Flint Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Flint, MI Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Michigan is synonymous with cars, and Flint is no exception. This creates heavy traffic patterns throughout the city that are struggling to share city streets with people on their way to work, school, or play. Pedestrians in Flint face many dangers when walking near fast traffic, aging infrastructure, poorly lit intersections, or unsafe properties. If you’ve been hurt, a Flint pedestrian accident lawyer can help you use the law to seek justice.

Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

At the Michigan-based law firm of Goethel Engelhardt, PLLC, we are highly adept at taking on pedestrian accident cases of all forms. We additionally pride ourselves on being a highly responsive and adaptable law firm, able to provide the right legal strategy to support any personal injury lawsuit, no matter how unique or high-stakes it may be. We have been successfully helping injured pedestrians in Flint and throughout Michigan for more than four decades now, and our record speaks for itself.

Pedestrian accident cases can become complex for several reasons. For example, Michigan’s personal injury laws and the state’s no-fault auto insurance rules may both come into play, depending on the specifics of the case.

There can also be a lot of different parties involved, such as multiple motorists, different insurance carriers, witnesses, and everyone’s respective legal representation, which can make for a convoluted case that is difficult to respond to without a specific set of legal skills.

If you’ve been injured in a car crash while walking in the Flint, MI area, it’s important to get quality legal help from a Flint personal injury attorney who understands your specific type of case. At Goethel Engelhardt, PLLC, we know both Michigan law and pedestrian accidents inside and out, and our team is available to help you understand your legal options and work towards a fair resolution, which means support for you and accountability for those who harmed you.

Understanding Pedestrian Risks in Flint

According to the State of Michigan, when a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, it results in a fatality or serious injury a staggering 80% of the time. Much of the vibrant Flint downtown is quite walkable, giving locals and visitors easy access to several blocks of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Other areas, however, are not quite so pedestrian-friendly, and even those walkable downtown areas are perpetually busy, making them, too, a potential scene for serious pedestrian accidents.

There is data behind the claim that Flint can be dangerous for pedestrians, according to reporting from the local ABC affiliate. Of all Michigan’s large cities, Flint had the sixth-highest number of pedestrian-involved car crashes from 2016 to 2020. It also had the sixth most pedestrian accident injuries in that same half-decade stretch, racking up well over 300.

Those two statistics on their own are unremarkable–until you learn that Flint had the second-highest number of fatalities in such incidents over that same period. Only Detroit had more fatalities than Flint over that same period, despite four other cities having a higher total number of car-pedestrian incidents. This means that pedestrian accidents in Flint are, on average, deadlier than those in other Michigan cities.

Some examples of pedestrian risks throughout the Flint area include:

• Saginaw Street: Heavy vehicle traffic and many different, well-used crosswalks can make this a risky area for those who depend on foot travel.
• Dort Highway (M-54): High-speed traffic and limited pedestrian accommodations can make some sections of Dort Highway hazardous to even cross, much less attempt to walk down for any extended distance.
• Atherton Road: Flint’s busier retail areas, such as those on Atherton, create unique pedestrian hazards all their own. Busy, labyrinthine parking lots and high volumes of pedestrian traffic are often a dangerous mix.
• Flushing road intersections: High traffic volume combined with limited visibility can make certain parts of Flushing Road, and its cross-streets, another area of concern for Flint walkers.

Drinking also plays a significant role in pedestrian accidents and injuries in Michigan. There were 156 reported pedestrian fatalities in the state in 2024, and more than 25% of those accidents were classified as accidents where someone had been drinking. What might surprise you is that in two-thirds of those fatal accidents, it was a pedestrian who had been drinking. This surprising statistic highlights the grave importance of using roadways responsibly, whether you’re in a car or on foot.

Of course, the above are only some examples highlighting specific areas of concern. The unfortunate reality is that pedestrian accidents can occur whenever and wherever cars are present–and cars are everywhere in Michigan. When negligence or recklessness is involved in a car-pedestrian collision, Michigan law offers powerful redress for injured (or wrongfully killed) parties, and the team at Goethel Engelhardt, PLLC, can help you navigate the complex civil court system to access these remedies.

FAQs About Flint, MI Pedestrian Accident Law

What Not to Say to an Injury Lawyer?

Knowing what not to say to an injury lawyer is dependent on who that lawyer represents. If the lawyer is one you have hired to represent you and your interests, it is important to be fully honest with that lawyer, who will need all the details to ensure you are represented properly. If it is the lawyer for the other party, it is not what you shouldn’t say, but rather following the guidance of your lawyer through the process.

What Happens If You Hit a Pedestrian and They Walk Away?

If you hit a pedestrian and they walk away, you should first be thankful that you avoided being involved in a much more tragic situation. It’s important to understand, however, that a pedestrian simply being able to walk does not necessarily mean no injury occurred and does not exclude the driver from potential legal liability. Speak with your attorney if you are in this situation, who will help guide you through the process.

Does Insurance Pay if You Hit a Pedestrian?

Whether insurance pays if you hit a pedestrian depends on the terms of your insurance policy and the exact details of the accident. Personal injury cases and insurance claims are processed based on the unique circumstances of that specific incident, as well as the available evidence. In general, you should never assume that insurance will take care of it if you strike a pedestrian with your car.

Contact Flint Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been struck by a car while walking in Flint, Burton, Davison, Grand Blanc, or the surrounding areas, the personal injury team at Goethel Engelhardt, PLLC is ready to help. We have a lengthy track record of success litigating pedestrian accident cases, and we would be happy to learn more about your situation and discuss how we may be able to help. Contact our Michigan-based offices today to set up a totally free initial consultation.