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Distracted driving is a major cause of car accidents in Michigan and across the country. A moment of inattention is enough to reduce a driver’s reaction time or cause them to overlook others on the road, with disastrous results.
If you or a loved one were injured by an inattentive motorist, a Grand Rapids distracted driving attorney with Christensen Law can help you recover compensation through a personal injury claim. Our car accident lawyers in Grand Rapids have advocated for victims since 1991. Let us use our knowledge and experience to help you seek justice.
Comprehensive Legal Support After a Distracted Driving Crash in Grand Rapids
Following a serious accident, it is normal to feel overwhelmed. Our Grand Rapids personal injury attorneys are here to help. We offer full-service legal representation for injury victims who need to recover compensation.
We know how traumatizing a distracted driving collision can be. While you focus on recovering your physical and psychological health, we will focus on securing your financial future. We may seek financial compensation through insurance claims or a personal injury lawsuit, depending on the details of your case.
Building a Compelling Case
Our distracted driving accident lawyers in Grand Rapids will gather evidence, such as video footage, photos, witness statements, and cell phone records to reconstruct the accident and establish fault. In addition, we will compile medical records, invoices, and other documentation to prove the extent of your damages. When it comes to securing your financial future, we will pursue all possible options.
Submitting Insurance Claims for Distracted Driving Collisions
Michigan is a No-Fault state for car accidents. This means drivers must carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance in addition to bodily injury and property damage and property protection insurance. PIP coverage compensates the policyholder for medical bills and some lost income, regardless of who is responsible for the crash.
If your damages exceed PIP policy limits, you can seek compensation through the distracted driver’s bodily injury, property damage, or property protection coverage. Any claim against the other driver’s insurance will require proof of fault.
Christensen Law will file claims with the appropriate carriers and negotiate with insurance adjusters to secure a fair settlement. We are investigators with experience building compelling cases on behalf of car accident victims.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit Against a Distracted Driver in Grand Rapids
Depending on the details of your case, our legal team will file a lawsuit against the at-fault party and their insurer to recover fair compensation. Our trial lawyers approach every case as though it is going to trial, and we are prepared to go to court if it means recovering the compensation you need.
Handling Wrongful Death Claims For a Distracted Driving Accident
Sadly, distracted driving accidents sometimes cause fatal injuries. If you lost a close relative in a distracted driving collision, you have our sincere condolences. A Grand Rapids wrongful death attorney on our team is here to support you during this difficult time. We will help you submit a claim for funeral expenses, burial costs, lost income, and other unexpected financial challenges.
Seeking Compensation for Your Grand Rapids Distracted Driving Accident
When you work with Christensen Law, you can rest assured that our Grand Rapids distracted driving accident lawyers will pursue fair compensation for the full extent of your losses. We are committed to getting justice, and we do not settle for less than you need after an injury caused by a distracted driver.
Damages we can help you recover after Grand Rapids distracted driving crash include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost current and future income
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Wrongful death damages
During your initial consultation, a Grand Rapids motor vehicle collision attorney will listen to your story and provide guidance based on your particular needs. If you hire our team, we will keep your concerns at the forefront as we investigate your accident and build a case strategy to fight for your legal rights. Our firm is interested in getting the justice you deserve from those responsible.
Millions Recovered in Successful Personal Injury Litigation
Since 1991, Christensen law has been fighting for the rights of injured people in Grand Rapids and throughout Michigan. We have secured multi-million-dollar awards and settlements on behalf of our injury clients, including:
- $17,800,000 settlement for a client who suffered permanent traumatic brain injury when a distracted truck driver rear-ended her vehicle
- $9,500,000 settlement for a motorcycle accident victim who was struck by a car that crossed the center line
- $4,197,000 settlement for a client who was a passenger in a vehicle when the driver ran a stop sign at 50mph, causing a T-bone accident
No matter how challenging your case is, you can rely on our compassionate distracted driving attorneys to pursue every available avenue to get the results you need.
What is Distracted Driving and How Does it Cause Accidents?
Distracted driving refers to any activity performed while driving that takes the driver’s attention off the road. According to the Michigan State Police, there are three types of distraction:
- Visual distraction, which takes the driver’s eyes off the road
- Manual distraction, which takes the driver’s hands off the steering wheel
- Cognitive distraction, which takes the driver’s mind off the task of driving
Some distractions, such as texting or posting on social media, involve all three types of distraction, creating even more dangerous conditions for those sharing the road.
Michigan Has Laws Against Distracted Driving
In Michigan, it is illegal for drivers to text, talk on the phone, or otherwise use their hands to operate a handheld device while on the road, per MCL § 257.602b. Such devices can distract the driver and cause serious accidents.
Distracted Drivers Cause Thousands of Accidents Each Year
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported more than 3,000 fatal injuries in distracted driving accidents in 2022. In Michigan alone, over 15,000 crashes in 2023 involved distracted drivers, and more than 50 of those accidents are fatal. The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning reports that Kent County is in the top five counties for distracted driving crashes in Michigan, with over 1,000 distracted driving collisions in 2023.
Distracted Driving Leads to Catastrophic Injuries
When a driver takes their attention from the road, they reduce their reaction time. At high speeds, this may prevent the distracted driver from braking before they strike another vehicle. Due to the force of impact, higher speeds are associated with greater injury severity, including life-altering catastrophic injuries.
Our firm has extensive experience assisting catastrophic injury victims, including traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury claims. Founding attorney David Christensen has won 95% of his TBI cases, and his experience managing legal cases for TBI patients, he has become well-versed in related medical terms and procedures.
Putting Your Needs First After a Distracted Driving Accident in Grand Rapids
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, Christensen Law can help you recover damages. We are passionate about ensuring our clients get the compensation they need after an accident.
Contact our office today to schedule your free consultation with a member of our team. We will hear your story and help you understand your legal options. If you hire us, you will pay nothing upfront for our legal assistance. We recover our legal fees and costs from your final settlement or verdict when we win your case.
Timing is critical, so don’t delay. Injury victims in Michigan typically have only one year to file a PIP claim or three years to file a personal injury lawsuit. These time limits can vary significantly depending on your case details, so contact us as soon as possible to get started.
