Hit by a Car as a Pedestrian in Phoenix? Here's Exactly What to Do Next
If you were hit by a car as a pedestrian in Phoenix, the moments and days that follow can feel overwhelming. You may be dealing with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and a flood of questions about what happens next. You are not alone — and you have rights under Arizona law. This guide walks you through the most important steps to protect your health, your claim, and your future.
Why Pedestrian Accidents in Phoenix Are So Serious
Phoenix consistently ranks among the most dangerous cities in the United States for pedestrians. Wide arterial roads, high speed limits, and heavy traffic on corridors like Van Buren Street, Camelback Road, and Central Avenue create conditions where pedestrian collisions happen far too often. When a vehicle — which can weigh thousands of pounds — strikes a person on foot, the resulting injuries are almost always severe. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal bleeding are common outcomes. Even a low-speed impact can cause injuries that take months or years to fully emerge.
Arizona law provides meaningful protections for pedestrians injured through a driver's negligence. Under ARS § 28-792, drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Violating that duty — and causing injury — can form the basis of a personal injury claim. Our Pedestrian Accidents practice page covers more detail on how Arizona law applies to these cases.
Step 1: Call 911 and Get Medical Attention Immediately
Your health comes first. Even if you feel like you can walk it off, call 911 right away. Some of the most serious injuries — internal bleeding, concussions, soft tissue damage — do not produce obvious symptoms at the scene. Adrenaline can mask pain for hours. A responding officer will create a police report, which becomes an important piece of evidence in your case. Make sure emergency responders evaluate you, and go to the emergency room or an urgent care clinic as soon as possible, even if you were not transported by ambulance.
Step 2: Document Everything at the Scene
If your injuries allow you to do so safely, gather as much information as you can before leaving the scene:
- Get the driver's name, contact information, driver's license number, and insurance details.
- Photograph the vehicle, its license plate, the point of impact, skid marks, and any visible injuries you have sustained.
- Take wide-angle photos of the intersection or road section, including traffic signals, crosswalk markings, and signage.
- Collect contact information from any witnesses. Eyewitness accounts can be powerful in disputed liability situations.
- Note the time, weather conditions, and lighting.
If you were taken away in an ambulance and could not document the scene yourself, don't worry — an experienced attorney can obtain surveillance footage, traffic camera recordings, and police reports on your behalf.
Step 3: Report the Accident and Seek Ongoing Medical Care
Arizona law under ARS § 28-667 requires that accidents involving injury be reported to law enforcement. Make sure a report is filed. After your initial emergency evaluation, follow through with all recommended follow-up care — with a primary care physician, orthopedist, neurologist, or whatever specialists your condition requires. Gaps in medical treatment are one of the most common ways insurance companies try to reduce or deny claims. Consistent medical records directly linking your injuries to the accident are critical to the value of your case.
Step 4: Be Careful What You Say to Insurance Companies
After an accident, the at-fault driver's insurance company may contact you quickly — sometimes within hours. They may sound sympathetic and helpful, but their goal is to settle your claim for as little money as possible. Do not give a recorded statement. Do not accept an early settlement offer before you know the full extent of your injuries. Do not post about the accident or your injuries on social media. Anything you say can be used to minimize your compensation. It is always in your best interest to speak with a personal injury lawyer before engaging with an insurer.
Arizona's Comparative Fault Rules and How They Apply to You
One concern many pedestrians have is whether they were partly at fault — for example, crossing mid-block, looking at a phone, or crossing against a light. Arizona follows a pure comparative fault system under ARS § 12-2505. This means that even if you were partially responsible for the accident, you can still recover compensation. Your damages will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. So if a jury finds you were 20% at fault and your total damages are $100,000, you would still recover $80,000. This is a much more favorable system than many other states. For a deeper explanation of how this works, see our related blog post on Arizona Comparative Negligence Law Explained.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
A successful pedestrian accident claim in Arizona can include compensation for:
- Medical expenses — past and future, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and specialist care
- Lost wages — income you missed while recovering, as well as reduced future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering — physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident
- Property damage — any personal belongings damaged in the collision
- Loss of enjoyment of life — if your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you previously enjoyed
If you have questions about who pays your medical bills while your claim is pending, our blog post on Arizona Car Accident Medical Bills: Who Pays? offers helpful guidance.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in Arizona?
Arizona's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident under ARS § 12-542. If you miss this deadline, you will almost certainly lose the right to pursue compensation entirely. Two years may sound like plenty of time, but building a strong case takes time — witnesses' memories fade, surveillance footage gets deleted, and evidence disappears. Acting promptly protects your ability to recover what you deserve.
Talk to a Phoenix Pedestrian Accident Lawyer — Free
If you were hit by a car as a pedestrian in Phoenix, you do not have to figure this out on your own. At Sher Law Group PLLC, our personal injury lawyers handle pedestrian accident cases across the Phoenix metro area, including Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, and Glendale. We offer free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call us today at 480-418-7437 — we are ready to help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.