Pedestrian Injury Zones in Phoenix

Pedestrian injury zones in Phoenix include the streets, intersections, and highway interchanges where people on foot are most likely to be struck by a vehicle. They cluster around busy freeway on-ramps, wide multi-lane roads, and crossings with poor lighting or missing signals. 

They are not random. They are the predictable result of local road hazards causing accidents day after day: speeding drivers, distracted drivers, drivers who fail to yield at crosswalks, and drivers who simply are not watching for the people around them. When someone walking through one of these zones is hit, the driver, not the pedestrian, is almost always the one who broke the law.

That legal point matters, because Arizona drivers owe pedestrians the highest duty of care, and pedestrians have the right of way in nearly every situation. Even if you were crossing outside a crosswalk, wearing headphones, or looking at your phone when you were hit, Arizona’s pure comparative negligence rule still allows you to recover pedestrian accident compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, future care, and pain and suffering. 

Insurance companies know this, and they will still try to pay you as little as possible, or blame you for what happened. Experienced Phoenix car accident lawyers push back, gather the evidence quickly, and make sure the driver and their insurer are held accountable for the harm they caused.

Below, we break down where the most dangerous pedestrian injury zones in Phoenix are, what is making them so risky, and the steps you should take right away if you or a loved one has been hurt. Time matters: Arizona gives you only two years to file most personal injury claims, and far less if a city or state agency is involved. The sooner you understand your rights, the stronger your case will be!

Accidents by the Numbers

As of 2023, Phoenix is home to more than 1.65 million people, a population that’s grown by roughly 12% since 2013. This growth comes with a sharp rise in traffic accidents. 

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), total crashes have gone up by 55% annually. With that, the agency reports pedestrian and cyclist deaths have surged by 90%. For every fatality, even more pedestrians are left with serious, often life-changing injuries. The true toll extends far beyond the numbers.

Pedestrian Crash Hot Spots 

Based on local data and firm experience, the following Phoenix intersections have been noted as high-risk areas for pedestrian incidents:

• Greenway Road and I-17
• 7th Avenue and the I-10 Interchange
• Cactus Road and the I-17 Interchange
• 32nd Street and SR 202
• Camelback Road and the I-17 Interchange
• I-17 and Indian School Road

There are plenty of other high-risk areas not listed here, but if you’re walking (or driving) through any of the busy zones mentioned above, it’s important to stay alert and be careful. A split second really can make all the difference! 

Phoenix Pedestrian Crash Hot Spots at a Glance

Pedestrian Safety Tips

Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility. Staying alert, whether you’re walking or behind the wheel, can prevent serious accidents.

This means avoiding distractions like phones, using crosswalks whenever possible and making eye contact with drivers before crossing the road. Wearing bright or reflective clothing at night can also make it easier for drivers to spot you walking. Drivers, on the other hand, should always slow down in pedestrian-heavy areas, stay off their phones or other technology while behind the wheel and be extra cautious around crosswalks and intersections. 

Paying attention to pedestrians isn’t just common courtesy, it’s law. Staying aware and respectful of each other makes Phoenix’s roads safer for everyone.

What to Do After an Accident

Involved in a pedestrian crash? What you do next matters. Start by gathering as much evidence as possible, including photos of the scene, witness statements and any visible injuries. Make sure to collect all important details from the other parties involved. This includes contact and insurance information! 

That’s where the team at Gage Mathers comes in. Our experienced attorneys help clients understand their rights, manage insurance communications, and stay on track with important legal deadlines.

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 24 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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