Michigan Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Why Choose LegalGenius for Your Pedestrian Accident Claim?

When you’ve been struck and injured by a motor vehicle, you need a Michigan pedestrian accident lawyer who knows how to get results. The team at LegalGenius understands what you’re going through and will use our experience, resources, and negotiation skills to pursue the settlement you need. When you hire our firm, you benefit from the following:

• Background in Pedestrian Injury Cases: Pedestrian accidents involve issues like driver awareness and pedestrian right-of-way, which can make investigation complicated. We have years of experience handling these cases, so you can rest assured your claim is in good hands.

• Rapid Evidence Collection: Evidence like witness accounts and video footage can quickly become unavailable. We move swiftly to secure all information vital to your case, ensuring a well-supported claim. Our team also carefully reviews accident reports, traffic data, and other records to pinpoint faults, building a case that accurately reflects all responsible parties.
• Complete Financial and Medical Assessment: Pedestrian accidents can lead to long-term care needs, including physical therapy or ongoing treatments. We work with medical experts to ensure your claim covers both immediate and future care.
• Well-Honed Negotiation Skills: Insurers may try to minimize your claim’s value. LegalGenius is skilled in advocating for settlements that cover the full impact of your injuries and reflect your right to fair compensation.
• Accessible and Transparent Client Support: If you’ve never filed a claim before, you’re likely uncertain and have concerns. Our team is available to answer your questions and provide updates whenever needed.

At LegalGenius, we believe financial barriers shouldn’t prevent you from seeking justice. That’s why we operate on a contingency basis. This means you don’t pay any fees upfront and we only get paid if we win your case. You have nothing to lose by hiring us and a fair settlement to potentially gain.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Michigan

Pedestrian accidents are on the rise in Michigan, and most of them involve driver negligence or unsafe road conditions. Below are some of the most common factors we encounter in these accident cases:

• Distracted Driving: Mobile phones and in-vehicle technology can take a driver’s focus away from the road, increasing the risk of striking a pedestrian.
• Failure to Yield at Crosswalks: Michigan law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. When drivers disregard this rule, serious accidents can occur.
• Speeding: Higher speeds reduce reaction time and increase the severity of injuries if an accident does occur.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, reflexes, and motor skills, contributing to severe pedestrian injuries.
• Poorly Marked Crosswalks or Signals: Pedestrians rely on clear road markings and signals for safety, and poorly maintained crossings can increase the risk of an accident.
• Left-Turn Accidents: When drivers turn left without checking for pedestrians, especially at busy intersections, the likelihood of an accident increases.

When you hire LegalGenius, our Michigan pedestrian accident lawyers review evidence like dashcams, video footage, and police reports to help identify what caused your accident and who was likely responsible. We then use these details to demand full and fair compensation.

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

When you’ve been injured, it can be hard to think clearly, let alone collect necessary evidence for a future claim. Once the shock has worn off, however, your first move should be to check yourself for injuries and seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to get a full medical evaluation, as pedestrian accidents can lead to injuries that aren’t immediately visible. While you’re waiting for help to arrive, take the following steps:

• Document the Scene: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, including crosswalks, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. These photos help reconstruct the incident and establish conditions at the time of the accident.
• Collect Witness Information: Witnesses can provide valuable insight into how the accident occurred. Get contact details from any bystanders willing to share what they observed, as their testimony may support your case.
• File an Official Police Report: Contact the police to report the accident and provide a factual account of what happened. The police report can offer an impartial record of the event, and it often serves as an essential part of an injury claim.
• Avoid Giving Statements to Insurance Adjusters: Insurance companies may contact you for a statement or offer a quick settlement. Avoid making statements until you’ve consulted with a lawyer, as early comments can be used to limit your compensation.
• Document Your Injuries and Recovery: Keep track of all medical treatments, therapies, and doctor recommendations related to your injuries. Maintaining a record of your physical and emotional recovery can help quantify the full extent of your damages.
• Consult a Michigan Pedestrian Accident Lawyer: Hiring a lawyer right after an accident will help protect your rights and preserve evidence. An experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate your case and improve your chances of winning fair compensation.

What Damages Are Recoverable in a Michigan Pedestrian Accident Claim?

