Pedestrian accidents happen in seconds, but their effects can last a lifetime. The Michigan pedestrian accident lawyers at Schwaba Law Firm can help you seek fair compensation if a driver hit you and caused serious injuries. Pedestrian crashes can affect you in countless ways, from long-lasting injuries and lost wages due to being off work, to PTSD and the inability to enjoy doing the things you once did.
Turn to our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers to fight for a settlement that covers all your losses. You don’t owe us any fees unless we recover compensation for you. Call now or complete our contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
What to Do If You Were Hit by a Car in Michigan
- Immediate medical attention is vital after a pedestrian accident. You likely have severe injuries, which could include potentially fatal internal injuries. Your health matters most, so get to a hospital right away. Once you’re stable, follow your doctor’s orders.
- Report the accident to law enforcement. If you’re able, take photos of everything at the scene, including your injuries, the motor vehicle that hit you, and the surrounding area. If there are witnesses, ask them what they saw and get their contact details.
- Contact a Michigan personal injury lawyer. Your attorney can start an accident investigation for a personal injury claim and protect your rights.
- Don’t discuss your case with anyone other than your lawyer. Stay off social media to avoid sharing anything that might hurt your case, as the insurance company could use your words against you.
- Refer any insurers that contact you to your lawyer. Your attorney will advise you on additional steps to protect your rights and help you recover maximum compensation.
Understanding Pedestrian Accident Claims in Michigan
The purpose of pedestrian accident claims is to allow victims to seek compensation from the driver who hit them. Pedestrian accident victims typically file a claim against the driver’s auto insurance company. While you can sue a driver directly, the driver may not have enough personal assets to cover your injuries. Insurance companies have deeper pockets, but they also protect their profits aggressively. You’ll need a Michigan pedestrian accident attorney to make a persuasive case to an insurer.
Who Can File a Pedestrian Accident Claim?
Injured pedestrians can file insurance claims against the drivers who hit them. Families of pedestrians killed in crashes can file wrongful death claims against the at-fault driver who harmed their loved one.
Types of Compensation Available
Your compensation in a pedestrian accident claim can include money for your economic and non-economic losses. Economic losses include your lost income, medical expenses, and out-of-pocket expenses. Non-economic losses include your pain and suffering, emotional distress, and how your injuries limit your activities long-term.
Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance and Its Impact on Pedestrian Claims
Michigan law requires anyone who owns a car to buy no-fault coverage. If you have a Michigan auto policy, you can use your no-fault coverage to pay for your injuries in a pedestrian accident.
Your no-fault benefits might not cover all your losses. You can file a personal injury lawsuit to obtain compensation for your non-economic losses, but you must first show that your injuries meet specific thresholds under Michigan law. Your attorney can use your medical bills, testimony from experts, and other evidence to show your injuries warrant additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit, including pain and suffering compensation.
Average Payout for a Pedestrian Hit by a Car in Michigan
Pedestrian accidents can cause devastating, potentially lifelong injuries. That means these claims are often higher than auto accident claims. However, every accident is different, so it’s impossible to say what the “average” payout is.
The key to recovering maximum compensation for a pedestrian accident is to hire an experienced attorney. They can manage your legal case and help you avoid mistakes that might reduce the value of your claim.
How a Michigan Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help
Some ways we at Schwaba Law Firm can assist you with your case include the following:
1. Investigating the Accident and Proving Liability
You must prove that the driver who hit you caused the accident. An insurance company might argue that you caused the crash, but a lawyer can collect all available evidence to show you’re not responsible. Police crash reports, eyewitness accounts, traffic camera footage, and debris from the scene can all support your claim.
2. Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies act friendly but are ruthless in protecting their profits. Your lawyer can carefully document your losses, including your pain and suffering, to increase your claim’s value. Your attorney can also review any settlement offer to make sure they’re fair.
3. Taking Your Case to Court If Necessary
Most pedestrian accident cases end without a trial, but it’s critical to prepare for court regardless. If a trial is necessary, your lawyer can present evidence to the judge or jury, file motions on your behalf, and counter the other side’s argument and evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are answers to some common questions our lawyers receive about pedestrian accidents in Michigan:
1. What should I do if I was a pedestrian hit by a car in Michigan?
Call 911 and report the crash before anything else. You likely have severe injuries and need immediate medical treatment. If possible, use your phone to document your injuries and the crash scene before leaving. Once you see a doctor, call a pedestrian accident attorney right away.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Michigan?
Michigan law gives you three years after the accident date to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit. We urge you to contact a lawyer immediately so they can build your case and help you recover compensation more quickly.
2. What is the average payout for a pedestrian hit by a car?
It’s hard to say. Every pedestrian accident is different, and your compensation depends on your injuries. What matters is to hire an attorney who can account for all your losses, including intangible losses like your pain and suffering. Otherwise, you might leave money on the table by accepting an unfair settlement.
3. Do I need a lawyer if I was hit by a car in Michigan?
Yes. Pedestrian accident cases are complicated, and a lawyer can protect your rights throughout the claim process. Hiring an attorney also means they can manage your case while you heal, simplifying your life during a challenging moment.
4. Will my case go to court?
Possibly. Most pedestrian accident cases end with insurance settlements, but trials are sometimes necessary when a driver or their insurer refuses to offer a fair deal. Your lawyer can tell you whether taking your case to trial is a good option.
Contact a Michigan Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Schwaba Law Firm has recovered millions for our clients and has represented injured people for 15 years. Let our compassionate lawyers simplify your life and protect your future. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation with an experienced and reputable Michigan pedestrian accident lawyer. You pay nothing unless we recover money for your case.
