Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Grand Rapids
Pedestrians suffer some of the most severe injuries on Grand Rapids roads. Even if you were hit by an uninsured driver or involved in a hit-and-run, you still have options for filing a claim. Our pedestrian accident lawyer in Grand Rapids, MI, fights to secure full compensation for medical care, lost wages, and more.
Request a free consultation today to discuss your pedestrian accident case.
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Legal Help After Grand Rapids Pedestrian Accidents
Every day, lives are changed in an instant due to motor vehicle accidents. Unfortunately, daily activities like walking the dog at the Mackay-Jaycees Park, waiting for the DASH shuttle bus, or strolling along the Riverwalk by The Blue Bridge can leave pedestrians with serious injuries.
If you were struck by a car, truck, or negligent driver, contact an experienced Grand Rapids pedestrian accident lawyer to pursue the compensation you may deserve.
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No-Fault Insurance Claims for Pedestrian Accidents
If you were struck and hurt by a driver while walking in downtown Grand Rapids near Fulton Street, Division Avenue, or the Van Andel Arena, your mind is probably full of questions. How will you pay for your medical care? Who will take care of your family? Will you make a full recovery or be left with a permanent disability? At Barrix Law Firm, our Grand Rapids personal injury lawyers have represented clients in pedestrian accident cases since 1993. We can help you navigate Michigan’s no-fault insurance system and determine if you can sue the other driver or their insurance company for your injuries. If you or a loved one were injured, here’s what you should know about no-fault insurance and how it works after a Grand Rapids pedestrian accident.
How a Grand Rapids Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Handles PIP Claims
In no-fault states like Michigan, you can file a claim through your own insurance policy if you’re involved in a car accident. You don’t have to be driving to file an auto insurance claim. The same coverage applies whether you were bicycling, riding a motorcycle, or walking on foot.
Personal injury protection (PIP) is a key part of the state’s mandatory insurance coverage. It includes benefits for medical care, household services, personal care attendants, and partial lost wages. As outlined in Michigan Compiled Laws Section 500.3107, PIP must cover:
- Up to 85% of lost wages for up to 3 years.
- A nominal daily allowance for household services.
- All reasonable and necessary medical care up to your policy limit.
- Personal care attendants to assist with activities of daily living.
- Limited funeral and burial expenses in case of a fatal auto-related accident.
Your Grand Rapids pedestrian accident lawyer can file a no-fault insurance claim and negotiate a settlement that adequately reimburses you for your losses. You have 1 year from the time of the accident to file an application for benefits. Our legal team can help you file necessary paperwork and documentation, including medical records and wage loss verification forms.
Grand Rapids Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Kent County consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous locations for pedestrians outside of the Detroit metro area. Pedestrian-involved traffic accidents have increased significantly due to urbanization. In many areas, traffic infrastructure for pedestrians has not kept pace with economic growth. Here are some key statistics about Michigan pedestrian accidents.
- In Michigan, over 2,200 pedestrians are injured in traffic accidents each year, and about 87% of accidents lead to injuries or fatalities.
- Fridays and Sundays are the most dangerous days for pedestrians, and the most common time for accidents is between 6 and 7 p.m.
- October is the most dangerous month for pedestrian accidents, likely due to decreasing daylight and visibility.
- Pedestrians account for nearly 17% of all traffic-related fatalities, while bicycle-involved accidents represent just over 2%.
- Nearly 1 in 4 pedestrian fatalities occur when a pedestrian was crossing the street away from an intersection.
- Nationally, nearly half of all pedestrian fatalities involve alcohol use by the victim and/or driver.
- In Michigan, children aged 14 and younger account for 5.5% of pedestrian fatalities and nearly 12% of pedestrian injuries.
- Older adults are also vulnerable to pedestrian accidents. Residents aged 65 or older account for 23% of pedestrian fatalities and 13% of injuries.
Top Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Grand Rapids
Pedestrian safety is a growing concern in West Michigan. With nearly 200,000 residents, Grand Rapids has a higher concentration of pedestrians than outlying areas, such as Caledonia and Forest Hills. State and local officials are actively working to educate the public and increase awareness about traffic safety issues and the most common causes of pedestrian accidents.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is more common than ever due to the increased use of cellphones and in-vehicle technology. When drivers take their eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, severe accidents are much more likely to happen.
Speeding
Excessive speed is a major cause of car and pedestrian accidents in Michigan. Driving too fast for conditions can limit reaction times and make it more difficult for drivers to see pedestrians when they still have time to stop.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can impair the operator’s judgement and greatly increase reaction times. This makes it more difficult for drivers to avoid pedestrians in areas like downtown Grand Rapids that have heavy foot traffic.
Poor Visibility
Pedestrian-involved car accidents are more likely to occur at night or in low-light conditions when visibility is impaired due to fog and inclement weather. Wearing bright colors is one of the most important steps that pedestrians can take.
Failure to Yield
A significant number of traffic accidents occur when drivers and pedestrians fail to yield or ignore traffic signals. Drivers often strike pedestrians when making left turns without full visibility. Pedestrians often put themselves in danger by crossing away from designated intersections.
Limited Infrastructure
Multi-lane streets and highways often lack appropriate infrastructure for pedestrians, such as crosswalks, crossing signals, and signage. This can make it more difficult and more dangerous for pedestrians and drivers to navigate the area.
Common Injuries After Pedestrian Car Accidents
Pedestrians often experience severe and life-threatening injuries after auto accidents. Even small cars weigh 2,500-3,000 pounds, while SUVs and light trucks can weigh over 6,000 pounds. The severity of the injury may depend on the size and weight of the vehicle as well as the angle and speed of the impact. These are some of the most common injuries that pedestrians in Michigan experience.
