The Legal Rights of a Passenger in a Car Accident

April 10th, 2023 by Ima Admin

If you are injured while riding as a passenger in a vehicle, it can be confusing to figure out your legal rights. The experienced car accident attorneys at Gruel Mills can help you understand the legal remedies you can pursue to get the compensation you need and deserve if you were injured in a car accident.

Passengers and Automobile Insurance

In Michigan, automobile no-fault insurance covers a passenger in a motor vehicle accident. Under the No-Fault Law, passengers are entitled to personal injury protection (PIP) benefits to pay for medical bills, some lost wages, and replacement services. However, the coverage level selected in the applicable insurance policy may limit the benefits available for a passenger’s medical expenses.

Specific Order of Priority

The Legal Rights of a Passenger in a Car AccidentThe law sets forth an “order of priority” to identify the insurance company that is responsible for paying PIP benefits. For passengers who are injured in a motor vehicle accident, the following order generally applies:

  • Your policy: If you are a passenger and have no-fault insurance, you can file your claim under your own policy.
  • Your spouse or resident relative: If you do not have automobile insurance, but a spouse or family member in your household does, you file a claim with their no-fault insurance company.
  • Michigan Assigned Claims Plan: If you do not have insurance and there is no applicable resident relative policy, you can submit a claim to the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan, who will review your claim and assign it to an insurer if you are entitled to benefits.

However, there are exceptions to this priority list that may impact how you file your case depending on the accident’s circumstances. For example, the rules are different if you are a passenger in a bus, taxi, ride-share vehicle such as Uber or Lyft, or a vehicle owned by your employer.

To ensure you make a claim to the proper insurer after a crash, reach out to an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. These lawyers can figure out what legal options you have and assist you in obtaining all of the benefits to which you are entitled under the law.

Pursuing a Lawsuit as a Passenger Following a Car Accident

If the insurer who is supposed to provide your PIP benefits denies your claims or unreasonably delays paying you, you may need to file a lawsuit to get the benefits you are entitled to under the law. This is sometimes called a “first party” lawsuit.

And even if your insurer does pay all PIP benefits, these benefits may not cover all of your losses, and they are not designed to compensate you for the pain, suffering, inconvenience, and other non-economic losses that you may suffer. In some cases, you can seek these benefits from the at-fault driver in what is sometimes called a “third party” lawsuit. You can only bring a claim against the at-fault driver if you or a loved one suffered a serious impairment of body function, serious permanent disfigurement, or death.

The Types of Financial Damages You Can Pursue in a Lawsuit

As a passenger, if you can file a lawsuit following a motor vehicle accident, you may recover economic and non-economic damages.

Lawsuit for PIP Benefits

If the insurer responsible for your PIP benefits has not timely paid your claims, you may be able to recover for the following:

  • Medical bills related to doctor visits, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, emergency services including ambulance rides, rehabilitative therapy, and other types of treatments
  • Necessary modifications to your home or vehicle to accommodate mobility equipment
  • The cost of attendant care, which is nursing-type care in the home
  • Lost wages for three years after the crash
  • A small amount per day for replacement household services, like shoveling, cleaning, and cooking
  • Other benefits required by law to be covered.

Lawsuit against At-Fault Driver

A lawsuit against the at-fault driver may involve claims for economic or non-economic damages, such as:

  • Medical bills that are above the cap on PIP benefits, if applicable
  • Future lost wages if you will not be able to work for more than three years after the crash
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional trauma
  • Shock
  • Loss of quality and enjoyment of life
  • Embarrassment, humiliation, or mortification
  • Scars and disfigurement

Due to the subjective nature of these damages, calculating the amount of money you should seek can be challenging. For instance, pain and suffering damages are affected by numerous factors, including the severity of your injuries, the length of your medical treatments, and how the injury affected your ability to live your life.

Reach out to an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney immediately after a car crash. A lawyer can determine your legal remedies and calculate the losses you may be able to recover.

Protecting Your Legal Rights Following a Motor Vehicle Accident

After a motor vehicle collision, you will likely be upset and shaken up, and you may be seriously injured. Take care of yourself first. Then, if you or a family member or friend are able, it is a good idea to talk to any witnesses and gather evidence from the scene. This will help to protect your legal rights.

Reach out to the Police

Call 911 to alert the authorities and emergency medical personnel of the accident. The police can investigate the collision and create an accident report. If you decide to file a personal injury claim, this report may help your case by providing additional information regarding what happened and who was at fault for the accident.

Get Driver Information

If possible, try to obtain information from every driver involved in the crash. This information should include names, driver’s license numbers, insurance information, and personal contact details.

If these drivers are uncooperative, wait in your car for the police to arrive. The officers can obtain these details, and your attorney can get them from the police report.

Check for Witnesses

If people at the scene saw what happened, try to obtain their contact details, including their names, email addresses, and phone numbers. These witnesses can offer testimony that is usually critical for filing an injury claim and help your lawyer better understand what happened and who was liable for the collision.

Document the Scene of the Crash

If the accident scene is safe and you are not injured, collect as many photos and videos as possible, including shots of:

  • The crash scene
  • The vehicles involved in the crash
  • The damage to these vehicles
  • The placement of these vehicles on the road
  • Circumstances that contributed to the accident
  • Injuries you sustained
  • Traffic signals near the area
  • Skid marks
  • Any other evidence that can show what happened

However, do not worry if your injuries prevent you from obtaining these photos. After you retain legal counsel, these professionals can work on getting this evidence for you.

Get to a Medical Professional

Even if the harm you endured appears minor, you should still get checked over by a doctor. Serious injuries such as spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries may not be obvious at the time of the crash. It may be some time before symptoms manifest. Yet, the longer you wait to get treatment for these injuries, the more severe they can become.

