Arizona authorities have investigated three accidents which resulted in four fatalities in Mesa, Phoenix, and Tucson, all between March 19 and 23. The accidents are sobering reminders of how dangerous it can be when walking near traffic.
Mesa Pedestrian, Tiffany Christopher, Killed in Hit-And-Run Crash
A crash in Mesa on Monday, March 23, resulted in the death of 47-year-old Tiffany Christopher. The accident happened at 8 a.m. at Southern Avenue and San Jose Street in front of Banner Desert Medical Center.
Tiffany was pronounced dead after being taken to the hospital, according to officers.
Mesa Police said the driver, who has now been identified, fled after the accident. They are looking into what led to the crash.
Phoenix Pedestrian, John Smith Alrick, Killed
John Smith Alrick was taken to the hospital with serious injuries after he was struck by a car while crossing Grand Avenue around 40th at 10 p.m. on March 20. Mr. Aleck, 29 years old, later died at a Phoenix hospital at 10:30 p.m.
The driver stayed at the scene and talked to the police.
Crash Kills 2 Tucson Pedestrians, Colette Mukankaka and Donatille Nyiramugwera
Two women lost their lives at the intersection of 29th and Rosemont in Tucson on Thursday, March 19. Police said Colette Mukankaka, 71, and Donatille Nyiramugwera, 60, were struck by a car at a marked crosswalk on Thursday at 6:20 p.m.
Police said the women were struck by a car while they were walking in a marked crosswalk with an activated HAWK (High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk) beacon operating.
The driver of the car, a 65-year-old man, stayed at the scene and talked to the police. He was ticketed for “Causing Death by an Applicable Title 28 Moving Violation.”
Tucson Police said “failure to yield to a pedestrian in a marked crosswalk” led to the deaths of the two women.
A Few Seconds Change Everything
The sudden loss of a loved one in a pedestrian accident shatters a family’s world in ways few of us will never know. The news often leaves families numb and struggling to understand how an ordinary day ended in tragedy. They are so overwhelmed it barely feels real. The mind can barely process the fact that someone who was just a part of their world is now gone and will never return.
As the shock eventually fades to sadness. Husbands, wives and children of people killed in pedestrian accidents often say they long for one more hug, one more conversation, another chance to say goodbye.
As time passes, the demands of daily life return. Bills still arrive in the mail. Children must be fed, clothed, and driven to school.
For many families, the loss also means the loss of a wage earner. Suddenly a spouse might be left trying to stretch shrinking resources while navigating an uncertain future. Dreams of children with opportunities, education, and stability now feel fragile without the financial and emotional support of the parent who was lost.
Speaking with a Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Most people do not realize the complexities of dealing with the aftermath of a pedestrian accident. If they deal directly with an insurance company, they risk being undercompensated for their losses.
Local police have limited time and resources to investigate a pedestrian accident. In some instances, the Kelly Law Team will hire an accident investigator to help us establish the cause of an accident and who was at fault.
Before Proceeding, Know Your Rights
A good attorney begins by taking some of the burden off the grieving family. A law firm with experience in pedestrian accidents will handle communication with insurance companies. An attorney should shield loved ones from stressful phone calls, paperwork, and tactics designed to minimize claims.
Often, insurance companies try to settle claims in pedestrian accidents quickly, especially if a fatality is involved. Without proper representation, families may unknowingly accept terms that do not reflect the full value of their loss. An experienced attorney ensures that the process is not rushed.
The Kelly Law Team understands what a loss in a pedestrian accident can cost a family. It goes far beyond medical expenses or funeral bills.
We project lost income and future earning capacity, loss of work benefits, and the long-term needs of spouses and children, including education needs. We also understand the profound impact of non-economic losses that are irreplaceable, like the loss of companionship and support. Kelly Law Team fights to ensure these losses are both recognized and compensated.
Protecting Your Family’s Future
No legal outcome can undo the loss of a beloved family member. Hiring an experienced attorney is about helping them move forward with their lives and protecting a family’s future. Members of the Kelly Law Team serve as the family’s advocate and guide to help them secure the accountability and the financial compensation they deserve.
