Saginaw Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Pedestrian accidents can be devastating, leaving victims with serious injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and lost income from missed time at work. If you have suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident in Saginaw, Michigan, you might file a compensation claim for your losses. However, the process of filing a claim can be perplexing for anyone unfamiliar with personal injury law.

The experienced Saginaw pedestrian accident attorneys at Jay Trucks & Associates dedicate themselves to helping pedestrians who have suffered injuries due to negligent driving. Our seasoned legal team can guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.

From day one, my attorney and the office staff at Jay Trucks & Associates went above and beyond what I expected…

- D. Lathrop

Why Choose Jay Trucks & Associates?

The attorneys at Jay Trucks & Associates want to help you get the compensation you deserve. Here are some of the reasons why you should choose us to represent you in your case:

Experienced Attorneys

Our attorneys have more than 150 years of combined legal experience, and we have successfully handled thousands of personal injury cases. We have a deep understanding of the law and know how to work through the complex legal system to get results for our clients.

Personalized Service

Our attorneys believe in providing personalized service to every client. We take the time to listen to your concerns and answer your questions, and we keep you informed throughout the legal process.

Aggressive Representation

The insurance companies and our competitors know us for our aggressive approach to representing our clients. We will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.

No Fees Unless We Win

We believe that everyone deserves access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. We offer a free consultation to each potential client. We also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay us if we win your case.

Proven Results

We have a proven track record of success in personal injury cases, including pedestrian accidents. We have recovered over half a billion dollars in compensation for our clients and will work hard for the best results for you, too.

Compensation for Pedestrian Accidents in Michigan

Pedestrians who suffer injuries in accidents due to another party’s negligence have a right to claim compensation for their losses.

While each case is different, you may recover compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Lost income
• Property damage
• Reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering

Michigan also permits pedestrians to claim punitive damages in some instances. Punitive damages are a type of compensation intended to punish the at-fault party for willful, wanton, or malicious behavior and deter them from engaging in similar actions in the future. Each case’s circumstances will determine whether punitive damages are an option.

An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can help you understand your legal options and determine what compensation is available in your case.

Saginaw, Michigan Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to data from the Michigan State Police, there were 38 pedestrian accidents in Saginaw County in 2021. These accidents resulted in 35 injuries and four fatalities. While these numbers might not seem exceptionally high, each of these accidents had a profound effect on the pedestrians involved.

Dangerous Intersections for Pedestrians in Saginaw

Pedestrian accidents can occur anywhere in the city, but some intersections in Saginaw are more dangerous than others.

Some of the most dangerous intersections for pedestrians in Saginaw include:

• Genesee and Michigan Avenue
• Washington and Holland Avenue
• State Street and Holland Avenue
• State Street and Wadsworth Avenue

If you are out walking, particularly at night, be careful when approaching these intersections.

Pedestrian Laws in Michigan

Michigan has several laws to protect pedestrians, including:

• Pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks, and drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Pedestrians must use crosswalks when they are available.
• Drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians on the road.
• Pedestrians must obey traffic signals and signs.

If a driver struck you while contravening traffic laws, you might hold them accountable through a personal injury claim. Yet even if you were partially at fault for the collision, you might still be able to recover compensation. Speak to a seasoned Saginaw pedestrian accident attorney who can help you understand your legal options.

Statute of Limitations for Michigan Pedestrian Accident Claims

In Michigan, the statute of limitations for pedestrian accident claims generally gives injured individuals three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. You may lose your right to pursue compensation through the court system if you miss this deadline. However, this rule has some exceptions, so speaking with an attorney as soon as possible is essential.

Common Reasons for Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, but some of the most common causes include:

• Distracted driving – Drivers who pay attention to their phones, passengers, or other factors may not see pedestrians in time to avoid a collision.
• Speeding – Drivers traveling at high speeds often cannot stop in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
• Failing to yield – Drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks or turn without looking for pedestrians may cause a crash.
• Driving under the influence – Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol may be more likely to cause accidents.

The skilled attorneys at Jay Trucks & Associates will investigate the accident that led to your injuries to learn what caused it and determine who is at fault for your losses.

