The Latest Facts About Michigan Pedestrian Accidents

Last year, the Michigan pedestrian death toll increased by nearly 18 percent. Nationwide, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) projects 6,732 pedestrians were killed in 2025. GHSA data also shows pedestrian deaths rose sharply after 2015. From 2010 to 2021, pedestrian fatalities increased 77 percent — more than three times the 25 percent rise in all other traffic deaths over that period. What is causing this high death rate and how can it be reversed?

Hire a Michigan pedestrian accident attorney if you or a loved one has been injured. To help drivers and walkers minimize their respective risks, here is the latest information on Michigan pedestrian accidents.

DISTURBING DATA ON MICHIGAN PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS

Michigan State Police reported the following information on pedestrian accidents in recent years:

• 184 pedestrians died in 2025. This is a significant increase from 2024, when 156 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents.
• Pedestrian fatalities have increased significantly since 2018, when 145 pedestrians died on Michigan roadways.
• In 2024, 2,281 pedestrians were involved in a total of 2,131 car accidents, an increase over 2023, when 2,224 pedestrians were involved in 2,114 crashes.

WHAT FACTORS LEAD TO PEDESTRIAN FATALITIES?

Increased popularity of SUVs and trucks

One of the biggest culprits is the growing number of SUVs and trucks on the roads in Michigan and across the country. In fact, the major U.S. automakers have discontinued many of their smaller car models as more buyers opt for larger vehicles such as SUVs and pick-up trucks. According to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the higher front-end profiles and massive weight of these vehicles increase the risk of serious injury or death for pedestrians in the event of a crash.

Surge in road rage and aggression

Many individuals experienced high levels of stress and anxiety as a result of the pandemic, which caused an increase in aggressive driving and road rage. While the isolation and economic damage has subsided in large part, many drivers are still expressing their negative emotions behind the wheel.

Rise in distracted drivers and pedestrians

Pedestrians, like drivers, are also subject to distractions, which can lead to disastrous consequences. Someone looking down at a cell phone may not see an oncoming car or a “Don’t Walk” signal in time to avoid being hit. In addition, headphones and ear buds can block out honking horns and other warning sounds. And, when both drivers and pedestrians are distracted, the risk of a serious accident increases significantly.

WHO IS AT FAULT IN A MICHIGAN PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT?

Because of Michigan’s No-Fault law, a pedestrian injured in a motor vehicle accident may recover Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits through applicable auto coverage. A separate claim may also be made against a negligent driver for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

Liability depends on a variety of factors, such as which party had the right of way when the accident occurred. Most municipalities follow the Michigan Uniform Traffic Code, which states that pedestrians on the same half of the roadway as an approaching vehicle have the right of way. Additionally, pedestrians who are walking lawfully and obeying traffic signals in a crosswalk also have the right of way. However, it may be difficult to establish exactly what occurred in the aftermath of a serious accident.

Pedestrians may be partly responsible in certain situations, such as the following:

• Crossing the street against a “don’t walk” signal
• Darting out in front of a moving vehicle
• Jaywalking or crossing a street outside of a crosswalk

Drivers are usually at fault for pedestrian car accidents in the following circumstances:

• Running a red light or disregarding a stop sign or other traffic signal
• Speeding or otherwise driving recklessly
• Using a cell phone or other distracting device while driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Determining who is responsible for a pedestrian accident can be challenging, which is why it is important to hire an experienced pedestrian accident attorney if you or a loved one is injured after being struck by a motor vehicle.

OUR EXPERIENCED PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT LAWYERS WILL FIGHT TO WIN THE COMPENSATION YOU DESERVE

If you are injured in a Michigan pedestrian accident, you need an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer on your side. We will stand up to the insurance companies and fight for the benefits and compensation you deserve. Our knowledgeable attorneys have the skills and resources to build a winning case that ensures a successful outcome for you and your family.

Pedestrian accident law is complicated, but finding the right Michigan pedestrian accident attorney is simple.

Don’t let the legal clock run out. Start your case today by clicking on the link below or contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our legal team.