your injuries and losses. This will depend on the contractual language of the policy. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, if you have it, may help with medical bills and other damages.
If you do not have car insurance but live in a household with a relative who has UM/UIM on their plan, coverage may extend to you. Keep in mind that this may apply only if the policy does not list you as an excluded member. It is important to review the specific terms of the auto insurance policy and consult with an experienced Tempe pedestrian accident attorney to understand how it applies to your situation.
In accident cases where the responsible motorist flees the scene, recovering compensation may be particularly challenging. Fortunately, uninsured motorist coverage may become important in these situations, as it may cover medical bills and other damages. To bring a successful UM claim forward, there must be clear evidence of the suspect vehicle. Without evidence, it may be challenging to recover damages.
Detailed information of the car’s make, model, color, or partial license plate may significantly improve the chances of the police tracking down the fleeing driver. If law enforcement’s efforts are unsuccessful, an attorney can play an important role in locating the suspect party by hiring a private investigator. This investigative resource can significantly increase the chances of finding the responsible driver and building a strong case for financial compensation.
If you are injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver, it is important to take the appropriate steps to protect your rights. You may be able to seek financial recovery through a personal injury claim or lawsuit. To do this, you will need compelling evidence establishing liability, medical records detailing accident-related injuries, and other relevant documentation. Our legal team can guide you through the process to seek the compensation needed to cover your damages.
The evidence we may gather for your case includes the Tempe Police traffic accident report, notarized statements from eyewitnesses, security camera footage of the incident, photos of the crash site, medical records, the estimated property damage costs for the vehicle that struck you, and all applicable insurance policies. There is a limited amount of time to take legal action, so it is best to retain legal counsel as soon as possible to protect your right to a claim.
Civil cases must adhere to strict deadlines. In Arizona, there is a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. This means that if you are injured in a pedestrian accident in Tempe, you must file your case within two years from the incident date. The purpose of this is to protect the statute if the claim is not settled with the opposing party and insurance company. If you fail to meet this deadline and attempt to bring a claim thereafter, the court is likely to dismiss the case.
Specific circumstances may affect the statute of limitations for an accident case. For claims against public agencies, such as crashes involving government vehicles, the timeframe is often much shorter, typically requiring that you file a notice of claim within 180 days of the crash date. Additionally, when a personal injury case involves a minor child, they have two years from their 18th birthday to file a lawsuit if the claim has not yet been settled.
Retaining legal counsel can be extremely beneficial as it may mean the difference between a minimal settlement and a substantial financial recovery. Here is why injured pedestrians and their families in Tempe trust our legal team from Southwest Injury Law:
Find out how our legal team at Southwest Injury Law can make a difference in your case after a pedestrian accident in Tempe, Arizona. Call our law firm or fill out an online contact form today to schedule your free consultation.
As a pedestrian struck by a vehicle in Maricopa County, Arizona, you have legal rights to seek compensation. This may involve pursuing claims against a negligent driver, rideshare company, government entity, trucking company, or any other party responsible for your injuries and losses. If you were hit by a vehicle while walking, get in touch with a skilled Tempe pedestrian accident attorney for a free consultation at (602) 777-3300.
If you have been hurt in a car accident, Southwest Injury Law is the best personal injury law firm in Nevada and Arizona. Get off the phone with insurance adjusters and focus on healing. Leave the legal work to Southwest Injury Law, your trusted Personal Injury Lawyers In Las Vegas, NV, Phoenix, AZ, and surrounding areas.