Common Injuries From Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which may be severe or even life-threatening. Some of the most common injuries pedestrians sustain include:

Head Injuries

Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to head injuries in traffic collisions, as they may strike their heads on the ground or a vehicle. These injuries range from mild concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

Spinal Cord Injuries

Pedestrians are also vulnerable to spinal cord injuries, which can lead to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries can significantly affect a person’s quality of life, altering their ability to work and manage their day-to-day existence.

Fractures

Pedestrians may suffer fractures to their arms, legs, hips, and other bones in the body. These injuries can be painful and may require surgery to heal correctly.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries, such as bruises, sprains, and strains, are common in pedestrian accidents. While these injuries may not be as severe as other types, they can still cause significant pain and discomfort, requiring the injured person to miss work while they heal.

Internal Organ Injuries

Pedestrian accidents can also cause injuries to vital organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Organ damage can be life-threatening and often requires emergency medical attention.

Emotional Trauma

In addition to physical injuries, pedestrian accidents can also cause emotional trauma. Victims may experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the accident.

Seek medical attention as soon as possible after a pedestrian accident, even if you do not believe you sustained any harm. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and early medical attention can help ensure you receive the treatment you need in time to improve your chances of recovery.

Dealing With an Insurance Company in a Pedestrian Accident Claim

Dealing with an insurance company after a pedestrian accident can be challenging and frustrating. Insurance companies are usually more concerned with protecting their bottom line than fairly compensating pedestrians with injuries. As a result, they may try to deny your claim, delay payment, or offer a settlement far less than you deserve.

An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can help. They can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and work to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. They can also handle all communications with the insurance company, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Always remember that insurance companies are not on your side, even if they may initially seem friendly and helpful. Their primary goal is to minimize their financial liability, which means paying you as little as possible for your claim. An attorney can help level the playing field and fight for your rights.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

If you have suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident:

• Seek medical attention – Your health should be your top priority. Furthermore, if you do not seek immediate treatment, the insurance company might see this as a reason to cast doubt on your injury claim.
• Contact the police – If you have been in any type of pedestrian accident, you should contact the police as soon as possible. The police will investigate the accident, create a report, and issue citations to any drivers they believe are at fault.
• Gather evidence – Gather as much evidence as possible at the accident scene if your physical condition enables you to do so. Evidence may include photos of the scene, contact information from any witnesses, and information from any drivers involved in the accident. Note the location of any traffic cameras you can see.
• Contact an attorney – After the accident, you should contact an experienced Saginaw pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible. Our attorneys can help guide you through the legal process and work to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

How a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Help You

Many injured pedestrians believe they can handle a claim themselves. However, the process can become frustrating and overwhelming, especially while you are still recovering from your injuries. Here are some of the ways an experienced pedestrian accident attorney can help:

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

An attorney can conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. This investigation may involve gathering evidence such as witness statements, police reports, and medical records. By building a solid case, an attorney can help increase your chances of receiving fair compensation.

Calculating the Value of Your Losses

Many injured individuals may be eligible for far more money than they realize. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you calculate the true value of your accident-related losses.

Negotiating With Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters often believe they can convince unrepresented individuals to accept lowball offers worth far less than they deserve. An attorney can stand up for you and handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf to prevent the insurer from taking advantage of you. They will do all they can to negotiate for a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost income, and other losses.

Representing You in Court

If the insurance company is unwilling to give you the compensation you deserve, an attorney can represent you in court. They can argue your case before a judge and jury, presenting evidence and advocating for your rights.

Providing Support

A pedestrian accident can be a traumatic and stressful experience. An attorney can provide emotional support throughout the legal process, helping you navigate the challenges and giving you a sounding board for your concerns.

Contact Jay Trucks & Associates Today

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident in Saginaw, Michigan, do not wait to seek legal help. Taking early action might make a significant difference in how much you can recover in your claim.

At Jay Trucks & Associates, our lawyers are ready to fight aggressively to protect your rights and interests. We understand the difficulties you are currently facing, and we want to do what we can to make life easier for you. Our firm offers free consultations, and we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you will not pay us anything unless we win your case. Reach out to a Saginaw personal injury lawyer.

Call us today at 989-254-6113 or contact us online for your consultation and take the first step toward getting the compensation you deserve. We look forward to getting to work for you.