Macomb Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Have you or a loved one been injured in a pedestrian accident in Macomb? Contact the Michigan Law Office of Christopher Trainor & Associates for a free consultation today. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Have you or a loved one been injured in a pedestrian accident in Macomb, Michigan? Pedestrian vs. motor vehicle accidents are more common than most people think. They can happen anywhere, any time, and often leave victims with serious injuries and a world turned upside down.

The medical bills can pile up quickly after a pedestrian accident. Even with health insurance, the cost of treatment for broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal cord damage can be overwhelming. Lost wages from missing work add to the financial strain, leaving you wondering how you'll make ends meet. The emotional toll can be just as significant, with pain and suffering and mental anguish that can linger long after the physical injuries heal.

You don't have to face this alone. Christopher Trainor & Associates, a Michigan personal injury law firm, can help. We understand the unique challenges faced by pedestrian accident and motor vehicle accident victims in Michigan. Our experienced Macomb pedestrian accident lawyers are highly experienced in helping people injured in pedestrian accidents and motor vehicle accidents throughout Macomb and the surrounding areas.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to seek fair financial compensation for your injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident. Contact Christopher Trainor & Associates today for a free consultation. We'll work tirelessly to hold the negligent driver accountable and get you the maximum compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Macomb

Pedestrian accidents can happen for various reasons, but they often involve negligence on the driver's part. A lot of pedestrian accidents occur due to:

• Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying attention to the road can easily fail to see pedestrians, especially at intersections or crosswalks. This is a frequent issue on busy streets.
• Speeding: When drivers exceed the posted speed limit or drive too fast for weather conditions, they may not have enough time to stop for pedestrians crossing the street. This is particularly dangerous on roads where pedestrians and bicyclists often share the road with vehicles.
• Failure to yield: Drivers who don't yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks, stop signs, or traffic signals can cause serious accidents. This is a common problem at intersections, where pedestrians may be crossing the street frequently.
• Drunk driving: Intoxicated drivers have impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and difficulty maintaining control of their vehicles, making them more likely to hit pedestrians. This is a serious issue throughout Macomb, as well as neighboring Oakland County and Rochester Hills.
• Left turns: Pedestrians are often struck by vehicles making left turns at intersections, as drivers may be focused on oncoming traffic and fail to see people crossing the street.
• Backing up: Pedestrian accidents can occur in parking lots or driveways when drivers fail to check their surroundings before backing out of a space.
• Poor visibility: Inadequate lighting, bad weather conditions, or obstructed views can make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians, increasing the risk of an accident.
• Reckless driving: Drivers who are aggressive, impatient, or simply careless can put pedestrians at risk by running red lights, ignoring traffic signs, or failing to use turn signals.

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Pedestrian accidents in Michigan can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to life-altering disabilities. When a pedestrian is struck by a motor vehicle, the force of the impact can cause severe trauma to the body. Some of the most common injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): A pedestrian's head can strike the vehicle or the ground during an accident, leading to concussions, skull fractures, or more severe brain damage. TBIs can cause long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments.
• Spinal cord damage: The impact of a pedestrian-involved crash can damage the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and other permanent disabilities.
• Broken bones: Pedestrians can suffer fractures in their arms, legs, ribs, hips, or other parts of the body when hit by a car. These injuries can require extensive medical treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation.
• Soft tissue injuries: Muscles, tendons, and ligaments can be stretched, torn, or crushed in a pedestrian collision, causing sprains, strains, or contusions. While these injuries may not be as visible as broken bones, they can still cause significant pain and limit mobility.
• Lacerations and abrasions: Pedestrians can sustain cuts, scrapes, and road rash when they are thrown against the ground or other surfaces during an accident. These injuries can be painful and may require stitches or skin grafts.
• Internal injuries: The force of a pedestrian collision can cause damage to internal organs, such as the lungs, liver, spleen, or kidneys. These injuries can be life-threatening and may require emergency surgery.
• Amputations: In severe cases, a pedestrian may lose a limb due to the impact of the accident or as a result of medical complications.
• Pedestrian Deaths: Tragically, some pedestrian accidents in Michigan result in fatalities. When a pedestrian dies due to the negligence of a driver, their family members may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim.

The severity of pedestrian accident injuries can depend on various factors, such as the speed of the vehicle, the size of the vehicle, and the age and health of the pedestrian. Injuries can be particularly devastating when they involve commercial vehicles, drunk drivers, or distracted drivers.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Collision in Macomb

If you've been involved in a pedestrian collision in Macomb, there are several steps you should take to protect your health and your legal rights:

• Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don't think you've been seriously injured. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage, may not be immediately apparent.
• Call the police and file an accident report. This report can provide valuable evidence for your personal injury claim.
• Gather information from the driver involved in the accident, including their name, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle information.
• Take photos of the accident scene, your personal injuries, and any damage to property.
• Contact a Macomb pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights, gather evidence to support your claim and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.

