MICHIGAN CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS

Uncovering the Cause of Your Car Accident

The first step to pursuing compensation with a car accident claim is identifying the negligent party. With millions of car accidents occurring on the road every year, it is no surprise that majority of these auto accidents are caused by driver negligence.

Our team of experience Michigan car accident lawyers can help determine if the other driver committed any of the following negligent behaviors:

• Distracted Driving: This involves anything that diverts the driver's attention from the road. Cellphone use, texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or interacting with passengers can all lead to distractions.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI/OWI): Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
• Speeding or Reckless Driving: Driving at excessive speeds or engaging in reckless behavior such as aggressive maneuvers greatly increases the risk of accidents.
• Fatigued Driving: Being overly tired or falling asleep at the wheel can impair a driver's ability to react promptly and make sound decisions.
• Following Too Closely (Tailgating): Not maintaining a safe distance between vehicles can lead to rear-end collisions, especially when the lead car brakes suddenly.
• Failure to Yield: Ignoring traffic signs or signals, not giving the right of way, or not yielding when necessary can result in collisions.
• Running Stop Signs/Red Lights: Disregarding traffic signals increases the chances of intersection accidents, often resulting in T-bone collisions.
• Illegal Lane Changes, Turns, etc.: Making sudden or illegal maneuvers without signaling or checking blind spots can cause accidents, especially on highways or in heavy traffic.
• Vehicle Malfunctions: Mechanical failures like brake failure, tire blowouts, or other issues with the vehicle's components can cause accidents, especially if the driver is unable to control the vehicle.

This list is by no means exhaustive; there are many ways in which negligence can lead to car accidents, including defective auto parts or dangerous vehicle designs.

The legal team at Grewal Law PLLC utilizes all possible resources to uncover the party responsible for your injuries and hold them accountable, including police reports, witness testimony, medical experts, and accident reconstructionist.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU'RE INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT?

After being involved in a car accident, things can feel chaotic and as if they're moving far too quickly. However, following a few simple rules can help alleviate the confusion that follows most accidents.

1. Stay calm and do not leave the scene of the accident. Michigan law requires anyone involved in an accident to remain at the scene until law enforcement officers arrive and collect everyone’s information. Notify the police, even for seemingly minor accidents.
2. Check for injuries. Be prepared to call 911 if you suspect someone has been seriously injured. Injuries may be obvious (such as broken bones) or hidden (such as some traumatic brain injuries).
3. Call your insurance agent to report the accident. This step is crucial to resolving your claim in a timely manner. Your insurance agent and police officers are the only people with whom you should discuss the accident. However, even when speaking to your own insurance company, do not admit fault.
4. If possible, document the crash scene. If you have a camera available, take photographs of the damage and position of the vehicles (a cell phone camera will do). Make a diagram and note the weather and road conditions.

These rules may seem intuitive now, but in the chaos and commotion surrounding an accident it can be difficult to think straight. If you have been involved in an automobile accident, even if you missed some of the above steps, call us. We may be able to help you sort through the aftermath.