What Pedestrians Need to Know
Walking might seem like a simple, everyday activity—but under Arizona law, pedestrians have clear legal obligations when traveling near or on the roadway. Whether you’re walking through a neighborhood in Lake Havasu City, crossing a busy intersection in Phoenix, or strolling in Scottsdale, knowing your rights and responsibilities is critical to your safety—and your legal protection.
At Rideout Law Group, our personal injury attorneys represent clients in pedestrian accident cases across Maricopa and Mohave Counties. Here’s what every Arizona resident should understand about pedestrian laws and crosswalk safety.
Is It Legal to Walk in the Road in Arizona?
Short answer: Only in specific circumstances.
According to A.R.S. § 28-793, if a sidewalk is available, you must use it. Walking in the road when a sidewalk exists is illegal and could impact your ability to claim damages if you’re hit.
If No Sidewalk Exists:
You are legally allowed to walk in the roadway, but Arizona law requires that you:
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Walk on the far-left side of the road
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Face oncoming traffic
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Stay as close to the shoulder as possible
These rules increase your visibility and reaction time in case a vehicle comes too close.
Arizona Crosswalk Laws: Marked vs. Unmarked
Misunderstandings about crosswalk rights often lead to preventable injuries. Arizona recognizes:
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Marked Crosswalks: Clearly painted or signaled
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Unmarked Crosswalks: Legally exist at most intersections, even without painted lines
When Pedestrians Have the Right of Way:
Drivers must yield if:
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A pedestrian is in a marked or unmarked crosswalk
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The pedestrian is approaching their half of the roadway
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A crossing guard is present
When Pedestrians Do Not Have the Right of Way:
You may be at fault if you:
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Suddenly enter the road, not giving drivers time to react
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Cross mid-block between intersections where a crosswalk is nearby
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Walk against a “Don’t Walk” signal
These violations can significantly reduce your right to compensation after an accident.
Walking at Night or in Poor Visibility
From Desert Hills to North Scottsdale and Lake Havasu’s less-lit areas, visibility is often low. Arizona law requires pedestrians to exercise “due care,” which includes:
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Wearing reflective or light-colored clothing
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Carrying a flashlight
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Staying off the roadway as much as possible
At the same time, drivers are also legally obligated to use due care to avoid collisions, regardless of whether a pedestrian is in a crosswalk.
Can Pedestrians Be at Fault in Accidents?
Yes. Arizona follows comparative negligence rules. This means fault can be shared between a pedestrian and a driver. You could be partially responsible if you were:
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Walking in the road when a sidewalk was available
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Crossing against traffic signals or outside a crosswalk
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Intoxicated
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Wearing dark clothing at night without proper lighting
Even if partially at fault, you may still receive compensation—just reduced by your percentage of fault.
Common Pedestrian Injuries We Handle
Rideout Law Group’s Scottsdale and Lake Havasu injury lawyers routinely handle cases involving:
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Broken bones and fractures
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Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
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Spinal damage
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Soft-tissue injuries
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Long-term mobility loss
Pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic harm. Immediate legal help is crucial.
What to Do If You’re Hit While Walking
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Call 911 and seek medical attention
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Get the driver’s information
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Photograph the scene—including road conditions and injuries
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Don’t admit fault
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Call a pedestrian accident attorney
Insurers often try to shift blame onto the pedestrian. At Rideout Law, we know how to push back and build a strong case on your behalf.
Why Choose Rideout Law Group for Pedestrian Injury Cases?
With offices in both Scottsdale (85254) and Lake Havasu City (86406), our legal team represents injured pedestrians across Maricopa and Mohave Counties. We aggressively pursue compensation for:
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Medical expenses
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Lost wages
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Pain and suffering
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Long-term rehab
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Wrongful death claims
You deserve advocacy from attorneys who know local courts, judges, and insurers—and who treat your case with the urgency it deserves.
Free Case Review – Contact Rideout Law Group Today
If you or a loved one were struck by a vehicle while walking in Arizona, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.
📍 Scottsdale Office:
11111 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 225, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
📞 (480) 584-3328
📍 Lake Havasu Office:
2800 Sweetwater Ave, Suite A104, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406
📞 (928) 854-8181
Our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers are here to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal guidance specific to your situation, please contact a licensed attorney at Rideout Law Group.