Being involved in a car accident in Grand Rapids is a harrowing experience. In just a moment, your life can be turned upside down. The shock of the crash, the pain of any injuries, and the overwhelming confusion about what to do next can be incredibly distressing. You might be wondering where to start, who to call, and how to ensure you take the right steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.
In this moment of uncertainty, you need a trusted ally to guide you through the chaos. Giroux Pappas is a dedicated auto accident firm serving the Grand Rapids and Kent County area. Our car accident lawyers are here to help you navigate this difficult time with compassion and expertise. We understand the challenges you’re facing, and we’re committed to providing personalized, accessible support. We offer free consultations, will come to you at your convenience, and will help you navigate the complex insurance and legal processes. Let us take on the burden of legal worries so you can focus on your recovery and well-being.
Grand Rapids Auto Accident Statistics
Grand Rapids, located in Kent County, is one of Michigan’s major cities, and the area sees a significant number of auto accidents each year. According to the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, the 2022 crash data report for Kent County found the following:
- 20,150 auto accidents
- 55 of these accidents resulted in fatalities
- 941 had suspected serious injuries
- 2,416 suspected minor injuries
- 6,222 possible injuries
Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Grand Rapids
One of the most common causes of accidents in Grand Rapids is distracted driving. Shocking, right? According to recent statistics from the Michigan State Police, there were around 1,339 total crashes in Kent County caused by distracted driving.
Too many people eating while driving or even texting seems harmless. Does knowing it’s one of the leading causes of accidents change your opinion on it? Even things like putting on makeup, using in-car technology, and assisting children can be forms of distracted driving.
Another common reason for accidents is speeding. There were around 21,535 cases of speeding incidents in Michigan! Speeding makes everything faster, making your and other drivers’ reaction time slower. It also disrupts the flow of traffic. Someone speeding may pass you quickly, and drivers may swerve to get out of the way. Speeding may be considered reckless driving, which also includes tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, running red lights, and road rage.
Perhaps the most notorious causes of accidents are those that are a result of impaired driving. Impaired driving can be anything that changes how your body functions, especially alcohol or drugs. This significantly increases the number of accidents, and it is highly illegal. There were 150 cases of alcohol-involved crashes in Grand Rapids.
Finally, we have to acknowledge Michigan’s harsh winters! Sometimes, accidents happen without anyone’s fault because of external factors like snow, ice, and hail. These weather conditions can make roads hazardous, not to mention dangerous for those on the road whether in a car or truck.
Understanding the Auto Accident Laws in Grand Rapids, MI
It’s essential to understand the auto accident laws in the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area to properly understand your accident and case. Michigan operates a no-fault insurance system. This contrasts with an at-fault system. But what does this mean? Regardless of who is at fault, your own insurance company will cover your damages up to your policy limit. This is called personal injury protection – or PIP. This includes things like medical expenses, lost wages, rehab, and more. It also includes property damage or vehicle damage.
What if your expenses for your injury extend past the amount available in your insurance policy? The state calls this the “Serious Injury Threshold,” which must be met before a lawsuit can be filed. What qualifies as a serious injury? It can vary from case to case, but it’s essentially something that will change your life, whether that be permanent disfigurement, serious impairment of body function, or broken bones. An experienced attorney will advise you if your injuries are severe enough to start a lawsuit.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations in Michigan states that you must file within one year of the crash for no-fault benefits and three years after the crash for pain and suffering compensation.
This is why many people hire an attorney! You have a timeline, and when we say that, we mean literally!
The initial stages and moments after an accident are critical. If you don’t do anything else, KEEP GOOD RECORDS! Thorough documentation of the accident and injuries is crucial to your case. These records include things like your police report, medical records, photos of your car after the accident, personal notes of your pain and suffering, and more.
Interacting With Your Insurance Company
One critical point that any attorney will tell you after an accident: Be careful of what you say to your insurer. You certainly want to report that the accident occurred to your insurance company promptly, but even though they are your insurance, they still run a business. If you say anything that could mean admitting fault, or downplaying your injuries, they may unfortunately use that against you. Keep records of all communications with insurance adjusters.