Common Defenses Used by Defendants in a Macomb Pedestrian Accident Case

Being hit by a motor vehicle as a pedestrian can be a life-altering experience. In the aftermath of such an accident, residents of Macomb, like yourself, may find themselves facing a mountain of medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. If another party's negligence caused your injuries, you deserve fair compensation.

However, insurance companies and defense attorneys representing the at-fault driver will often raise various defenses to minimize their payout. Here are some of the most common defenses used in these personal injury cases:

Contributory Negligence

Michigan follows a comparative negligence system. This means that a pedestrian's own actions can be used to reduce the amount of compensation they receive. The defense may argue that you, the pedestrian, were partially responsible for the accident.

Examples could include crossing the street outside of a designated crosswalk, jaywalking, or being distracted by your phone while walking in traffic. It's important to remember that even a small percentage of fault attributed to you can significantly impact your recovery. An experienced Macomb pedestrian accident attorney can help counter this defense by establishing the negligence of the driver and the severity of your injuries.

Sudden Emergency

The defense might argue that the driver was faced with a sudden emergency they couldn't avoid, absolving them of blame. This could involve situations like a child darting into the street or an object falling off another vehicle.

However, the validity of this defense hinges on the specific circumstances of the accident. A thorough investigation by your Macomb personal injury lawyer, including witness statements and police reports, can help expose if the driver had ample time to react or if their actions actually created the emergency situation.

Unforeseen Medical Condition

In rare cases, the defense may claim the driver suffered a sudden medical episode, like a heart attack or seizure, that caused them to lose control of the vehicle. While this can be a legitimate defense, medical records and witness testimonies can be crucial in proving whether the condition truly came on unexpectedly or if the driver had a history of such occurrences and neglected to seek proper treatment.

Lack of Serious Injuries

Insurance companies often try to downplay the extent of your injuries. They might argue that your injuries are minor and don't warrant significant compensation. This is where having detailed medical documentation from qualified physicians becomes paramount. Your Macomb pedestrian accident attorney will work closely with medical professionals to ensure the full extent of your injuries, including pain and suffering, is accurately documented.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

If the driver who caused your accident has minimal or no insurance, you might need to rely on your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) to recover compensation. An experienced Macomb personal injury attorney can help you navigate the complexities of UM/UIM claims and ensure you receive the maximum benefits allowable under your policy.

Remember, insurance companies are in business to protect their bottom line. Don't be surprised if they try to use various defenses to minimize your compensation. Our Macomb pedestrian accident lawyers at Christopher Trainor & Associates understand the tactics employed by insurance companies and have the experience to fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve. We offer a free consultation to discuss your personal injury case and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today and let us help you get back on your feet.

Unique Challenges in a Pedestrian Accident Case

Being struck by a motor vehicle while walking can be a life-altering experience. Macomb residents like you face a unique set of challenges when pursuing personal injury claims after a pedestrian-involved crash.

Proving Negligence in Macomb Pedestrian Accidents

Michigan follows a strict comparative negligence system in pedestrian collision cases. This means the court will determine the percentage of fault attributed to each party involved in the accident. For instance, if you were crossing a crosswalk at a designated area with the light in your favor and a driver struck you, you might be attributed a lower percentage of fault compared to a situation where you were jaywalking.

However, even a small percentage of fault on your part can significantly reduce the amount of compensation you receive. Our Michigan pedestrian accident lawyers will meticulously investigate the accident scene and gather evidence like police reports and witness statements to establish the driver's negligence and minimize any potential fault attributed to you.

Limited Visibility on Dangerous Roads in Macomb

Many roads in Macomb have areas with poor lighting or limited visibility. This can significantly increase the risk of pedestrian accidents, especially at night. Our Michigan pedestrian accident attorneys will investigate these factors and determine if the dangerous road conditions played a role in the accident. If so, we can explore holding the responsible parties accountable, which may include the government entity responsible for road maintenance.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Macomb

Unfortunately, not all drivers carry adequate insurance. If you're struck by an uninsured or underinsured motorist, recovering compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering becomes even more challenging. Our Macomb personal injury lawyers at Christopher Trainor & Associates will explore all avenues of obtaining compensation, including your own uninsured motorist coverage (if applicable) and the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan, a state-run program that helps victims recover compensation when the at-fault driver has no insurance.

