Pedestrian Laws in Arizona: Rights, Traffic Rules, and Accident Claims
Pedestrian laws in Arizona play an important aspect in protecting people who walk along streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and intersections throughout the state. As traffic increases in urban areas like Phoenix, pedestrian safety has become a top priority under Arizona law. Understanding pedestrian laws in Arizona helps pedestrians, drivers, and motorists reduce accidents and clarify fault when pedestrian accidents occur.
This guide explains pedestrian laws in Arizona, including pedestrian rights, traffic laws, right of way rules, and how accident claims work. It also outlines how injured pedestrians may seek compensation through the legal process when negligence by motor vehicle drivers causes harm.
Scope of Pedestrian Laws in Arizona
Arizona pedestrian laws regulate how pedestrians and vehicles share the roadway. These specific laws define where pedestrians may walk, when they must yield, and how drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians.
This article covers pedestrian rights, traffic rules, and civil recovery options for personal injury claims following pedestrian accidents in Arizona.
Key Traffic Laws Affecting Pedestrians
Arizona traffic laws impose duties on both pedestrians and drivers. Pedestrians must obey traffic control signals, use sidewalks when available, and follow pedestrian crossing rules.
Arizona law prohibits pedestrians from jaywalking. Jaywalking generally means crossing a street outside of marked or unmarked crosswalks or designated crosswalks, and it can reduce compensation under the comparative negligence rule.
When sidewalks are present, pedestrian use of sidewalks is required. If sidewalks are unavailable, pedestrians must walk on the left side of the roadway or shoulder facing oncoming traffic. Walking in the opposite direction of traffic is not permitted.
Right of Way and Crosswalk Rules
Right of way rules are central to pedestrian safety. Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-792, drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing within any marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
Drivers must remain at a complete stop until the pedestrian has fully crossed the entire roadway. Failing to yield is a common cause of pedestrian accidents.
Marked and Unmarked Crosswalks
A marked or unmarked crosswalk exists at most intersections, even if pavement markings are not visible. Designated crosswalks often include painted lines, signage, or traffic signals.
Drivers must yield to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks. However, pedestrians crossing outside of a crosswalk must yield to vehicles and approaching vehicles already in the roadway.
Traffic Signals and Pedestrian Obligations
Arizona law requires pedestrians to obey traffic control signals, including walk and don’t walk indicators, as outlined in Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-793 and § 28-645.
A walk signal allows pedestrians to begin crossing. A flashing signal warns that time is ending, and a red light or “don’t walk” signal prohibits pedestrians from entering the roadway.
Pedestrians must not step off the curb into the path of an oncoming traffic vehicle that is too close to stop safely. Even with a walk signal, pedestrians must exercise caution and watch for turning vehicles.
HAWK signals remain dark until activated by a pedestrian. Once activated, they display yellow and then red to stop drivers while pedestrians cross.
Duties of Motor Vehicle Drivers
Motor vehicle drivers have a duty to protect pedestrians. Drivers must yield at crosswalks, avoid colliding with pedestrians, and use due care at intersections, parking lots, and turns.
Arizona law prohibits drivers from passing other vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. If one vehicle stops to allow a pedestrian crossing, other vehicles may not overtake it.
Drivers must also yield during left turns and right turns when pedestrians are lawfully crossing.
Common Causes and Statistics of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents account for approximately 1.41 percent of all crashes in Arizona, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. In 2021, 257 pedestrians were killed after being struck by a motor vehicle, and 15 percent of pedestrian crashes were fatal.
Nearly 85 percent of pedestrians involved in accidents suffered injuries sustained during the collision. Most pedestrian accidents occur while crossing the street in urban areas during daylight hours.
Distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, impaired driving, poor lighting, and road design issues are common contributing factors.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) identifies distracted driving, speeding, and failure to yield as leading contributors to pedestrian accidents nationwide, including in Arizona.
Injuries Sustained in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians often suffer severe injuries due to the lack of protection from vehicles. Common injuries include broken bones, head trauma, spinal injuries, internal injuries, and long-term disability.
Medical bills, rehabilitation, and ongoing care are often required after a pedestrian accident.
Liability and Comparative Negligence
Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence rule under ARS 12-2505. If a pedestrian is partially at fault, compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault but not eliminated.
For example, jaywalking or failing to face oncoming traffic may reduce recovery but does not bar a claim. Proving fault requires showing that the driver’s negligence caused the accident.
Evidence and Steps After a Pedestrian Accident
Immediately seek medical attention to document injuries. Call law enforcement so an official accident report is created.
Photograph the accident scene, vehicles, traffic signals, and roadway conditions. Collect witness contact information and avoid making statements to insurance companies without legal guidance.
Recovering Damages After a Pedestrian Accident
Injured pedestrians may seek compensation for medical expenses, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Arizona is two years from the date of the accident.
Recovering damages depends on evidence, fault analysis, and compliance with traffic laws.
How a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Helps
A pedestrian accident lawyer gathers evidence, negotiates with insurance companies, and files a claim or lawsuit when necessary. Legal representation helps injured pedestrians seek compensation while focusing on recovery.
When to Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Contacting a pedestrian accident lawyer is critical after serious injuries. An experienced attorney can protect your best interest, explain your rights, and manage the claim process.
Harris Injury Law offers a free consultation and confidential case evaluation for injured pedestrians. Contact us today at (480) 800-4878. Our team also handles related cases involving rideshare vehicles, which may involve complex insurance issues. Learn more through our Phoenix Lyft accident attorney page.
Resources and Local Codes
For additional information, review the Arizona Revised Statutes and guidance from the Arizona Department of Transportation on pedestrian safety and traffic rules.
Understanding pedestrian laws in Arizona empowers pedestrians and drivers to reduce accidents, follow the law, and pursue compensation when injuries occur.
