Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents in Arizona: Legal Rights and What to Do After a Crash

Pedestrian and bicycle accidents are some of the most devastating cases I’ve handled. Unlike car accidents, where drivers have the protection of a vehicle, pedestrians and cyclists have little to no defense against an impact. A split-second mistake by a distracted driver can lead to life-altering injuries, or worse.

The Reality of Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents in Arizona

Arizona consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for pedestrians and bicyclists. According to state crash data, over 1,500 pedestrians and nearly 1,000 bicyclists are hit by vehicles in Arizona each year. Many of these accidents happen in high-traffic areas like Tempe, Scottsdale, and Phoenix, where college students, commuters, and tourists are all sharing the road.

I’ve personally handled cases where a pedestrian was lawfully crossing the street in a designated crosswalk and still got hit because the driver “just didn’t see them.” I’ve worked with cyclists who were sideswiped by a car, thrown off their bike, and then unfairly blamed for being in the way. These cases aren’t just about injury law—they’re about fairness, responsibility, and holding negligent drivers accountable.

Where Do Most Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents Happen in Arizona?

There are certain areas across Tempe, Scottsdale, and Phoenix where pedestrian and bicycle accidents happen more frequently. These include:

• College and downtown areas – Arizona State University in Tempe, Old Town Scottsdale, and Downtown Phoenix are hotspots for pedestrian and bike traffic. Busy roads and distracted drivers create high-risk environments.

• Crosswalks and intersections – Many pedestrian accidents happen inside crosswalks, where drivers fail to yield. In bike lanes, riders are often cut off or sideswiped by vehicles making turns.

• Residential streets and parking lots – People assume accidents only happen on busy roads, but I’ve seen serious injuries from low-speed crashes in neighborhoods and parking lots, where drivers aren’t paying attention.

What Causes Most Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents?

The leading causes of pedestrian and bicycle crashes in Arizona include:

• Distracted driving – Texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting GPS while driving is a major cause of accidents.

• Failure to yield – Many drivers fail to yield at crosswalks or make unsafe turns into bike lanes.

• Speeding – Higher speeds reduce reaction time, making it harder for drivers to stop in time.

• Impaired driving – DUI-related pedestrian and bike crashes are unfortunately common, especially on weekends and at night.

• Dooring incidents – Cyclists are often hit when a parked driver opens their car door into a bike lane, giving them no time to react.

What To Do If You’re Hit as a Pedestrian or Cyclist

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle or pedestrian accident, here’s what you should do:

Call 911 immediately – Even if you think your injuries are minor, get medical attention. Some injuries, like concussions or internal damage, may not be obvious right away.

Document the scene – If you’re able, take photos of the vehicle, license plate, and any damage to your bike or clothing. If there are witnesses, get their contact info.

Get medical treatment – Don’t wait. Even if you feel okay, getting checked out by a doctor can protect your health and document injuries for your case.

Don’t talk to the insurance company yet – The driver’s insurance company will likely try to minimize your claim or shift blame. Before making any statements, consult with an attorney.

Consult a pedestrian and bicycle accident lawyer – A lawyer can handle the insurance companies, gather evidence, and fight for fair compensation so you can focus on recovery.

Arizona Laws Protecting Pedestrians and Cyclists

Arizona has laws designed to protect pedestrians and cyclists, but not all drivers follow them. Some key laws include:

• ARS 28-792 – Drivers must yield to pedestrians inside a crosswalk.

• ARS 28-735 – Drivers must leave at least three feet of space when passing a bicyclist.

• ARS 28-796 – Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicles when using the road.

Despite these protections, I’ve handled cases where the driver ignored the law and still tried to blame the pedestrian or cyclist. That’s why legal representation is so important.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If you’ve been hit as a pedestrian or cyclist in Arizona, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills – ER visits, surgery, physical therapy, ongoing care.

• Lost wages – Compensation for time off work due to injuries.

• Pain and suffering – Emotional and physical distress from the accident.

• Bike repair or replacement – If your bicycle was damaged in the crash.

• Wrongful death claims – If a loved one was tragically killed in a pedestrian or bicycle accident.

Insurance companies don’t often hand out fair settlements easily—they will fight hard to pay you less than you deserve. That’s why having an experienced injury attorney on your side makes a huge difference.

Why Choose Beam Law PLC?

I don’t take a high-volume, billboard-lawyer approach to cases. Every client I work with gets my full attention because I know how life-changing these injuries are. With 15 years of legal experience, I’ve helped pedestrians and cyclists throughout Arizona recover the compensation they deserve.

If you were injured in a pedestrian or bike accident in Arizona, don’t wait. Call (602) 515-8707 or contact me today for a free case evaluation.