Too often, pedestrians walking in Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale, Tempe, or elsewhere in the Valley become the victims of car accidents when a motorist fails to notice his or her surroundings. When compared to a car, a pedestrian is small and more challenging to see, meaning that a driver in a hurry or one who is not specifically looking for the presence of a walker at an intersection might not notice foot traffic until it is too late. Pedestrian accidents in Arizona totaled 1,596 in 2013 alone. In those accidents, 158 pedestrians lost their lives.
The toll enacted by pedestrian accidents in Phoenix is staggering and very real. These victims may suffer serious or permanent injuries or may be killed, leaving behind family members and loved ones who are expected to move forward in life but who will never be the same. The laws enables these victims and family members to seek relief for the damages they are forced to incur through a legal claim for compensation. Relief can cover actual expenses like lost wages and medical bills as well as other sufferings like pain, scarring, and the permanency of damages. Speaking with a lawyer who has experience in the arena of pedestrian accidents may help you comprehend your legal options if you have been the victim of a Phoenix-area crash and you were hurt.
A collision in Phoenix on Friday night left one man dead and led to the arrest of a second. According to local police, a 66-year-old man was driving when he came upon and collided with a 53-year-old male pedestrian. Reportedly, the driver initially stopped at the scene after the crash but fled once police arrived, leading police to track down the suspected driver and arrest him. The driver has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident and driving under the influence. Police believe that impairment on the part of the driver either contributed to or was the sole cause of the collision though their investigation is open and ongoing at this time.
The pedestrian involved in the collision was tended to by emergency medical personnel at the scene. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment but the man’s injuries were too severe and he died as a result of the crash.
If you have been hurt in a pedestrian accident, you may not know where to turn for relief or even if relief is possible. The legal aspects of a pedestrian claim can be complicated so it is a good idea to speak with an injury lawyer when you can to learn about the specific facts and circumstances of your crash and how that affects your ability to seek relief.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we believe in and we fight for victims’ rights. We keep a lawyer standing by 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to take calls from those who have been hurt and to provide all injury victims with a free case consultation. We provide a consultation without any obligation on your part and all information discussed will be kept confidential.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we never charge our clients a fee unless we successfully make a recovery on their behalf. If you have been hurt in a pedestrian accident, call us now toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER or locally at (602) 819-5191 and let us help you seek the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Phoenix Crash Sends Car through House Wall, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published July 18, 2014.
Resource:
Victim and suspect in deadly hit-and-run crash identified, by Alexis Mladenoff, Fox 10 News, published July 19, 2014.