Walking down the street and crossing an intersection should be a normal occurrence. However, sometimes drivers are negligent and not paying attention to pedestrians on the road. When this happens, serious injuries and even wrongful death can occur. The Southfield pedestrian accident lawyers at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm have represented injured pedestrians for over 50 years.
We know what our clients are going through and work tirelessly to get the justice and compensation they are owed under the law.
What Compensation Can You Get from a Southfield Pedestrian Accident?
If a pedestrian is crossing the street, and the driver of the vehicle was negligent in causing the collision, then a pedestrian can make a claim for pain and suffering compensation. To obtain pain and suffering and emotional distress, the pedestrian must prove the driver was at least 50% at fault for causing the accident.
It is important to hire and an experienced Southfield pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible after an injury. It is the injured pedestrian’s burden to prove negligence. This is done by obtaining witness statements, getting video footage, talking to the police, and hiring investigators or experts. It is essential to protect your rights.
Besides pain and suffering, all pedestrians injured by a car or truck are entitled to Michigan No-Fault benefits. This is true even if the pedestrian does not own a car or have car insurance. No-fault benefits include the payment of medical bills, lost wages, out-of-pocket costs, and many other benefits.
Contact our Southfield car accident lawyers so we can help you start a case against the correct insurance company.
How Can the Southfield Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm Win Your Case?
The Lee Steinberg Law Firm takes a personal approach to every client’s situation and case. You will have the same attorneys and support staff throughout the case. We return all emails and telephone calls and constantly keep our clients informed.
In addition, we prepare every case like it may go to trial. We take the depositions of the at-at-fault drivers, witnesses to the accident, police officers, treating doctors, and experts.
Our team of Southfield pedestrian accident lawyers routinely obtain some of the largest settlements in Oakland County and metro Detroit. We do this by meeting and talking to our clients to understand how the crash has turned their lives upside down and show why they are entitled to the most compensation. Our aggressive, yet compassionate approach has made us one of the most successful personal injury law firms in Michigan.
What are the Rules for Pedestrians Crossing the Street?
In most situations, a car or truck is partially at fault for causing a crash with a pedestrian. However, sometimes the pedestrian is at-fault too. If you are a pedestrian, you are required under the law to follow the rules of the road, just like a motorist.
The Michigan State Police offers guidelines on pedestrian safety and pedestrian rules. For example, pedestrians should only cross the street at a crosswalk when possible. If crossing signals are available, cross only on a “Walk” signal. In addition:
- Pedestrians should only walk on a sidewalk, if available.
- If no sidewalk is available, a pedestrian should walk facing traffic and stay to the left as far as possible.
- Pedestrians must obey traffic signals, signs, and markings.
- Pedestrians should always stop at the edge of a parked car, curb, or vehicle before walking out into traffic.
- Pedestrians must always look both ways before crossing the street.
An experienced Southfield pedestrian accident lawyer can prove the driver was negligent in causing a crash. Your attorney should get witness statements, any video footage of the accident scene, photographs, and hire appropriate experts to make sure your case is presented in the best possible way and the truth comes out.
What are Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries?
The injuries caused to pedestrians in traffic accidents can be catastrophic. This is especially true at busy intersections where cars are driving at fast speeds and drivers are making quick turns. Some of the most common pedestrian injuries from a Southfield crash include:
- A broken hip or fractured pelvis.
- A broken leg, such as a fractured fibula or tibia.
- Traumatic brain injury or closed head injury. This can range from a concussion to permanent brain damage.
- Road rash, scarring, and permanent injuries resulting in skin grafts and plastic surgery.
- Knee injuries, such as a torn meniscus or torn ACL.
- Whiplash resulting in lower back pain and neck pain.
- Disc herniations that can lead to surgery.
Common Types of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian crashes in Southfield and surrounding communities in metro Detroit are caused by many different reasons. However, according to Michigan State Police data, most pedestrian accidents occur for the following reasons:
- Crosswalk Accidents – a vehicle fails to stop before the crosswalk and hits the pedestrian while they are in the crosswalk at the intersection.
- Left-hand turn accidents – the driver fails to wait for pedestrians to cross the street before completing a left-hand turn or doesn’t see the pedestrian at all.
- Distracted Driving – when a driver is using their cell phone, texting while driving, using social media, or just not paying attention, they will become distracted from the road. Distracted drivers are less likely to see pedestrians crossing the street.
- Running a Red Light – a driver does not see the red light or tries to beat the light
- Drunk Driving – intoxicated drivers are impaired and make bad decisions.
- Reckless Driving – drivers who are speeding or weaving in and out of traffic and quickly changing lanes may not see a pedestrian until it is too late.
What is a Failure to Yield in Michigan?
In Michigan, a driver approaching an intersection must yield the right of way to another motorist or a pedestrian who already entered the intersection. MCL 257.649. In addition, cars turning left or right must yield the right of way to pedestrians lawfully within the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk. MCL 257.612.
A person who violates this law is guilty of a misdemeanor and a fine. They can also be held civilly responsible if they cause personal injuries.
Dangerous Roadways for Pedestrians in Southfield
Southfield is one of the largest cities in Oakland County and a hub for commercial activity. It has very busy streets, both in commercial areas and on residential streets. Due to this traffic, the city has very dangerous intersections and roads for pedestrians.
- Southfield Rd. and 12 Mile Rd.
- Telegraph Rd. and 12 Mile Rd.
- Telegraph Rd and 8 Mile Rd.
- Northwestern Hwy. and Evergreen Rd.
If you are crossing a busy road or highway in Southfield, make sure to give yourself enough time to safely cross. Look both ways before crossing and ways look out for cars that are turning.
What is the Deadline for a Lawsuit After a Pedestrian Accident?
There is only a certain amount of time a pedestrian has to file a lawsuit against the negligent driver for their injuries. This is called the statute of limitations. In Michigan, under MCL 600.5805, a person has three years from the date of the pedestrian crash to file a pain and suffering lawsuit.
Contact Us Today – Our Southfield, MI Pedestrian Crash Lawyers Are Ready to Represent You
When you have sustained injuries as a pedestrian in Southfield, you have a lot going on. The pedestrian accident attorneys at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm will take the burden off you and your family. We will meet with you and stay by your side throughout your case. We will fight for the monetary compensation you deserve by law.
We have represented thousands of clients throughout Michigan and obtained hundreds of millions in settlements and verdicts. Call us for a free consultation at 1-800-533-3733, or fill out a form with us today.