Lansing Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

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If you are like several Lansing residents, you like to take a walk occasionally. Everyone walks at some point, whether to the grocery store, place of worship, bus stop, school, work, the local diner, etc. While there are several crosswalks and sidewalks in Lansing for pedestrians, it has not stopped accidents from happening.

When an accident happens, it is essential to identify the party responsible and file a lawsuit or compensation claim. Most accident victims think they can handle their case themselves and choose not to hire an attorney. But they soon discover that pedestrian accident claims are not always straightforward and insurance companies are not always fair.

This is why we always inform injury victims to get legal representation on time. At Goodman Acker, P.C., our Lansing pedestrian accident lawyer is committed to helping victims get justice and fair compensation. When you contact us, we will discuss and advise you of your legal rights and answer all your questions about the claims process and what to expect.

Call us at 248-286-8100 to book a free consultation with our attorneys.

Why Choose Our Lansing Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

Getting hit by a car does a lot of damage to the body, and the injured person might end up hospitalized, needing to undergo years of physical therapy. All these put a lot of financial strain on them and their loved ones. This is why our attorneys at Goodman Acker, P.C. have dedicated their careers to helping pedestrian accident victims receive fair compensation for their injuries.

We have decades of experience in pedestrian accident claims and are skilled negotiators and trial lawyers. With us representing you, insurance companies will be less inclined to trick you into accepting a lowball settlement or rejecting your claim. Our first consultations are free, so contact us at 248-286-8100 to learn more about our services and how we can help you.

Understanding Pedestrian Accidents

A pedestrian accident occurs when a motor vehicle hits someone walking, sitting at a bus stop, jogging, or in a wheelchair. Usually, the car collides with the lower body if the person is standing, causing the body to bend around the vehicle. The upper body may slam against the hood or windshield, thrusting the person into the air.

Gravity then brings the person down to the floor with great impact. Depending on the throw distance, the speed the vehicle was traveling in, and the force of the collision, the pedestrian can sustain different types of injuries, including broken bones, severe head trauma, spinal cord injuries, internal injuries or bleeding, etc.

Pedestrians crossing the intersections and crosswalks are more likely to get hit by cars. Therefore, always pay attention to your surroundings when walking because even if drivers are to yield the right way to pedestrians, they do not always do so.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Lansing, Michigan

Pedestrian accidents occur due to several reasons, including the following:

• Inattentive driving: Distracted drivers are dangerous on the road and the most likely to hit pedestrians. Drivers can be distracted in several ways, including texting and calling, searching for items in their car, eating, etc.
• Failing to yield: In Lansing, Michigan, drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, especially if they are on the same side as their vehicle. Accidents happen when drivers ignore the pedestrian sign at crosswalks and drive through.
• Aggressive driving: When drivers speed or weave in and out of traffic, they pose a threat to all road users, including pedestrians. Aggressive drivers will likely forget to use turn signs or lose control and hit a pedestrian.
• Driving impaired: Drivers who consume excessive alcohol or drugs and get behind the wheel will have their cognitive abilities impaired. This makes them more likely to cause an accident because they cannot control the car or vehicle properly and have a slower reaction time.
• Making left-hand turns: Drivers focused on properly turning at intersections may lose sight of passing pedestrians, causing an accident.

Jaywalking pedestrians and bad weather can also lead to an accident. Whatever the case, it is crucial to identify the at-fault party quickly so you can commence the claims process if you sustained a severe injury. Our pedestrian accident attorneys in Lansing can help you do both.

What Should You Do after a Pedestrian Accident?

After a pedestrian accident, take the following steps to ensure you are safe and improve your chances of winning any legal claim:

• Move away from the roadway if possible to avoid further vehicle accidents.
• Call 911 to get emergency medical services and the police to the scene. The police will control the traffic, conduct a preliminary investigation, and note their findings in the police report.
• If your injuries permit, ask for the driver involved’s name, address, phone number, insurance information, vehicle make and model, license plate number, and vehicle identification number.
• Speak to witnesses to get their statement and contact information, then photograph the accident scene. Focus on your injuries, the vehicle, and the location of traffic signs.
• Get treatment for your injuries even if you feel fine after the accident. You could have delayed injuries; the only way to rule them out is to have a trained medical professional examine you and run necessary tests.
• Keep a journal where you document everything related to the accident, including doctor’s visits, lost wages, missed appointments, etc.

Finally, hire a lawyer to represent you. Insurance companies have a habit of approaching victims immediately after the crash and getting them to sign a release form. Your attorney will handle communication with the insurance company and protect you from adjusters.

Can Pedestrians Receive No-Fault Benefits?

Under Michigan law, pedestrians can receive no-fault benefits from their no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) policy or that of a family member. If you cannot access the preceding, you can apply for benefits through the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan. The no-fault insurance benefit will pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and attendant care services.

However, if you sustained severe or catastrophic injuries, you can file a lawsuit against the driver who caused the accident. In such an instance, you can also recover noneconomic damages. In all, you are entitled to the following:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of earning capacity
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Physical therapy
• Loss of enjoyment of life, etc.

If the victim dies, their loved ones can recover funeral and burial expenses, too. Our attorneys at Goodman Acker, P.C., will calculate your case’s worth and let you know what you can expect as compensation.

Lansing Pedestrian Accident Lawyer FAQs

Having questions after a pedestrian accident is typical, and below are some of the frequently asked questions from our clients:

Do I need to retain the services of a pedestrian accident lawyer?

No, you can decide to handle your claim alone. However, it is always better to retain the services of an attorney. Aside from rendering legal advice and representing you, having legal representation makes the insurance company take you more seriously and increases your chances of fair compensation.

When can I file a lawsuit after a pedestrian accident in Lansing, Michigan?

You could file a lawsuit if you sustained severe or catastrophic injuries, disfigurement, or disability. You must rely on your no-fault insurance policy if your injuries are minor.

What is the timeframe for filing a lawsuit after a pedestrian accident?

Under the Michigan statute of limitations, you have three years to file a lawsuit. The time starts counting from the accident date, and once it elapses, you will be statute-barred from taking legal action.

How much will my pedestrian accident lawyer in Lansing charge?

Pedestrian accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there is no payment without winning your case. Also, we only take a percentage of the compensation, from 33% to 40%.

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

How Our Lansing Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Help You

Retaining the services of our pedestrian accident lawyers means you get access to the following services:

• Legal advice and guidance
• Investigation of claims and gathering of evidence
• Liability determination and filing of insurance claims
• Negotiations with insurance companies and settlement
• Lawsuit representation and advocacy if negotiation fails
• Consultation of expert witnesses relevant to your case.

We also provide our clients with emotional support, and you can communicate with us 24/7 throughout your case.

Book a Consultation with Us Today!

If you or a loved one sustained injuries in a pedestrian accident, our attorneys can help. We will maximize your chances of fair compensation and work tirelessly to ensure your case is resolved timeously. Contact our Goodman Acker, P.C. team today for a free case evaluation. Call us at 248-286-8100.

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 ]