John Kelly, the Kelly Law Team
If you or a family member has been involved in a pedestrian accident, contact Kelly Law Team at 602-283-4122 for a free consultation.
More on Pedestrian Accidents…
Pedestrian Fatalities Dropped For 40 Years, Then Began Increasing Again In 2010
According to the National Highway Safety Transportation Administration (NHSTA), pedestrian fatalities per year steadily decreased from the late 1970s to 2009, when the United States reached a low of 4,109 deaths. However, since then the number of pedestrian fatalities has increased.
In 2023, 7,314 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the U.S. Injury numbers have increased as well, totaling 68,244.
Pedestrian Accidents Have the Highest Rate of Fatalities per Occurrence
Arizona pedestrian fatalities have remained elevated for several years, according to statistics from the state’s Department of Transportation. In 2024, 2,079 pedestrian crashes were. While that number represents just 1.72 percent of all crashes, these accidents resulted in a staggering disparity of deaths at 21.42 percent of all traffic fatalities.
Pedestrians Are Vulnerable
Since pedestrians have no physical protection, these types of accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or even death. The physics involved means the outcome of this type of accident is easy to predict. When a moving vehicle, typically weighing from 4,000 to 5,000 pounds, strikes a person weighing anywhere from 30 pounds to 250 pounds, the pedestrian never fares well.
The car or truck doesn’t have to be moving at a high rate of speed to severely injure a pedestrian. Even low-speed impacts can be fatal. The force of a heavy car hitting a pedestrian will thrust a person onto hard pavement with great force.
Why Accidents Occur
Even a cautious driver can be involved in an accident. Part of the reason for this is that traffic accidents rarely stem from a single cause.
Safety experts continually study crashes to better understand how they occur, recognizing that many accidents are the result of a combination of factors. Common contributors include:
- Weather, such as snow, ice, rain, fog and even wind, which can reduce visibility and traction
- Road Conditions, such as uneven pavement, potholes, or poor lighting
- Nature, including wildlife on the road or fallen debris
- Man-made hazards created when items fall out of a truck or the open bed of a pickup
Human Error Tops All Causes for Accidents, including those Involving Pedestrians
The most common cause of accidents is human error. The unfortunate consequence of human error in pedestrian accidents is that a single mistake often alters lives forever. Driver error causes severe painful injuries and sometimes death for pedestrians.
Poor Choices
Poor judgement also comes into play in car / pedestrian accidents.
When a driver chooses to drink before driving, vision, coordination and reaction time are impaired, making the likelihood of being involved in a crash many times higher.
Many drivers hold their cell phones while driving. While laws allow phone calls, Arizona specifically probits drivers from holding a phone while talking. Only hands-free cell phone use is allowed. This enables the driver to maintain control and respond quickly to changing situations.
Using other electronic devices, including radio and climate control, can cause drivers to take their eyes off the road.
What Should You Do if you or someone you love is in a pedestrian accident?
The steps you should follow when you or someone you love are hit by a car or truck while walking are a little different from how you would handle any other automobile accident.
Immediately after being hit, move to safety if you can. Check yourself for injuries and make sure you or someone else calls 911.
Do not leave the scene unless you are being transported by ambulance. It is important to talk to the police as soon as possible, so the accident is officially documented.
If you can, get the driver’s information or know how to get in touch with the investigating officers.
If you are able, document the scene with photos of the street and sidewalk where you were hit. Take pictures of your injuries.
Also try to get contact information from all witnesses. Ask the police for a copy of their report when it is finished.
Important Things Many Pedestrians Don’t Know
At the very least, you are going to be upset after a pedestrian accident. If you are able, try to:
- Preserve Evidence by not washing or throwing away your clothing or shoes. These items may become evidence.
- Photograph or have someone else take pictures of your injuries. Photos taken at the scene before a vehicle is moved often become one of the most important pieces of evidence in a pedestrian claim. Photos can show crosswalk marking, signals, or the impact point.
- Notify your insurance company about the incident. One caveat, however, is that you should avoid speaking in detail with an insurance company adjustor until you understand your rights.
- Photograph injuries as they develop or bruise over the days following the accident.
If you or a family member has been involved in a pedestrian accident, contact Kelly Law Team at 602-283-4122 for a free consultation.