Working With Giroux Pappas – Grand Rapids Car Accident Attorneys Who Make a Difference
Selecting an attorney based in Michigan can provide significant benefits in handling your auto accident claim. They provide local knowledge and familiarity with Grand Rapids’ roads, traffic patterns, and common accident sites. Never underestimate the power of knowing local courts, judges, and procedures for handling the case in the best way.
Choosing Giroux Pappas for your auto accident case offers:
- Compassionate Service: Understanding the emotional and physical toll of auto accidents.
- Experienced Team: Extensive experience handling auto accident cases in Grand Rapids.
- Trial-Ready Lawyers: Prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.
- Comprehensive Support: From the initial consultation to case resolution, we provide full support.
Frequently Asked Questions
The personal injury claims process with an insurance adjuster and the court system can be confusing and complex, and you are likely to have many questions along the way. Our team is prepared to address your concerns at every stage, and we have answered some of the more frequently asked questions below.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Grand Rapids?
First of all, your three immediate actions should be checking for injuries, moving to safety, and calling the police. Your safety is the most important thing to consider after an accident. If you assess yourself and are able to move around and function, you should try to move the cars out of traffic to prevent further accidents. And even if you don’t see visible injuries, it’s essential to call the police. You never know what injuries may appear later, and a police report is crucial for insurance and legal claims.
Then, after you’ve taken those three very important steps, you should collect names, contact info, insurance details, and vehicle information from the other people involved in the accident. You should also collect contact information from any witnesses.
If you’re able, there’s no harm in taking photos of the accident scene because they may come in handy later! Videos, of the cars, witnesses, and yourself and your injuries are also helpful.
In most serious accidents, though, you won’t be able to move freely after the accident due to injuries. In those cases, the first step is obvious. In cases where your injuries are less immediately visible, you will need to make the effort to seek medical attention, even if you feel okay. Commonly, injuries are not immediately apparent and become issues later. Do not wait – allow the medical professionals to take you to the hospital and check you out. Then, keep up with your follow-up appointments and recommended treatments.
Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer When I’m Not at Fault?
In a word, yes! It’s essential. Why? Because only an experienced auto accident lawyer will be able to get the compensation you deserve. Most especially in cases where you are seriously injured. A car accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options, ensuring that you are fully informed about the potential outcomes of your case. Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize the compensation you receive. A lawyer can negotiate to ensure you get a fair settlement.
Proving it can be complex even if you believe you are not at fault. A lawyer can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with experts to establish liability. A lawyer can also help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. They can advise on long-term costs, such as ongoing medical treatment or rehabilitation.
Navigating the legal system can be complicated. A lawyer can handle the paperwork, meet deadlines, and represent you in court if necessary. And perhaps most of all… having a lawyer can provide peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your recovery while they handle the legal aspects of your case.
How Much Is Your Grand Rapids Car Accident Case Worth?
How much your case is worth depends on the sum of many parts. The cost of medical treatment, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical needs, will be a significant factor. If the accident caused you to miss work, you could be compensated for lost income. This also includes potential future earnings if you are unable to return to work or if your earning capacity is reduced.
The cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident will be included, as well as compensation for physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident.
Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found to be partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. To get a precise estimate of your case worth, it is essential to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can evaluate the specifics of your case.
What Information Should I Collect From the Other Driver?
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Driver’s license
- Insurance information
- Registration information
- Make, model, and identifying details of the other car
Do I Need to Report the Accident to My Insurance Company?
Yes. Failing to report an accident could significantly weaken your case because it allows the other party to argue that you didn’t think the accident was important enough to report, and it could make you seem untrustworthy.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Auto Accident Attorney in Grand Rapids?
Giroux Pappas works on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you do not have to pay anything upfront unless we’re successful.
Contact a Grand Rapids Auto Accident Attorney Today
Choosing a Michigan-based car accident lawyer with experience in the Grand Rapids and Kent County court system, such as the team at Giroux Pappas, ensures you benefit from local expertise, personalized attention, and a strong commitment to securing the best possible outcome for your case.
If you’ve been involved in an auto accident, contact Giroux Pappas today for a free consultation and take the first step towards recovery and justice.