Pedestrian vs. Cyclist Accidents in Arizona: Who Is at Fault?

Arizona’s sunny weather and wide-open streets make walking and biking popular ways to get around — especially in busy metro areas like Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson. But when a pedestrian and a cyclist collide, the aftermath can be confusing. Unlike car accidents, there’s no metal frame protecting either party, and the injuries can be severe.

At Big Auto Accident Attorneys, our attorneys have represented accident victims in every type of crash. Here’s how Arizona law handles pedestrian vs. cyclist accidents, and how fault is determined when no cars are involved.

Pedestrian and Cyclist Rights Under Arizona Law

Arizona law treats both pedestrians and cyclists as road users with specific rights and responsibilities:

• Pedestrians generally have the right of way at crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked.
  
• Cyclists are treated like drivers of vehicles — meaning they must follow traffic laws, obey signals, and yield appropriately.
  
• Both must exercise “reasonable care” to avoid injuring others.
  

When these duties conflict, determining liability depends on the facts of the case.

Common Scenarios Leading to Collisions

Pedestrian-cyclist accidents happen more often than you might think, particularly in urban centers and college towns like Tempe or Flagstaff. Some common causes include:

• Cyclist running a red light and striking someone in a crosswalk
  
• Pedestrian jaywalking into a designated bike lane
  
• Cyclist riding on the sidewalk and colliding with a pedestrian
  
• Shared trails and pathways where both users are expected to yield responsibly
  
• Distracted behavior — such as texting while walking or riding
  

Who Is at Fault?

Determining fault in Arizona depends on who acted negligently:

• If the cyclist violated traffic laws (e.g., ran a stop sign), they may be liable.
  
• If the pedestrian stepped into a bike lane unexpectedly without looking, they may share responsibility.
  
• If both parties contributed to the collision, Arizona’s comparative negligence law applies — meaning each party’s damages are reduced by their percentage of fault.
  

For example, if a cyclist was 70% at fault and the pedestrian 30%, each could pursue damages adjusted to that percentage.

Injuries in Pedestrian vs. Cyclist Crashes

Because neither party has protection, these accidents can result in serious injuries, including:

• Broken bones
  
• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
  
• Soft tissue damage
  
• Spinal injuries
  
• Cuts, bruises, and abrasions
  

In some cases, especially when a cyclist is traveling at high speed, injuries can be just as severe as those seen in car accidents.

What to Do After a Pedestrian or Cyclist Collision

If you’re involved in this type of crash, follow the same steps you would in a motor vehicle accident:

1. Call 911 to report the incident and request medical help.
   
2. Exchange information (names, contact details, insurance if applicable).
   
3. Gather evidence — photos, videos, and witness statements.
   
4. Seek immediate medical treatment, even for seemingly minor injuries.
   
5. Avoid posting about the accident on social media, as insurers may use it against you.
   

Insurance Coverage in These Cases

Unlike car accidents, insurance coverage isn’t always straightforward:

• Cyclist homeowners or renters insurance may cover liability for injuries they cause.
  
• Health insurance may cover medical bills but won’t compensate for lost wages or pain and suffering.
  
• If a motor vehicle was indirectly involved (e.g., caused the cyclist to swerve), auto insurance may also come into play.
  

Because coverage is complex, many victims turn to an attorney to uncover every possible source of compensation.

Damages You May Recover

Victims of pedestrian-cyclist accidents may be entitled to:

• Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
  
• Lost wages and diminished earning ability
  
• Pain & suffering, and emotional distress
  
• Property damage (such as a damaged bike or personal belongings)
  

Arizona’s comparative negligence law ensures that even if you were partly at fault, you may still recover a portion of your damages.

Why You Need an Experienced Accident Attorney

Pedestrian vs. cyclist cases aren’t always taken as seriously as car crashes — but the injuries can be just as life-changing. At Big Auto Accident Attorneys, we know how to:

• Investigate the circumstances of the collision
  
• Apply Arizona’s comparative negligence rules
  
• Identify all available insurance coverage
  
• Fight for fair compensation in negotiations or court
  

With our Arizona roots and nationwide resources, we give clients the aggressive representation they need to recover after these difficult accidents.

Take the First Step Toward Justice

A collision between a pedestrian and cyclist can leave you with painful injuries and expensive medical bills. But you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone.

Call Big Auto Accident Attorneys in Arizona today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and fight to hold the negligent party accountable.

Injured in a pedestrian or cyclist accident? Contact Big Auto now — our team is available 24/7, and you pay nothing unless we win.

Content reviewed by managing attorney, Nic Edgson. Nic has been an Arizona-licensed lawyer for more than a decade and focuses his law practice on helping people seriously injured in car accidents and truck accidents. He has represented thousands of clients and recovered more than $50 Million Dollars fighting for their injuries and medical bills. Throughout his legal career, Nic has helped those injured through some of the most difficult times in their lives.