Lansing Pedestrian Accident Lawyer – Get Maximum Compensation After a Serious Injury
If you were struck by a vehicle in Lansing, Michigan, you may have two types of claims: a PIP (no-fault) claim for medical bills and lost wages, and a third-party lawsuit for pain and suffering if your injury meets Michigan’s serious impairment threshold. A Lansing pedestrian accident lawyer can protect your rights before the insurance company does.
Key Takeaways
Michigan’s no-fault system applies to pedestrians, but serious injuries unlock the right to sue for pain and suffering.
You have three years from the accident date to file a claim in Michigan – but acting fast preserves evidence.
Insurance companies begin building their defense immediately; you need legal counsel before giving any statements.
Pedestrians with no household auto policy may still access benefits through Michigan’s Assigned Claims Plan.
Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. works on contingency: no fees unless we win your case.
Injured in a Pedestrian Accident in Lansing? Here’s What You Need to Know Right Now
Being hit by a car is terrifying. One moment you’re walking; the next, you’re on the ground. The days that follow bring pain, medical bills, insurance calls, and more questions than answers.
Here’s what matters most in those first hours and days:
Seek medical care immediately – even if you think you’re fine. Adrenaline masks injuries. TBIs and internal injuries often surface hours later.
Don’t speak to the at-fault driver’s insurance company – not without a lawyer. Anything you say can be used to reduce your payout.
Document everything – photos of the scene, the vehicle, your injuries, witness names and numbers.
Contact a lawyer before accepting any settlement – early offers are almost always less than what you deserve.
Our team at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. is available 24 hours. You can reach us anytime at 1-866-MICH-LAW to talk through your situation at no charge.
Why You Need a Lansing Pedestrian Accident Lawyer (Not Just Any Personal Injury Attorney)
Michigan’s no-fault system is one of the most complex insurance frameworks in the country. A general personal injury attorney who handles occasional slip-and-falls is not the same as someone who handles Michigan vehicle accident claims day in, day out.
Here’s what makes pedestrian accident cases different:
Michigan no-fault rules apply to pedestrians in the same way they apply to drivers. Knowing which insurer is responsible, and in what order, takes legal experience.
The serious impairment threshold – you can only sue for pain and suffering if your injury meets a specific legal standard. This standard is contested constantly in Michigan courts.
Insurance company tactics – insurers move fast. They may send an adjuster to take a statement before you’ve even seen a doctor. A lawyer levels the playing field.
Local court familiarity – cases litigated in Ingham County courts benefit from attorneys who know local judges, filing timelines, and procedural nuances.
Our attorneys handle vehicle accidents across Michigan with a focus on results, not volume. Your case gets the attention it deserves.
How Pedestrian Accident Cases Work in Michigan
Michigan No-Fault Insurance (PIP) Explained
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is the cornerstone of Michigan’s no-fault system. As a pedestrian struck by a car, you are covered by the at-fault driver’s PIP policy. PIP covers:
All reasonable and necessary medical expenses (with no set dollar cap under unlimited coverage policies)
Lost wages up to a specific limit per month
Replacement services (household tasks you can no longer perform)
The amount of coverage depends on what policy the driver carries. Michigan law changed in 2020, allowing drivers to opt for lower PIP limits. This directly affects what a pedestrian can collect.
When Can You Sue for Pain and Suffering?
No-fault PIP does not cover pain and suffering. To pursue those damages, you must clear a legal hurdle called the “serious impairment of body function” threshold.
Qualifying injuries generally include:
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Spinal cord damage or herniated discs are causing persistent limitations
Multiple or severe bone fractures
Loss of a limb or permanent disfigurement
Any injury that objectively affects your ability to lead your normal life
Michigan courts have refined this standard significantly over the years. An experienced attorney knows how to build the medical and functional evidence needed to clear it.
Who Pays When a Pedestrian Is Hit?
Situation
Who Covers PIP
The driver carries auto insurance
The driver’s insurer pays PIP first
You have a household auto policy
Your household policy may apply
No household policy, driver uninsured
Michigan Assigned Claims Plan
Government-owned vehicle involved
Different rules apply; contact a lawyer
Do You Have a Valid Pedestrian Accident Case?
Not every accident leads to a lawsuit. But you may have a strong case if:
You were struck by a motor vehicle while walking
You suffered injuries that required medical treatment
Another party’s negligence caused or contributed to the crash
Even a partial fault on your part doesn’t automatically bar a claim. Michigan’s modified comparative fault rule allows recovery as long as you were not more than 50% responsible.
