Traverse City Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Injured While Walking? We're Here to Help.
Pedestrians have no airbags, seatbelts, or steel frame to protect them from the force of a motor vehicle. Even crashes at relatively low speeds can result in devastating injuries that require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time away from work.
If you or someone you love has been struck by a vehicle while walking in Traverse City or anywhere in Northern Michigan, you may have important legal rights under Michigan law.
At Hanley & Hodek PLC, we represent injured pedestrians and their families with compassion, experience, and a commitment to helping them recover physically and financially after a serious accident.
Free Consultation
If you've been injured as a pedestrian, don't try to navigate the insurance process alone.
Call Hanley & Hodek today a free consultation.
For qualifying personal injury matters, there is no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Are Often So Serious
Unlike drivers and passengers inside a vehicle, pedestrians have virtually no protection during a collision.
As a result, pedestrian crashes frequently lead to:
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Broken bones
Pelvic fractures
Internal injuries
Severe lacerations
Permanent disability
Wrongful death
Many victims require hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and months—or even years—of recovery.
Where Pedestrian Accidents Happen
Pedestrian crashes can occur almost anywhere, including:
Marked crosswalks
Unmarked intersections
Parking lots
School zones
Residential neighborhoods
Downtown business districts
Sidewalks
Shopping centers
Bicycle and pedestrian trails
In Traverse City and surrounding communities, increased tourism, seasonal traffic, and busy downtown areas can create additional hazards for people traveling on foot.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Many pedestrian accidents occur because drivers fail to recognize or respond to people crossing the roadway.
Common causes include:
Failure to yield at crosswalks
Distracted driving
Speeding
Left-turn collisions
Right-turn collisions
Backing-up accidents
Drunk or impaired driving
Poor visibility
Failure to obey traffic signals
Driver inattention in parking lots
Many of these crashes are preventable when motorists remain attentive and obey traffic laws.
Michigan No-Fault Benefits for Injured Pedestrians
One of the first questions many injured pedestrians ask is:
"Who pays my medical bills?"
In many situations, an injured pedestrian may qualify for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits under Michigan's No-Fault system.
Depending on the circumstances and the applicable insurance policies, PIP benefits may help pay for:
Medical expenses
Wage-loss benefits
Replacement services
Attendant care
Other benefits provided under Michigan law
Determining which insurance policy applies can be complicated, particularly if multiple insurance policies may provide coverage.
Our attorneys help injured pedestrians understand how Michigan's No-Fault priority rules apply to their situation.
Can I Recover Pain and Suffering?
Possibly.
In addition to No-Fault benefits, an injured pedestrian may have a claim against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering and other damages if the legal requirements under Michigan law are satisfied.
Every case depends on the specific facts, the nature of the injuries, and the applicable law.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include:
Medical expenses
Future medical care
Lost wages
Loss of future earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Disability
Rehabilitation costs
Replacement services
Other damages permitted by Michigan law
Our attorneys carefully evaluate every case to identify all available sources of recovery.
What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident?
If you have been struck by a vehicle:
Call 911 immediately.
Accept medical evaluation even if you believe your injuries are minor.
Obtain the driver's insurance information, if possible.
Photograph the scene and your injuries.
Obtain names and contact information for witnesses.
Preserve your clothing and footwear if they may become evidence.
Keep copies of medical bills and treatment records.
Contact an experienced attorney before accepting a settlement.
How We Investigate Pedestrian Accidents
Every case begins with a careful investigation.
Depending on the circumstances, we may:
Review police reports
Visit the accident scene
Obtain surveillance or traffic camera footage
Interview witnesses
Review medical records
Consult accident reconstruction experts when appropriate
Evaluate insurance coverage
Calculate current and future damages
A prompt investigation often helps preserve important evidence.
Insurance Companies May Dispute Liability
Insurance companies sometimes argue that:
The pedestrian crossed outside a crosswalk.
The pedestrian entered traffic unexpectedly.
The driver could not avoid the collision.
The injuries are unrelated to the accident.
The claimed damages are excessive.
Every case should be evaluated based on the evidence—not assumptions.
Our attorneys work to gather the facts, analyze the applicable law, and advocate for a fair resolution.
Representative Results
Hanley & Hodek has represented injured individuals throughout Michigan in serious personal injury and insurance matters.
Representative cases include substantial recoveries for clients injured because of another person's negligence.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Why Choose Hanley & Hodek?
Clients trust Hanley & Hodek because we provide:
Direct access to experienced attorneys
Thorough case preparation
Experience handling complex injury claims
Knowledge of Michigan No-Fault law
Personalized representation
Clear communication throughout the case
Our focus is on helping clients understand their options while pursuing the compensation they may be entitled to recover.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I was hit in a crosswalk?
Many pedestrian accidents occur in marked crosswalks, but every collision must be evaluated based on its specific facts and the applicable traffic laws.
What if I wasn't in a crosswalk?
You may still have legal rights. Whether a claim exists depends on the circumstances surrounding the accident and Michigan law.
Who pays my medical bills?
Depending on the circumstances, No-Fault PIP benefits and other insurance coverage may be available. Our attorneys can help determine which insurance policies apply.
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
For qualifying personal injury matters, we work on a contingency-fee basis. You do not pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Related Resources
You may also find these articles helpful:
Injured in a Crosswalk? Why New Crosswalks Can Still Create Serious Safety Risks
Michigan Left-Turn Crashes: Who Is Responsible?
Michigan No-Fault Insurance Does Not Eliminate Pain and Suffering Claims
What Should You Do After a Car Accident?
Michigan PIP Benefits Lawyer
Schedule Your Free Consultation
A pedestrian accident can leave you facing painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about the future.
If you or someone you love has been injured while walking in Traverse City or anywhere in Northern Michigan, contact Hanley & Hodek PLC today.
We'll answer your questions, explain your legal options, and help you determine the next steps.
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover compensation for qualifying personal injury matters.