Wyoming, MI Car Accident Attorney

Lawyer Addressing Injuries and Damages in Car Accidents in Wyoming, Michigan

Wyoming is one of the largest cities in Kent County, Michigan, and its roads stay busy throughout the day. Interstate 196 and US-131 carry traffic between Grand Rapids and the southern suburbs. Local roads like 28th Street, 44th Street, Division Avenue, and Byron Center Avenue are lined with stores, restaurants, and entrances where vehicles are constantly entering or leaving traffic. Collisions on these roads can range from minor fender benders to devastating high-speed crashes. For the people involved in car accidents, determining what steps to take to address the injuries they have suffered can be crucial.

The lawyer at John D. Tallman, PLC, Attorney at Law helps people in Wyoming and other parts of the Grand Rapids area who have been injured by negligent drivers. He works closely with clients and their doctors to understand the injuries they have suffered, document how their daily lives have been affected, and make sure they will have the financial resources they need during their recovery. We are committed to treating clients with kindness while working to recover the full compensation they deserve.

Injuries in Motor Vehicle Collisions

The human body is not built to absorb the force of a crash. Even with safety features like seat belts and airbags, people can suffer injuries in collisions that can range from mild to catastrophic. They may include

Head and Brain Injuries

A sudden stop in a collision can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull, even if a person's head never hits anything. Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries may lead to headaches, memory loss, mood changes, difficulty concentrating, sensory processing problems, seizures, and other ongoing health concerns.

Neck and Back Injuries

Whiplash can occur when a person's head snaps forward and back in a crash. This can strain the muscles and ligaments in the neck. Serious crashes can cause herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or other issues that may cause spinal cord damage. Issues such as numbness, weakness, or paralysis may have a long-term or permanent impact on a person's life.

Broken Bones

A person's arms, wrists, ribs, hips, or legs may be broken when they strike a dashboard, door, or steering wheel in a collision. Complex fractures may need surgery and implants like plates or screws, and recovery may take months or years.

Internal Injuries

Blunt force to the chest or abdomen can damage organs like the spleen, liver, kidneys, or lungs. Internal bleeding can be a medical emergency, and it may not be obvious right after a crash.

Cuts, Burns, and Scarring

Shattered glass, deploying airbags, and fires that take place after a car accident can leave a person with deep lacerations and burns. These injuries may result in permanent scars and other ongoing health problems.

Psychological Injuries

Post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression are common after a frightening car crash. These conditions can be just as harmful as a physical injury, and a person may need ongoing counseling and mental health support during their recovery.

Why the Severity of an Injury Matters in a Michigan Car Accident

Michigan's no-fault law affects the types of losses a person can recover after a car accident. A person's own insurance policy will pay personal injury protection benefits for many expenses. However, to recover damages for pain and suffering from a negligent motorist, an injury must meet a certain legal threshold. In general, a serious injury that may be addressed through a lawsuit is one that has had an impact on important bodily functions and has affected a person's general ability to lead a normal life. Thorough medical records are often the key to meeting this standard, and our attorney will help ensure that the proper evidence is provided.

Financial Losses That May Be Addressed in a Car Accident Claim

Economic damages can provide compensation for the measurable costs of an accident. Depending on a person's circumstances and the coverage that is available, a claim may address:

• Medical Bills: Compensation may pay for emergency care, hospital stays, surgery, medication, and rehabilitation, including treatment that will be needed in the future.
• Lost Wages: PIP benefits can pay a portion of lost income for up to three years. Additional lost income may be addressed in a lawsuit against a negligent driver.
• Reduced Earning Capacity: Compensation may be available when an injury prevents a person from returning to their previous job or working the same hours.
• Household Help and Attendant Care: The costs of assistance with daily tasks and personal care that a person can no longer handle on their own may be addressed.
• Home and Vehicle Changes: Wheelchair ramps, accessible bathrooms, or vehicle modifications needed because of a lasting disability may be covered in compensation.

Personal and Emotional Damages

Some of the most significant forms of harm caused by a crash may not involve a dollar value. Noneconomic damages are meant to provide compensation for the ways an injury has changed a person's life. They may address physical pain, emotional distress, scarring or disfigurement, and the inability to participate in activities like playing with children, exercising, or pursuing a hobby.

Contact Our Wyoming, Michigan Car Accident Attorney

An injury from a car crash can affect your health, your income, and your peace of mind. At John D. Tallman, PLC, Attorney at Law, our attorney can evaluate your injuries, identify the damages that you may recover, and take steps to secure compensation for what you have lost. Contact our Wyoming, MI motor vehicle accident lawyer at 616-361-8850 to arrange a free consultation.