Pedestrian accidents are among the most serious injury cases I handle. When a vehicle strikes a person on foot, there is nothing between the pedestrian and the full force of that impact. The injuries are severe, the recovery is long, and the financial consequences can be devastating for injured Arkansans and their families.
Pedestrians Have No Protection in a Collision
A car weighs thousands of pounds. A pedestrian weighs a fraction of that. When the two collide, the human body absorbs nearly all of the force. There are no airbags, no crumple zones, and no seatbelts. That physics alone explains why pedestrian accidents produce injuries far more serious than most vehicle-to-vehicle collisions.
In my experience handling these cases in Little Rock, the injuries I see most often include:
- Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions and skull fractures
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones, including femur, pelvis, and hip fractures
- Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
- Severe road rash and soft tissue injuries
- Wrongful death
Many of these injuries require emergency surgery, extended hospitalization, and months or years of rehabilitation. Some are permanent.
Little Rock’s Roads Create Real Dangers for Pedestrians
Little Rock has specific roadway characteristics that increase pedestrian risk. High-traffic corridors like Markham Street, University Avenue, and Cantrell Road carry fast-moving vehicles through areas where people on foot are also present. Not all intersections in Pulaski County have adequate crosswalk markings, pedestrian signals, or lighting.
Arkansas consistently appears in national pedestrian fatality data as one of the more dangerous states for people on foot. The combination of high speed limits, limited sidewalk infrastructure in some areas, and distracted driving creates conditions where accidents happen — and where the consequences are serious.
Distracted and Impaired Driving Increases the Risk
Most of the pedestrian accident cases I handle in Little Rock involve a driver who was distracted, impaired, or speeding. These are not freak accidents. They are preventable collisions caused by negligent behavior behind the wheel.
Common Driver Behaviors That Cause Pedestrian Accidents
- Texting or using a phone while driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Speeding through intersections or school zones
- Failing to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks
- Backing out of driveways or parking lots without checking
- Running red lights or stop signs
Under Arkansas law, a driver who causes injury through negligent conduct can be held liable for the full extent of a pedestrian’s damages. That includes medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and permanent disability.
Why Pedestrian Accident Claims Are More Complex Than They Appear
The severity of the injuries is not the only challenge in these cases. Pedestrian accident claims involve legal and factual issues that require careful handling from the start.
Fault Is Contested Immediately
Insurance companies frequently argue that the pedestrian was partially or fully at fault — for crossing outside a crosswalk, wearing dark clothing, or crossing against a signal. Under Arkansas Code § 16-64-122, Arkansas follows a modified comparative fault rule. You can still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. But the insurance company’s goal is to increase your share of fault to reduce what they owe.
I investigate these cases independently and early. That means securing surveillance footage, obtaining police reports, identifying witnesses, and consulting accident reconstruction experts when the facts require it.
The Medical Picture Takes Time to Develop
Pedestrian accident injuries frequently involve delayed symptoms. A traumatic brain injury may not be fully diagnosed in the emergency room. Spinal damage can worsen in the weeks following a collision. Settling a case before the full extent of the injuries is known is one of the most costly mistakes an injured person can make.
I advise clients to complete their medical treatment — or reach maximum medical improvement — before evaluating any settlement offer. Once you settle, you cannot reopen the claim.
Multiple Parties May Be Liable
In some pedestrian accident cases, liability extends beyond the driver. A municipality may be responsible for a dangerous intersection design. An employer may be liable if the driver was working at the time of the accident. A property owner may share responsibility if poor lighting on private property contributed to the collision. Identifying every responsible party matters — it directly affects the amount of compensation available to you.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Little Rock
The steps you take immediately after a pedestrian accident can affect your ability to recover compensation under Arkansas law.
- Seek emergency medical care immediately, even if you feel able to walk
- Do not give a recorded statement to the driver’s insurance company
- Document the scene with photos if you are physically able
- Get contact information from witnesses before they leave
- Contact a Little Rock pedestrian accident attorney before speaking with any insurance adjuster
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Arkansas is generally three years from the date of the accident. Acting promptly protects your rights and preserves critical evidence.
About Paul Pfeifer
Paul Pfeifer is a personal injury attorney and founding partner of Pfeifer Law Firm, P.A., admitted to practice law in Arkansas. He earned his Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University School of Law and has built his practice representing injured Arkansans in Little Rock and throughout Pulaski County in serious personal injury matters, including pedestrian accident claims. He is licensed to practice in Arkansas state and federal courts, including the United States 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. Paul has been selected as a 2025 Super Lawyers honoree — an honor extended to fewer than 5% of attorneys nationwide — and holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer-reviewed distinction in the legal profession.
Arkansas Resources for Pedestrian Accident Victims
- Pulaski County Circuit Court: Personal injury lawsuits arising from pedestrian accidents in Little Rock are filed in Pulaski County Circuit Court. The clerk’s office maintains filing information and case records. Visit pulaskiclerk.com.
- Arkansas Department of Transportation — Pedestrian Safety: ARDOT provides information on pedestrian safety initiatives, road projects, and infrastructure improvements affecting pedestrian conditions throughout Arkansas. Visit ardot.gov.
Talk to a Little Rock Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today
If you or a family member was struck by a vehicle in Little Rock or anywhere in Pulaski County, contact Pfeifer Law Firm, P.A. for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we recover compensation for you. Visit our Little Rock pedestrian accident attorney page or call our office to speak with Paul Pfeifer directly about your case.
The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and reflects the opinions of the author. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different, and results depend on the specific facts and applicable law. You should not act or rely on any information in this blog without first seeking advice from a qualified attorney regarding your individual situation.