A pedestrian accident can cause serious, life-changing injuries in seconds. After a crash, you may also have questions about medical bills, lost income, and who is responsible for your injuries.
Michigan’s no-fault insurance system can make pedestrian accident claims more complicated. You may be able to receive no-fault benefits while also bringing a claim against the person responsible for the crash.
A Michigan pedestrian accident lawyer can review your case, explain your options, and help you seek the compensation you deserve. At Sweet James, we offer Personalized Service Focused on You. Contact us today for a free consultation with a pedestrian accident lawyer from our firm.
What Compensation Can You Potentially Recover?
The compensation available after a pedestrian accident depends on your injuries, insurance coverage, and the other details of your case. You may be able to receive no-fault benefits for certain losses, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Replacement services
- Other covered expenses
If you also qualify to bring a third-party claim, you may be able to seek compensation for losses such as pain and suffering and other damages that are not fully covered by no-fault benefits.
If a pedestrian dies from their injuries, certain family members may also be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. Talk to a Michigan personal injury lawyer for more information.
Who Is Liable in a Michigan Pedestrian Accident?
The driver who hit you is often responsible for a pedestrian accident. However, other parties may also be involved, depending on what caused the crash.
For example, a government agency may potentially be responsible if a dangerous road design, missing sign, or poor road maintenance contributed to the accident. If the driver was working when the accident happened, the driver’s employer may also have some responsibility.
Your own actions may also be considered. For example, if an insurance company claims you were crossing the road improperly, it may argue that you were partly at fault. Michigan’s comparative fault rules can affect how much compensation you may recover.
Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance and Pedestrian Claims
Michigan’s no-fault insurance system can provide benefits to pedestrians injured in a car accident. You may be able to receive Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits even if you were not driving a vehicle. Coverage may also be available through a spouse or resident relative’s policy.
In some cases, you may also have a claim against the driver who caused the accident. A third-party lawsuit may allow you to seek damages that go beyond your no-fault benefits when Michigan’s legal requirements are met.
Because pedestrian claims can involve more than one type of insurance benefit, our pedestrian accident lawyers serving Michigan can help you understand which sources of compensation may be available.
What to Do After Being Hit as a Pedestrian
If you are hit by a vehicle, taking the right steps can help protect your health and your potential claim. We recommend that you:
- Get immediate medical care: Call 911 if needed and get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible.
- Report the accident: Contact the police and make sure an accident report is completed.
- Get information: Collect the driver’s name, insurance information, license plate number, and contact information for any witnesses.
- Document the scene: If you can, take pictures of the vehicle, road, crosswalk, traffic signs, your injuries, and anything else that may help explain what happened.
- Be careful with insurance companies: Avoid giving a recorded statement or accepting a settlement before you understand your rights.
- Talk to a lawyer: A Michigan pedestrian injury lawyer can review the accident and explain what legal options may be available.
Why Hire a Michigan Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
Insurance companies may try to argue that a pedestrian caused or contributed to an accident. They may use this argument to reduce the amount they have to pay.
Pedestrian claims can also involve Michigan’s no-fault system, a possible third-party claim, and different insurance policies. A lawyer can investigate the accident, gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and help determine the full value of your losses.
Michigan generally has a three-year deadline for personal injury lawsuits, although some exceptions can apply. Claims involving government agencies can have much shorter notice requirements. Because of these deadlines, it is important to get legal advice as soon as possible. Don’t hesitate to contact Sweet James today.
How a Michigan Pedestrian Accident Attorney from Sweet James Can Help
A pedestrian hit by car lawyer serving Michigan can handle many of the legal details while you focus on your recovery. Your attorney may:
- Investigate how the accident happened
- Review the police report and other evidence
- Interview witnesses
- Gather medical records
- Identify available insurance coverage
- Handle communication with insurance companies
- Determine whether another party may be responsible
- Calculate your current and future losses
- Negotiate for a fair settlement
- Take your case to court when appropriate
Our Michigan pedestrian accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay attorney’s fees upfront. Instead, we only receive payment if we recover compensation on your behalf.
Get Help After a Michigan Pedestrian Accident
Being hit by a vehicle can leave you dealing with pain, medical bills, missed work, and uncertainty about what comes next.
You should not have to handle the insurance and legal process by yourself. If you’re searching for a “Michigan pedestrian accident lawyer near me,” we can review what happened, explain your options, and help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.
At Sweet James, our team of experienced lawyers is ready to fight for you. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
