Arizona is Among the Highest in the Nation for Car/Pedestrian Deaths

Arizona has the highest rate of deaths for car-pedestrian collisions according to a report released recently by the Governor’s Highway Safety Association. https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2018/03/01/arizona-has-highest-rate-pedestrian-deaths-united-states-report-says/383640002/

Arizona had previously ranked third in the nation for number of deaths per 100,000 car-pedestrian collisions, but now has moved up to first. Arizona went from 1.4 deaths per 100,000 to 1.61. This makes Arizona first when viewed in relation to the state population. The national average is .81 deaths per 100,000. Car-pedestrian deaths in Arizona went from 197 in 2016 to 224 in 2017. For further information, see: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2019/02/28/pedestrian-safety-crisis-deaths-ghsa/2993321002/ and https://www.ghsa.org/

So, why so high? Are there more trucks and SUVs in Arizona? More pedestrians? More dangerous traffic and intersections? There are varying ideas for why Arizona is so high and the reasons behind the increase.

The minimum Liability Insurance limits in Arizona are 15/30/10, or $15,000.00 maximum per person, $30,000.00 per collision, and $10,000.00 in for property damage. There have been bills in the legislature to increase this, but nothing has become law. Car-pedestrian collisions typically result in substantial injuries, and unfortunately, they can frequently catastrophic or life changing. If you or a loved one is injured in a car-pedestrian collision it is important to consult with an experienced injury lawyer. A good injury lawyer will know how to check to see if there are additional sources of insurance such as excess or umbrella policies.

In the event of a serious injury there may be insurance through the at fault driver’s employer if they were on the job at the time of the collision. You should always talk to a good injury lawyer to make the best use of your own benefits (and sometimes the benefits of a family member) such as Uninsured or Underinsured motorist coverage (frequently called UM/UIM) and to determine if there are other coverages that may apply. Health Insurance can also make a substantial difference on how much the injured person’s net (in pocket) recovery will be.

Sometimes people think that just because the injuries are substantial and an insurance policy is minimal that they do not need to talk to an injury lawyer. While, unfortunately the insurance limits can have a large impact on what is recovered, you should still talk to an experienced injury lawyer. Frequently a good injury lawyer is able to identify other insurance or funds to recover, or use benefits and reduce bills in a way to maximize your net recovery.
I have had many clients that did not think there would be any in pocket recovery because of the amount of the limits, but the net recovery for the injured person is substantial for one reason or another. You can ask before engaging an injury lawyer how they can help you, what they will do to make a good recovery for you, and how having an injury lawyer will result in more money in your pocket.

If you or a loved one was injured in a car-pedestrian collision, please call me. Sometimes it is a great relief to have your questions answered by a lawyer with the knowledge, compassion, and experience, to provide a realistic and accurate evaluation of your claim from the beginning. There is no cost or obligation to discuss your claim and I offer contingency fee for injury clients.