When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the results are often catastrophic. Without the protection of a car's metal frame and safety features, pedestrians absorb the full force of impact—leading to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal bleeding, and life-altering disabilities. At Logeman & Iafrate, P.C., we've spent more than 45 years fighting for injured pedestrians throughout Calhoun County and across Michigan.
Our trial-ready approach sets us apart. We take cases other firms turn down and prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies know that when our name appears on a case, we're prepared to go to trial—and that preparation shows in our results.
Understanding Michigan's No-Fault System for Pedestrian Accidents
Michigan's no-fault insurance system applies to pedestrian accidents, but the coverage situation can be complex. Pedestrians injured by motor vehicles are entitled to Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits—but the source of those benefits depends on your specific circumstances.
If you own a vehicle with no-fault insurance: Your own auto policy provides PIP benefits for medical expenses, wage loss, and attendant care—regardless of who caused the accident.
If you live with a relative who has auto insurance: That household policy typically provides coverage for your pedestrian injuries.
If you have no connection to auto insurance: The Michigan Assigned Claims Plan provides PIP benefits through a state-assigned insurer.
The 2019-2020 no-fault reforms significantly changed the landscape. Depending on your coverage level, PIP medical benefits may be capped at $50,000, $250,000, $500,000, or remain unlimited. Understanding your coverage—or identifying which policy applies—is critical to securing the medical care you need.
Third-Party Claims Against Negligent Drivers
Beyond no-fault benefits, injured pedestrians can pursue compensation directly from the at-fault driver if injuries meet Michigan's "serious impairment of body function" threshold. This requires proving an objectively manifested impairment of an important body function that affects your general ability to lead your normal life.
Meeting this threshold allows you to recover damages that no-fault benefits don't cover:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Excess medical expenses beyond PIP limits
- Full lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Permanent disability and disfigurement
Our attorneys have extensive experience proving threshold injuries and maximizing third-party recoveries for pedestrian accident victims in Calhoun County.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Calhoun County
Pedestrian accidents happen throughout Calhoun County—on Battle Creek's busy streets, in Marshall's downtown crosswalks, and along rural roads in Albion and surrounding communities. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving: Drivers texting, talking on phones, or otherwise not watching the road
- Failure to yield: Motorists who don't stop for pedestrians in crosswalks or at intersections
- Left-turn accidents: Vehicles striking pedestrians while making turns
- Backing accidents: Drivers in parking lots who fail to check for pedestrians behind them
- Drunk or impaired driving: Intoxicated drivers with slowed reaction times and poor judgment
- Speeding: Excessive speed that prevents drivers from stopping in time
- Poor visibility conditions: Drivers who fail to adjust for darkness, weather, or blind spots
Even when crosswalks and traffic signals are present, distracted or negligent drivers continue to put pedestrians at risk throughout Calhoun County.
Injuries Commonly Suffered by Pedestrian Accident Victims
The human body is no match for a multi-ton vehicle. Pedestrian accidents frequently result in severe, life-changing injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Concussions, skull fractures, and permanent cognitive impairment from head impact
- Spinal cord injuries: Paralysis, paraplegia, or quadriplegia requiring lifetime care
- Broken bones: Fractures to legs, arms, hips, and pelvis that may require surgery and extended rehabilitation
- Internal injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding that can be life-threatening
- Severe lacerations and road rash: Deep cuts requiring stitches, skin grafts, and leaving permanent scars
- Amputations: Loss of limbs from severe trauma
- Soft tissue injuries: Ligament tears, muscle damage, and nerve injuries
These injuries often require extensive hospitalization, multiple surgeries, prolonged rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care. The financial burden can be overwhelming—making full compensation essential.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Pedestrian accident victims in Calhoun County may be entitled to substantial compensation:
No-fault PIP benefits: Medical expenses, wage loss (up to 85% of gross income), replacement services for household tasks you can no longer perform, and attendant care for catastrophic injuries.
Third-party damages against the at-fault driver: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent disability and scarring, full lost wages and diminished future earning capacity, and medical expenses exceeding PIP coverage limits.