Review our personal injury cases page to see the types of cases we handle, or call us directly for a fast case review.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Economic Damages
Past and future medical bills (surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy)
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Rehabilitation and assistive device costs
Replacement services (housekeeping, childcare, you can no longer manage)
Non-Economic Damages
Pain and suffering (available when the serious impairment threshold is met)
Emotional distress and mental anguish
Loss of enjoyment of life
Permanent disfigurement or disability
Our Case Results
Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. has won more than $44.1 million in total verdicts and settlements for Michigan injury victims. View our verdicts and case results to see the outcomes we’ve achieved.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Lansing
Most pedestrian accidents are preventable. The leading causes we see in cases across Michigan include:
Speeding, especially in school zones and residential streets
Failure to yield at crosswalks or intersections
Drunk or impaired driving
Poor visibility conditions (poor lighting, bad weather, inadequate signage)
Parking lot accidents where drivers don’t check for foot traffic
Backing vehicles striking pedestrians in driveways and lots
Establishing the cause matters for proving liability. Police reports, traffic camera footage, and witness testimony all play a role. The sooner a lawyer gets involved, the better chance there is of preserving that evidence.
Common Injuries in Lansing Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians absorb the full force of a vehicle impact. Without any protective barrier, injuries are often serious or permanent.
If your injury is catastrophic, see our information on brain and spinal injury cases in Michigan and how we approach long-term compensation claims.
Why Choose Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C.?
A lot of law firms will take your pedestrian accident case. Here’s what sets ours apart:
Decades of proven experience handling serious Michigan injury cases, including vehicle accidents and complex no-fault claims.
$44.1 million+ recovered for Michigan clients across verdicts and settlements.
No fee unless we win – our contingency model means zero financial risk to get started.
Free, no-obligation consultation – available 24 hours at 1-866-MICH-LAW.
Client-first approach – we represent individuals and families, not insurers or corporations.
Recognized attorneys: Terry L. Cochran (Super Lawyers; Avvo; Preeminent) and Eileen E. Kroll (Preeminent; Client Champion), featured in Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, WDIV-TV, and Fox-2.
Read client reviews from Michigan injury victims to hear what working with our firm looks like in practice.
How Much Does a Lansing Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Cost?
Nothing upfront. Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., works on a contingency fee basis. That means:
You pay no attorney fees to get started
You owe nothing if we don’t win your case
Our fee comes as a percentage of what we recover for you
This model exists because injured people shouldn’t have to gamble on legal fees while they’re already dealing with medical bills and missed work. The free consultation gives you legal guidance with zero obligation.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in Michigan?
Michigan’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally 3 years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline almost always means losing your right to sue.
There are important exceptions:
Minors: the clock may not start until they turn 18
Government vehicle involved: notice requirements may be shorter (often 6 months)
PIP benefit claims: separate deadlines apply for reporting and claiming
Even with three years to file, waiting hurts your case. Witnesses forget. Evidence disappears. Surveillance footage gets overwritten. Start the process now.
Visit our legal FAQs page for more on Michigan claim deadlines and what to expect from the process.
Contact Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Lansing
If you were struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian, the physical and financial toll can be devastating. You deserve an attorney who will hold the at-fault driver fully accountable for what you’ve been through.
Contact us at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and map out the strongest path forward. Remember, we don’t get paid unless you win.
Call us at 1-866-MICH-LAW anytime, 24/7, to schedule a free case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my pedestrian accident case worth in Lansing?
There’s no standard number. Value depends on the severity of your injury, the impact on your ability to work and live normally, your medical costs, and the available insurance coverage. Cases involving catastrophic injuries can reach into the millions. Reach out for a free case review.
Will no-fault insurance cover all my medical bills?
It depends on the driver’s policy. Michigan law has allowed drivers to carry lower PIP limits since 2020, which can create gaps. An attorney can identify all available sources of coverage, including your own household policy if applicable.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes, as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Michigan follows a modified comparative fault rule. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you still have a valid claim.
How long does a pedestrian accident case take?
Most cases settle within one to two years. Cases that go to trial take longer. Factors like injury severity, dispute over liability, and insurance cooperation all affect the timeline. We keep you informed at every step.
What if the driver fled the scene (hit-and-run)?
