Pedestrian accidents happen in seconds, but their effects can last a lifetime. When a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle in Michigan, the consequences can be devastating. Severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial uncertainty can turn your life upside down. Pedestrian crashes can affect you in countless ways, from long-lasting injuries and lost wages due to being off work, to PTSD and the inability to enjoy doing the things you once did. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents in Menominee are becoming more frequent due to distracted driving, poor road conditions, and failure to yield. These hazards put Menominee residents at an increased risk of serious and life-altering injuries.
The dedicated Menominee pedestrian accident lawyers at Schwaba Law Firm can help you seek fair compensation if a driver hit you and caused serious injuries. Turn to our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers to fight for a settlement that covers all your losses. You don’t owe us any fees unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us today at (906) 424-4661 or complete our contact form for a free, no-obligation consultation.
What to Do If You Were Hit by a Car in Menominee
- Immediate medical attention is vital after a pedestrian accident. You likely have severe injuries, which could include potentially fatal internal injuries, so call 911 and get to a hospital right away. Your health matters most, even if you feel okay. Once you’re stable, follow your doctor’s orders and attend all follow-up appointments.
- Report the accident to law enforcement. If you’re able, take photos of everything at the scene, including your injuries, the motor vehicle that hit you, any property damage, and the surrounding area. Get the driver’s contact and insurance details. If there are witnesses, ask them what they saw and get their names and contact details.
- Contact a Michigan personal injury lawyer. Your attorney can start an accident investigation for a personal injury claim and protect your rights.
- Don’t discuss your case with anyone other than your lawyer. Stay off social media to avoid sharing anything that might hurt your case, as the insurance company could use your words against you.
- Refer any insurers that contact you to your lawyer. Your attorney will advise you on additional steps to protect your rights and help you recover maximum compensation.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Menominee
Many pedestrian accidents in Menominee occur due to driver negligence, including:
- Running stop signs, red lights, or other traffic signals
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
- Distracted driving, including texting or using a phone
- Drunk or drug-impaired driving
- Poor visibility due to inadequate lighting or bad weather
In some cases, road design flaws or missing signage may contribute to an accident, potentially making additional parties liable.
Severe Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians lack protection against motor vehicles, often leading to catastrophic injuries, such as:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Concussions, skull fractures, and severe brain trauma can have long-term consequences.
- Spinal Cord Damage: Partial or complete paralysis may result from a high-impact crash.
- Broken Bones: Fractures in the legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
- Internal Organ Damage: Injuries to the liver, spleen, or lungs can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.
- Severe Lacerations & Soft Tissue Damage: These can cause lasting pain, scarring, or mobility issues.
- Psychological Trauma: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and emotional distress are common after severe accidents.
Understanding Pedestrian Accident Claims in Michigan
The purpose of pedestrian accident claims is to allow victims to seek compensation from the driver who hit them. Pedestrian accident victims typically file a claim against the driver’s auto insurance company. While you can sue a driver directly, the driver may not have enough personal assets to cover your injuries. Insurance companies have deeper pockets, but they also protect their profits aggressively. You’ll need a Michigan pedestrian accident attorney to make a persuasive case to an insurer.
Who Can File a Pedestrian Accident Claim?
Injured pedestrians can file insurance claims against the drivers who hit them. Families of pedestrians killed in crashes can file wrongful death claims against the at-fault driver who harmed their loved one.
Types of Compensation Available
Your compensation in a pedestrian accident claim can include money for your economic and non-economic losses. Economic losses include your lost income, medical expenses, and out-of-pocket expenses. Non-economic losses include your pain and suffering, emotional distress, and how your injuries limit your activities long-term. A successful pedestrian accident claim can help you recover financial compensation for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Wrongful death damages (in fatal accidents)
If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you have the right to pursue maximum compensation.
Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance and Its Impact on Pedestrian Claims
Michigan law requires anyone who owns a car to buy no-fault coverage. If you have a Michigan auto policy, you can use your no-fault coverage to pay for your injuries in a pedestrian accident.
Your no-fault benefits might not cover all your losses. You can file a personal injury lawsuit to obtain compensation for your non-economic losses, but you must first show that your injuries meet specific thresholds under Michigan law. Your attorney can use your medical bills, testimony from experts, and other evidence to show your injuries warrant additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit, including pain and suffering compensation.