Wrongful death damages: If your loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident, surviving family members can pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship and guidance, and pain and suffering experienced before death.
Every case is unique. Our experienced attorneys evaluate your specific situation, calculate the full value of your losses—both current and future—and fight to pursue the full compensation you're owed.
Why Prompt Action Matters
Acting promptly matters in pedestrian accident cases. Michigan law imposes strict deadlines:
- Report your accident to your insurer within one year to preserve no-fault PIP benefits
- File third-party lawsuits within three years of the accident date
- Preserve evidence before it disappears: Surveillance footage, witness memories, and physical evidence deteriorate quickly
Insurance companies begin building their defense immediately. The sooner you retain experienced legal counsel, the stronger your case becomes. We investigate every detail—examining police reports, interviewing witnesses, consulting accident reconstruction experts, and enlisting medical specialists to document the full extent of your injuries.
Why Choose Logeman & Iafrate for Your Calhoun County Pedestrian Accident Case
We take cases others won't, and we prepare every case for trial. Our trial-ready approach means we prepare every case for the courtroom—and insurance companies know it. That preparation delivers results:
- More than 45 years of experience representing injured clients throughout Michigan
- Proven record of verdicts and settlements
- Deep expertise in Michigan's no-fault system and threshold injury requirements
- Trial-ready representation against insurance companies that deny legitimate claims
- Compassionate support during the most challenging times of your life
We offer free consultations and work on a contingency-fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our commitment is absolute: fighting by your side to secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is decided on its own facts.
Injured in a Pedestrian Accident in Calhoun County? Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been struck by a vehicle in Calhoun County, don't face the insurance companies alone. The experienced pedestrian accident attorneys at Logeman & Iafrate, P.C. are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us today at (734) 994-0200 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. We serve clients throughout Calhoun County, including Battle Creek, Marshall, Albion, and surrounding communities.
We handle cases on a contingency-fee basis—no fees unless we win. Let us help you move forward from this devastating accident with the financial resources you need for recovery.
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to what matters most about your case and how we work.
What should I do immediately after being hit by a car as a pedestrian?
First, call 911 to get medical attention and report the accident to police. Even if you feel okay, adrenaline can mask serious injuries—get examined by medical professionals immediately. If you're able, document the scene with photos, gather the driver's insurance and contact information, and collect witness names and phone numbers. Report the accident to your own auto insurer (or the insurer of a household member) within one year to preserve your no-fault PIP benefits. Avoid giving recorded statements to the at-fault driver's insurance company without legal counsel.
Do I have insurance coverage if I was hit by a car while walking?
Yes. If you own a vehicle with Michigan no-fault insurance, your own policy provides PIP benefits. If you don't own a vehicle but live with a relative who does, that household policy typically covers you. If you have no connection to auto insurance, the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan provides benefits through a state-assigned insurer. Your coverage level depends on the policy—benefits may be unlimited or capped at $500,000, $250,000, or $50,000 based on coverage choices made before the accident.
Can I sue the driver who hit me as a pedestrian?
Yes, if your injuries meet Michigan's "serious impairment of body function" threshold—an objectively manifested impairment of an important body function that affects your general ability to lead your normal life. Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries that clearly meet this threshold. If you qualify, you can sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering, excess medical expenses beyond your PIP coverage, full lost wages, and other damages not covered by no-fault benefits.
What if the driver who hit me didn't have insurance?
If the at-fault driver was uninsured, you can still pursue compensation through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage if you have it. Your UM coverage pays for damages the uninsured driver should have covered—including pain and suffering if your injuries meet the threshold. If you don't have UM coverage, recovery options become more limited, though you still have access to PIP benefits for medical expenses and wage loss through your own policy or the Assigned Claims Plan.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in Calhoun County?
Michigan's statute of limitations gives you three years from the accident date to file a third-party lawsuit against the at-fault driver. For no-fault PIP benefits, you must notify your insurer of the accident within one year and file a lawsuit within one year of the insurer's denial (if benefits are wrongfully denied). Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your claim. Contact an experienced pedestrian accident attorney promptly to protect your rights.
