Each year there are thousands of pedestrians injured and killed in traffic accidents. Our firm represents pedestrians who have been hurt and injured or who may be family members of a pedestrian killed in an accident - on the road, highway, city street, private parking lot, or even in their own driveway. Although it is common to refer to these incidents as "accidents," the fact is that pedestrian injuries and deaths that result from the reckless or negligent conduct of another person are not, by definition, "accidents." In truth and in fact, they were preventable, which is precisely why our laws entitle the victims and surviving family members of these preventable incidents to bring lawsuits against the at fault party or parties.

Our cities and streets are often busy with activity - cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicyclists, and pedestrians have to interact and share public space and roadways. Unfortunately, not everyone understands or observes the rules of the road that govern right-of-way at crosswalks, stoplights, or even stop signs. The Watkin Law Office is prepared to help you through these tragic incidents and put the law on your side. Many cases involve a failure to yield or observe pedestrian right-of-way. In these kinds of cases, it is often critical to measure skid marks, evaluate any damage to the car or bike, and gather testimony from witnesses.

The Watkin Law Office represents pedestrians and bicyclists injured or killed by motorists who fail to:

• Yield right of way
• Stop at a cross walk
• Come to a complete stop at a stop sign
• Drive safely and slowly through private parking lots
• Stop before turning right on red at an intersection
• Travel too fast down neighborhood streets & driveways
• Basically -- fail to look where they are going!!

Pedestrians' Rights and Duties

There is an old myth that claims "pedestrians always have the right of way." In fact, pedestrians are always subject to traffic-control signals and have to obey traffic lights at any time. When traffic-control signals are not in place or not functioning, a driver has to yield the right of way once a pedestrian has entered the crosswalk. At a point, however, where a pedestrian tunnel or overpass has been provided, pedestrians shall yield the right of way to all vehicles. Bottom line: pedestrians have certain responsibilities, too, and sometimes cause or contribute to their own injuries or death.

Consider:

• Crossing, no signal or crosswalk -- approx. 25% of accidents
• Crossing, with a signal -- approx. 20% of accidents
• Crossing, against the signal -- approx 10% of accidents
• Other actions in the roadway -- approx. 10% of accidents
• Emerging from a parked vehicle -- approx. 5% of accidents
• Crossing, no signal, marked crosswalk -- approx. 5% of accidents
• Going off/on a stopped school bus -- less than 1% of accidents
• 71 percent of all accidents involving pedestrians occur in urban areas
• 64 percent of all accidents happen at night
• 68 percent of all pedestrians that are killed are male
• 23 percent of the children killed in traffic are pedestrians
• 17 percent of pedestrians killed are elderly citizens
• 48 percent of pedestrian accidents take place over the weekend
• 47 percent of all fatal crashes involve alcohol
• 31 percent involve intoxicated pedestrians
• 17 percent involve intoxicated drivers

Pedestrians also exercise the right of way on sidewalks extending across alleyways, building entrances or driveways. However, once pedestrians leave the "right of way" zones and try to cross at unmarked points of the road, even if a tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing is provided, vehicles have the right of way. At the same time, it is prohibited to cross intersections diagonally unless authorized traffic-control devices indicate otherwise.

Let Us Help

We recognize injured people face worries associated with paying medical bills, returning to work, and doing the everyday things they enjoy. Taking some of the stress and anxiety off their shoulders by providing responsive, one-on-one service lets our clients know they're being taken care of. Injuries suffered as a result of these types of accidents can be severe and life altering. You may have injuries to your head or neck, nerve damage or spinal cord paralysis, broken or dislocated a bone or limb, lost the use of a limb, or even lost an entire limb. Our firm understands that the goal after going through such trauma is to get your medical bills paid and covered, make sure you do not suffer financially through any lost wages, and make sure your insurance company will pay for future treatment relating to your injury. We will discuss your situation and go over the options available to you, as well as work with insurance companies and other parties involved in your case to make sure all your needs are handled quickly and appropriately.

In the meantime, do not be misled by an insurance company's pledge to "help." In virtually every case, they are only concerned with their bottom line.

IMPORTANT: If an insurance claims agent for the person at fault calls to "interview" you, decline -- at least until you have spoken with an attorney. Despite what the insurance agent might tell you, he is NOT "just trying to help."

Also, please keep in mind that your injuries might require more time to heal then you realize. They may be the type of injuries that recur in the future. Be prepared to be patient.

The Watkin Law Office has successfully handled many cases involving pedestrians and recovered substantial damages for victims and their families.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident or you are survivor of a pedestrian who has been killed in a road accident, Contact us online or call at 480-281-3838 to arrange a consultation. When results matter, choose The Watkin Law Office, P.C.

The Watkin Law Office, P.C. represents serious injury and wrongful death clients throughout Arizona, including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, Cave Creek, Carefree, Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley, Surprise, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, Goodyear, Casa Grande, Gila Bend, Tucson, Flagstaff, Sedona, Prescott, Wickenburg, Sun City, Anthem, Payson, Yuma, Lake Havasu City, Kingman, Show Low, Pinetop, Lakeside — Maricopa County, Pima County, Pinal County, Coconino County, Yuma County, Navajo County, Apache County, Mohave County, Yavapai County and Gila County.