Motor vehicle accidents continue to be a serious problem across Lansing, the state of Michigan, and across the country. Despite the fact that Michigan has implemented strict distracted driving laws, there continues to be a significant number of collisions and fatalism caused by distracted driving. Fortunately, if your life has been turned upside down by a negligent driver, you may be able to hold them accountable and recover maximum financial compensation.
A highly experienced Lansing distracted driving accident lawyer with White Law PLLC is here to help you demand justice and get the most out of your claim. You need a knowledgeable Lansing car accident lawyer by your side who understands the nuances of Michigan tort laws and will stop at nothing to make the liable party pay. Contact our office to schedule a free consultation today and find out how you can protect your rights and start to take back control of your future.
Distracted Driving Is More than Texting or Cell Phone Use
It surprises many car accident victims that distracted driving can take several forms. Anything that takes your attention off of the roads could be considered a distraction. There are three primary types of distracted driving, including:
- Cognitive distractions – Cognitive distractions can include anything that takes your mind off of the roads. The driver may have been daydreaming, thinking about their stressful day at work, or simply not paying attention to the surrounding roadways.
- Manual distractions – Manual distractions include anything that takes your hands off the wheel or your feet off the gas or brake pedals. Perhaps the driver was reaching for a beverage in the cupholder, trying to make changes to the navigation system, or was reaching behind the sea looking for a lip balm, for example.
- Visual distractions – Visual distractions include anything that takes your eyes off the roadways. Maybe the driver that hit you was distracted by a large brightly lit billboard along the highway, “rubbernecking” as they drove by a pre-existing motor vehicle crash, or were looking at their cell phones while driving.
If you are unsure whether distracted driving played a part in your collision, do not hesitate to contact a Lansing personal injury lawyer at White Law PLLC to discuss your potential legal options.
Michigan has legislation in place that prohibits motorists from operating a vehicle while using a cell phone or distracted driving. Motorists can face citations and potentially even criminal charges if their distracted driving ultimately causes catastrophic injury or death.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
You Can Recover Compensation for Every Single Loss
At White Law PLLC, we do not believe that injury victims should be forced to cover the cost of another party’s negligent or reckless actions. Under Michigan tort laws, injury victims and accident survivors like you can recoup the total value of their damages, including economic and non-economic damages. Your distracted driving accident lawyer in Lansing, MI will review the circumstances of your case to determine the best course of action to maximize your settlement.
How Distracted Driving Car Accident Insurance Claims Work
In most distracted driving accident cases, injury victims have an opportunity to recover the compensation they deserve by filing a claim with the insurance company. Michigan is considered a no-fault state for auto insurance, but motorists have the authority to reject personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. This can make insurance claims notoriously complex.
If you made the decision to carry PIP coverage, you have the option of filing a claim with your personal auto insurance provider. Your PIP coverage should provide you with compensation for specific types of losses up to the maximum amount of coverage purchased. However, if you did not have PIP coverage at the time of the accident, instead of finding a claim against your own insurance policy, you might have the option of filing a claim against the distracted driver’s auto insurance policy.
Whether you are dealing with your insurance company or that of the at-fault party, do not be surprised if the insurance company refuses to settle your claim without some pushback. The insurance company will lose money if they settle your claim, so they will have their teams of insurance adjusters tear apart your application, looking for any opportunity to reduce your settlement or deny your claim altogether. Fortunately, when you have a dedicated distracted driving accident attorney in Lansing, MI with our firm on your side, you do not need to worry about being taken advantage of.
Filing a Distracted Driving Car Accident Lawsuit
If the distracted driver that hit you does not have auto insurance, or the insurance company is not compensating you for every single loss you have endured, it is important to consider alternative options. Bringing your case to trial could be an excellent way to ensure you are compensated for not only the insurance company’s covered losses but your economic damages as well. Examples of potentially recoverable damages after a distracted driving accident could include:
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Lost earning capacity
- Medical expenses and future care costs
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional trauma and distress
- Loss of household services
- Vehicle repair expenses
- Permanent disability
- Embarrassment and shame
- Loss of income
- Rental car costs
- Skin scarring and disfigurement
At trial, there is also a possibility punitive damages may apply. However, you should never plan on punitive damages being awarded in your personal injury case, as they are reserved for instances of gross negligence or intentional malice. Conversely, punitive damages may be appropriate in your case, especially if the driver who hit you has repeatedly been cited for distracted driving.
We’re not just lawyers. We’re passionate advocates who will ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
Meet with Lansing’s Premier Distracted Driving Accident Law Firm Today
Distracted driving is 100% preventable. If it were not for the negligent driving of another, you may have never suffered devastating injuries and been forced to endure considerable emotional distress and financial losses. It is time for the at-fault party to be held accountable and provide you with the financial compensation that is rightfully ours.
Are you ready to make them pay? Connect with a skilled Lansing distracted driving accident attorney with White Law PLLC to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. Call our office or submit our secured contact form to get started on your claims as soon as today.
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