What should you do after a pedestrian accident in Michigan?
If you were hit by a vehicle as a pedestrian in Michigan, you should seek medical care immediately, report the crash, and file a No-Fault insurance claim to access benefits. You may also have the right to pursue a third-party claim against the driver if negligence caused the accident. A Michigan pedestrian accident attorney can help protect your rights, ensure deadlines are met, and pursue full compensation.
Protecting Injured Pedestrians Across Michigan
Pedestrian accidents often result in serious, life-altering injuries. Without the protection of a vehicle, pedestrians are especially vulnerable when drivers fail to yield, speed, or ignore traffic controls.
At Sinas Dramis Law Firm, we represent pedestrians injured throughout Michigan, helping them navigate the state’s complex No-Fault system while pursuing accountability from at-fault drivers.
Michigan Pedestrian Accident Laws Explained
No-Fault Benefits for Injured Pedestrians
Michigan’s No-Fault law provides benefits to injured pedestrians, even though they were not in a vehicle at the time of the crash.
Depending on your situation, No-Fault benefits may come from:
- Your own auto insurance policy
- A spouse or household relative’s policy
- The at-fault driver’s insurance
- The Michigan Assigned Claims Plan (if no coverage is available)
These benefits can include:
- Medical expenses
- Wage loss benefits
- Replacement services (household help)
- Mileage reimbursement for medical care
Learn more about Michigan Auto No-Fault Law
Can a Pedestrian Sue a Driver in Michigan?
Yes. In addition to No-Fault benefits, injured pedestrians may file a third-party claim against the driver if the accident caused:
- Serious impairment of body function
- Permanent serious disfigurement
- Death (wrongful death claim)
A third-party claim allows recovery for:
- Pain and suffering
- Excess medical expenses
- Lost earning capacity
Who Is at Fault in a Pedestrian Accident?
Fault depends on the circumstances of the crash. Common causes include:
- Drivers failing to yield at crosswalks
- Distracted or impaired driving (particularly cell phone use)
- Speeding in residential or urban areas
- Poor visibility or failure to obey traffic signals
Importantly, Michigan follows comparative fault rules, meaning compensation may be reduced if the pedestrian is partially at fault.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Michigan
If you or a loved one has been hit by a vehicle:
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Report the accident to law enforcement
- Gather evidence (photos, witness info if possible)
- Avoid speaking with insurance companies alone
- Consult a Michigan pedestrian accident attorney
The Injury Lawyers Michigan Has Trusted for 75 Years
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrian crashes frequently result in serious injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ injuries
- Severe lacerations and road rash
These injuries often require extensive medical care and long-term rehabilitation.
What Compensation Can Injured Pedestrians Recover?
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of normal life enjoyment
Learn more about damages you can recover from the at-fault driver.
$2,000,000
Pedestrian Accident Settlement
Settlement for severe brain injuries suffered by a 15-year-old boy who was struck by a motor vehicle while walking across the street on his way to school.
$500,000
Pedestrian Accident Settlement
Settlement for West Michigan woman who suffered amputation of an extremity after she was struck by a car as a pedestrian.
Why Hiring a Michigan Pedestrian Accident Attorney Matters
Insurance companies often attempt to:
- Dispute the severity of injuries
- Shift blame to the pedestrian
- Minimize or deny valid claims
An experienced attorney can:
- Investigate the accident
- Preserve evidence and witness statements
- Handle insurance negotiations
- Maximize recovery under Michigan law
At Sinas Dramis, we focus on protecting injured individuals and guiding them through every step of the process.
Talk to a Michigan Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian, having the right legal team matters.
Sinas Dramis Law Firm has decades of experience representing injured pedestrians across Michigan. We are committed to helping clients understand their rights and pursue the full compensation they deserve.
Pedestrian Accident FAQs
What insurance covers a pedestrian hit by a car in Michigan?
Pedestrians may receive No-Fault benefits through their own insurance policy, a household member’s policy, the driver’s insurer, or the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan if no coverage is available. Learn more about Michigan Pedestrian Accidents | No-Fault PIP Benefits
Can I sue the driver if I was hit while walking?
Yes. If your injuries meet Michigan’s threshold requirements (such as serious impairment of body function), you may file a third-party claim against the at-fault driver. Learn more about Pedestrian Accidents | Negligence Claims
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Michigan follows comparative fault rules. You can still recover compensation, but your recovery may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
How long do I have to file a claim after a pedestrian accident?
Strict deadlines apply. No-Fault claims generally must be filed within one year, and third-party claims typically have a three-year statute of limitations.
Do I need a lawyer for a pedestrian accident claim?
While not required, a lawyer can help protect your rights, navigate complex insurance rules, and maximize your compensation.