Ann Arbor car accident lawyers at Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. are reporting on a hit and run accident that injured Navya Varshney, a University of Michigan graduate student  on Wednesday, July 10th, around 1:45 a.m.  at the intersection of High Street and Elizabeth Street. According to police, a car traveling north on Elizabeth Street attempted to turn left on High Street when they hit Ms. Varshney crossing Elizabeth Street.  As a result of the crash, Ms. Varshney suffers from broken ligaments, cartilage and nerve damage in the fingers of her right hand, temple injury, shoulder injury, and a back injury.

I am so sorry to hear about this pedestrian injury accident. I hope Ms. Varshney has a fast recovery without any permanent damages.

According to reports, approximately eleven percent of all vehicle accidents are hit and run collisions involving 700,000 cars.  From 1999 to 2001 hit and runs have jumped 19% and continue to rise since 2003. Hit-and-run car accidents are too common and can be prevented.

Our Ann Arbor lawyers advise pedestrian victims of their legal rights after a Michigan car accident. For this type of hit and run, the injured U of M graduate student can submit a claim forMichigan No-Fault insurance benefits. No-Fault benefits will cover their medical expenses, lost wages, attendant care, replacement services, and other benefits related to injuries suffered in the accident. The student can claim these benefits even if they did not have a Michigan automobile insurance policy. (more…)

The Ann Arbor bicycle accident lawyers recently filed a lawsuit on behalf of a man who suffered serious and disabling injuries after being hit by a car. Injuries suffered in the crash include a traumatic brain injury, pain and suffering.

The lawsuit was filed in the Washtenaw County Circuit Court in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The bicycle accident lawsuit seeks damages of pain and suffering, disability, and loss of future earnings against the at-fault driver who hit our bicyclist client.

Our client was lawfully riding his bicycle on northbound East Huron River Drive in the bike lane, when he was struck by a driver who was distracted attempting to turn into a private drive.

Under Michigan law, failing to check to see if it is clear and safe to turn from a direct line on traffic is in violation of Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. §257.648. There are very strict time limitations in pursuing this type of claim. Therefore, if you are involved in a Michigan bicycle accident, we recommend that you contact our experienced Ann Arbor attorneys immediately.

To help prevent a car from hitting you while riding your bike on our Michigan roads, we recommend you know the following safety tips provided by the League of Michigan Bicyclists.  These tips include:

1. Ride to the right and never against traffic.
2. Ride your bike predictably, consistently and attentively.
3. When stopping your bike for a rest or emergency, move completely off the road.
4. When at an intersection make sure to make eye contact with drivers.
5. Signal your turns by using the appropriate signals (i.e. signal left turn by extending left arm straight out to left, signal right turns with an upturned left arm, signal stopping or slowing by extending your left arm straight down with your palm
   facing rearward)

We will represent you in your bicycle accident in Ann Arbor case under our NO FEE PROMISE. This means that you will not be charged any legal fees whatsoever unless we obtain a settlement or recovery for you. You have absolutely no obligation for legal fees unless we win your case. For more information about your rights after an Ann Arbor bicycle accident, call our top rated bike injury attorneys at (800) 606-1717.  We will discuss your case with you and start working on your claim immediately gathering all the evidence and witness statements to prove and win your case.

Our pedestrian accident injury attorneys represent victims of Washtenaw County pedestrian accidents. Many of these accidents have catastrophic results, including traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, internal injuries, neck and back injuries, spinal cord injuries, cuts, and gashes. In some instances the victim that sustains one or more of these injuries will never heal completely, which may result in a disability that can affect the rest of their life and their family’s life. Unfortunately, many people are killed in pedestrian accidents as a result of someone else’s negligence on the road.

Washtenaw County Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Washtenaw County is a county in the state of Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the population was 344,791. According to the 2000 census, the county has a total area of 722.53 square miles, of which 709.94 square miles is land and 12.59 square miles is water. Nearby counties include: Livingston, Oakland, Wayne, Monroe, Lenawee, Jackson, and Ingham.

According to the Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, there have been 98 deaths or serious injuries due to pedestrian accidents in Washtenaw County from 2007-2010. Other alarming statistics include:

• Washtenaw County ranks 6^th among all Michigan Counties during this time span for the number of persons seriously injured or killed in Pedestrian accidents.
• Washtenaw County ranks 4^th in percentage of all persons killed or seriously injured in a bike accident.
• Just over 10% of all deaths or serious injuries in Washtenaw County are accounted for by Pedestrian accidents.
• The average of county rank for percentage of persons killed or seriously injured in Washtenaw County Pedestrian accident is 5.00.

