If you’ve been seriously injured in a pedestrian accident with an at-fault driver in Lansing, you may be facing medical bills and wondering if no-fault insurance will completely cover them—or what to do if personal injury protection benefits (PIP) aren’t enough. An experienced Lansing pedestrian accident lawyer can help you work through the claims process. With decades of experience, our personal injury law firm has guided pedestrians struck by vehicles through the legal process and recovered the compensation they deserve.
Who Is a Pedestrian Under Michigan Law?
In Michigan, a “pedestrian” is defined as anyone on foot, as well as individuals using skis, skates, rollerblades, or wheelchairs. It also includes people riding a horse or traveling in a horse and buggy.
What Is Michigan’s No-Fault Law for Motor Vehicle Accidents?
Michigan is a no-fault state, meaning all drivers must have PIP from an insurance company to cover minor injuries, regardless of fault. Michigan drivers can choose from several PIP coverage levels—which pay for medical expenses up to the selected amount, as well as lost wages, attendant care, and funeral costs. For severe injuries, like those from pedestrian crashes, victims can seek additional compensation through a personal injury claim (if they themselves are less than 50% at fault).
Can a No-Fault Policy Cover a Pedestrian Accident?
Yes. A no-fault policy covers all family members living in your household. PIP benefits apply even if a family member is a passenger in someone else’s car or is a pedestrian during an accident. It also covers pedestrians injured in an accident involving your car up to the coverage limit specified in your policy.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Lansing
Do I Need a Personal Injury Attorney 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 compensation beyond your own PIP insurance coverage and no-fault benefits. The experienced personal injury lawyers on our legal team have in-depth knowledge of no-fault insurance and can help you determine if you are eligible to file a Michigan pedestrian accident lawsuit.
Serious Injuries in Lansing Pedestrian Accident Cases
MCL – Section 257.58c defines injuries that qualify as serious impairment of body function, allowing pursuit of additional damages beyond no-fault insurance benefits when pedestrian accidents occur, such as:
- 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 Lansing, Michigan?
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 your accident date.
Contact Our Lansing Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one has been injured by a negligent driver as a pedestrian in Michigan, the Michigan pedestrian accident lawyers from our law offices are here to help you recover compensation and protect your legal rights. Reach out to the experienced attorneys at our personal injury law firm today for a free consultation.
(312) 223-1700