If you were hit by a car when walking, you have likely gone through a dreadful, maybe disastrous ordeal and may still be. The accident’s financial, emotional, and physical effects have probably overwhelmed you. Furthermore, the laws governing pedestrian accidents are complicated, making it difficult to get the benefits to which you are entitled. Here are good reasons to engage a knowledgeable pedestrian accident lawyer if you are wounded in a collision.
Table of Contents
Pedestrian traffic laws are complicated and frequently misunderstood.
Unexpectedly, no particular rules in Michigan regulate the use of crosswalks. As a result, the Michigan Uniform Traffic Code applies in most towns. This law states that if a pedestrian is on the same half of the road as an oncoming vehicle, they have the right of way.
Drivers must also stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk who are following traffic signals. However, there are various circumstances in which drivers are not compelled to come to a complete stop, which could be dangerous for pedestrians waiting for the vehicles to stop so they may cross the street. (Kennedyandperkins)
A knowledgeable pedestrian accident lawyer in Grand Rapids, MI, can assist you with your case if you are involved because Michigan does not have legislation defining the precise specifications for crosswalks.
No-fault insurance claims are complicated.
Michigan’s no-fault legislation applies to pedestrian accident injury claims. An injured pedestrian must seek PIP benefits from their insurance policy (if there is one) since Michigan law is no-fault legislation.
However, the resolution of a pedestrian accident claim is even more complicated due to changes to Michigan’s no-fault law. Consequently, having a pedestrian accident lawyer by your side is crucial.
A pedestrian may bear some fault for the accident.
Occasionally, pedestrians may share some of the blame for the collision if they:
- Fail to cross at the intersection
- Run in front of a car
- Are intoxicated or drugged up
- Ignore traffic lights
- Enter a moving vehicle while distracted (often by a smartphone)
While blame is irrelevant in no-fault PIP claims, it will matter if you sue the motorist for negligence. A third-party or auto negligence lawsuit is the name for this kind of case. In that case, you need a lawyer to navigate the complexities of your case.
Pedestrian injuries are severe.
Even at extremely low speeds, cars can cause catastrophic harm to pedestrians. Even if a pedestrian is fortunate enough to survive one of these incidents, they may nevertheless have severe wounds like:
- Fractures
- Organ injury or internal bleeding
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries (SCI)
Regardless of who is at fault, the pedestrian takes the brunt of the impact because there is no metal cage to protect them. It is always advisable to hire a lawyer if you suffer severe injuries in a pedestrian accident.
Concluding words
Due to the considerations above and the complexities of Michigan’s No-Fault statute, it is challenging for accident victims and their families to pursue compensation on their own. That is where a pedestrian accident lawyer comes in.