What compensation can I recover after a pedestrian accident in Michigan?
You may recover no-fault PIP benefits from your own insurer for medical expenses, wage loss, replacement services, and attendant care. If your injuries meet Michigan's threshold, you can also pursue a third-party claim against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent disability and scarring, full lost wages and future earning capacity, and medical expenses exceeding your PIP limits. In fatal pedestrian accidents, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death damages including funeral expenses and loss of companionship.
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Don't face this alone. Let us review your case and show you what's possible. We never charge legal fees unless we recover damages on your behalf and the initial consultation is free as well. Reach out to us today.
Adrienne D. Logeman
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James A. Iafrate
Partner
What Our Clients Say About Us
Cases won, lives changed, and we are happy to have helped each one of our clients.
If I could give them 100 stars I would!
"At the lowest point in my life they were there for me and got more than I expected. Mr. Logeman was amazing and Cheryl his assistant was so caring and professional. I would recommend them to anyone with a personal injury or accident. They went above and beyond for my son and I. I will forever be in their debt!"
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Vivian S.They did wonderfully in winning our case!
"We were referred for a personal injury motorcycle accident. We had no idea even where to begin, but the caring and professional team reassured us and took off a lot of stress. They did wonderfully in winning our case, and were always great at communicating where the case was at and what was needed. I would highly recommend and if we were to ever need their services again, I wouldn't think twice about calling them up."
Ashley B.I could not have asked for better representation!
"Adrienne Logeman is an exceptional auto injury attorney. Adrienne put me at ease and explained every step of the process. She was composed, professional, polite and extremely competent. The jury returned a unanimous verdict in our favor. I could not have asked for better representation and care. I am very thankful for her. An incredible experience."
Robert A.I truly believe you could not find a better firm to work with.
"Jim Iafrate and his staff are wonderful to work with, professional, compassionate, and do everything in their power when working on your case. I was always part of the process as communication was timely. Additionally, they know the law and will not be bullied by big insurance companies."
Joannie E.Jim was always available when we needed him to answer questions!
"Jim handled our case resulting from a very bad automobile accident. Both my husband and I were injured. He is very personable and efficient. He came to our home to get the details of the accident and continued to provide excellent handling of our case to the end when he reached an excellent settlement for us. We feel we became friends during this whole process."
Joan F.I cannot recommended them highly enough!
"I'm so grateful to Logeman & lafrate for taking care of my legal needs for my case. The entire staff are exceptional, professional, communicate well during the entire process."
D JuneBy far the best lawyer I've ever had!
"I had the pleasure of Jim Iafrate representing me. He was professional, had excellent communication skills and is trustworthy. He always kept me up-to date, was responsive and worked diligently. His abilities enabled us to settled my case in a timely manor. Thanks for your hard work Jim!"
Lana D.I can not say enough about this firm they continue to advocate for me!
"I was in 2 different catastrophic car accidents. Jim Iafrate has been my attorney for many years. I can say that without a doubt he is the best attorney in this field. Jim and his staff are professional and compassionate. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a attorney that has been in a car accident. Jim will go above and beyond for his clients."
Debra Q.My wife and I strongly recommend this law firm and are grateful for all their efforts.
"The attorneys at Logeman,Iafrate and Logeman were absolutely fantastic and professional in handling our case from a severe automobile accident. They provided constant support and guidance in making sure all of our medical needs were met. The staff at this firm was so helpful in all aspects of the case and subsequent trial and settlement."
Vince G.I know that we can always trust their advice!
"I work with individuals that have suffered a brain injury because of an auto accident. This law practice has always been an amazing resource for them. They always put their clients first and I know that we can always trust their advice."
Courtney W.I would recommend James and his office to anyone!
"James and his team worked right beside our entire family during the whole process and even after. James was always available and fought hard to get my family what we deserved. He didn't back down and was uplifting through the entire process. Not only was I proud to have him as our lawyer, we were even prouder that we can now call him a friend."
Rob K.