Pedestrian Accidents Can Cause Serious Injury or Death
Concerns over pedestrian safety are increasing. Whether it’s due to speeding or distracted driving, more and more people are being struck by vehicles while they’re walking.
If you have been injured while walking outdoors, our Michigan pedestrian accident attorneys can help you recover damages, including your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other costs associated with the accident.
For more than 60 years, the lawyers at Sinas Dramis have helped victims of Michigan pedestrian accidents get the results they deserve. Our experienced Michigan personal injury attorneys will fight for you and your rights, and will stand beside you every step of the way.
Michigan Pedestrian Accidents: The Law
Michigan law requires that if there is a sidewalk, pedestrians — whether walking or running — should use that sidewalk. If there’s not a sidewalk, the law requires that if a pedestrian (running or walking) is in the street, the pedestrian must be in the edge of the street and must walk/run against the traffic or facing the traffic.
The most serious Michigan pedestrian accidents happen when a motor vehicle strikes someone who is walking or running. In recent years, there has been a rather alarming rise in pedestrian deaths. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, the number of pedestrians killed in traffic jumped 11 percent in 2016, to nearly 6,000 people — the biggest single-year increase in pedestrian fatalities in U.S. history. The reasons for this are:
- Speeding drivers.
- Drinking and driving.
- Distracted drivers and distracted walkers/runner (particularly cell phone use).
- More people are traveling by motor vehicle.
- More people are walking and running.
While most Michigan pedestrian accidents involve motor vehicles, many do not. About 25 percent of pedestrian accidents are caused by tripping on sidewalks because of cracked pavement or uneven cement. Michigan law requires that a city or municipality make sure that a sidewalk is in reasonably safe condition. Persons who are injured due to a defective condition on a sidewalk may be entitled under the public sidewalk exception to governmental immunity to bring a claim against the governmental agency responsible for the maintenance and repair of the sidewalk.
Pedestrian Accidents & No-Fault PIP Benefits
Pedestrians who are injured in accidents involving motor vehicles may be entitled to personal injury protection (PIP) benefits under the Michigan No-Fault statute.
Pedestrian Accidents & Negligence Claims
If the driver of the vehicle that caused your injuries was negligent, Michigan law lets you bring a claim against the negligent driver and his or her insurer to recover non-economic damages, sometimes referred to as “pain and suffering” damages.