What Should I Do Immediately After Being Hit by a Car in Phoenix?

Call 911 and remain at the scene if you are physically able. Accept emergency medical care even if your injuries seem minor. Document the scene with photographs if possible. Get the driver's name, insurance information, and vehicle details. Contact an attorney before speaking with any insurance adjuster. What you say in the hours after a crash can affect your claim significantly.

How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Arizona?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a civil lawsuit in Arizona. Claims involving a government vehicle or a government-owned roadway may require written notice within 180 days of the incident. Missing these deadlines can result in losing your right to compensation entirely. Consulting an attorney early in the process helps ensure you do not miss critical filing windows.

What If the Driver Who Hit Me Did Not Have Insurance?

Arizona requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, but some drivers do not comply with this requirement. If you were struck by an uninsured or underinsured motorist, you may be able to pursue a claim through your own uninsured motorist coverage. In some cases, other parties such as a vehicle owner, employer, or government entity may also bear liability. An attorney can help identify all available sources of recovery.

Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Crossing Outside a Crosswalk?

Yes. Arizona's comparative fault rules allow injured pedestrians to recover compensation even if they were partially at fault for the crash. The amount you receive will be reduced by your assigned percentage of fault, but you are not automatically barred from recovery. The specific facts of the crash, including driver speed, road conditions, and visibility, all factor into the fault analysis.

How Is Pain and Suffering Calculated in a Phoenix Pedestrian Accident Case?

Pain and suffering damages are not calculated using a fixed formula in Arizona. Attorneys and courts consider the severity and permanence of the injury, the impact on daily activities and relationships, the duration of recovery, and any ongoing limitations. Documentation from treating physicians, mental health providers, and personal journals can all support a pain and suffering claim. These damages are often the largest component of a serious pedestrian injury settlement.