One pedestrian is dead and another sustained life-threatening injuries after they were struck by a vehicle while crossing in a crosswalk.
Pedestrian Accident
According to the Scottsdale Police Department the pedestrians were hit while walking through the intersection of Shea Boulevard and the Loop 101 in Scottsdale. DPS is taking over the investigation since the incident occurred in the crosswalk of the intersection.
Crosswalk Accidents and Negligence
When you bring a personal injury lawsuit against someone, you are essentially claiming that person was negligent in his or her actions. During a pedestrian accident, the pedestrian bringing the lawsuit would claim the driver of the car that hit him or her was negligent.
Drivers can be considered negligent if they fail to do the following:
- Pay attention to surroundings
- Adhere to posted speed limits
- Yield at stop lights and cross-walks
- Properly using turn signals
- Adhere to Arizona state traffic laws
Comparative Negligence
The defendant, often the driver of a car in pedestrian accident cases, might argue comparative negligence. This means they feel the pedestrian was partially or entirely at fault in causing the accident.
A claim of comparative negligence on behalf of the pedestrian can be caused if the pedestrian does the following:
- Runs out in front of cars
- Illegally jaywalks
- Fails to use designated cross-walks
- Ignores pedestrian signals at traffic lights
- Fails to pay attention to surroundings and traffic situations
If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, you should immediately contact a personal injury attorney that can help investigate and build your case.