Severity of Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries due to the significant impact of a motor vehicle. These injuries can range from broken bones and soft tissue damage to traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. The medical bills associated with treating these injuries can be astronomical, causing immense financial strain for the victim and their family. Our Macomb pedestrian accident lawyers understand the long-term impact these injuries have on your life. We will work tirelessly to ensure you receive maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Emotional Trauma After a Pedestrian-Involved Crash

The emotional toll of a pedestrian collision can be significant. Fear, anxiety, and depression are common emotions experienced by victims. These emotional wounds can take just as long, if not longer, to heal than the physical ones. Christopher Trainor & Associates recognizes the importance of addressing both the physical and emotional trauma you've endured. We can help you connect with the necessary resources to ensure your well-being throughout the recovery process.

Types of Compensation Available to Macomb Pedestrian Accident Victims

If you've been injured in a pedestrian-involved crash in Macomb, MI, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Here are some of the main types of compensation available to Macomb pedestrian collision victims:

• Medical expenses: Pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical treatment, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal organ damage. You may be able to recover compensation for all of your accident-related medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgery costs, medication, physical therapy, and any necessary future treatment.
• Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working while you recover, you can seek compensation for the income you lose as a result. This includes not only your regular wages but also any bonuses, commissions, or other benefits you would have earned during this time.
• Loss of earning capacity: In some cases, pedestrian accident injuries may be so severe that they prevent you from returning to your previous job or earning the same level of income in the future. You may be entitled to compensation for this loss of earning capacity, based on factors such as your age, education, skills, and pre-accident earning potential.
• Pain and suffering: The physical pain and emotional distress caused by pedestrian collision injuries can be immense. You may be able to recover compensation for this non-economic damage, which is intended to recognize the significant impact the accident has had on your quality of life.
• Disfigurement and scarring: If your pedestrian accident injuries result in permanent disfigurement or scarring, you may be entitled to additional compensation for the emotional distress and social stigma associated with these visible reminders of the accident.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Serious pedestrian collision injuries can prevent you from participating in activities and hobbies you once enjoyed, leading to a loss of enjoyment of life. You may be able to recover compensation for this non-economic damage as well.
• Wrongful death: If a loved one is tragically killed in a pedestrian collision in Macomb, surviving family members may be able to pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim. This can include compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and other damages.

It's important to note that the specific types and amounts of compensation available in a pedestrian accident case will depend on the unique circumstances of the accident, the severity of the injuries, and the insurance coverage involved. In some cases, compensation may be available through the at-fault driver's auto insurance policy, while in others, it may be necessary to pursue a personal injury lawsuit to secure a fair settlement or court award.

Statute of Limitations on Pedestrian Accidents in Michigan

In Michigan, the statute of limitations for filing a pedestrian accident claim is typically three years from the date of the accident. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the pedestrian collision resulted in a wrongful death, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the person's death.

It's crucial to consult with a knowledgeable Macomb pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure that you don't miss any important deadlines and to preserve your right to seek compensation for your injuries.

Benefits of Hiring a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Macomb, Michigan, hiring an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can provide numerous benefits. A skilled attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Here are some of the key advantages of working with a pedestrian accident lawyer:

• Knowledge of Michigan law: Pedestrian accident cases in Michigan involve a complex interplay of traffic laws, personal injury laws, and insurance regulations. An experienced Michigan pedestrian accident attorney will have a deep understanding of these laws and how they apply to your specific case, ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
• Thorough investigation: A skilled pedestrian accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of your accident, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and accident scene photos. This evidence can be crucial in establishing the negligence of the at-fault driver and strengthening your personal injury claim.
• Negotiation with insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize the amount they pay out on pedestrian accident claims, even when the policyholder is clearly at fault. A knowledgeable attorney can handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf, negotiating forcefully to secure a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Expertise in calculating damages: Pedestrian accidents can result in a wide range of damages, from medical bills and lost income to emotional distress and diminished quality of life. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer will know how to accurately calculate the full extent of your damages, ensuring that you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injuries.
• Representation in court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, a pedestrian accident lawyer can represent you in court. They will build a strong pedestrian injury case on your behalf, presenting evidence and arguments to convince a judge or jury of the negligent driver's liability and the extent of your damages.
• Peace of mind: Dealing with the aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, especially when you are trying to recover from serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage. By hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer, you can focus on your physical and emotional recovery while your attorney handles the legal details of your case.

Contact a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Macomb

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Macomb, it's essential to contact an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer. A skilled attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

At Christopher Trainor & Associates, our experienced Macomb pedestrian accident lawyers have a deep understanding of Michigan law and a proven track record of success in handling pedestrian accident cases throughout Michigan. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won't pay any legal fees unless we win your case. Contact us by calling 248-886-8650 today to learn more about how we can help you get your life back on track after a pedestrian accident.