If you or someone close to you has been injured in a pedestrian accident, our qualified attorneys at Fieger Law can help secure the compensation you deserve. We know how tough these injuries can be and are here to fight for you, letting you focus on getting better.
Understanding Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can lead to a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe, including:
- Bruises and cuts
- Sprained ankles
- Broken legs
- Concussions
- Scrapes
- Dislocated shoulders
- Head trauma
- Death
The most common pedestrian accidents in Michigan include:
- Crossing the Road: In 2022, there were 19 pedestrian deaths from crossing at intersections and another 43 from crossing roads away from intersections.
- Being in the Roadway: In 2022, roadway traffic was responsible for the deaths of around 80 pedestrians.
- Other Reasons: Pedestrians getting in and out of a vehicle resulted in 3 deaths, and there was one fatality that occurred while a pedestrian was pushing or working on a vehicle.
At Fieger Law, we understand how deeply these catastrophic injuries can affect your life. We will carefully review your case to determine the responsible party and then negotiate a fair settlement for your injuries.
Seeking Compensation for Pedestrian Accidents
Being injured as a pedestrian can lead to severe consequences, including the need for long-term medical care, lost wages from time off work, and a challenging recovery process. Fieger Law is dedicated to assisting you in obtaining compensation for all your losses, such as medical expenses, the pain and suffering you’ve experienced, and any lost earnings.
First, we investigate your case to determine who’s responsible. This means we’ll gather evidence like photos, witness statements, and police reports to identify who caused your injuries. Once we know who’s to blame, we can file an insurance claim or take legal action to get you the compensation you deserve.
Michigan operates under a modified comparative negligence doctrine, which assigns a percentage of fault in all personal injury accidents. We can collect evidence to reduce your fault, ensuring you receive the maximum benefit from your claim.
Protecting Your Rights as a Pedestrian
In Michigan, there’s a set deadline to submit a compensation claim. Obtaining legal support from Fieger Law as soon as possible can protect your chances of getting compensation from the following legal actions:
- No-Fault Benefits Claim: This claim allows you to get benefits from your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance regardless of who caused the accident. It can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs, like attendant care. In Michigan, you generally have one year from the accident date to file a no-fault claim.
- Liability Insurance Claim: If another person caused your injury, we can help you file a claim against their insurance. This seeks compensation beyond what no-fault insurance covers, like pain and suffering. Michigan requires you to file these claims within three years of the accident date.
- Timeframe for Personal Injury Lawsuits: Michigan law gives you a three-year window from the accident date to sue for your injuries. We can help you pursue this option if the insurance company refuses to settle. This allows us to seek damages not covered by insurance, such as severe pain and suffering or exemplary damages.
Recovering Damages in Pedestrian Accident Cases
Your attorney from Fieger Law can calculate your full compensation, including hard-to-quantify damages such as pain and suffering. We review medical records, engage with experts, and interview witnesses to fully evaluate your damages and pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Impact on your future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Our firm has a strong track record of winning settlements for pedestrian accident victims. For example, in 2017, Attorneys Geoffrey Fieger and James Harrington IV secured a $1,350,000 settlement for the estate of Mildred Griffith, who tragically lost her life in 2015 after being struck by an Alma Dial-A-Ride bus. This case, which highlighted issues of gross negligence by the bus driver and the city, was resolved when Alma Dial-A-Ride agreed to a proposed settlement.
Contact the Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at Fieger Law Today
Fieger Law knows how to protect pedestrian accident victims and get fair compensation. We represent clients nationwide and can help you and your family recover and get the financial support you need after a negligent driver causes you harm. Contact us today for a free consultation.
