Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users and are likely to suffer severe injuries or fatalities after an accident. Common causes of pedestrian accidents include distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving.
You’re likely to endure financial disruption if you or a loved one sustains an injury in a pedestrian accident. For example, a spinal cord injury can keep you out of work for several months, affecting your ability to earn a living.
Although you are entitled to compensation for your losses, you may encounter resistance from the at-fault party’s insurer. You should, therefore, work with a legal professional who can guide your actions to protect your legal rights.
Our Detroit pedestrian accident attorneys at Michigan Injury Lawyers understand the impact of injury-related losses and will work tirelessly to pursue compensation for your losses.
Why Choose Us
Your likelihood of coping with or recovering from an injury depends on the settlement value you obtain in a pedestrian accident. You should, therefore, work with our Detroit pedestrian accident attorneys at Michigan Injury Lawyers because they understand the impact of injuries and your legal rights.
Here’s why you should work with us:
- Proven and Reliable: Our pedestrian accident attorneys have represented injured victims since 2008, giving us the experience and knowledge to protect your legal rights.
- Personalized Approach: Our pedestrian accident attorneys treat every injured victim with customized care and attention. We take time to understand your unique situation, needs, and goals.
How Much Is My Pedestrian Case Worth
There is no average value for a pedestrian accident claim. Every claim is unique, with the outcome varying based on the facts and circumstances of the case.
Some of the factors that influence the value of pedestrian accidents include:
Severity of the Injury
Injuries in pedestrian accidents can range from minor cuts and bruises to more serious consequences such as broken bones or even fatalities.
The severity of your injury can determine if you’ll receive a high or a lower settlement value. An injured victim with a minor cut is likely to receive a lower settlement value compared with someone else with a traumatic brain injury.
More severe injuries typically require extensive medical treatment, ongoing care, and rehabilitation and may result in long-term disabilities that can affect your ability to work and enjoy daily activities.
Our pedestrian accident attorneys can use medical records to prove the extent of your injury and push for a higher settlement value that covers your losses.
Shared Fault
In Detroit, MI, shared fault can determine the value you’ll receive in a pedestrian accident claim. For example, if you were crossing the street outside a marked crosswalk and a driver hit you, the insurance companies may argue that you were partially at fault for the accident.
Our Detroit pedestrian accident attorneys can help gather evidence, assess liability, and protect your rights so insurers do not wrongfully blame you for the crash.
Availability of Evidence
Although you may be entitled to compensation, you must demonstrate the negligent actions of the at-fault party that led to the accident. Like all legal claims, evidence is the foundation of a strong pedestrian accident claim.
The more evidence you have, your chances of obtaining a fair settlement value for your losses increase.
Here are eight types of evidence that can influence the value of your claim:
- Witness Statements: Eyewitness accounts can provide details about the accident, such as the actions of the pedestrian and the driver, the road conditions, and the sequence of events leading to the collision.
- Police Reports: Official police reports document key information, including the time and location of the accident, any citations issued, and statements made by the involved parties. The findings of the report can establish liability.
- Photographic Evidence: Clear photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries sustained, and relevant road signs or signals can provide visual proof of how the collision occurred.
- Video Footage: Surveillance footage from nearby cameras, dash cams, or mobile phones can offer irrefutable evidence of the accident and help reconstruct the events leading up to the crash.
- Medical Records: Comprehensive medical records detailing the nature and extent of the pedestrian’s injuries, treatment received, prognosis, and future medical needs can support your claim for medical expenses.
- Expert Analysis: Expert opinions from accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, or economists can provide valuable insights into liability, causation, and the long-term impact of the accident on the victim’s life.
- Financial Documentation: Proof of financial losses, such as medical bills, bank statements, receipts, and invoices, can support your claim for economic losses.
- Prior Incidents: Information about any previous accidents or injuries involving the pedestrian or the driver can be used to establish a pattern of behavior or negligence that may impact the case’s value.
Insurance Coverage of the At-fault Party
In most cases, the negligent party’s insurer is the source of compensation for the injured victim. Therefore, the coverage limit of the at-fault party will determine the value you can receive for your losses.
An at-fault party with a low coverage limit can hinder your ability to recover from the losses. Our pedestrian accident attorneys can explore additional sources of compensation, including underinsurance/uninsured coverage or filing a lawsuit against the negligent party.
Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Occur in Detroit, MI
Although a pedestrian accident can occur in any part of Detroit, MI, some zones are high-risk.
Here are specific roads where pedestrian accidents are likely to occur:
- Michigan Avenue: Known for its heavy traffic flow and busy intersections, Michigan Avenue poses a significant risk to pedestrians. The mix of vehicles, including large trucks and buses, combined with high speeds increases the likelihood of pedestrian accidents.
- Woodward Avenue: As one of Detroit’s main thoroughfares, Woodward Avenue sees a constant stream of vehicles and pedestrians. The numerous crosswalks and intersections along Woodward make it a hotspot for pedestrian accidents, especially during peak traffic hours.
- Gratiot Avenue: Another major roadway in Detroit, Gratiot Avenue is lined with shops, restaurants, and businesses, attracting a high volume of foot traffic. The combination of distracted drivers and pedestrians crossing outside designated areas makes Gratiot Avenue a common location for accidents.
