Injured While Walking? Our Monroe Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Help.
A driver looking at their phone. A vehicle turning through a crosswalk. A motorist who fails to notice someone crossing the street. In seconds, an ordinary walk can turn into a serious pedestrian accident that leaves someone facing painful injuries, medical bills, and an uncertain future.
Unlike drivers and passengers, pedestrians have little protection when a moving vehicle strikes them. Even a collision at a relatively low speed can cause broken bones, head injuries, spinal damage, and long-term physical limitations.
At Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault, our pedestrian accident attorneys represent injured individuals and families in Monroe, Michigan, and surrounding Southeast Michigan communities. We investigate negligent driving, navigate Michigan’s no-fault insurance laws, and help injured pedestrians pursue the benefits and compensation available under the law.
If a vehicle struck you or someone you love while walking, our team can help you understand your rights and determine what to do next.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Monroe?
Pedestrian accidents can occur at intersections, crosswalks, parking lots, neighborhood streets, and busy commercial areas. Many involve drivers who fail to recognize pedestrians or adjust their driving to surrounding conditions.
Common causes include:
- Distracted driving: Drivers who text, adjust navigation systems, or look away from the road may fail to notice pedestrians.
- Failure to yield: Motorists may turn through crosswalks or intersections without checking for people crossing.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and can increase the severity of a pedestrian’s injuries.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol and drugs can affect a driver’s judgment, coordination, and ability to respond to hazards.
- Unsafe turns: Drivers making left or right turns may focus on approaching vehicles while overlooking pedestrians.
- Poor visibility: Darkness, rain, snow, and poorly lit intersections can make pedestrians more difficult to see.
Children, older adults, and people with mobility limitations may face additional risks because they cannot always react quickly when a vehicle approaches.
Although every accident has unique circumstances, drivers have a responsibility to operate their vehicles safely and follow applicable traffic laws.
Who Is at Fault When a Driver Hits a Pedestrian in Michigan?
Determining fault requires examining how the collision occurred and whether the driver or pedestrian failed to exercise reasonable care.
Michigan law establishes rules governing traffic signals, pedestrian crossings, and drivers’ responsibilities at intersections.
Under Michigan Compiled Laws Section 257.613, pedestrian signals determine when people may enter and cross a roadway at signal-controlled intersections.
A driver may be negligent for speeding, driving while distracted, failing to yield when required, or making an unsafe turn.
However, the driver does not automatically bear full responsibility in every pedestrian accident. Investigators must consider the traffic signals, roadway conditions, witness statements, available video footage, and each person’s actions before the collision.
What if the Pedestrian Was Partially at Fault?
Michigan follows comparative fault principles that can affect a pedestrian’s ability to recover compensation.
For example, an insurance company may argue that a pedestrian crossed outside a designated crossing area, entered the roadway against a traffic signal, or failed to observe approaching vehicles.
These allegations do not necessarily eliminate the pedestrian’s legal rights. However, Michigan law can reduce compensation based on the injured person’s percentage of fault and restrict certain damages when that fault exceeds 50 percent.
Our attorneys examine the evidence and challenge unsupported attempts to shift responsibility away from negligent drivers.
Does Michigan No-Fault Insurance Cover Pedestrian Accidents?
Yes. Michigan’s no-fault insurance system may provide Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits to pedestrians injured in accidents involving motor vehicles.
This is an important distinction because you do not necessarily need to own a vehicle or have your own automobile insurance policy to qualify for no-fault benefits.
PIP benefits may help cover eligible expenses such as medical treatment, rehabilitation, wage loss, and replacement services, subject to applicable coverage limits and statutory requirements.
Which Insurance Company Pays for an Injured Pedestrian?
Michigan law establishes an order of priority for determining which insurance policy or program provides PIP benefits.
Under MCL 500.3114, an injured pedestrian may qualify for benefits through their own no-fault policy or an eligible policy covering a spouse or household relative.
When no applicable policy provides coverage under that provision, MCL 500.3115 generally directs qualifying nonoccupants to Michigan’s Assigned Claims Plan.
The correct source of benefits depends on the person’s insurance circumstances and the applicable law.
Our pedestrian accident attorneys help clients identify potential insurance coverage, understand available benefits, and address disputes involving denied or delayed claims.
Can You Sue the Driver Who Hit You in Michigan?
Yes, depending on the circumstances, an injured pedestrian may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim against a negligent driver.
Michigan’s no-fault insurance system provides certain benefits regardless of fault, but those benefits do not necessarily compensate an injured person for every loss.
Under MCL 500.3135, a person may pursue certain noneconomic damages when an accident causes death, serious impairment of body function, or permanent serious disfigurement and the other legal requirements apply.
These claims may involve compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Michigan law may also permit recovery of certain economic losses that exceed applicable no-fault coverage or statutory limitations.
The available claims depend on the severity of the injuries, evidence of negligence, insurance coverage, and other circumstances.
What Injuries Can Pedestrians Suffer After Being Hit by a Car?