You still have options. Michigan’s Assigned Claims Plan exists for situations involving uninsured or unidentified drivers. If you have uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy, that may apply too. Don’t assume a hit-and-run means no recovery.
Do I need a lawyer for a minor injury?
A free consultation costs nothing and gives you clarity. What seems minor initially can worsen. Once you settle, you generally can’t reopen the claim. Getting a legal opinion before signing anything is always worth it.
Can I sue the city for sidewalk injuries?
Possibly. If a defective sidewalk, missing signage, or poor road design contributed to your accident, the city or county may be liable. Government claims have shorter notice requirements, so contact an attorney quickly if you think a public entity was involved.
RESULTS-DRIVEN TRACK RECORD
$15.8 Million
Medical Malpractice / Birth Injury
Monroe, Michigan
WHAT HAPPENED:
A young couple from Monroe, Michigan, was awarded a $15.8 million verdict as the result of their baby son, Jason, being inflicted with Cerebral Palsy as the result of an error during the final stages of a labor.
Result: $15.8 Million
$1 Million
Medical Malpractice/Wrongful Death
Oakland County, Michigan
What Happened:
While in the hospital a mother of three was not properly treated for a closed-head injury causing her untimely death.
Result: $1 Million
$1.4 Million
Accidents & Injuries/Brain Injury
Livonia, Michigan
What Happened:
A Livonia pedestrian recovered $1.4 million when he was struck by a commercial van resulting in a traumatic brain injury in Redford, Michigan.
Result: $1.4 Million
$9 Million
Medical Malpractice / Misdiagnosis
Wayne County, Michigan
WHAT HAPPENED:
Patient suffered cardiac arrest and brain damage when a hospital failed to recognize internal bleeding and treatment was delayed for more than 14 hours.
Result: $9 Million
$3.3 Million
Accidents & Injuries/Auto Accident
Tuscola County, Michigan
WHAT HAPPENED:
A Tuscola County jury awarded $3.3 million to a severely brain injured motorist as the result of a defective Michigan highway.
Result: $3.3 Million
$1.25 Million
Accidents & Injuries/Construction Site Injury
Flint, Michigan
WHAT HAPPENED:
A seventeen-year-old construction worker suffered a traumatic brain injury resulting from a fall in Flint, Michigan, and was awarded $1.25 million.
Result: $1.25 Million
$1.9 Million
Medical Malpractice
Wayne County, Michigan
What Happened:
Middle-aged woman suffered severe disfiguring facial burns from a simple surgical procedure.
Result: $1.9 Million
$3.8 Million
Medical Malpractice / Birth Trauma
Southern Michigan
What Happened:
Child developed cerebral palsy with developmental delays due to lack of oxygen and brain injury during labor and delivery.
A Westland construction worker recovered $1.5 million after sustaining a traumatic brain injury while on a construction site in Detroit, Michigan.
Result: $1.5 Million
$1.3 Million
Accidents & Injuries/Truck Accident
Marlette, Michigan
What Happened:
A Marlette, Michigan, family reached a $1.3 million settlement in the traffic death of their 5-year-old son when they were struck by a semi truck.
Result: $1.3 Million
$225,000
Medical Malpractice/Cancer Misdiagnosis
Redford, Michigan
What Happened:
The misdiagnosis of breast cancer resulted in a Redford, Michigan, woman recovering $225,000.
Result: $225,000
$125,000
Workers Compensation
Detroit, Michigan
What Happened:
A construction worker redeemed his worker’s compensation case for $125,000 in Detroit, Michigan.
Result: $125,000
$400,000
Accidents & Injuries/Auto Accident
Monroe, Michigan
What Happened:
A paraplegic woman from Monroe, Michigan, recovered Michigan no-fault benefits including the purchase of a new home and attendant care in excess of $400,000.
Result: $125,000
$2.2 Million
Medical Malpractice/Birth Injury
Brighton, Michigan; Detroit, Michigan
What Happened:
A Brighton family recovered $1.3 million and a Detroit family recovered $900,000 as the result of birth injuries and medical malpractice to their children.
Result: $2.2
$80,000
Accidents & Injuries/Auto Accident
Bay City, Michigan
What Happened:
A Bay City grandmother was awarded $80,000 following an auto accident resulting in a broken leg.
Result: $80,000
FREE CONSULTATION NO FEES UNTIL WE WIN
There is no obligation for a case evaluation & no fee is charged unless a recovery is made.
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