Pedestrian Accidents In Ann Arbor
Being a pedestrian attempting to cross a street or even just walking alongside a busy road may tend to be a bit frightening. However, it is probably good if pedestrians are a little paranoid given it is not uncommon for pedestrians to be involved in motor vehicle accidents. To help lower the number of pedestrians involved in accidents, Ann Arbor has an ordinance in place giving the right of way to pedestrians at a cross walk when there is no signal at the intersection. The ordinance is listed below:
Ann Arbor Ordinance (Chapter 126:10:148a, Pedestrians crossing streets): When traffic-control signals are not in place or are not in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall stop and yield the right-of-way to every pedestrian approaching or within a crosswalk.
What it means: If you’re driving a vehicle (car, bus, truck, delivery van, bike) and you see someone trying to cross the street at a crosswalk or already crossing the street, STOP. Wait until they’re across the street and proceed. The fine for not following the law is $100.
To help pedestrians ensure they are less likely to be involved in motor vehicle accidents, www.wbwc.org has compiled a list of safety tips pedestrians should adhere to which is listed below:
- Drive cautiously – Reduce speed when encountering cyclists, in inclement weather, give cyclists extra trailing and passing room, and recognize situations that may be potentially dangerous to cyclists and give them space.
- Yield to cyclists – Cyclists are considered vehicles and should be given the appropriate right of way. Cyclists may take the entire lane when hazards, road width or traffic speed dictate. Also, Motorists should allow extra time for cyclists to traverse intersections.
- Be considerate – Scan for cyclists in traffic and at intersections, don’t blast your horn in close proximity to cyclists, and look for cyclists when opening doors.
- Pass with care – Leave at least three feet of space between your car and a cyclist when passing, and wait until road and traffic conditions allow you to safely pass.
- Watch for children – Children on bicycles are often unpredictable, and be aware that most children don’t have adequate knowledge of traffic laws.
- Be Patient – If you encounter a cyclist riding poorly, don’t take out your frustration on the next cyclist you come upon. Cyclists, unlike drivers of motor vehicles, typically don’t receive any training and they’re operating a roadway typically designed with the needs of cars first.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an Ann Arbor pedestrian accident, you should contact our lawyers immediately to learn your legal rights. You are automatically entitled to receive Michigan no-fault insurance benefits even if you did not own a vehicle or have your own auto insurance policy. These benefits will pay all of your medical expenses and lost wages resulting from injuries suffered in the pedestrian accident. There are a number of other benefits that you can receive also.
You may also be entitled to a substantial settlement for your injuries. We help our clients receive the maximum possible compensation for their injuries, which includes settlements for your pain and suffering, disability, and scars or disfigurements that resulted from the accident. In cases involving a fatal pedestrian accident, we file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the surviving family members.
When you call Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C., you will speak with directly with an experienced attorney who is friendly and eager to answer all of these questions for you. You may even have more questions and concerns and we will spend however long it takes to make sure you have a full and complete understanding of your rights. We will also explain how we can help you.
Contact Our Ann Arbor Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Want to know the settlement value of your Ann Arbor pedestrian accident case? Tell us your story and we will evaluate your case. We charge absolutely no legal fees unless you receive a settlement and we pay all of the case costs and expenses. If your case is unsuccessful for any reason, you owe us nothing. We put that in writing for you.
- Toll-Free Phone (800) 606-1717
- Contact By Fax (248) 569-6737
- Contact By E-mail Larry@Buckfirelaw.com
You can also contact us initially through our website Free Case Review Box. If you prefer that type of contact initially, we will review your case and get back to you quickly with our initial opinions. Our goal is to learn as much as possible about your case and then provide you with your best legal options.