A pedestrian accident can cause significant injuries because the human body has little protection against the force of a moving vehicle.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord damage and back injuries
- Broken legs, hips, arms, and pelvises
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Neck injuries and soft tissue damage
- Severe cuts, bruising, and road rash
- Permanent disabilities and mobility limitations
Some injuries require surgery, physical therapy, or ongoing medical treatment. Others permanently affect a person’s ability to work, remain independent, or enjoy everyday activities.
Even when someone initially believes their injuries are minor, symptoms can become more noticeable after the accident.
Seeking medical attention and documenting your symptoms can protect both your health and important evidence related to your claim.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?
A pedestrian accident can create substantial physical, emotional, and financial challenges.
Medical expenses may accumulate while injuries prevent someone from returning to work or managing their normal responsibilities.
Depending on the circumstances, injured pedestrians may pursue compensation or insurance benefits for:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospital bills
- Surgery, rehabilitation, and physical therapy
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Ongoing medical care and future treatment
- Pain and suffering when Michigan law permits recovery
- Permanent disability or physical limitations
- Other qualifying accident-related losses
The compensation available depends on the nature of the injuries, the applicable insurance policies, negligence, and Michigan law.
Our legal team examines both immediate losses and the long-term consequences of serious pedestrian injuries when evaluating potential claims.
What Should You Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Monroe?
The steps you take after a pedestrian accident can affect your health, insurance benefits, and ability to pursue a legal claim.
Seek medical attention. Even if you feel capable of walking away, some serious injuries may not produce immediate symptoms.
Report the collision. Contact law enforcement so officers can investigate and document what happened.
Preserve evidence. If possible, collect photographs of the accident scene, traffic signals, vehicle damage, and visible injuries. Obtain witness contact information.
Keep medical and insurance records. Save medical bills, treatment instructions, insurance correspondence, and documentation of missed work.
Be cautious with settlement offers. An early offer may not reflect the full extent of your injuries or future medical needs.
Speak with a pedestrian accident attorney. Michigan has important insurance notification requirements and legal deadlines. Prompt guidance can help you identify applicable benefits and protect your claim.
Why Choose Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault for a Monroe Pedestrian Accident Claim?
A serious pedestrian accident can leave you facing a complicated insurance process while you’re still trying to recover physically.
Insurance companies may question who caused the collision, dispute the severity of your injuries, or challenge which benefits you qualify to receive.
Our attorneys investigate the circumstances of pedestrian accidents, gather evidence, evaluate insurance coverage, and handle communications with insurance carriers. When negligence causes serious injuries, we work to hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue the compensation available under Michigan law.
For more than 70 years, Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault has helped injured individuals and families throughout Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Our Monroe, Michigan law office provides local access to a team dedicated to representing you during some of life’s most difficult circumstances.
You can also learn more about our broader pedestrian accident legal services and the Michigan personal injury cases we handle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents in Monroe, Michigan
Can I Get No-Fault Benefits if I Was Walking When a Car Hit Me?
Yes. Michigan’s no-fault insurance system may provide PIP benefits to qualifying pedestrians injured in motor vehicle accidents. The source of coverage depends on the insurance priority rules and the pedestrian’s circumstances.
What if I Don’t Have Car Insurance?
You may still qualify for no-fault benefits after a pedestrian accident. Depending on your circumstances, coverage may come from an eligible household policy or Michigan’s Assigned Claims Plan.
Can I Sue a Driver for Hitting Me in a Crosswalk?
You may have grounds for a personal injury claim when a negligent driver causes your injuries. Michigan law governs the types of damages available and the requirements for pursuing compensation.
What if the Insurance Company Says I Caused the Accident?
An insurer’s allegation does not automatically establish fault. Witness accounts, traffic signals, surveillance footage, police reports, and other evidence can help determine responsibility. Michigan’s comparative fault rules may affect your recovery.
How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Michigan?
Different deadlines can apply to no-fault insurance benefits and personal injury lawsuits. Because certain PIP claims involve important one-year notice or filing requirements, injured pedestrians should seek legal guidance promptly to avoid losing potential benefits.
Injured in a Pedestrian Accident in Monroe? We’re Here to Help.
A pedestrian accident can turn an ordinary day into months or years of medical treatment, lost income, and uncertainty about the future. When a negligent driver causes serious injuries, you shouldn’t have to fight an insurance company while struggling to recover.
At Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault, our pedestrian accident attorneys understand the challenges Michigan’s no-fault insurance system can create for injured individuals and their families. We investigate what happened, identify available coverage, evaluate the full impact of your injuries, and fight to protect your right to compensation.
With more than 70 years of experience serving local communities, our firm brings established personal injury representation to Monroe and the surrounding Southeast Michigan region.
Don’t let an insurance company decide what your injuries are worth before you understand your rights. Speak with our team before accepting a settlement or signing away your claim.
Call Us. We Can Help. Contact our Monroe office at 734-430-3012, call our main office at 419-843-6663, or request a free consultation online. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
