Ann Arbor Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Dedicated and Seasoned Ann Arbor Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

We Will Fight for Your Right to Justice and Fair Compensation

A pedestrian accident occurs when a car hits a person walking. Drivers have to yield to pedestrians when on the roadway, and when they fail to do so and hit a pedestrian, the injured person can file a lawsuit. However, pedestrian accident lawsuits are not always straightforward and require an experienced pedestrian accident attorney.

At Goodman Acker, P.C., our Ann Arbor pedestrian accident lawyer has decades of experience helping pedestrian accident victims. When you contact us, we will review your case’s facts carefully and advise you on your legal options. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to worry about paying us upfront.

Contact us at 248-286-8100 to schedule a consultation.

Why Choose Our Ann Arbor Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

Pedestrian accidents often result in injuries that can alter a person’s life permanently. This is why at Goodman Acker, P.C., we do all we can to fight for the rights of pedestrian accident victims and get them justice. Our legal team is well-versed in Michigan pedestrian accident law and understands how the legal system works.

Our clients have positive testimonials of our services, a testament to our dedication and commitment to every case we handle. Our services are personalized to meet each client’s needs, and we do not pass our clients around to other lawyers. You will work with one legal team from start to finish, and your attorney will be available 24/7.

Our initial consultations are free, and during the session, we will listen to you and answer all your questions. Call us now at 248-286-8100 to schedule a free case evaluation.

What Causes Pedestrian Accidents in Ann Arbor, Michigan?

Pedestrians are people walking on the roadway either on foot or using a wheelchair, and the law offers them protection due to the danger they face from speeding cars. This is why cities like Ann Arbor have sidewalks and crosswalks for pedestrians. According to the city’s government, there are approximately 132 mid-block crosswalks.

However, accidents still happen despite the sidewalks and crosswalks and the rule for drivers to yield to pedestrians. In 2021, Michigan recorded 183 pedestrian fatalities and 1,453 pedestrian injuries. Of those 183 pedestrian deaths, 122 (66.7%) were male, and 61 (33.3%) were female.

The primary cause of these accidents is negligence, and it manifests in different ways, including the following:

• Failure to yield
• Making left-hand turns
• Distracted driving
• Aggressive driving
• Driving impaired
• Bad weather.

Jaywalking is another cause of pedestrian accidents, and a pedestrian who jaywalks might not be able to recover compensation as they were outside the designated crosswalk and sidewalk. This is more so if the pedestrian was drunk while jaywalking. However, it is still advisable to speak with an attorney if you get into an accident while jaywalking.

What Should You Do after a Pedestrian Accident?

After a pedestrian accident, there are things you must do to preserve evidence and improve your chances of a successful case outcome. They include the following:

Call 911

Calling 911 gets emergency responders — the police and EMS — to the scene. The EMS will provide emergency treatment for your injuries before taking you to the hospital. The police will close off the crash scene, take your statement, and gather evidence at the scene. They will use all these to create the accident report, a piece of evidence crucial for your case.

Gather Evidence

Evidence is essential to winning a pedestrian accident case. Take pictures of your injuries, the accident scene, the vehicle that struck you, and the area where the accident happened. If possible, get video footage of the location and try to get witness statements and their contact information.

You might need the witnesses to testify on your behalf later, so getting their contact is essential. Also, ensure you get the name, license plate number, contact information, and insurance details of the driver who struck you. The make and model of the vehicle are equally essential.

Seek Medical Treatment

The medical responders will take you to the hospital to get checked out and receive treatment for your injuries. However, they might not take you to the hospital if the accident was minor. If they don’t, ensure you see a doctor to rule out any delayed injury, which could be deadly if not identified and treated on time.

Document Everything

Keep a record of your medical visits, the treatment prescribed, your medications, time away from work, and how the accident affected your daily life. Documenting the preceding ensures you do not lose anything and have the proof required to prove your claim.

Hire a Lawyer

Due to the nature of pedestrian accidents, you might be unable to do the above, especially if the crash left you unconscious. Therefore, hire a pedestrian accident lawyer in Ann Arbor as soon as possible. Your lawyer will handle the investigation into the collision and help you gather evidence, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

What Compensation Will Our Ann Arbor Pedestrian Accident Attorney Get You?

Pedestrian accident injuries can lead to an extended hospital stay and hefty medical bills. You could also spend a lot of money on therapy and home improvement, and the time away from work means there is no source of income. Thankfully, you can receive financial compensation for all your losses.

You can receive economic and noneconomic damages, and the two cover:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of earning capacity
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium
• Cost of therapy and home improvements
• Out-of-pocket expenses, etc.

If the pedestrian dies, their dependent and family can file a wrongful death lawsuit for compensation. Whatever the case, our attorneys at Goodman Acker, P.C., will ensure your settlement covers everything you’re entitled to.

Ann Arbor Pedestrian Accident Lawyer FAQs

Like most victims, those involved in a pedestrian accident often have questions, and below we answer some of the frequently asked ones:

Can I get a no-fault insurance benefit as a pedestrian after an accident?

Yes. If you have an existing no-fault personal injury protection insurance, it will pay for your medical bills after a pedestrian accident, even if you were not driving your car. If you do not have insurance, the at-fault driver’s insurance policy will cover you, or you can file a claim under Michigan’s Assigned Claims Act.

How can I maximize my compensation?

To maximize compensation, gather and preserve evidence and avoid talking to the at-fault party’s insurance adjuster or legal representative. Also, hire an attorney as they understand how insurance companies work and will ensure you are not deceived into accepting a lowball offer.

How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in Ann Arbor, Michigan?

Under the Michigan statute of limitations, you have three years to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit. The time starts counting from the day the accident occurred, and once it lapses, no court will hear your case.

What happens if I am partly at fault for the pedestrian accident?

The comparative negligence law will apply if you are partly liable for a pedestrian accident. Under this law, you can still recover compensation, but you must not be more than 50% at fault for the accident. This means you get nothing if you are 51% responsible or more.

These may not be your only questions; our attorneys will discuss your specific concerns in your initial consult.

How Can Our Ann Arbor Pedestrian Accident Attorney Help You?

Most people avoid getting legal representation, preferring to handle their case alone. But they hire a lawyer to fix their mistakes when things get complicated. It is more beneficial to work with an attorney from the beginning to the end of your case, as there are several things a lawyer would do for you.

At Goodman Acker, P.C., we do different things for pedestrian accident victims. We give you a compassionate ear to listen to you and then provide guidance. Our legal team will investigate your case, gather all necessary proof, and develop an action plan. We will carefully examine your medical bills, receipts, and other economic damages proof to calculate your case worth and ensure we don’t ask for a penny less.

If your case needs expert witnesses, we will hire them to testify. We also handle filing the claims process, negotiating with insurance companies, and handling discovery and interrogatories if we file a lawsuit. We do not keep you in the dark about your case but provide regular updates and only make decisions within the law you’re comfortable with.

Were You Involved in a Pedestrian Accident? Book a Free Consultation Now!

If you or your loved one suffered injuries after getting hit by a vehicle while walking in Ann Arbor, the attorneys at Goodman Acker, P.C. can help. We have successfully represented different pedestrian accident victims and have a winning track record. Call us at 248-286-8100 to book a free case evaluation.

LEGALLY REVIEWED BY BARRY J. GOODMAN

Barry J. Goodman has devoted his professional life to keeping courthouse doors open for victims seeking justice. Always a tireless advocate for his own clients, Goodman sees his responsibility as a Detroit personal injury attorney in a broader sense as well. [ Attorney Bio ]