Lansing Car Accident Attorney

Lawyer Helping People Injured in Car Accidents in Lansing, MI

Every day, thousands of drivers travel through Lansing on major roads like I-496, US-127, Saginaw Highway, and Michigan Avenue. Heavy commuter traffic, sudden lane changes, failure to drive safely on icy roads in the winter, distracted driving, and other factors can contribute to crashes that can leave people with serious injuries. After collisions, victims may find Michigan's no-fault insurance system to be confusing, but with legal help from an attorney, they can take steps to obtain compensation for their injuries and damages.

At John D. Tallman, PLC, Attorney at Law, we help people who have been injured in car accidents throughout Lansing and the surrounding region. Our lawyer understands how Michigan's no-fault laws apply in these cases and how to build strong cases against negligent drivers when injuries are serious. He will investigate accidents thoroughly while providing compassionate support and working to recover the benefits and compensation our clients need to rebuild their lives.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end crashes are among the most frequent types of accidents that take place on Lansing's roads. They can happen at stoplights, in stop-and-go traffic, and near busy intersections where drivers may brake suddenly.

Most rear-end collisions take place because the driver in back did not leave enough room to stop. Common causes include texting or using a phone, tailgating, speeding, driving while impaired, and failing to slow down in weather involving snow or ice. Even a low-speed impact can cause whiplash, back injuries, and concussions.

A driver who rear-ends a vehicle traveling in the same direction is generally presumed to have been negligent. Drivers are required to travel at safe speeds that will allow them to stop when necessary, and they are not allowed to follow other vehicles more closely than is safe. Our attorney can gather evidence to show that a driver who struck another vehicle from behind had been negligent.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on crashes are among the most deadly types of collisions. Because the force of both vehicles will combine in these collisions, the occupants of both vehicles can absorb a large amount of energy in a fraction of a second. Drivers who are intoxicated or who lose control and drift across the road into oncoming traffic may be responsible for causing head-on accidents.

Survivors of head-on collisions may experience multiple types of serious injuries, including:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries: The impact of a person's head with a steering wheel, airbag, dashboard, or windshield can cause lasting problems, including memory loss, concentration difficulties, mood disorders, intellectual disabilities, chronic pain, or seizures.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine can be devastating, and a person may suffer nerve damage that could result in a partial or total loss of feeling and control in different parts of their body.
• Chest and Internal Injuries: The impact with seat belts and steering columns can cause broken ribs, punctured lungs, and internal bleeding.
• Crushed Limbs and Fractures: A person's legs, feet, arms, or hands may be trapped as the front of the vehicle collapses inward, potentially leading to severe fractures or amputations.
• Facial Injuries and Scarring: Broken glass and airbag deployment can cause injuries that may lead to permanent disfigurement.

Other Types of Car Accidents

Our team handles claims arising from every kind of collision, including:

T-Bone Collisions

A T-bone or side-impact may take place at an intersection. These crashes may be caused by a driver who runs a red light or fails to yield when turning left. Because the sides of a car offer little protection, occupants may suffer serious head, pelvic, and chest injuries.

Sideswipe Accidents

Sideswipes occur when two vehicles traveling side by side make contact, often because a driver changed lanes without checking their mirror or blind spot. A sideswipe on a highway can push a car into a guardrail or other traffic, causing a much more serious crash.

Multi-Vehicle Pileups

Chain-reaction crashes may occur on Lansing highways during winter storms. Determining who was at fault for a pileup may require a careful look at each driver's speed, following distance, and how they reacted to road conditions.

How Michigan's No-Fault Laws Affect Car Accident Claims

Under Michigan's no-fault system, a person's own auto insurance policy will generally provide personal injury protection (PIP) benefits regardless of who caused a crash. These benefits can cover medical expenses, up to three years of lost wages at 85 percent of a person's income, and replacement services for certain household tasks. The amount of medical coverage may depend on the PIP level selected in a policy.

In some cases, it may be possible to file a lawsuit against a driver who was at fault for a car accident. This option may be available if injuries caused serious impairments to bodily functions or permanent disfigurement. Wrongful death claims may also be possible in cases involving fatal car accidents. Certain limits apply in these cases, including a restriction on filing a claim if a person was more than 50 percent at fault for an accident.

Contact Our Lansing, Michigan Car Accident Lawyer

Recovering from a serious crash can be difficult, and fighting with insurance companies to receive the proper benefits can make a situation more stressful. At John D. Tallman, PLC, Attorney at Law, our lawyer can investigate an accident, make sure a person receives the proper no-fault benefits, and take steps to hold a careless driver responsible for serious injuries that have occurred. Contact our Lansing, MI motor vehicle accident attorney at 616-361-8850 to arrange a free consultation today.