Average Payout for a Pedestrian Hit by a Car in Michigan
Pedestrian accidents can cause devastating, potentially lifelong injuries. That means these claims are often higher than auto accident claims. However, every accident is different, so there’s no such thing as a true “average” payout. Several factors could affect the value of your personal injury claim, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- Whether you require surgery or ongoing care
- How much work you miss
- Whether the crash caused permanent changes to your life
- The insurance limits of the driver who hit you
- Whether you followed medical advice or took certain legal steps
The key to recovering maximum compensation for a pedestrian accident is to hire an experienced attorney. They can manage your legal case, account for all your losses, including intangible losses like your pain and suffering, and help you avoid mistakes that might reduce the value of your claim or lead you to accept an unfair settlement. A personal injury attorney can review your case and give you a better idea of what to expect based on your situation.
How Our Menominee Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Handle Your Case
At Schwaba Law Firm, we take a strategic approach to every case:
- Free Consultation: We assess your case and explain your legal options.
- Investigating the Accident and Proving Liability: You must prove that the driver who hit you caused the accident. An insurance company might argue that you caused the crash, but we collect all available evidence to show you’re not responsible. Police crash reports, eyewitness accounts, traffic camera footage, medical reports, and debris from the scene can all support your claim.
- Identifying Liable Parties: We determine if the driver, municipality, or another party shares responsibility.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies act friendly but are ruthless in protecting their profits. We carefully document your losses, including your pain and suffering, to increase your claim’s value, push back against adjusters who try to downplay your injuries, and review any settlement offer to make sure it’s fair.
- Litigation If Necessary: Most pedestrian accident cases end without a trial, but it’s critical to prepare for court regardless. If insurers refuse a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to trial, present evidence to the judge or jury, file motions on your behalf, and counter the other side’s argument and evidence.
We never charge a fee unless we win your case, so you can focus on healing while we handle the legal fight.
Why Choose Our Menominee Pedestrian Accident Lawyers?
Are you struggling after a pedestrian accident in Menominee? You’re not alone, and we’re here to help. Schwaba Law Firm has recovered millions for our clients and has represented injured people for 15 years. At Schwaba Law Firm, we provide:
- Free, no-obligation case evaluations
- 24/7 availability to answer your questions
- Extensive experience in pedestrian accident claims
- Proven success against big insurance companies
- 5-star rated legal services with a client-first approach
- No fees unless we win your case
Our mission is clear: to maximize your compensation and help you rebuild your life.
Results That Matter
- $2.75 million – Class Action Lawsuit
- $2.25 million – Wrongful Death Action
- $1.3 million – Insurance Bad Faith
Menominee Pedestrian Accident Lawyer FAQs
If a pedestrian is hit by a car, they can suffer serious injuries that result in expensive medical bills and long-term pain. If you were involved in a pedestrian accident in Menominee, you likely have questions about what you can do to get the recovery you deserve. Below are some straightforward answers to frequently asked questions about Menominee pedestrian accident cases.
When Should I Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Menominee?
Right away. A personal injury lawyer can explain your legal options and what you can do to protect your claim. Delays could hurt your case and make it harder for your attorney to get you the compensation you deserve. Over time, evidence can disappear, and witnesses can forget what happened. The sooner you reach out to a pedestrian accident lawyer, the sooner they can begin developing your case.
Do I Need a Lawyer If I Was Hit by a Car in Michigan?
Yes. Pedestrian accident cases are complicated, and a lawyer can protect your rights throughout the claim process. Hiring an attorney also means they can manage your case while you heal, simplifying your life during a challenging moment.
Can I Still File a Claim If I Was Partially at Fault?
Yes. Michigan’s “comparative fault” law says you can still get compensation even if you share some blame for the incident that caused your injuries. However, the amount you can get could decrease based on your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20 percent at fault, the available compensation would decrease by 20 percent. If you were more than 50 percent at fault, you cannot recover anything for pain and suffering, though you could still get compensation for medical bills and lost wages.
How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Michigan?
Michigan law gives you three years after the accident date to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit, though some claims have shorter deadlines. Missing a deadline could mean losing your chance to recover compensation from other parties. We urge you to contact a lawyer immediately so they can build your case and help you recover compensation more quickly.
Will My Case Go to Court?
Possibly. Most pedestrian accident cases end with insurance settlements, but trials are sometimes necessary when a driver or their insurer refuses to offer a fair deal. Your lawyer can tell you whether taking your case to trial is a good option.
Get a Free Consultation with a Menominee Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident in Menominee, MI, don’t wait to take action. Let our compassionate lawyers at Schwaba Law Firm simplify your life and protect your future. Our experienced attorneys are ready to stand up for your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve, and you pay nothing unless we recover money for your case.
Call (906) 424-4661 now or fill out our online form for a free, no-risk consultation with an experienced and reputable Menominee pedestrian accident lawyer!
