Okemos Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

Being in an accident involving a distracted driver is preventable. Large numbers of distracted driving collisions are due to a single driver’s lack of focus on the task at hand. If you have been in a car accident and are facing serious injuries, an Okemos distracted driving accident lawyer may be able to help you secure compensation for your losses. 

With skilled help, you can take a step back from the stress of a car accident and leave it to experienced legal professionals. If you believe you have a claim, then speak with a car accident lawyer in Okemos. We have years of experience helping accident victims in Michigan.

Distracted Driving in Michigan

Our personal injury lawyers in Okemos will closely look at the driver at fault and determine if they are negligent. If they are responsible for your injuries, a distracted driving accident lawyer in Okemos can hold them accountable. Distracted driving is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as anything that keeps the driver’s hands or minds off the wheel or off the task of driving. 

In 2021, Michigan put a strict no cell phones law into place, which banned texting while driving. However, in 2023, legislators took this a step further by placing a statewide law that prohibits even holding a cell phone while operating a vehicle. 

Michigan has very strict laws on distracted driving and ensures that the necessary regulations are enforced. However, it is not just cell phones that are distracting drivers on the roads. There are other ways distracted driving accidents can occur, which include the following:

• Eating while driving
• Talking to passengers
• Adjusting the radio or other car controls 
• Putting on makeup or doing hair
• Attempting to use hands-free communication systems
• Using a GPS
• Reaching for objects in the car 
• Trying to parent children while in the car 

Even though the above actions are illegal, they can easily lead to distracted driving collisions. 

What to Do if You Were Involved in a Distracted Driving Accident

Getting into a car accident can be overwhelming. Knowing the best steps to take can help you take measures to protect yourself and your rights. Following a collision:

1. Call 911 as soon as possible. They will arrive on the scene, gather the necessary evidence to determine fault, and file an official police report. Additionally, medical personnel can treat and document your injuries, which will be needed if a claim is filed.
2. If you are safe and able to do so, take pictures and videos from the crime scene. The more evidence you can collect, the better your claim will be. Speak with witnesses, get contact information, and speak with the other driver so all insurance information can be exchanged.
3. Report your accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Sometimes, delays can make it easier for your company to dismiss your case completely. Remember, never admit fault when speaking to insurance adjusters, and offer all evidence you have.

Filing a Distracted Driving Accident Claim in Michigan

In Michigan, the state operates under no-fault insurance. This means that when you are involved in any type of car accident, your personal injury protection insurance (PIP) will step up and cover what you have lost. The same will go for the driver who was at fault.

Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance will cover the following:

• $50,000 bodily injury cover per person
• $100,000 bodily injury cover per car accident
• $10,000 in property protection for accidents that take place outside of the state

PIP insurance covers the basics. For compensation of other losses, it may be best to speak to a personal injury attorney. Depending on the particulars of your case, you may be entitled to pain and suffering damages and emotional distress in a personal injury claim against the responsible party.  

The Time Frame to File a Legal Claim

The statute of limitations is a legal time frame that allows victims to file legal claims directly following an injury in a specific time frame. In Michigan, you will have three years from the date of your accident to file a legal claim. Getting started with a distracted driving accident lawyer as soon as possible will ensure you are meeting these deadlines and can be the amount of compensation you deserve. 

The Damages Victims Could Claim in a Distracted Driving Accident 

After being in a car accident, you realize that there are many losses one can sustain. On top of injuries, there is property damage, vehicle damage, ongoing expenses, and even lost wages from being out of work. Your insurance companies will cover some losses, which could include the following:

• Medical bills
• Medical expenses for ongoing and future medical treatment
• Lost wages if you are unable to work 
• Transport costs if a vehicle is lost
• Property damages
• Vehicle damages

These non-economic damages are all intangible losses that have no monetary value associated with them. Things such as emotional distress, mental anguish, or pain and suffering could be covered in a legal claim. It takes the work of your distracted driving attorney from White Law PLLC to fully determine your losses and fight for your rights. 

Contact an Okemos Distracted Driving Accident Attorney Today

Our firm prides itself on fighting for clients first and foremost. With close to $1.4 billion in results won for clients, we know all areas of law and aren’t afraid to fight for what’s right. A distracted driving accident attorney in Okemos must act as a guide for victims, offering support and care. At White Law PLLC, we want to get to know you more in order to find a solution that best fits your case needs. 

Give us a call and schedule your free consultation. During this, we will work with you to strategize the best course of action moving forward. With us, you can rest easy and focus on your recovery, knowing you have a great legal team behind you.