Rear-end collisions are an unfortunately common occurrence on Lansing roads and highways. These incidents can lead to devastating injuries and financial hardship when another driver’s negligence is to blame. Securing fair compensation involves building a compelling legal case with help from a dedicated Lansing rear-end accident lawyer.
There are a variety of factors that frequently come into play in rear-end crashes, from distraction to impairment to simple failure to brake in time. Determining fault rests first on an investigation of these accident causes and the liable party’s actions or inactions. Knowledge of liability basics and case-building strategies with an Lansing car accident lawyer at White Law PLLC can help bring more clarity to your side of the story.
Common Causes of Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end collisions often occur because of driver distraction or inattention as motorists engage with cell phones, passengers, GPS, or other systems, taking their focus completely off the road ahead. Tailgating is another common cause when drivers dangerously follow too closely behind the vehicle in front and cannot stop in time to avoid a crash when they apply their brakes.
Inclement weather conditions and impaired visibility frequently lead directly to rear-end crashes as well on Lansing roads. Heavy rain, accumulating snow, dense fog, and blinding sun glare all negatively impact the ability to clearly see ahead and react appropriately to stop safely. Many drivers do not reduce their speed sufficiently to match the compromised conditions. Nighttime driving after sunset also inherently reduces visibility distances and sight lines for all drivers.
Even vehicles operated by attentive and skilled drivers can get caught off guard when the vehicle in the front unexpectedly stops at intersections, highway merges, or due to sudden slowdowns. The abrupt braking and rapid deceleration caused by getting stuck in traffic, approaching accident scenes, and encountering road debris also result in rear-end collisions despite alert drivers. Practicing defensive driving techniques and maintaining increased following distances are key to avoiding these all-too-common surprise stops.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Determining Liability
In rear-end collisions, liability often falls on the driver who hits the car in front of them. However, there are situations where the front driver may share partial fault or hold full responsibility. A personal injury lawyer in Lansing at White Law PLLC can investigate the accident details to establish liability.
While rear drivers are expected to maintain safe distances between vehicles, front drivers must still operate with reasonable care. If the front driver stops suddenly without cause, changes lanes erratically, or fails to use proper signals, they may share the blame. An investigation can demonstrate if such actions contributed to the collision.
Eyewitness testimony and crash scene evidence also factor into liability claims. It is important to work with a professional who knows how to evaluate these details to build a strong case for their clients’ compensation. They work with accident reconstruction specialists to recreate the scene and prove fault.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
How to Build a Compelling Case
A strong rear-end accident injury claim relies heavily on gathering key documentation like police reports, comprehensive medical records, and photographic evidence from the crash site. An experienced legal professional will know how to systematically obtain and rigorously evaluate all this documentation. They can identify those critical details and materials that clearly demonstrate the liable party’s negligence while establishing the injuries and losses suffered.
Eyewitness statements provide vital firsthand statements and proof of exactly how the collision occurred and what specific factors contributed to the incident. When you have legal representation, they may be able to locate bystanders or other motorists present and formally interview them to fully incorporate their eyewitness testimony into the case. You can also use reconstruction specialists to analyze sight lines, pre-collision vehicle positions, reaction sequences and times, post-crash debris patterns, and vehicle damage analysis, among other technical evidence available.
You should be prepared to recount as much of your personal accident experience as possible while detailing both injuries suffered and their ongoing physical, emotional, and financial impacts. This can make your case more compelling, help case evidence, and better communicate how the traumatic collision event overturned their life. It assists the legal team in appreciating the full scope of harm done.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
Statutes of Limitations for Michigan
In Michigan, you typically have three years from the date of a rear-end collision to file a personal injury lawsuit against any liable parties. This statute of limitations allows sufficient time to treat injuries, evaluate the long-term impacts, and build a strong legal claim before the deadline. A rear-end accident lawyer in Lansing can initiate the claims process quickly after an accident to gather fresh evidence.
The three-year timeframe restricts when cases can proceed but it has exceptions. For example, minors involved in the accident have until the age of 19 to bring any lawsuits related to the collision and their injuries. Additionally, the later discovery of new negligent parties or critical evidence may extend the filing times even beyond the standard period.
Moving forward quickly after any collision can help ensure all claims are filed fully, correctly, and strategically. The goal is to submit within Michigan’s statutory period while having the strongest possible demonstration of damages suffered. This comprehensive case evidence benefits the plaintiff later during any negotiations, settlement talks, or trial.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
Contact a Lansing Rear-End Accident Attorney
If you have been involved in a Lansing rear-end collision, contact a dedicated accident lawyer immediately. With the expertise to investigate crash details, prove fault, demonstrate damages suffered, and pursue maximum compensation for your losses, it is beneficial to have legal representation on your side. Your case may have more potential with someone experienced on your side.
The team at White Law PLLC has years of experience helping individuals who have been in your situation, and we are eager to try and do the same for you. Our team knows how to build compelling injury claims if you can bring the proper evidence. Contact us for a free consultation to see how we can possibly help bring you potential justice for damages lost.
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