It is not unusual for most rear-end accident victims to believe their case is cut and dry. After all, the driver that struck you from behind is at fault and should pay, right? The truth may be more complex than you expected.
Your respected Grand Rapids rear-end accident lawyer at White Law PLLC will conduct an intensive investigation into the cause of your collision so we can bring anyone and everyone who shares liability for your damages to justice. Request a 100% free consultation with an experienced Grand Rapids car accident attorney today. When you do, you can find out more about other parties who could be at fault, how the insurance claims process works, and ways to recover maximum compensation for your damages.
Your Rear-End Accident Lawyer in Grand Rapids, MI Must Prove Liability and Negligence
The only way a rear-end collision lawsuit can be successful is if your Grand Rapids personal injury attorney can prove the defendant’s liability. To do this, we must show that the elements of negligence have been met. These include:
- Duty of care – The party accused of causing the accident was obligated to your safety or well-being
- Breach of duty – The accused party did not carry out their obligation to your safety or well-being
- Causation – The accused’s actions were the cause of your injuries
- Damages – You endured significant damages, whether they be financial, physical, emotional, or psychological
Your rear-end accident attorney does not need to prove liability beyond a reasonable doubt. The burden of proof in personal injury lawsuits is based on a preponderance of the evidence. Essentially, we must present evidence that convinces the judge and jury that the defendant is more than likely at fault for the accident.
The Driver that Hit You Might Not Be Liable
Many people are quick to assume that rear-end collisions are always caused by the following driver. This is an easy assumption to make, as the following drivers must leave enough stopping distance between vehicles. However, there are many circumstances in which the driver who hit you from behind will not be at fault for the accident.
We see this most often in multi-vehicle pile-ups or in situations where the driver could not avoid crashing into the back of your vehicle, whether that be due to road safety hazards or mechanical defects. For this reason, though we may suspect the following driver is at fault, we must continue to conduct an in-depth investigation. This way, if another party shares responsibility for the accident, they can be brought to justice.
The Evidence We Obtain Must Be Compelling
Your rear-end accident attorney in Grand Rapids, MI will be responsible for building a case against the liable party. Throughout our investigation, we will be gathering valuable evidence that could be used to prove the defendant’s culpability. Examples of some of the most powerful types of evidence could include:
- Photos of your injuries
- Crash data
- Video of the collision
- The defendant’s blood alcohol test results
- Reports from accident reconstructionists
- Dashcam footage
- Witness statements and testimony
- Expert witnesses
- The defendant’s criminal history
- Data obtained from vehicle black boxes
- The defendant’s driving record
- Safety inspection and repair logs
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Demand Maximum Compensation for Your Damages and Suffering
Most car accident victims have multiple opportunities to recover compensation for their losses. You have the right to be fully repaid for every single loss you have experienced as a result of the rear-end collision. This does not only include economic damages, but non-economic damages as well, such as:
- Reduced quality of life
- Wage losses
- Permanent disability
- Loss of employee benefits
- Medical expenses
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Disfigurement and skin scarring
- Auto insurance premiums increase
- Rental car costs
- Medical device expenses
- Vehicle repair cost costs
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional distress
- Embarrassment
Some of these damages may be available through the at-fault party’s insurance policy. However, most insurance policies only offer coverage for property damages and medical expenses, and only pay out up to the maximum amount allowed based on the policyholder’s policy terms. If you hope to get the most out of your claim, you should always prepare for the possibility of bringing forward a personal injury lawsuit against those responsible.
We’re not just lawyers. We’re passionate advocates who will ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
Do Not Lose Hope If You Are Accused of Causing the Collision
When you’ve been struck from behind, it is more common than you might think for the liable party to blame you for causing the accident. Michigan follows modified comparative negligence laws, so sharing liability does not necessarily bar you from pursuing your case unless your percentage of blame exceeds the threshold. The greater your portion of blame, the less the liable party will be required to compensate you.
If your portion of blame exceeds the state’s limit, you lose your right to have your case heard at trial. It is common for liable parties and insurance companies to attempt to use these laws in their favor. Fortunately, your Grand Rapids rear-end accident lawyer with White Law PLLC will be prepared.
Throughout our investigation, we will have gathered the evidence needed to challenge the defense’s allegations against you. We will do everything possible to ensure blame is accurately assessed in your case. This way, the court will have no other choice but to rule in your favor.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
Get Help from a Top-Rated Rear-End Accident Attorney in Grand Rapids, MI Today
Have the injuries you sustained after being struck from behind made it difficult or impossible for you to complete daily living activities or live your life as normally as possible? Are you ready to demand the liable party be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law? Take action on your claim when you connect with a dedicated Grand Rapids rear-end accident attorney at White Law PLLC.
With our legal advocates on your side, you can breathe easier knowing a team of professionals is investigating, negotiating, and demanding fair compensation for your losses. Get started on your case as soon as today when you contact us to request a free, no-obligation consultation. Reach us by phone or through our quick contact form to start picking up the pieces of your life.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
