Novi Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Novi, MI

Pedestrian accidents can cause catastrophic injuries because there’s not much separating a person from the impact of a speeding vehicle. A skilled Novi pedestrian accident lawyer at Wigod & Falzon can help victims of car crashes understand Michigan’s no-fault system and hold negligent drivers responsible for the costs of an injury.

We help people in the greater Novi area, including on roads with speeding traffic and few marked crosswalks, like Grand River Avenue, Haggerty Road, and Novi Road.

Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Novi, MI

Wigod & Falzon has been fighting for the rights of Michigan families for over 25 years. The firm has the experience and legal knowledge necessary to meet Oakland County’s insurance, police reporting, and civil procedure requirements.

Our lawyers handle cases from our Southfield office, and we have helped many people in Novi and throughout the community. We pride ourselves on being data-driven, communicative, and well-prepared so that clients can stay on top of their cases and understand each step in the process. When a pedestrian crash is part of a broader pattern of injuries for a family, some people also speak with an experienced Novi personal injury lawyer to understand the full impact on daily life and work.

Michigan Pedestrian Accident Laws: What Victims Should Know

A person who is walking in Michigan is a pedestrian under the state’s traffic laws and no-fault insurance rules. Drivers who injure pedestrians are subject to civil and criminal liability when they commit a moving violation.

Pedestrians can also claim medical and wage loss benefits if they are injured in a crash under the no-fault law, MCL 500.3105. ublic information about Michigan no-fault law can help injured walkers understand how benefits for treatment, wage loss, and household services may apply while they recover. Injured walkers should understand these statutes before choosing medical providers, filing insurance claims, and pursuing third-party claims when another person’s negligence has caused catastrophic injuries.

Novi Pedestrian Accidents: Common Causes

Drivers often hit pedestrians at intersections and in parking lots where they do not yield or pay attention to foot traffic. Conflicts also happen when a motorist fails to see someone crossing the road before turning or pulling out. Novi’s high traffic corridors, I-96 service drives, Grand River Avenue, and Novi Town Center crosswalks are some of the common places for this to happen.

Collisions can also result from speeding through residential neighborhoods or inadequate lighting near businesses and stores. Our attorneys look into the details of these conditions when they first meet with clients. Surveillance video or a witness statement could help establish liability at the scene of the accident. When a crash results in a fatality, families may also speak with a skilled Novi wrongful death lawyer to understand options under Michigan’s wrongful death statute.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics in Michigan

The Michigan State Police 2024 Crash Data Reports show that there were 2,131 crashes involving pedestrians and 156 pedestrian deaths in the state. Oakland County has been one of the top reporting areas for pedestrian accidents and pedestrian fatalities. Individuals can be seriously injured even when they are in familiar places close to their homes.

Our team works with clients who have police reports to provide clear liability information. Statewide Michigan car accident statistics also show how frequently serious injuries occur on busy corridors. This is why documenting a crash accurately, promptly following up with medical providers, and timely filing no-fault claims can impact a case’s outcome.

The Steps to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Novi, MI

An attorney’s thorough investigation depends on a client’s cooperation in gathering facts and evidence. We collect the police report, medical records, and insurance statements for clients, and we make traffic camera video requests or subpoena witness information when necessary.

The insurance carrier for the motorist will likely dispute liability and downplay their insured’s responsibility by arguing a pedestrian could not have been seen or was distracted when the crash occurred.

Careful recordkeeping that tracks injuries and treatment over time can rebut these arguments. Gathering facts soon after a collision also allows for settlement or court filings in Oakland County Circuit Court if a reasonable resolution is not possible. In situations where no coverage is obvious, some pedestrians find it helpful to review how the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan works so they understand alternative routes to benefits.

Compensation for Pedestrian Injuries in Michigan

Pedestrians injured in a motor vehicle crash are eligible for medical and wage loss benefits under the state’s no-fault law. MCL 500.3105(1) covers people who are “not operating a motor vehicle” when a crash occurs. This law also allows pedestrians to recover financial damages if another party’s negligence causes serious impairment.

Those types of losses include economic, non-economic, and loss of recovery of income. Our attorneys review long-term medical reports to verify treatment and recommend ongoing care when appropriate. Getting an attorney involved early on also allows clients to focus on their recovery, while we handle the investigation and negotiate with insurers and defense counsel.

FAQs

What Should I Do Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident in Novi?

If you are hit by a vehicle, seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor. You should call the Novi Police Department to file a formal report. Take photographs of the scene, vehicle, and visible injuries if you are able. Keep all medical records and insurance information in a safe place so you can access them when you file a claim.

Can a Pedestrian File a No-Fault Claim Without a Vehicle?

If you are a pedestrian injured in a traffic crash, you may be eligible for no-fault insurance benefits even if you do not own a vehicle. Normally, your claim will start with the insurance company that covers the vehicle involved in the accident.

If the vehicle is not covered or cannot be located, your claim will be filed through the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan. Public explanations of Michigan hit-and-run laws can also help injured pedestrians understand their rights when a driver flees the scene.

How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Injury Claim in Michigan?

The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Michigan is three years from the date of the accident, according to MCL 600.5805(2). There are insurance deadlines that must be met in the first year following an accident. Consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure that important deadlines are not missed and that valuable evidence is not lost.

What if the Driver Left the Scene of the Accident?

If the driver leaves the scene of an accident, it becomes a hit-and-run investigation. As a pedestrian who has been injured, you may still be able to file a claim through uninsured motorist coverage or through the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan. It is very important to get a police report and to preserve any video surveillance or witness statements in order to maintain your right to compensation and to identify who is at fault.

Contact a Novi Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Wigod & Falzon helps injured pedestrians in Novi and across Oakland County pursue fair compensation under Michigan law. Schedule a consultation today to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer.