Getting hit by a car while walking in Phoenix changes everything. Medical bills begin to pile up. You may not be able to work. Everyday life suddenly feels more difficult. If you or someone close to you was hurt in a pedestrian accident, you may need a Phoenix pedestrian accident attorney to help you recover.
Pedestrians are vulnerable. Unlike drivers, they have no protection from thousands of pounds of metal moving at high speeds. Even at low speeds, cars can cause life-changing injuries.
Arizona is among the top states in the country for pedestrian deaths. Traffic volume and fast roadways add to the danger in cities like Phoenix. That’s why victims often seek help.
Why Choose Kurtz Riley Law Group as Your Phoenix Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
Kurtz Riley Law Group was built to protect individuals hurt in serious accidents. Founders Austin Kurtz and Brian Riley have handled hundreds of personal injury cases across Arizona.
Their firm focuses on real recovery. Not just medical bills, but help with lost wages, emotional distress, and long-term consequences. They do not take every case. They only represent those they can fight for.
When you work with them, you get direct access to your attorney. No runaround. Just smart, focused legal work aimed at helping you rebuild.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Phoenix
In the days and weeks after a pedestrian accident, your focus should be on healing—but there are also steps you can take to protect your case.
See your doctor regularly – Ongoing medical treatment builds a clear record of your injuries. Follow all instructions and attend every appointment.
Keep track of your recovery – Document how your injuries affect daily life. Note any pain, missed work, and changes in your routine.
Store everything – Save receipts, hospital discharge papers, prescriptions, and anything else related to the accident.
Watch what you say – Don’t post about the accident or your injuries on social media. These can be used against you later.
Avoid dealing with insurers – They may call during this time. You’re not required to talk to them without legal advice. A lawyer can handle all communication.
Consult an attorney – Even weeks after the crash, it’s not too late. A pedestrian accident attorney can still build a strong case based on medical records, witness follow-ups, and crash data.
Traffic Signal Design and Pedestrian Safety in Phoenix
Many pedestrian accidents in Phoenix are tied to poor signal timing and unsafe intersection layouts. When cities design roads mainly for vehicle speed and volume, they often neglect pedestrian safety.
A Phoenix personal injury attorney can examine whether flawed traffic engineering contributed to your crash.
Here are several design problems common throughout Phoenix:
- Short crossing times – Pedestrian signals may not give enough time for slower walkers, children, or people using mobility aids to safely cross wide intersections.
- No pedestrian-only signals – Many intersections rely on traffic lights shared with vehicles, increasing the chance of turning cars hitting pedestrians.
- Long distances between safe crossings – Pedestrians may need to walk several blocks just to find a crosswalk. Some choose to cross mid-block out of necessity, where drivers aren’t expecting them.
- High-speed roads with multiple lanes – These are harder for drivers to monitor and more dangerous for people on foot, especially near freeways and major corridors.
- Poor visibility – Overgrown trees, broken streetlights, or faded crosswalk paint make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians at night.
In these cases, liability may extend beyond the driver. A city or county agency responsible for road maintenance or traffic planning could be partially at fault.
A legal team can:
- Request maintenance logs and signal programming data from public records
- Review city planning and transportation safety studies
- Consult traffic engineers and roadway safety experts
- Compare your intersection to modern design standards
These investigations can uncover broader issues that led to your injury. Holding cities accountable not only strengthens your case, but it can also pressure them to improve pedestrian safety citywide.
Even if you’re unsure whether a signal issue played a role in your accident, an attorney can help find out. Identifying multiple sources of liability could result in a better financial outcome for you.
Recovery takes time. The law gives you a path to seek compensation, but acting early helps smooth that path.
Each case is different. Whether the driver ran a red light or was texting, your lawyer will collect the right evidence to support your claim. Timing is critical. Evidence can disappear. Witnesses forget.
Fighting The Insurance Company
Insurance companies move fast after a pedestrian accident. They contact victims quickly, sometimes within hours. Their goal is not to help. They settle your case fast and for as little money as possible.
That is why having a Phoenix pedestrian accident attorney can make a difference.
Here’s what to expect:
- They may pressure you – Adjusters may call repeatedly, asking you to give a recorded statement. They’ll say it’s just routine. But what you say can be used against you.
- They might offer a quick payout – A check that covers only your emergency room visit might seem helpful, but it could block you from claiming more later.
- They question everything – Insurance companies often dispute medical treatment, delay approvals, and suggest you were somehow at fault for the accident.
- They monitor your recovery – Insurers do not often look at your social media, investigate your activities, and try to argue you are not as injured as you claim.