Washtenaw County Pedestrian Accident Lawsuits

Pedestrians injured by a motor vehicle have the right to pursue claims for injury damages against the person responsible for causing the accident. This would include an injury claim against a negligent motorist or truck driver who caused the accident with the pedestrian. In Michigan, a claim for personal injury damages can be filed against the party that was operating the vehicle in a negligent manner and caused the accident. When a pedestrian dies as a result of an accident, the family can file a Michigan Wrongful Death Lawsuit.

Pedestrians Struck by motor vehicles are also entitled to Michigan No-Fault insurance benefits. These benefits include payment of medical bills, hospital bills, lost wages, and other benefits. An injured pedestrian does not need to own a car or have an auto insurance policy to receive these benefits.

Contact a Washtenaw County Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Individuals injured in a Washtenaw County pedestrian accident should contact the law firm of Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. to schedule a free initial consultation. To speak with an experienced Michigan pedestrian accident lawyer, call us now at (800) 606-1717. Our office will start working on your case immediately and begin gathering the witness statements and evidence to prove and win your case.

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.

Our Ann Arbor car accident lawyers are reporting a hit and run that took place on June 3rd at a Ypsilanti bus stop on Huron River Drive. According to police, Kimberly Burke was driving along Huron River Drive and veered off directly into a bus stop hitting Christian Jimenez, and his pregnant girlfriend Tanesha Bush. Bush suffered leg injuries, and ultrasounds show that her baby is safe. Jimenez sustained a broken neck and serious head injuries.

I am very sorry to hear about this accident. I hope the injured victims have a fast recovery without any permanent damages.

Our Ann Arbor car accident attorneys advise victims of their legal rights. The injured victim may be able to submit a claim for Michigan No-Fault insurance benefits. No-Fault benefits will cover their medical expenses, lost wages, attendant care, replacement services, and other benefits related to injuries suffered in the accident. The injured individuals can claim these benefits even if they did not have a Michigan automobile insurance policy and even if they are determined to be at fault.

In addition, the injury victims may also have claims for personal injuries against the driver if determined to be at fault in this bus stop accident. The insurance company for the negligent driver typically pays a settlement for this type of case. In this lawsuit, the injured victim(s) can claim damages and compensation for the injuries suffered in the accident. Call us now at (800) 606-1717 to discuss your case with one of our experienced car accident attorneys.

Donald Majeske, a 74-year-old man, was injured in a Midland pedestrian-car accident while crossing the street in the area of Birchwood and East Wheeler.  According to police, Majeske was hit by by vehicle driven by a 60-year-old woman, Donna Tuttle.  The pedestrian man was taken to an Ann Arbor hospital and suffers injuries due to the accident.

I am very sorry to hear about this accident and hope the injured victim has a fast recovery. (more…)

Our Ann Arbor accident injury lawyers are reporting an Ann Arbor car accident that took place at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and East Huron Street.  The pedestrian accident took place this afternoon and two women were injured and taken to the hospital after being struck by a car.

I am very sorry to hear about this accident and hope the injured victims have a fast recovery without any permanent damages. (more…)

There was a story in the paper today about a fatal Ypsilanti Township pedestrian accident on December 6 in Washtenaw County. According to the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office, the pedestrian was walking along Michigan Avenue, near Wiard Road, when a 17-year-old driver allegedly attempted to swerve to avoid hitting the pedestrian but was unable to avoid the pedestrian. The pedestrian was killed on the scene. Police are still investigating the accident.

There was a story in the paper today about a pedestrian seriously injured in a Barry Township hit and run accident on November 26 in Calhoun County. According to the Barry Township Police, a 50-year-old woman was walking on Delton Road when she was allegedly hit by a dark colored sedan or minivan that fled the scene of the accident. She was taken to Borgess Hospital for treatment of her serious injuries. Police state that the vehicle may have damage to the hood or front end and was last seen on M-43. Police are still investigating and ask anyone with information to call them or Silent Observer at 1-800-310-9031.

There was a story in the news today about an accident involving a York Township pedestrian hit by a dump truck on November 18 in Washtenaw County. According to the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s department, a 20-year-old York Township man was walking on Judd Road, near Moon Road, when he was allegedly struck by a dump truck. He suffered serious injuries and is in critical condition at a local hospital. Police are still investigating this accident.

I am very sorry to hear about this tragic accident and hope the injured pedestrian has a complete and full recovery from his serious injuries.

If you would like more information about your rights after a Michigan car accident, you can order our FREE book, “The Ultimate Michigan Car Accident Handbook” by clicking on the book link. We will send it out immediately along with other important information.

For more information about Michigan car accident cases, visit our law firm web site at www.BuckfireLaw.com. If you would like to speak with one of our Michigan car accident attorneys about your case, feel free to call us anytime at (800) 606-1717 or simply submit this contact form and we will get back to you quickly.