Pedestrian Accidents Are Rising in Tempe—Here’s What Victims Need to Know

Tempe has become one of Arizona’s most walkable cities, but that doesn’t mean it’s always safe. As the city continues to grow—particularly around areas like Downtown Tempe, Meyer Park, and Escalante—pedestrian traffic is becoming more common. Unfortunately, so are the accidents that come with it.

A surge in serious injuries involving pedestrians has raised alarms across the city. From university students crossing Mill Avenue to families walking near Holdeman Elementary, many residents have found themselves in harm’s way simply by walking in their own neighborhoods.

For those dealing with the aftermath of a crash, understanding your legal rights is crucial. Whether you're navigating recovery or just want to protect your loved ones, this article breaks down what’s really happening—and what you can do about it. If you're seeking accident legal help in Tempe, there are steps you can take right now to protect yourself and your claim.

Why Tempe Is Seeing More Pedestrian Crashes

Multiple factors are contributing to this rise in incidents. It’s not just a matter of more cars on the road—urban planning, driver behavior, and infrastructure all play a role.

Distracted Drivers, Distracted Walkers

Smartphones continue to be a leading distraction in traffic-related injuries. Many of the recent crashes involved drivers texting or using apps while operating their vehicle. But it’s not just drivers—pedestrians are often looking down at their screens, unaware of approaching traffic even when crossing legally.

This issue is especially visible in student-heavy areas like Downtown Tempe, where foot traffic mixes constantly with rideshare pickups and aggressive commuting behavior.

Neighborhoods with Cut-Through Traffic

Some neighborhoods in Tempe—such as Holdeman and Meyer Park—are increasingly used by drivers trying to avoid main thoroughfares like Southern or Broadway. This leads to higher speeds on roads that weren’t designed for heavy or fast-moving traffic, putting pedestrians at risk.

In Holdeman, for instance, narrow sidewalks and limited lighting create additional hazards for those walking home in the evening or crossing near schools.

Infrastructure That’s Playing Catch-Up

The City of Tempe has begun investing in traffic-calming improvements, pedestrian signals, and speed enforcement tools, but those efforts haven’t yet reached every area. Streets in Escalante and South Tempe still lack critical safety features like raised crosswalks, flashing pedestrian beacons, and curb extensions.

You can explore current planning efforts and public safety initiatives at the City of Tempe’s official site.

The Injuries Can Be Catastrophic

The human body isn't built to withstand the impact of a vehicle. Pedestrian victims often suffer long-term or permanent damage that drastically changes their lives.

Some of the most serious injuries include:

• Spinal cord trauma, which may result in paralysis or a loss of motor control. These are common in high-speed collisions or when the victim is thrown onto the road. Visit the spinal cord injury page for more insight into these cases.

• Traumatic brain injuries, especially in cases where the head strikes the pavement or a vehicle bumper. You can learn more about TBI-related legal issues on the TBI injury page.

• Paralysis and permanent mobility loss—both full and partial—may result when the spine or brain is damaged. For legal guidance related to paralysis, see the paralysis injury page.

Many victims also experience anxiety, depression, or PTSD in the months after their accident—especially those involved in traumatic events like hit-and-run collisions.

How Fault Is Determined Under Arizona Law

Arizona is a comparative negligence state. That means fault can be shared between parties—and your compensation may be reduced based on your share of that fault.

If you’re found to be 10% at fault for stepping out before a walk signal, and the driver was 90% at fault for speeding or texting, your settlement could be reduced by that 10%.

Drivers are still required by law to yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks. But pedestrians must also follow traffic signals and avoid stepping into traffic unexpectedly.

To read more about how Arizona courts handle these cases, you can visit azcourts.gov.

After a Crash: What Victims Should Do

There’s no substitute for medical attention after a pedestrian collision—even if you feel fine. Injuries like internal bleeding or brain trauma might not show symptoms right away. That’s why getting checked by a doctor and following a treatment plan is step one.

The next step? Start documenting everything. Save photos, medical records, and contact information from witnesses. If the driver was uninsured or underinsured, your path may look different. Learn more about that specific scenario on the uninsured driver accidents page.

If the collision happened in a parking lot or involved a rideshare vehicle, there may be multiple insurance policies involved. Those claims are complex and often require detailed policy interpretation.

The Role of Legal Help in Pedestrian Injury Cases

Navigating a pedestrian accident claim without help can be overwhelming. Insurance companies may offer a settlement quickly—but it’s often far less than the long-term costs of treatment, lost income, or future complications.

For victims dealing with injuries from distracted driving incidents, there’s additional context on the distracted driver accidents page.

Understanding your legal standing, especially if the crash happened in a place like North Tempe or during a DUI-related incident, can dramatically affect the outcome of your case.

And if your case intersects with broader state issues—like law enforcement involvement or driver background checks—you may find additional information through az.gov.

Moving Forward: Protecting Yourself and Your Family

The streets of Tempe should be safe for everyone—whether you're walking to school, catching a rideshare, or just heading to lunch. But as long as pedestrian accidents continue to rise, knowledge becomes one of the best forms of protection.

If you're looking for more legal guidance, explore our Arizona car accident attorney resource hub, or review available legal resources compiled for accident victims statewide.