Grand Rapids Car Accident Attorneys

Helping You Recover After a Serious Car Accident

If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident, you may be facing a long road to recovery. You may be unable to work, facing mounting medical bills, and struggling to support yourself and your family. At Grewal Law PLLC, we understand the many challenges you are facing, and we are here to help.

Our Grand Rapids car accident lawyers have extensive experience handling all types of auto accident claims, including those involving truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and bicycle accidents. We have a proven track record of success, having recovered millions of dollars for our clients, and we are prepared to fight for you.

Call our office at (616) 202-5391 or contact us online to request a free, confidential consultation with one of our Grand Rapids car accident lawyers.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents?

Car accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:

• Distracted Driving: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents in the United States. In fact, in 2018, there were 2,841 people killed in distracted driving accidents. Distracted driving can include anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the road, including texting, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, talking to passengers, and more.
• Drunk Driving: Drunk driving is another leading cause of car accidents in the United States. According to the NHTSA, there were 10,511 people killed in drunk driving accidents in 2018. In Michigan, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher. If a driver is under the age of 21, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of .02% or higher.
• Speeding: Speeding is a factor in nearly one-third of all fatal car accidents in the United States. When a driver is speeding, they have less time to react to a dangerous situation, and the force of impact in a crash is greater.
• Reckless Driving: Reckless driving can include a variety of dangerous behaviors, including speeding, tailgating, running red lights, and more. When a driver is engaging in reckless driving, they are putting themselves and others at risk.
• Weather Conditions: Weather conditions can also contribute to car accidents. In Michigan, we see our fair share of snow and ice, which can make the roads slippery and dangerous. When the weather is bad, it is important to slow down and give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.
• Defective Auto Parts: Sometimes, car accidents are caused by defective auto parts. For example, if a driver’s brakes fail, they may be unable to stop in time to avoid a collision. In these cases, the manufacturer of the defective auto part may be held liable.

How Much is My Car Accident Case Worth?

One of the most common questions we receive is, “How much is my car accident case worth?” Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this question. The value of a car accident case will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of the injuries, the cost of medical treatment, the impact on the victim’s ability to work, and more.

That being said, if you were injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for a variety of economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Disability
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Our car accident lawyers in Michigan can review the facts of your case and help you understand what types of damages you may be entitled to recover. We can also give you an estimate of the value of your case.

What is Michigan’s No-Fault Car Insurance Law?

Michigan is a no-fault car insurance state. This means that, after a car accident, you will first turn to your own insurance company to recover compensation for your injuries. This is true regardless of who was at fault for the accident.

Under Michigan’s no-fault car insurance law, you can recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other economic damages. However, you cannot recover compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, unless your injuries meet the state’s “serious impairment of body function” threshold.

A “serious impairment of body function” is an injury that affects the victim’s ability to lead a normal life. This can include an injury that affects the victim’s ability to work, an injury that affects the victim’s ability to perform household tasks, and more. If your injuries meet this threshold, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover compensation for your non-economic damages.

If you were injured in a car accident, you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident and file a claim. However, you should avoid giving a recorded statement to the insurance company until you have spoken to an attorney. The insurance company may try to use your statement against you to deny your claim or reduce the amount of compensation you are owed.

What is Comparative Negligence?

In some car accident cases, the victim may be partially at fault for the accident. For example, if a driver was speeding and ran a red light, but the other driver was also speeding, the court may find that both drivers were partially at fault for the accident. In these cases, Michigan’s comparative negligence law will apply.

Under Michigan’s comparative negligence law, a person who is partially at fault for an accident can still recover compensation. However, their damages will be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if a person is awarded $100,000 in damages but is found to be 20% at fault for the accident, their damages will be reduced by 20%, or $20,000. This means they will receive $80,000 in compensation.

What Are the Most Common Car Accident Injuries?

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, some of which can be life-threatening. Some of the most common car accident injuries include:

• Whiplash: Whiplash is a soft tissue injury that occurs when the head is jerked back and forth. It is a common injury in rear-end car accidents. Symptoms of whiplash can include neck pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
• Broken Bones: Car accidents can cause broken bones, especially in the hands, arms, and legs. Broken bones can be extremely painful and may require surgery to repair.
• Head Injuries: Car accidents can cause a variety of head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs can be life-threatening and may cause permanent cognitive impairments.
• Back Injuries: Car accidents can cause a variety of back injuries, including herniated discs and spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries can cause permanent paralysis.
• Burns: Car accidents can cause fires, which can result in severe burns. Burns can be extremely painful and may require extensive medical treatment.
• Internal Injuries: Car accidents can cause internal injuries, such as internal bleeding and organ damage. Internal injuries can be life-threatening and may require emergency surgery.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Car accidents can be extremely traumatic, and many victims develop PTSD as a result. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and more.

If you were injured in a car accident, you should seek medical attention right away. Even if you do not think you were seriously injured, it is important to see a doctor. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries and whiplash, may not be immediately apparent. Seeing a doctor will ensure that you receive the necessary treatment and that your injuries are documented, which can be important if you decide to file a personal injury claim.

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer in Grand Rapids Help Me?

After a car accident, you may be wondering whether you need to hire a car accident lawyer in Michigan. While you are not required to have an attorney represent you, it is generally in your best interest to do so. Here’s why:

• Investigation: To recover compensation after a car accident, you will need to prove that the other driver was at fault. This can be difficult to do, especially if you are still recovering from your injuries. An attorney can conduct a thorough investigation into the accident, gather evidence, and identify all potentially liable parties.
• Valuing Your Claim: An attorney can help you understand the full value of your claim. This includes not only your current medical expenses and lost wages, but also any future medical treatment you may need and any future loss of earning capacity.
• Negotiating with the Insurance Company: Insurance companies are in the business of making money, and they will do everything they can to minimize their liability. An attorney can handle all communication with the insurance company and negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf.
• Filing a Lawsuit: If the insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement offer, an attorney can file a lawsuit and represent you in court.

Contact us today at (616) 202-5391. Our Grand Rapids car accident lawyers know what it takes to win, and we are prepared to fight for you.