If you’ve been seriously injured in a pedestrian accident in Grand Rapids, you may be facing rising medical bills and wondering what to do if your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits aren’t enough. A skilled Grand Rapids pedestrian accident lawyer can help. With decades of experience, our personal injury law firm has helped injured pedestrians with the legal process and recovered the full and just compensation they deserve. We can help you too.
Who Is a Pedestrian Under Michigan Law?
In Michigan, a “pedestrian” includes anyone on foot, as well as those using skis, skates, rollerblades, or wheelchairs. It also includes those riding a horse or in a horse and buggy.
What Is Michigan’s No-Fault Law for Motor Vehicle Accidents?
Michigan is a no-fault state. This means all drivers must have PIP to cover minor injuries, regardless of fault. Michigan drivers can choose from several PIP coverage levels with their own insurance company, which pay for medical expenses up to the selected amount, along with lost wages, attendant care, and some funeral expenses. For severe injuries, such as those from pedestrian crashes, victims may seek compensation in personal injury cases for additional damages including pain and suffering (if they are less than 50% at fault).
Can a No-Fault Policy Cover a Pedestrian Accident?
Under Michigan law, the auto insurance company that will cover the injured pedestrian is determined by these priority rules. First, the pedestrian’s own PIP from their auto policy, then the no-fault policy of a spouse. If neither of those exist, they may seek compensation from the no-fault policy of a relative in the same household. And finally, if none of those policies are available, they can seek no-fault benefits from the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Grand Rapids
Do I Need a Lawyer in Michigan’s No-Fault System?
Injuries suffered in a pedestrian accident are often catastrophic injuries. In a no-fault insurance system like Michigan’s, if your injuries are severe, you may be able to pursue fair compensation beyond your own PIP insurance coverage and no-fault benefits. An experienced personal injury lawyer with in-depth knowledge of no-fault insurance can help you determine if you are eligible to file a Michigan pedestrian accident lawsuit.
Serious Injuries in Grand Rapids Pedestrian Accident Cases
MCL – Section 257.58c defines injuries that qualify as a serious impairment of a body function that may be grounds for pursuing additional damages (beyond benefits from no-fault insurance benefits) after a car or truck accident involving a pedestrian and may include:
- Severe injuries like the loss or loss of use of limbs, such as hands, feet, fingers, or thumbs
- Vision or hearing loss, as well as impairments to bodily functions
- Conditions like comas lasting more than 3 days or measurable brain or mental impairments
- Serious physical trauma, including visible disfigurement, skull fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and substantial bone fractures
- Loss of organs or internal injuries like subdural hemorrhages or hematomas
Compensation for Seriously Injured Pedestrian Accident Victims
In a personal injury lawsuit following a pedestrian accident that results in serious impairment of a body function, additional damages beyond those provided in no-fault insurance claims may include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering compensation, and more.
How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Case in Grand Rapids, MI?
Under Michigan personal injury law, the statute of limitations for a motor vehicle-pedestrian accident, including wrongful death (MCL 700.3924), is three years—starting from the date of your accident.
Contact Our Grand Rapids Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one has been injured by a negligent driver as a pedestrian in Michigan, we’re here to help you recover compensation. Reach out to the experienced attorneys at our personal injury law firm today for a free consultation.
(312) 223-1700