Because pedestrians are relatively unprotected when a collision occurs, serious injuries are a common outcome. Depending on the extent of your injuries as well as your prognosis, you may be entitled to damages like the following:

• Medical Expenses (Current and Future): This includes all medical bills related to your injuries, from hospital visits and surgeries to physical therapy and ongoing medical care. Pedestrian accidents can cause injuries requiring long-term treatment, and it’s important to account for both immediate and future medical needs.
• Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may seek compensation for lost income during recovery. In cases involving long-term disabilities, you may also recover damages for the diminished ability to earn in the future, covering the impact on your career.
• Pain and Suffering: The physical pain, emotional trauma, and stress following a pedestrian accident can have lasting effects. Compensation for pain and suffering takes into account the severity of your injuries, recovery duration, and impact on daily life.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Serious injuries may prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed. Damages for loss of enjoyment address the limitations the accident has placed on your ability to lead a fulfilling life.
• Disfigurement or Permanent Disability: If the accident results in disfigurement or a permanent disability, additional compensation may be available. This category includes adjustments to your living situation, mobility aids, and long-term support to help you adapt.
• Psychological and Emotional Distress: Pedestrian accidents can lead to anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Mental health treatments can be included in your claim to address the full impact of the accident on your well-being.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where the driver exhibited egregious behavior, such as reckless driving or driving under the influence, punitive damages may apply. These damages are intended to penalize the responsible party and discourage similar actions in the future.

Determining the full scope of damages requires assessing both the immediate and long-term effects of the accident. At LegalGenius, we work closely with medical experts, financial analysts, and other professionals to ensure that you receive compensation reflecting your total experience.

Who Pays Your Bills After a Pedestrian Accident?

Michigan’s insurance laws include no-fault benefits, which can cover certain costs after an accident, but in pedestrian cases, multiple sources may contribute. Depending on the circumstances, they may include:

• Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance: Michigan’s no-fault insurance law includes Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, which cover accident-related medical expenses, wage losses, and rehabilitation costs, even if you were a pedestrian when injured. If you have auto insurance, you can often file a claim under your PIP coverage to address immediate needs like medical bills and lost wages.
• The Driver’s Auto Insurance Policy: If you don’t carry auto insurance, you may still be eligible for PIP benefits through the at-fault driver’s insurance. In cases where another driver is at fault, their insurance company may be responsible for covering medical costs and, in some cases, other damages. Additionally, if the driver was uninsured, you may qualify for benefits from the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan, which assists pedestrians in accessing PIP coverage when no insurance is available.
• Health Insurance and Medicare/Medicaid: Health insurance can help cover your medical bills if you don’t have auto insurance or PIP coverage. Medicare or Medicaid may also assist with medical costs for eligible individuals, but these programs may only cover certain treatments or medications. A Michigan pedestrian accident lawyer can clarify which benefits are available based on your circumstances, ensuring you access all potential sources.
• Workers’ Compensation: If your pedestrian accident occurred while you were working, workers’ compensation may cover medical expenses and part of your lost income. This applies to delivery drivers, public workers, or any employees traveling for work duties. A workers’ compensation claim can be pursued alongside an insurance claim against the driver if both apply.
• Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If the driver responsible for the accident lacks sufficient insurance, your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may provide additional compensation. This coverage, available through your auto insurance policy, protects you when the at-fault driver’s policy cannot fully cover the damages caused.
• Pain and Suffering Claims: Michigan allows pedestrian accident victims to pursue compensation beyond no-fault benefits if the injuries are significant. This may include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic damages. Unlike no-fault benefits, which address only specific financial losses, these damages can be pursued through a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.

LegalGenius is here to help you understand which benefits apply to your situation and to ensure you receive compensation from all eligible sources.

What if You Are Partly Responsible For Your Pedestrian Accident in Michigan?

In Michigan, if you’re partly responsible for a pedestrian accident, you may still be eligible for compensation under the state’s comparative negligence rule. This law allows you to recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For instance, if you’re found 20% responsible, your damages would be reduced by 20%. 

Many insurers use this law to unfairly assign blame to injured pedestrians and escape their responsibility to compensate you. A Michigan pedestrian accident lawyer can help assess liability accurately and prevent any attempt to minimize or deny your settlement.