If You'Ve been in a Bike or pedestrian accident in phoenix, Arizona, we can help

THINGS TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED

as a pedestrian or cyclist in phoenix, Arizona

What to Do If You've Been Hit as a Pedestrian or Bicyclist in Phoenix, Arizona

Being struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian or bicyclist is often catastrophic. Arizona sees hundreds of pedestrian and bicycle fatalities each year, and survivors frequently face life-changing injuries. Arizona is a fault-based (at-fault) state, meaning the driver who caused the crash (or their insurance) is responsible for paying your damages. However, insurance companies routinely try to shift blame onto pedestrians and cyclists ("you were in the road," "you didn’t have lights," "jaywalking," etc.). Below is a practical, step-by-step guide based on Arizona law and best practices, with specific notes for pedestrians and bicyclists.

1. Immediate Safety and Legal Obligations at the Scene

• Do NOT try to move if you are seriously injured. Wait for paramedics.
• If you are able, move out of traffic to prevent further harm.
• Call 911 immediately and insist on a police response. An official report is critical because drivers often give false statements blaming the pedestrian or cyclist.
• Exchange information with the driver (name, phone, license plate, insurance) only if you are able. Ask a witness or first responder to do it if you cannot.
• Get witness names and phone numbers — witnesses frequently leave before police arrive in pedestrian/bike cases.
• Take or ask someone to take photos of:
• Your injuries and clothing
• The vehicle and damage
• The exact location (crosswalk, sidewalk, bike lane, traffic signals)
• Skid marks, debris, and sight-line obstructions
• Driver’s behavior (on phone, etc.)
• Never admit any fault at the scene and do not say “I’m okay” even if adrenaline masks pain.

2. Report the Accident

• A police report is almost always required because pedestrian and bicycle crashes involve injury or fatality.
• Arizona law requires a written report for any crash with injury, death, or property damage over $2,000 (ARS § 28-667).
• If the driver flees, it is a felony hit-and-run (ARS § 28-661 & 663) with penalties up to 10+ years in prison if serious injuries occur.

3. Seek Medical Attention — Do NOT Delay

Pedestrian and bicycle impacts commonly cause:

• Traumatic brain injuries and concussions (even without direct head impact)
• Broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and paralysis
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Severe road rash and degloving injuries
• Amputations and crush injuries

Why immediate treatment is absolutely critical:

• Delayed treatment allows insurers to claim your injuries were not caused by the crash.
• Many life-threatening injuries (internal bleeding, brain swelling) have delayed symptoms.
• Ambulance and ER records from the day of the crash are the strongest evidence linking your injuries to the collision.

Go by ambulance if offered, or to a trauma center immediately after the scene.

4. Contact an Arizona Pedestrian/Bicycle Accident Attorney BEFORE Speaking to Any Insurance Company

• Attorney first is essential. Pedestrian and bicycle claims are among the most aggressively defended by insurance companies.
• An experienced pedestrian/bicycle injury lawyer will:
• Deal with the driver’s insurer (who will try to blame you from day one)
• Obtain traffic-camera footage, driver phone records, and black-box data before they disappear
• Hire accident reconstruction experts to prove right-of-way and driver fault
• Fight false allegations of jaywalking or riding on the sidewalk
• Never give a recorded statement to the driver’s insurance company without your attorney present.
• Notify your own health/auto insurance if applicable, but let your lawyer handle everything else.
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5. Key Arizona Laws That Apply to Injured Pedestrians and Bicyclists

Law - Details - Why It Matters for Pedestrians & Cyclists

Pure Comparative Negligence (ARS § 12-2505)

You can recover even if partially at fault; award reduced by your percentage of blame.

Insurers often claim 30–70% fault on the victim; skilled attorneys keep victim fault at 0–10% in most cases.

Statute of Limitations (ARS § 12-542)

In most circumstances you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit (3 years for property damage only).

Miss the deadline and you lose your right to sue forever.

Note: The timeframe for your case may be much shorter, possibly as short as six months.

Pedestrian Right-of-Way (ARS § 28-792, 28-793, 28-796)

Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections.

Jaywalking does NOT automatically bar recovery — drivers still have a duty to avoid hitting you if possible.

Bicycle as a Vehicle (ARS § 28-812, 28-644)

Bicyclists have the same rights and duties as motorists and must be treated as vehicles.

Drivers who “didn’t see” the cyclist are still liable; “dooring” and right-hook crashes are common claims.

Helmet Law

No adult bicycle helmet law; no pedestrian helmet requirement.

Lack of helmet cannot reduce your claim for non-head injuries and has limited effect on head injuries.

Minimum Auto Insurance

$25,000 bodily injury per person/$50,000 per accident/$15,000 property damage.

Almost always insufficient for serious pedestrian/bicycle injuries. (Strong UM/UIM coverage on any family auto policy is critical)

Additional Tips

• Preserve all evidence: Keep torn/bloody clothing, damaged bicycle/helmet, shoes, backpack, etc.
• Document ongoing medical treatment and daily pain/limitations in a journal.
• Do NOT post on social media about the crash, your injuries, or returning to activity.
• Reject quick settlement offers — catastrophic pedestrian and bicycle cases are often worth hundreds of thousands to millions once all future medical care and lost earnings are calculated.
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If you or a loved one has been struck by a vehicle while walking or riding a bicycle in Arizona, protect your health first and contact an experienced Phoenix, Arizona pedestrian and bicycle accident attorney immediately. Victims represented by specialized attorneys routinely recover dramatically higher settlements than those who deal directly with insurance companies.

This overview is general information only and is not legal advice. Speak with a licensed attorney for advice specific to your case.