College Student Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian accidents involving college students are a growing public health concern. There are more than 150,000 pedestrians injured each year in the United States alone in motor vehicle-pedestrian crashes.

College students are frequently the victims of these accidents. Students spend a lot of time walking across campus to class and crossing busy streets. M-Live has published multiple news stories about pedestrian accidents involving students.

Such accidents remain a major cause of injuries and fatalities involving college students in Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor, and there has been a recent rise in such accidents even though there has been a governmental effort to make crosswalks more visible to drivers.

Frequently Asked Questions Involving Pedestrian Accidents

Q: What if I'm partially at fault for the pedestrian accident?

A: Under Michigan law, you may still be entitled to compensation if partially at fault in a pedestrian accident on campus, if you are determined to be less than 50% at fault. Further, you may be entitled to payment of medical expenses, attendant care, and wages even if you were deemed to have been the primary cause of the accident under the Michigan No-Fault Law. The rules regarding which insurance company has the highest priority for paying such claims have changed under the amended 2019 law.

Q: How much does a pedestrian accident lawyer cost?

A: You pay nothing for your consultation, and no fee unless you win your case. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only receive a percentage of the final settlement or verdict. This arrangement allows people like college students, who typically don't have a lot of money to spend on an attorney, to obtain competent representation without the worry about how they can afford hiring an attorney. The arrangement also serves as an incentive for the attorney to work hard on the case. That's because the attorney is only paid if they win the case.

Q: Why do pedestrian accidents frequently involve college students?

A: College students are frequent pedestrians and often fail to observe traffic rules. College-aged young adults use handheld technology more than any other age group, which may lead to distracted walking; nearly 100% of 18 to 29-year-olds own a cell phone and 95% own a smartphone. Young adults text over 100 times a day on average and check their cellular device multiple times an hour even when not prompted by an alert. In a pedestrian environment, college students who were distracted by texting or listening to music were more likely to be hit by a car while crossing the street than their undistracted peers. Given these factors, insurance companies will likely argue that a college student was distracted and at fault for causing the accident.

Q: Do I need an attorney after a pedestrian accident on campus?

A: While you don't have to hire an attorney, you will likely get more compensation for your losses with an attorney than without one. People who work without an attorney on a pedestrian accident claim often end up with less money to pay for their losses than those who hire an experienced lawyer. Insurance companies will frequently make low settlement offers to accident victims who do not have an attorney to represent their legal interests. It is always wise to consult with an experienced accident attorney.

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, our Personal Injury Law Firm in Ann Arbor can help. We have been helping clients throughout Michigan recover full and fair compensation for their economic losses, pain, and suffering. Call and speak with an experienced attorney for a free consultation.

This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney at Logeman & Iafrate, P.C. for advice regarding your individual situation.