- Jefferson Avenue: Jefferson Avenue, which runs along the Detroit River, is a popular route for commuters and tourists. The scenic views and recreational areas along Jefferson can lead to distractions for drivers and pedestrians, increasing the risk of accidents.
Our pedestrian accident attorneys can pursue compensation if you suffered an injury on any of the above roads. They can use police accident reports, traffic camera footage, accident reconstruction experts, and other sources of evidence to support your compensation claim.
Local Knowledge in Detroit Pedestrian Accidents
In addition to physical and emotional injuries, pedestrian accidents can disrupt your finances. Our pedestrian accident lawyers understand personal injury laws and will fight tirelessly to obtain maximum compensation for your losses.
We can represent you if you suffered an injury in any of the following accidents:
- Crosswalk Accidents: Often caused by distracted drivers or failure to yield, crosswalk accidents can lead to serious pedestrian injuries. Our Detroit pedestrian accident lawyers understand the laws surrounding the pedestrian right-of-way and can help seek compensation for your damages.
- Intersection Collisions: Intersections are high-risk areas for pedestrians, especially when drivers fail to obey traffic signals. If you have suffered an injury in an intersection collision, our pedestrian accident attorneys can investigate the circumstances and hold the negligent party accountable.
- Parking Lot Accidents: Pedestrians in parking lots are vulnerable to being hit by reckless drivers. Our pedestrian accident lawyers can gather evidence, such as surveillance footage and eyewitness testimonies, to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Drunk Driving Accidents: Pedestrians are at a heightened risk when encountering drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you have been a victim of a drunk driving accident, our pedestrian accident lawyers can fight for justice on your behalf.
Our pedestrian accident lawyers can also represent you if you sustain any of the following injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Chest injuries
- Lacerations
- Broken bones
- Amputation
- Burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Road rash
- Pelvic injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee injuries
Fighting the Insurance Company
Many insurance adjusters work to minimize the financial liability of their employers. They may frustrate your recovery efforts by rejecting your claim or making a low settlement offer that doesn’t match your losses.
However, you can confidently face an insurer with the help of our pedestrian accident lawyers.
Here’s how we can help you fight the insurer:
- Establishing the value of damages: Our pedestrian accident attorney will meticulously evaluate all aspects of your case to determine the full extent of your damages. They will use the value of losses to face the insurer and demand a fair settlement value.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance companies are known for trying to settle claims for the lowest amount possible. Our pedestrian accident lawyer know how to skillfully deal with insurers on your behalf, advocating for a fair settlement that reflects the actual value of your case.
- Representing you in court: In some cases, negotiations with insurance companies may not lead to a satisfactory outcome. Our pedestrian accident attorneys are prepared to take your case to court if necessary, advocating for your rights and seeking the compensation you deserve.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
Your actions after a pedestrian accident can enhance your wellness and protect your legal rights.
Here’s what you should do after a pedestrian accident:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
You should seek immediate medical attention even if you feel fine or believe your injuries are minor. Some injuries, particularly those resulting from pedestrian accidents, may not present immediate symptoms.
Internal injuries or conditions, such as a concussion, can be masked by shock or adrenaline in the aftermath of the accident. By seeking medical attention promptly, you allow healthcare professionals to assess your condition thoroughly and provide necessary treatment.
Moreover, timely medical attention creates a record of treatment and your injuries sustained in the pedestrian accident. Our pedestrian accident lawyers can use medical records to prove the extent of your injuries and support your compensation claim.
Seeking medical attention can also preserve your right to compensation. An assessment by a healthcare provider creates a direct link between your injuries and the accident. Further, the at-fault party’s insurer may question the severity of your injury if you delay seeking medical attention.
Speak With Our Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
You should also speak with a legal professional after sustaining an injury in a pedestrian accident. Our pedestrian accident attorneys will assess the merits of the incident and determine if you have a case against the at-fault party.
All legal cases, including pedestrian accidents, must adhere to legal timelines. For example, the Detroit, MI, personal injury statute of limitations requires injured victims to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party within three years from the accident date.
You can lose your right to compensation if you initiate a lawsuit beyond the three-year timeline. Our pedestrian accident attorneys understand the legal timelines in your case and will file a timely claim to preserve your right to compensation.
Get the Compensation You Deserve After a Detroit Pedestrian Accident
A pedestrian accident can leave you with catastrophic injuries and can be a financially overwhelming time. You’re likely to experience worsening mental health after being injured in a pedestrian accident, due to the sheer trauma. You shouldn’t bear the financial and emotional burden caused by someone else’s negligence.
Our Detroit pedestrian accident lawyers at Michigan Injury Lawyers are committed to helping injured victims obtain a fair settlement value for their losses. We can investigate the case, gather strong evidence, and negotiate with insurers so you receive a fair settlement value. We know local laws and have skill in dealing with the insurance companies. We will not let you fall prey to their bad-faith tactics.
You can count on us to handle the legal aspects as you focus on recovery. Contact us online or at (313) 438-4357 for a free case evaluation.