Why are there so many pedestrian deaths in Maricopa County?
In July 2018, four pedestrians were killed or critically injured in a week, in the Phoenix area, a pedestrian accident injury lawyer Phoenix AZ may be able to help an injured victim or his or her family in this type of case.
A woman died after she was hit by two different trucks when crossing 35th Avenue and Indian School Road, both drivers left the scene.
Another pedestrian was fatally struck near Indian School and 36th Street.
Another pedestrian was hit and killed near Price and Queen Creek Road in Chandler.
Another person was in critical condition after she was hit by a car at Cactus Road near 25th Avenue in Phoenix.
These are just four of the 62 pedestrian injuries and fatalities in Maricopa County that the Arizona Republic has reported on, up to July 2018, 52 of these incidents were fatal.
The Director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety stated that the pedestrian fatalities problem is getting worse.
Arizona has the highest rate of pedestrian deaths in the country in relation to population, overall 230 pedestrians were killed statewide after being hit by a car in 2017. There’s been an increase in fatality rates in Arizona since 2013.
In 2013 the Arizona death toll for traffic fatalities was 849, the number of pedestrian fatalities was 160. In 2017 total traffic fatalities were 1001, pedestrian deaths were 228. Up to July, 2018 111 pedestrians were killed.
Causes of the fatalities included pedestrians crossing in mid block, not being seen by drivers, some pedestrians were impaired or distracted. Some drivers were going too fast for conditions, or were distracted, impaired, or not paying attention to crosswalks. Distracted driving is a very too often occurrence, this is frequently the result of use of a cell phone, texting while driving. Some cities have begun to prohibit phone use while driving, or walking.
It has been reported that distracted driving was responsibly for almost 3,500 deaths in 2016. Teenagers were the largest group reported as distracted at the time of fatal crashes.
Too frequently a driver may not be paying attention, an insurance company may unfairly blame the pedestrian victim. A pedestrian accident lawyer Phoenix AZ can hire an accident reconstructionist if necessary, to further evaluate the speed, perception, reaction of the driver of a vehicle.
Remedies to the issues herein include altered street infrastructure, more effective street engineering, more police patrols, to better protect pedestrians. Additional remedies include crosswalk islands, heavily marked crosswalks, improved street lighting, and reduced speed at intersections proven to be dangerous.
There should be no rush in trying to settle a pedestrian injury claim and there should be caution in settling any personal injury case too soon, before sufficient information is obtained regarding the nature and extent of the injuries and further treatment. Once the case is settled the signing of a release is required, the settlement is final.
The pedestrian victim of a car crash will likely benefit from representation by a pedestrian accident lawyer in Phoenix AZ, the attorney can investigate fault, may be able to locate witnesses, identity applicable insurance coverages, and assess claims for damages.