When you or a loved one suffers injuries in a pedestrian accident, the physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming. It’s best to have legal representation who can explain your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
At Oak Law, our dedicated pedestrian accident attorneys serve the Royal Oak community with compassion and tenacity. We’re here for you during this challenging time. Call us today at (248) 716-8800 for a free consultation where we can discuss how we can help you get the money you need.
Pedestrian Safety in Royal Oak
With its vibrant downtown area, thriving farmer’s market, and popular zoo, our bustling city attracts many visitors on foot. However, this increased pedestrian activity also raises the risk of accidents, especially when drivers fail to exercise proper caution.
Common causes of pedestrian accidents in Royal Oak include:
- Distracted driving: Drivers who are using their phones or engaging in other distracting activities put pedestrians at risk.
- Impaired driving: Intoxicated drivers react slowly, making them more likely to cause accidents.
- Speeding: Excessive speed means it takes a driver longer to stop their vehicle, which increases their chances of hitting a pedestrian.
- Failing to yield right-of-way: Accidents happen when drivers don’t yield in crosswalks or ignore traffic signals.
Common injuries that occur in pedestrian accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations and contusions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Emotional trauma
These injuries can be life-altering, often necessitating costly medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time away from work. The pain and emotional distress can be overwhelming, and the financial burden can quickly become unmanageable.
At Oak Law, we understand the challenges that follow a pedestrian accident. We’re committed to holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions and helping you secure the compensation you need to recover. Our team will analyze the details of your accident, gather evidence, and construct a strong case on your behalf.
Understanding Michigan Pedestrian Rights
As a pedestrian in Michigan, you should know your rights and the laws that protect you. The Michigan Vehicle Code outlines several key provisions that establish the responsibilities of both pedestrians and drivers, aiming to ensure everyone can safely share the road.
Michigan laws protecting pedestrian rights include:
- Pedestrian right-of-way in crosswalks: Drivers have to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians who are crossing the roadway within a crosswalk.
- Drivers must exercise due care: Drivers have to exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians, bicyclists, or other vulnerable road users. Drivers must stop before a crosswalk or at an intersection where pedestrians are present.
- Pedestrian traffic control signals: Pedestrians must obey traffic control signals at intersections, including “Walk” and “Don’t Walk” signals.
- Driver awareness: Drivers must adjust their speed when pedestrians are present.
- Keep pedestrians safe: Drivers must exercise precautions when a person in a wheelchair or other mobility device or a blind person with a white cane is at a crosswalk or other crossing.
- Yielding right-of-way: Pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to vehicles outside a marked crosswalk or when a pedestrian tunnel or overhead crossing is available.
When a driver doesn’t uphold their duty of care and causes a pedestrian accident, their injured victim can hold them liable for the injuries and losses that result. Michigan law establishes that the owner of a motor vehicle is liable for any injury caused by the negligent operation of their vehicle, whether by themselves or by another person, with their express or implied consent.
Claiming Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Injuries
If you’re injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses from the at-fault driver. Your compensation can cover a variety of different kinds of losses, including:
- Medical expenses: This includes costs related to emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment.
- Lost income: If your injuries prevent you from working at your job, you can pursue compensation for the wages you’ve lost and future earning capacity if you can never return to work.
- Emotional distress: Accidents can cause significant psychological trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Depending on your unique circumstances, you may be able to pursue compensation for this.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, you can seek compensation for this loss.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Royal Oak
In the days and weeks following a pedestrian accident, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what you should do next. If you’ve already taken the crucial first steps of seeking medical attention and reporting the accident to law enforcement, it’s time to focus on your legal rights and securing the financial justice you deserve.
One of the most important things you can do is to keep detailed records of everything related to the accident and your injuries. This includes:
- Medical bills and records
- Police reports
- Insurance correspondence
- Witness statements
- Photos or video of your injuries and of the accident scene
- Documentation of any lost wages or other expenses related to the accident
It’s also essential to be cautious when communicating with insurance companies. While you may need to report the accident to your own insurance provider, be wary of giving recorded statements or signing any documents from the at-fault driver’s insurance without first consulting an attorney. Insurance adjusters often aim to minimize your claim or get you to say something they could use against you later.
Understand Your Rights After a Royal Oak Pedestrian Accident
One of the first things you can do after contacting law enforcement and seeking medical care is to consult a Royal Oak pedestrian accident attorney so they can explain the legal process of filing a claim or a lawsuit and protect your rights. At Oak Law, we offer a free initial consultation to help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your case.
During your consultation, we’ll go over the details of your accident, analyze the strength of your claim, and cousel you on the best course of action. If we take on your case, we’ll handle communicating with insurance companies, gather additional evidence, and work to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any upfront costs. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you. That means you have access to quality legal representation without adding to your financial burdens during this challenging time.
Legal Options for Pedestrian Accident Victims in Michigan
As a pedestrian accident victim in Michigan, you have several options for seeking compensation. The most common approaches include filing insurance claims and pursuing personal injury lawsuits.
Filing a Claim with Your Insurer
Because Michigan is a no-fault car accident state, you’ll first turn to your own auto insurance policy’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage for medical expenses up to the policy limit and wage loss benefits for up to three years.
Filing Insurance Claims Against the Driver
If the driver who caused your accident has auto insurance and you suffered injuries that resulted in serious injuries or permanent disfigurement, you may be able to file a claim against their liability coverage. With this kind of claim, you can also pursue compensation for pain and suffering and other intangible losses, as well as lost income and medical expenses.
Personal Injury Lawsuits
If the driver’s insurance policy limits are insufficient to cover your losses or if the driver was uninsured, you may have to file a personal injury lawsuit to get the compensation you need.
Vicarious Liability Claims Against Employers
In some cases, the at-fault driver may have been operating a vehicle while on the job. Under Michigan law, employers can be held vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees while on the job.
When you work with our firm, you can focus on your physical and emotional recovery while we handle the legal heavy lifting. We’ll guide you through the process, provide regular updates on your case, and fight tirelessly to protect your rights.
Pedestrian Safety Tips for Royal Oak Residents
While we protect the rights of pedestrian accident victims, we also believe in empowering our community with the knowledge to prevent accidents from happening in the first place. Some useful safety tips for walking in Royal Oak:
- Always use designated crosswalks and follow traffic signals. Crossing at intersections with traffic control devices is the safest way to navigate streets on foot.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night. Making yourself more visible to drivers can help prevent accidents, particularly in low-light conditions.
- Stay alert and avoid distractions like cell phones while walking. Keeping your eyes and ears on your surroundings will help you react quickly to possible hazards.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street. Taking care to ensure that drivers see you and intend to yield the right-of-way can help prevent misunderstandings and accidents.
Contact Our Royal Oak Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Today
At Oak Law, we understand the life-altering impact of pedestrian accidents. If you’re injured, don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated attorneys for a free consultation. We’ll fight for your rights, help you understand what legal options are available, and work to get you the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (248) 716-8800 and let us be your advocates during this challenging time.
