Grand Rapids Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Grand Rapids Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Pedestrians in a vibrant city like Grand Rapids, MI, face daily risks from distracted, careless, or incapacitated drivers. If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian crash, a Grand Rapids pedestrian accident lawyer from Goethel Engelhardt, PLLC, can help you use Michigan’s laws to your advantage and take the next steps towards justice and accountability for those who harmed you.

Even with ever-improving pedestrian infrastructure along busy downtown areas like Monroe Center or Wealthy Street, car-pedestrian accidents are an unfortunate reality of city life.

These accidents can often result in serious injuries due to the physics involved when a vehicle (potentially weighing several tons) strikes a human being who is traveling on foot without any protective equipment. Broken bones, internal injuries, and even paralyzing spine damage are all, unfortunately, possible outcomes in these circumstances.

Why Choose Goethel Engelhardt, PLLC?

We know that the legal process can be extremely overwhelming for folks who have no prior background or training in the law. This is even more true when you have just been hit by a car and are now recovering from a serious injury. With so much already on your mind and a potentially long road of recovery ahead of you, this is where Goethel Engelhardt’s comprehensive legal services really become essential.

Navigating Michigan’s personal injury laws, no-fault insurance system, and detail-oriented court processes can be a daunting task. It’s also one that requires not just knowledge of the law, but a clear-headed legal strategy that can leverage the law to create positive outcomes for injured clients and their families.

The world-class legal team at Goethel Engelhardt, PLLC, helps injured individuals across Grand Rapids and beyond file the strongest possible pedestrian accident claims in the pursuit of justice and accountability.

There’s no need to simply take our website’s word for it, however. Our 40+ years of successfully resolved cases and well-satisfied clients speak for themselves. We pride ourselves on being a highly accessible, highly responsive personal injury firm that is here for the people of Grand Rapids, Kent County, and the rest of Michigan when they need us most.

Knowing When to Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury after being struck by a vehicle while walking, it may be time to consider your legal options. One powerful tactic is to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer. Your attorney can not only help you file your claim and gather evidence, but also craft a custom legal strategy that meets your needs and the unique details of your case.

While not every injury necessarily requires the help of a lawyer, it’s very important to understand how quickly these types of car-pedestrian collision cases can become complex and contentious. This is especially true in cases where multiple motorists are involved or when insurance companies try to dispute fault or downplay serious injuries.

Common Types of Pedestrian Injuries in Grand Rapids, MI

Getting struck by a moving vehicle can lead to extreme physical and emotional trauma. There are a wide variety of serious injuries that pedestrians are susceptible to, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord damage/paralysis
• Severe lacerations
• Burns
• Broken bones
• Crushed or lost limbs
• Internal injuries
• Long-lasting mental and emotional conditions like PTSD, anxiety, etc.

Just because your injury isn’t listed above, that doesn’t mean we can’t help. No matter how uncommon or complicated your own pedestrian injury story is, we would be honored to hear about your claim and advise you as to the next steps required to pursue a personal injury claim against the driver who struck you or any other responsible parties.

FAQs About Grand Rapids, MI Pedestrian Accident Law

What Happens if You Hit a Pedestrian in Michigan?

If you hit a pedestrian in Michigan, you should stop your vehicle immediately and check on the pedestrian. After calling 911, you may need to administer basic first aid or direct traffic to keep an immobile pedestrian safe until emergency services arrive. If your vehicle has been damaged or you have been injured, contact your insurance carrier and attorney. Exchange insurance and ID info with the pedestrian you hit, but don’t discuss fault or liability without legal counsel.

Can a Pedestrian Be Liable for Causing an Accident?

A pedestrian can potentially be liable for causing an accident under Michigan law, although this is not common. A pedestrian may face legal liability if their actions were inexcusably reckless, explicitly illegal, or resulted in injuries and substantial property damage. In the context of this question, however, it is important to acknowledge the fact that pedestrians enjoy the legal right-of-way in the majority of situations where vehicles and pedestrians meet. It is important to speak with a trusted attorney before attempting to file an uncommon or challenging claim.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit?

It can take several months to fully resolve a pedestrian accident lawsuit. The timeline for each personal injury case typically depends on many unique factors, like the complexity of the case, the dispositions of the various involved parties, the court’s current case load, the quality of your legal representation, and more. The team at Goethel Engelhardt, PLLC, strives to keep our clients’ cases on track for the most expeditious resolutions possible while also aiming for the best possible outcomes.

Is the Driver Liable for Negligence in a Pedestrian Accident Injury Lawsuit?

A driver may be liable for negligence in a pedestrian accident injury lawsuit, but this is a matter to be determined in court on a case-by-case basis. The simple fact that one party was operating a motor vehicle while another party was injured is not, on its own, enough to make anyone “liable for negligence” under Michigan law. An actual act of negligence, as well as its direct link to injuries and damages, must be proven using legally sound evidence before anyone can be determined liable.

Goethel Engelhardt, PLLC – Justice and Advocacy for Injured Grand Rapids Pedestrians

If you’ve been seriously hurt by a car or truck while out for a run, riding your bike to work, or simply enjoying some fresh air, Goethel Engelhardt, PLLC, can help you leverage Michigan law to hold those who injured you accountable. Contact our Michigan-based team at your earliest convenience so we can set up a confidential, no-strings-attached consultation session.