Key Points of This Article:
- Each year, about 476,000 people will be injured in a Michigan car accident, many of whom will be involved in an auto accident claim.
- Seeking compensation for accident injuries and other losses can be complicated; however, being preparing and knowledgeable in what steps to take after an accident can help.
- Speaking with a personal injury lawyer can lessen stressors and reduce the chance of any legal surprises or insurance challenges that could hurt your case.
- With over 40 years of experience in winning for the people of Michigan, The Lee Steinberg Law Firm, P.C. can help settle your car, truck, or motorcycle accident claim.
Motor Vehicle Accident Injury Advice from Michigan’s Top-Rated Attorneys
Every year, roughly 1.3 million people die in car accidents worldwide – an average of 3,287 deaths per day, according to data collected by SaferAmerica in 2019. And in Michigan, that includes nearly 1,000 car accident fatalities and 76,000 additional people who will be injured each year. Although the numbers can sound frightening, there are several ways to prepare for a car accident, including knowing how to prevent one through practicing good driver habits and recovering from injuries or losses quickly with the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer. The team of top-rated Michigan attorneys at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, P.C. is happy to provide this list of some of our most requested car accident prevention advice and suggestions on what to do after being involved in a wreck.
Cell Phone, Text Messaging, and Social Media Remain Top Driver Distractions
Over the last five years, distracted driving continues to grow as an epidemic around the world, Michigan included. And a growing number of distracted driving accidents are caused each year by electronic devices such as cell phones, mostly from drivers who are texting or using social media channels when they should be focused on the road.
List of Where Michigan Motorcycle Crashes Happen Most Often
In Michigan, the number of motorcycle fatalities since 2016 has remained around 150 each year. Metro Detroit areas, including Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties average more than three motorcycle-vehicle crashes every day in peak riding season during May-September with nearly half occurring on weekends, after 6 p.m. While motorcyclists are typically to blame for their injuries, other drivers also have a responsibility to keep motorcyclists safe.
6 Health Conditions That Make for More Dangerous Drivers
It can be complicated to address safe driving concerns with someone who is battling a health condition. Still, family and friends can help reduce the likelihood of that person causing a fatal crash by knowing what conditions are most dangerous. Drivers with a history of epilepsy, addiction, and reactive barriers caused by age or attention disorders are some of the most common health conditions contributing to motor vehicle crashes in Michigan.
What to Do in the Event of an Uber or Lyft Accident
According to the University of Chicago, the rate of traffic deaths has increased by nearly three percent in cities after the introduction of Uber and similar ridesharing services. A more reoccurring accident type involving rideshare vehicles involves dangerous intersection crashes, caused by distracted driving or speeding. Uber and Lyft are gaining popularity in Michigan, so more car accidents involving these services are likely to occur. Knowing what to do in this situation can drastically change the outcome of a personal injury claim.
Changes to Pain and Suffering Laws in Michigan Car Accident Cases
Many legislative changes related to the type of damages an injured person can present in a standard car negligence case, such as pain and suffering, took effect on June 13, 2019. However, because PIP choice with capped PIP benefits are not offered until July 1, 2020, some changes won’t occur until then.
Wrong-Way Car Accidents, Impaired Drivers and Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Often, wrong-way crashes occur because the driver is confused, distracted, fatigued, intoxicated, or made a bad decision to speed or pass at the wrong time.
On average, there are 11 wrong-way driving deaths in the state each year as reported by the Michigan Department of Transportation, and drivers who are high on drugs or abusing alcohol will account for three-quarters of them. If a person dies due to the wrongful conduct or negligence of another, the decedent’s beneficiaries may be entitled to compensation through filing a wrongful death claim.
10 Questions to Ask a Michigan Car Accident Lawyer
A personal injury lawyer knows what benefits an injured person is entitled to, how to negotiate with insurance companies and provide a general idea about what a case is worth, and how quickly it can be settled. But before choosing an attorney, it’s best the injured party learns as much as possible about the law firm and team supporting their case, and also asks as many questions necessary to know it is the best fit.
Car Insurance Companies Use Material Misrepresentation and Fraud to Get Out of Paying Michigan Accident Injury Claims
Michigan car insurance carriers are aggressively denying claims and refusing to pay Michigan no-fault benefits by alleging fraud or material misrepresentation in the purchase of the policy. The legal definition of material misrepresentation is the act of intentional hiding or fabrication of a material fact which, if known to the other party, could have terminated or significantly altered the basis of a contract, deal, or transaction. Tell your insurance company everything when purchasing a policy. Don’t leave anything or anybody out and tell the truth.
Parents Can Help Their Children Avoid Car Accidents
Michigan State Police data analyzed by the University of Michigan shows teens who choose to participate in distracted driving activities remain the most significant cause for concern. Teens are more easily distracted by texting, riding with friends, eating, using drugs or alcohol, playing music, and using mobile apps while driving. Parents can help their teens by modeling good driving behaviors, discuss the risk of dangerous distracted driving behaviors, and create a safe-driving contract to follow.
To review additional car accident prevention tips, personal injury advice, accident news, and legal updates relevant to Michigan communities, our team regularly updates our personal injury blog and YouTube and social media channels.
Request a Free Consultation; We’ll Be Right There
The top-rated personal injury attorneys at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, P.C. understand the challenges that come while recovering from a serious accident or when caring for a loved one who has been injured by the negligence of another. And we receive our highest satisfaction knowing our clients can recover more comfortably now that their medical care, lost wages, and other expenses will be taken care of because we helped win their case. If you’ve been in a Michigan car accident and injured, call us today for your FREE consultation: 1-800-LEE-FREE.
Also read:Michigan State University Student Receives Scholarship from Lee Steinberg Law Firm
