Ann Arbor Pedestrian Accident Claims: Crosswalks and Evidence

After a pedestrian is struck in Ann Arbor, the exact crossing location and traffic controls matter. A marked crosswalk, signal-controlled intersection, driveway, and midblock crossing can raise different questions. The statement that a pedestrian always has the right of way is too broad to evaluate a claim.

Reconstruct the crossing from both viewpoints

Record the pedestrian’s direction, the vehicle’s movement, the signal phase, and where each person was when the danger developed. Identify parked vehicles, lighting, weather, and anything that affected visibility. Photograph the approaches from a safe location rather than only the point of impact.

Ann Arbor’s crosswalk design resources describe the local crossing environment. For a legal claim, the applicable current traffic rules and actual controls at the collision site need review; infrastructure guidance alone does not decide fault.

Preserve time-sensitive evidence

• Witness names and contact details, including people who saw the approach rather than only the aftermath.
• Available nearby business, residential, bus, or vehicle footage; identify the location and approximate time promptly.
• Original scene photographs showing markings, signs, signal equipment, obstructions, and vehicle damage.
• Police and incident numbers, driver identification, and any available emergency-response information.
• Clothing, footwear, personal items, and photographs of their condition if they may help explain the collision.

Insurance eligibility and driver fault are separate

An injured pedestrian may need to investigate no-fault benefits and a liability claim against a responsible driver. The correct insurer and available benefits depend on the person’s circumstances and applicable policies. Not owning a car does not, by itself, answer whether a benefits claim is available.

If the driver fled, report the collision and preserve identifying details, footage, and witnesses. Ask about potential benefit and uninsured-motorist options promptly. Do not assume another household policy applies without reviewing its insured-person definitions and conditions.

Respond to allegations of pedestrian fault with evidence

A driver or insurer may argue the pedestrian crossed unexpectedly, ignored a signal, or was difficult to see. Those allegations require examination of the actual sequence. Keep an accurate account of what you observed and avoid filling gaps with guesses.

See our Ann Arbor pedestrian accident practice page and the discussion of pedestrian fault in injury lawsuits. Medical records, work restrictions, and assistance needs help document the losses separately from the right-of-way dispute.

Discuss your claim with Logeman & Iafrate

For a free consultation, contact Logeman & Iafrate, P.C. or call (734) 994-0200. Bring the records described above so the conversation can focus on your accident, available coverage, and next steps.

This article provides general information, not legal advice. The applicable law, policy terms, and deadlines depend on the facts of your case.

Does every marked crosswalk give the same legal answer?

No. The controls, location, applicable rules, and conduct of the people involved must be evaluated.

Can I seek benefits if I do not own a car?

Possibly. No-fault eligibility and priority require review of the circumstances and available coverage.

What if the insurer says I crossed unexpectedly?

Preserve witness accounts, footage, signals, and visibility evidence. An allegation alone does not establish the final fault allocation.