- Head injuries, such as concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and skull fractures
- Back and spinal cord injuries that can cause paralysis and chronic pain
- Broken bones, including fractures affecting the arms, legs, feet, ribs, and pelvis
- Internal injuries, including bleeding and damage to the liver, spleen, and organs
- Soft tissue damage, including sprains, contusions, and lacerations
- Psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD
- Disfiguring facial injuries affecting the eyes, nose, teeth, and jaw
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Compensation for Serious or Fatal Pedestrian Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a pedestrian dies every 72 minutes. Even if your injuries aren’t life-threatening, you may be left with permanent scars, limited mobility, and disabilities that prevent you from working.
While PIP is the first source of benefits after an accident, Michigan law allows you to file a third-party lawsuit or liability claim against the at-fault driver or their insurance company if the accident resulted in death, permanent disfigurement, or a significant bodily impairment. If you were hit by a delivery driver or commercial vehicle, you may be able to sue the trucking company or the driver’s employer.
Learn more about the types of compensation a pedestrian accident lawyer in Grand Rapids, MI, can help you recover by filing a third-party claim.
Medical Bills
Drivers in Michigan can choose between several tiered PIP plans with coverage limits of $50,000, $250,000, $500,000, or unlimited medical benefits. If you meet the severe injury threshold, you can recover compensation for excess medical bills from the at-fault driver.
Pain & Suffering
Third-party pedestrian accident claims give you access to compensation for physical pain and suffering, including emotional trauma and loss of enjoyment, that’s not available through PIP. Compensation for pain and suffering is typically based on the value of your economic losses.
Disabilities
PIP coverage for lost wages ends after 3 years. If you have permanent injuries and are unable to do your job, you may be able to recover additional compensation for lost income and decreased earning capacity from the at-fault driver and their insurance company.
Death Benefits
In case of a fatal pedestrian accident, the Michigan Wrongful Death Act allows the victim’s estate and surviving family members to seek compensation for final expenses, emotional distress, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support.
Contact our law office in southeast Grand Rapids to see what types of compensation you may be entitled to receive. Get in touch today.
6 Reasons to Choose Barrix Law Firm for Your Pedestrian Accident Case
Choosing the right attorney is an important step when recovering from a pedestrian accident. You need an advocate who understands the law, is prepared to handle the insurance companies, and can take your case to court if needed. Discover what our team has to offer.
- Decades of Experience: Our Grand Rapids pedestrian accident attorney Jason Barrix has been practicing law since 1993. With over 30 years of legal experience, we bring deep insight into Michigan’s insurance laws and pedestrian rights.
- Civil & Criminal Knowledge: Our dual background in civil and criminal law makes us uniquely equipped to handle the most challenging pedestrian accident claims, especially when liability is disputed or the driver is facing criminal charges.
- No Upfront Fees: We offer 100% free consultations and work on a contingency basis. This means that you only pay for our services if you win your case or recover a settlement. There’s no financial risk to you. Period.
- Satisfied Clients: Don’t just take our word for it. Clients consistently praise our legal insight, responsiveness, and results. With over 100 5-star reviews, Barrix Law Firm has earned the trust of West Michigan accident victims and their families.
- Local Roots: Based in Kent County, Michigan, we’re familiar with the courts, the roads, and the risks that pedestrians face in Grand Rapids and beyond. Our office is centrally located off I-96 near Cascade. We’re not just your lawyers. We’re your neighbors.
- Proven Results: We have successfully secured settlements ranging from $100,000 to $1.25 million following car, truck, and motorcycle accidents. Our goal is to help you recover maximum compensation.
Grand Rapids Pedestrian Accident FAQs
Can I Recover Compensation if I was Using Drugs or Alcohol?
If you’re filing a first-party pedestrian accident claim for PIP benefits, it does not matter if you were intoxicated when you were injured. No-fault insurance must pay for your medical care and expenses, even if you had been drinking or were not crossing the street legally at the time of the accident. If you are filing a third-party liability claim, you must show that the driver was primarily at fault. A pedestrian accident lawyer can provide advice based on the facts of your case.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Pedestrian Accident Case?
After you file an application for PIP, the insurance company has 30 days to pay benefits after receiving reasonable proof. The company has an extra 60 days to process claims that are submitted after the 90-day mark. Pedestrian accident cases that are disputed or involve third-party claims can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months to settle. If the case goes to trial, it could add years to the timeline. Our goal is to resolve your case as quickly as possible while ensuring that you receive a fair settlement.
How Much is the Average Pedestrian Accident Settlement?
Unfortunately, there is no specific settlement amount for pedestrian accidents in Grand Rapids as each case is different. Total compensation depends on the extent of your injuries, your recovery time, your average weekly wages, and the limits of your no-fault insurance. Settlements are typically larger for serious or disabling injuries that have long-term effects. Legally, only a qualified attorney can value your claim and provide personalized advice based on the facts of your case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim for Injuries as a Pedestrian?
There are 2 important filing deadlines if you were involved in a Grand Rapids pedestrian accident. First, you have 1 year from the date of the accident to file an application for PIP benefits. If you have residual medical expenses, they must be submitted within 1 year from the date of service. Second, if you meet the severe injury threshold needed to bring a third-party liability claim, you have 3 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
Contact Our Grand Rapids Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you were hit by a car while walking downtown or in a Kent County suburb, don’t hesitate to contact a Grand Rapids pedestrian accident lawyer. At Barrix Law Firm, you aren’t a statistic or a case number. We understand what you’re going through, and we’re dedicated to helping you recover compensation for your pain, trauma, and financial losses. We’re here to investigate the facts and fight for your rights. Contact us today for a free in-depth case review to see how we can help.
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