Trying to handle this alone is risky. Many injured pedestrians end up settling for far less than they need because they feel overwhelmed or unsure of their rights.
Kurtz Riley Law Group handles every part of this process for you:
- They communicate directly with the insurance company so you don’t have to
- They collect medical records, crash reports, and supporting documents
- They work with specialists who can prove the extent of your injuries
- They negotiate settlements that reflect the full cost of your recovery
When insurance companies see that you have strong legal representation, they take your case more seriously. You get treated fairly. You get the time and space to heal. And if the offer isn’t fair, Kurtz Riley Law Group is prepared to take your case to court.
You shouldn’t have to fight alone just to be treated with fairness. Let the legal team do that work for you.
When The At-Fault Driver Flees the Scene
Some of the most difficult pedestrian accidents involve hit-and-run drivers. When the person who caused your injuries disappears, it adds fear and frustration to an already traumatic event.
A Phoenix pedestrian accident attorney can still help you seek justice, even if the driver is never identified. Here’s what victims of hit-and-run accidents should know:
- Call the police immediately – A report starts the official investigation. Officers can check for cameras, witnesses, and patterns in similar incidents.
- Look for local footage – Video from traffic lights, businesses, or home security cameras can be critical. Attorneys can help track this down quickly.
- Get medical attention – Document your injuries. These records are still important, even without an identified driver.
- Don’t wait to act – Some people think they can’t file a claim without knowing who hit them. This is not true. You may have options through your own insurance or state compensation funds.
If you carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, it can help cover your losses. Many people don’t realize this applies to pedestrian accidents. UM policies may pay for:
- Hospital and medical bills
- Follow-up treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost income from missed work
- Pain, suffering, and future care
An attorney can:
- Review your auto or homeowner’s insurance to see what coverage applies
- Work with law enforcement to follow leads
- File claims and appeal any denied payments
- Represent you in court if necessary
Even in hit-and-run cases, you are not without options. The legal team at Kurtz Riley Law Group will explore every avenue to help you recover what you need. They will act fast, investigate thoroughly, and stay by your side as your case moves forward.
How Much Compensation Can You Receive?
Every case is different, but compensation may include:
- Medical expenses (hospital stays, surgeries, rehab)
- Future care costs
- Lost wages and lost earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Mental health treatment
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Severe injuries like spinal cord damage, brain injuries, and multiple fractures are common in pedestrian crashes. These require long-term treatment. A Phoenix pedestrian accident attorney can calculate the full cost of your recovery.
Arizona law allows accident victims to recover compensation even if they were partially at fault. This is called comparative negligence. For example, you may still receive money if you were crossing outside a crosswalk but the driver was speeding.
Arizona Laws Affecting Your Case
Pedestrian accident claims in Phoenix must follow Arizona’s laws. These include:
- Statute of limitations – You generally have two years from the crash date to file a lawsuit. Laws change and statutes might be different today. Always talk with a skilled lawyer about the most up-to-date information before making any decisions.
- Comparative negligence – Your percentage of fault reduces your compensation.
- Insurance requirements – Arizona drivers must carry liability coverage, but it may not be enough for serious injuries.
- Reporting requirements – Serious accidents must be reported to the police and insurance.
A knowledgeable attorney will keep your case on track and within legal deadlines.
Local Insights: Phoenix Roads And Risks
Phoenix is a sprawling city with heavy traffic. Pedestrians face real risks, especially near:
- Grand Avenue
- McDowell Road
- Central Avenue
- The I-17 and I-10 corridors
These roads see high speeds and limited visibility. Poor lighting makes nighttime accidents more common. Arizona's climate also means more people walk year-round, raising accident risk.
Knowing local traffic patterns and city layout helps your attorney build a stronger case.
How Kurtz Riley Law Group Helps
Kurtz Riley Law Group doesn’t just send letters or make a few calls. They investigate. They talk to witnesses. They hire professionals to recreate accidents. They work with doctors to explain how the crash changed your life.
They are aggressive when needed and strategic always. Insurance companies know who they are. That can help push your case toward a better result.
When you call their office, you speak directly to an attorney. They will answer your questions. They will tell you what your case is worth. And they will take care of the details so you can focus on healing.
Walking in Phoenix should not be dangerous. But when it becomes life-changing, you deserve someone in your corner. Let Kurtz Riley Law Group handle the hard part. Their team knows the law, the city, and how to help injured people.
You don’t have to face this alone. Get a free consultation today with a top-rated Phoenix pedestrian accident attorney. Call (623) 303-5754 or complete this secure contact form. Visit the personal injury and car accident pages to learn more. Your recovery matters. Let this law firm fight for it.