It’s a question not often asked—until someone gets hit. Are cyclists and motorcyclists considered pedestrians under the law? It might seem obvious, but the answer can affect whether a claim succeeds, how much compensation is awarded, and what kind of legal help is needed. After all, being hit in a crosswalk is one thing. But what about being sideswiped while riding a bike lane? That’s where a pedestrian accident lawyer Phoenix can help make sense of the chaos. Especially when working with a trusted team like Avrek Law, which has helped recover Over $2 Billion for accident victims across Arizona and beyond.
Each day, people lace up sneakers, roll on scooters, or hop onto bikes, all sharing roads designed mostly for cars. That mix leads to confusion—and sometimes crashes. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists each have different legal protections, and getting those details wrong can cost someone everything.
What Makes Someone a Pedestrian?
According to Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-101(41), a pedestrian is legally defined as “a person afoot.” That does not include people riding bikes, motorcycles, or scooters. So no—bikers and motorcyclists aren’t legally pedestrians in most situations. But that doesn’t mean they’re left unprotected. They’re still vulnerable on the road, and injuries can be severe.
That’s why working with a pedestrian accident attorney Phoenix is critical—especially when the details of a crash are unclear or disputed. They’re still vulnerable, exposed to serious harm in a collision, and may qualify for compensation with the help of a pedestrian lawyer in Phoenix when drivers make careless choices.
Avrek Law’s legal team builds strong cases by digging into the facts, assessing injuries, and holding negligent drivers accountable—whether the person hit was on foot or two wheels.
Scenarios That Confuse Everyone
Here are a few common situations that blur the line:
- A biker crosses the street in a marked crosswalk while pedaling.
- A motorcyclist is hit while merging into traffic during a green light.
- A pedestrian is hit while stepping into a street where a bike lane cuts across.
Only the pedestrian in the third case is automatically protected under pedestrian laws. In the other two, protections vary. Pedestrian accident attorneys Phoenix can review camera footage, witness statements, and injury reports to argue a strong case for damages—even if the law doesn’t automatically favor the victim.
What Makes a Claim Worthwhile?
Anyone hit by a vehicle—on foot, on wheels, or in between—should act fast. Arizona’s statute of limitations means there are only two years to file. That clock starts ticking from the moment of injury.
Victims may qualify to recover for:
- Emergency room costs
- Physical therapy
- Lost income
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
The more severe the injury, the higher the possible compensation. A strong pedestrian accident attorney Phoenix AZ knows how to show the full impact of those injuries.
Avrek Law makes it clear: “Insurance companies have the resources to minimize payouts. Victims need experienced representation to get what they’re owed.” That’s exactly why it’s smart not to don’t settle too soon.
What About Bikes and Scooters?
Here’s where the rules start to wobble. Riders of bikes or electric scooters are often in limbo. Depending on the speed of the device and where it’s being used, Arizona law might consider the person either a pedestrian or a vehicle operator.
For example, someone zipping down a sidewalk on an electric scooter may still be considered a pedestrian under local Phoenix codes. But if they’re on the road, it’s different.
This is why talking to Phoenix pedestrian accident attorney matters. They know how to read between the legal lines and make sure victims get a fair shot.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (AZDOT), there were over 1,700 pedestrian crashes in Arizona in 2022, resulting in 254 deaths. Phoenix alone accounted for hundreds of those incidents. While bikers and motorcyclists aren’t counted in pedestrian stats, they make up a large part of serious injuries caused by careless driving.
That’s a real problem. Cities are trying to become more walkable and bike-friendly, but roads haven’t caught up. That puts people outside of cars at a huge disadvantage.
Why Avrek Law Is a Smart Choice
Working with Avrek Law gives victims access to more than 50 years of combined experience, a successful track record, and a team that focuses only on personal injury cases. Their approach is aggressive but smart: gather every piece of evidence, uncover who’s responsible, and push back against insurance companies who want to pay as little as possible.
Avrek works on a contingency basis, meaning victims don’t pay unless they win. That allows injured people to focus on healing instead of costs. It’s also why so many trust them—from crosswalk to courtroom.
When to Call a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Phoenix AZ
If a biker or motorcyclist is hurt in a crash, timing is everything. A Phoenix pedestrian accident lawyer can help secure evidence while it’s fresh, talk to witnesses, and request traffic footage. Even if it’s unclear who had the right-of-way, there may still be a strong compensation case.
Don’t assume there’s no case just because the victim wasn’t walking. That’s a mistake too many people make.
Help Is Just a Call or Click Away
Nobody should have to sort through confusing laws alone, especially after a painful injury. Avrek Law offers help 24/7 to those injured in pedestrian, bicycle, or motorcycle crashes. Whether someone was walking the dog, crossing at a light, or riding to work, the team can explain next steps in plain terms—and help take action fast.
To connect with a pedestrian accident lawyer Phoenix, call 24/7 866-598-5548, fill out the form, or start a live chat for a free case evaluation today.
Let the professionals help determine who was really at fault—and what justice could look like.