Common Misconceptions About Pedestrian Accidents

Many pedestrians are injured in accidents every year in Arizona. Whether the accident is due to distracted driving or speeding, pedestrians can sustain serious injuries because they don’t have the protection of a vehicle. These types of accidents are also frequently misunderstood.

Here are some common misconceptions about pedestrian accidents.

Pedestrians Are Only Eligible for Compensation If They Were Struck By a Vehicle

It’s true that a large percentage of pedestrian accidents involve collisions between a pedestrian and vehicle. However, not all of these accidents are like this and aren’t a requirement for collecting damages. If a motorist, for example, acts carelessly and forces a pedestrian to take an action that results in injury, the pedestrian may still have a strong injury claim.

Pedestrians Always Have the Right of Way

It’s still frequently assumed that pedestrians have the right of way no matter what. However, pedestrians are expected to follow certain traffic rules just like motorists are. If they don’t and get into an accident, they may be held partially responsible. For example, if a pedestrian crosses the road illegally and gets hit by a vehicle, the pedestrian may be found partially at-fault.

Only High-Speed Collisions Result in Serious Injuries to Pedestrians

This isn’t true either. Even accidents at low speeds can cause severe injuries to pedestrians. For example, back-over and dragging accidents often result in debilitating and even fatal injuries to pedestrians.

Pedestrian Accidents Always Result in Visible Injuries

When people imagine pedestrians getting struck by vehicles, they often assume they suffer visible injuries, like lacerations and bruises. However, not all pedestrian accident injuries are always immediately apparent. Even if you have no visible signs of injuries, you may still have suffered a concussion or internal injuries. That’s why it’s always important to seek immediate medical care after an accident.

Pedestrian Accident Victims Can File a Claim Whenever

Like other personal injury claims, people only have so much time to file a pedestrian accident claim. In Arizona, the statute of limitations to file a pedestrian accident claim is two years. Once that deadline has passed, you are no longer eligible to receive compensation. To avoid losing your right to compensation, file your claim as soon as possible.

If you have been hurt in a pedestrian accident, you may want to discuss your case with a personal injury lawyer, like one from Saavedra Law Firm, PLC.