Car Accidents

If you were involved in a car accident, it is important to understand your right to compensation and whether you can hold another driver responsible. There are many different types of accidents, including drunk driving accidents, right-of-way accidents, and distracted driving accidents. Michigan is a no-fault car insurance state, which means that drivers are required to carry insurance and an injured person first looks to their own insurance for coverage, called Personal Injury Protection benefits. There are instances in which a victim can step outside the no-fault laws and bring a claim against the other driver for pain and suffering damages. At McCroskey Law, our Grand Rapids car accident lawyers are prepared to help you explore your legal options and protect your rights. We represent victims throughout West Michigan from offices in Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and Battle Creek.

Similar to other no-fault car insurance states, Michigan attempts to resolve basic car accident costs through insurance companies and policies called Personal Injury Protection. These benefits are designed to help drivers pay for the expenses associated with the crash, such as medical bills, wage loss, and other out-of-pocket losses. These benefits do not provide compensation for pain and suffering, however.

Michigan allows drivers to step outside the no-fault system if the accident resulted in a serious impairment of a bodily function, such as scarring or disfigurement or requiring surgery to treat your injuries. An injured person must prove that the other driver was at fault for causing the crash. A car accident attorney can advise Grand Rapids residents on whether they likely can bring a claim outside the no-fault system.

If you are able to pursue compensation under one of these exceptions, you must prove the elements of a personal injury claim in order to recover compensation. A personal injury claim requires you to show that the other driver was negligent or at fault for causing the crash. Each motorist has a duty to drive in a reasonable and prudent manner, which includes obeying traffic laws, refraining from distracted driving, and adjusting one’s driving to sudden hazards, such as traffic, roadway construction, or bad weather. Most cases begin with reviewing the police report or traffic crash report. It may demonstrate that the other driver operated his or her vehicle negligently is to get a copy of the police report for the accident.

If we succeed in establishing that the other driver was negligent, our Grand Rapids car accident attorneys can assert your right to compensation for a number of expenses, including lost wages beyond three years following the crash and pain and suffering damages. Michigan recognizes the comparative negligence doctrine, which allows a defendant to present evidence suggesting that the plaintiff acted negligently and contributed to his or her own injuries. If the jury concludes that the plaintiff was 50% or more at fault, the plaintiff will not be allowed to recover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.

Car accidents are usually overwhelming and stressful for a victim. If you were involved in a devastating accident that has changed your life, we are ready to assist you with exploring your legal options. We maintain offices in Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and Battle Creek, from which we offer diligent and attentive legal representation. Call us at one of our three office locations to schedule your free consultation. You can contact our car accident lawyers in Grand Rapids at 616-364-6607, in Muskegon at 231-726-4861, or in Battle Creek at 269-968-2215.