Dedicated and Experienced Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys
We Have Decades of Experience Fighting for the Rights of Distracted Driving Accident Victims
Driving is a task that requires undivided attention; a little distraction, even for a second, is enough to cause an accident. This is why Michigan is constantly introducing initiatives, like National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, to warn and educate drivers about the dangers of distracted driving. But despite the initiatives by the government, drivers still engage in activities that distract them while behind the wheel.
If you or a loved one gets involved in a collision caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Grand Rapids distracted driving accident lawyers have helped many distracted driving accident victims get a settlement from the party responsible for their injuries. We will review the facts of your case and offer personalized legal advice.
Call us at 248-286-8100 to book a free case review.
Why Choose Our Distracted Driving Accident Attorney?
At Goodman Acker P.C., we have decades of experience representing the victims of distracted driving accidents in the Grand Rapids area. We understand the complexities of these cases and know how to prove that the at-fault driver was distracted. We also have an in-depth knowledge of Michigan’s legal system and have developed effective ways to obtain a favorable outcome.
Our lawyers will help you maximize compensation and reduce the financial strain caused by your injuries, time away from work, and other losses.
Our Grand Rapids distracted driving lawyers will always prioritize your needs and work with the law to hold the at-fault party accountable. We have an outstanding 99% success rate, and our clients have positive reviews of our services. We are available 24/7 to attend to you, and we work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to worry about paying our fees upfront.
Contact us at 248-286-8100 to take advantage of our free initial consultation.
What Is Distracted Driving?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), distracted driving involves any action that takes your attention away from driving. Examples are sending texts, talking on a cellphone, eating while driving, or using a navigation system. These actions take your attention off the road, endangering you and other road users.
Data from the CDC shows that in the United States, nine people die daily in traffic accidents that reportedly involve a distracted driver. In Michigan, distracted driving is considered one of the fastest-growing safety issues on the road. In 2021, 5.9% of Michigan crashes involved a distracted driver. This amounts to 16,543 motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver, and 59 of those accidents resulted in fatalities.
Distracted driving is of three types:
- Visual distractions involve tasks that take your eyes off the road, like looking at a billboard or reading a text.
- Manual distractions involve actions that cause you to take your hands off the vehicle’s steering wheel, like eating, fighting with a passenger, etc.
- Cognitive distractions involve taking your mind off driving, like arguing with a passenger or being lost in thought.
Since driving requires you to be manually, visually, and cognitively present, you risk causing an accident if you engage in any of these distractions.
How Will Our Lawyer for Distracted Driving Accidents Prove the Liability of the At-Fault Driver?
Distracted driving is often hard to prove without evidence. If all you have are suspicions that the other driver was distracted, you may be unable to file a claim successfully. Therefore, you need clear and convincing proof to show that the other driver was distracted when they caused the accident.
The following are the pieces of evidence used by our Grand Rapids distracted driving accident attorney to prove liability:
Police Report
Immediately after a distracted driving car accident, report the accident to the police. The investigators will document crucial facts about the crash, including the location, date, and time, and contact and insurance information of the other driver. The police will also document evidence pointing to distracted driving, like food wraps or an open social media app on the driver’s phone.
Witness Statements
Witnesses can help you prove distracted driving by stating whether they saw the other driver eating, on the phone, hands off the wheel, etc. You should try to speak to witnesses after the crash to get their statement.
At Goodman Acker P.C., we have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients and will work tirelessly to get you a favorable outcome.
It also helps to collect the witness’s contact info to talk with them later. If your injury prevents you from doing so, our distracted driving attorney can canvass the area where the accident happened to speak with any eyewitnesses.
Phone Records
Another crucial proof is the other driver’s phone records, which show whether they were texting or on a call when the crash happened. Michigan allows hands-free cellphone use when driving, but if the driver holds the phone, it is illegal and amounts to distracted driving. Also, aside from tracking usage, cellphone records show whether the driver was on an app, taking photos, or posting content on social media moments before the crash.
Video Footage
If the accident happened where there are traffic cameras or an area where houses or businesses have cameras outside, it might capture the accident. A dashcam of another vehicle may also capture the crash. The footage from these cameras will show if the other driver was distracted when the accident happened, making it a crucial piece of evidence.
What Compensation Will Our Grand Rapids Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Get You?
The first thing to note when considering seeking compensation after a distracted driving accident is that Michigan is a no-fault insurance state. This means parties to an accident will cover their own injury treatment and some of their lost wages using their insurance policy.
However, there is an exception. If you sustained severe injuries, like a traumatic brain injury or disfigurement, you can file a compensation claim against the negligent distracted driver. Our distracted driving accident attorney can help you recover economic and non-economic damages in such an instance.
The compensation will cover:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Cost of medical equipment
- Loss of companionship, etc.
Depending on the facts, you may be eligible to receive exemplary damages from the at-fault party.
At Goodman Acker P.C., we take a personalized approach to every case we handle, ensuring we deliver our best to every client.
Grand Rapids Distracted Driving Accident Attorney FAQs
Many distracted driving accident victims are reluctant to hire a lawyer for various reasons. As a result, they usually have questions about why they need legal representation and how much they will spend on attorney fees. Some of the frequently asked questions are:
You can choose to hire or not hire a lawyer. However, it is best to get legal representation as distracted driving accident cases are not always straightforward. Our lawyers know how to use the available evidence to help you prove the other driver was distracted, making us your best chance at a favorable outcome.
The duration of a case depends on whether the parties settle or go to trial. Settlement takes weeks to a few months, while trials can last for a year or more, depending on the court’s calendar.
There is no fixed amount for how much your lawyer can get you. However, your attorney will consider several factors, like injury severity, lost wages, property damage, etc., before estimating, and their negotiation skills will determine whether they get the amount calculated or less.
A lawyer for distracted driving accidents works on a contingency fee basis. So we charge between 33% and 40% of the amount you receive as compensation, and we only get the money after winning your case.
How Can Our Distracted Driving Accident Attorney Help You?
After an accident, it is crucial that you get legal representation to commence the claims process immediately and increase your chances of getting compensation. When you hire our legal team at Goodman Acker P.C., these are some of the ways we will serve you:
- Render legal advice and guide you on how to proceed with your case
- Investigate the claim to gather evidence and prepare a legal case
- Commence legal action either in court or with the at-fault party’s insurance company
- Handle settlement negotiations before the case goes to trial and advise you on your options
- Present your case to a jury at trial and introduce evidence to support your case.
We will dedicate our resources to aggressively pursue your case and obtain a fair settlement from the at-fault party. We do not give up until we get a favorable outcome.
Book a Free Consultation With Our Grand Rapids Distracted Driving Accident Attorney
Are you or a loved one a victim of a distracted driving accident? If yes, our legal team at Goodman Acker P.C. can help you recover compensation from the at-fault party. We will protect your rights and work tirelessly to obtain a favorable outcome. Call us now at 248-286-8100 to book a free initial consultation.
LEGALLY REVIEWED BY BARRY J. GOODMAN
Barry J. Goodman has devoted his professional life to keeping courthouse doors open for victims seeking justice. Always a tireless advocate for his own clients, Goodman sees his responsibility as a Detroit personal injury attorney in a broader sense as well. [ Attorney Bio ]
ABOUT GOODMAN ACKER
Why Choose Us