Plus, a doctor also creates a medical report that details the severity of your injuries and links your trauma to the car accident, which can help refute any claims the insurance company makes that your injuries are not that severe or result from a separate event.

Work With an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer and Go After the Financial Recovery You Deserve

After a motor vehicle accident, you have suffered enough. The last thing you should worry about is taking on the insurance company or the at-fault driver to secure the money you deserve. Thankfully, with an experienced car accident attorney, you will not have to go after this compensation alone. Instead, a legal team can fight for the damages you deserve while you focus on more important matters, such as your recovery.

Once hired, your attorneys can:

  • Figure out whether you have a viable claim.
  • Thoroughly analyze the crash and look for evidence to help show fault and the degree of your injuries.
  • Determine which parties caused the collision and hold all of them accountable for your harm.
  • Ensure that legal motions and documents are prepared and submitted to the appropriate court before time expires.
  • Deal with the settlement negotiations and pursue a just amount.
  • Bring in experts to validate your legal case, including medical professionals and accident specialists.
  • Take your case to trial if settlement is not possible.

If you endured harm as a passenger in a car crash, you might be able to receive compensation for your losses. However, to understand your legal options, reach out to the experienced personal injury attorneys at Gruel Mills for a free consultation and find out what they can do for you.


Rear-End Collisions

April 10th, 2023 by Ima Admin

Rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accident. These crashes make up about 30 percent of all accidents. Rear-end collisions can cause devastating injuries, even at low speeds. If you have been injured in a rear-end accident, you have legal options. An experienced car accident attorney can help you seek financial compensation that will help you get back on your feet.

Common Causes of Rear-End Crashes

Distracted Drivers

A significant number of rear-end collisions are caused by drivers who are distracted and do not notice that the car traveling in front of them has slowed or stopped. This accounts for about 87 percent of rear-end accidents, according to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Tailgating

Rear-End CollisionsRear-end collisions also occur often when a vehicle is following too close behind another vehicle. Tailgating drivers often underestimate the distance that it takes to stop a vehicle and fail to account for the momentary reaction time they will need if the vehicle in front of them suddenly slows or stops.

Driving Too Fast

Speeding is a frequent cause of rear-end accidents, especially since the faster a car goes, the longer it will take for them to stop, which can be dangerous when a motor vehicle in front of them hits its breaks. Driving too fast for the weather conditions can also lead to rear-end crashes, as a vehicle might slide or hydroplane into the vehicle ahead of it on wet, icy, or snowy roads.

Driving Under the Influence

Alcohol impairs judgment, concentration, reaction times, muscle coordination, and thinking, all of which you need to operate a vehicle safely. This is true even if the driver is under the legal limit for blood alcohol content: more than 2,000 people were killed in 2020 in alcohol-related crashes where the driver had a BAC of .01 to .07 g/dL. Consequently, when a person gets behind the wheel after drinking alcohol, they may not be able to react quickly enough to stop if the motorist ahead of them slows down or stops suddenly.

Other Factors

While the above are some of the more common causes of these tragic rear-end accidents, they are not the only factors that can cause these collisions. These accidents can also result from fatigued driving, mechanical problems, poor road conditions, and other causes.

If you have suffered injuries in a rear-end accident due to another person’s wrongful actions, you should reach out to an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney as soon as possible. These lawyers can review the facts of your collision, figure out what happened, and help you determine the legal options you can pursue.

Common Injuries Resulting From a Rear-End Crash

While the injuries that result from a rear-end crash will depend on the circumstances of the accident, injuries that commonly result from rear-end collisions include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Neck and back injuries, from whiplash and soft tissue strains/sprains to bulging or herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or even spinal cord trauma and paralysis
  • Broken bones
  • Seat-belt injuries, including bruising and lacerations to the neck and chest
  • Internal injuries and bleeding

Dealing With the Insurance Companies After a Rear-End Accident

After a rear-end collision, you will likely be dealing with multiple insurance companies; you will generally seek no-fault benefits from one insurer, and you may be able to make a claim to the at-fault driver’s insurer for other damages. Remember, these companies make money by paying out the least amount they can on car accident claims. It is in your best interest to get an experienced car accident attorney involved to ensure that you get the benefits and/or damages you deserve.

The Financial Damages You Can Pursue Following a Rear-End Crash

Following your rear-end crash, you may be able to pursue financial damages for the harm and losses you suffered. These damages typically include economic and non-economic damages, which include payment for:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Personal property damages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Inconvenience
  • Loss of enjoyment of life, and
  • Other expenses

Some of these damages are easy to verify, like medical bills, but some are hard-to-quantify losses, like the impact to your life. Therefore, you should discuss your case with a knowledgeable car accident attorney. These lawyers can review the extent of your losses, determine which damages apply to your case, and help you go after the maximum compensation you deserve.

Michigan Law Helps Those injured a Rear-End Collision

Fortunately, proving that a driver who rear-ended you was at fault is easier than proving fault in other collisions. There is a legal assumption that a driver who rear-ends another vehicle is at fault. Thus, that driver will be held responsible for the collision and your injuries unless they can prove otherwise under certain limited exceptions.

Call Gruel Mills Today

If you or a loved one suffered harm in a rear-end collision, do not deal with the debilitating consequences and confusing insurance system on your own. Instead, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Gruel Mills today for your free case consultation and find out how a legal professional can help you.


​What to Do After a Car Accident?

April 10th, 2023 by Stacey

Most people drive or ride in a car every day, and we tend to take for granted that we will get to our destination safely. We may worry about a traffic jam, but we simply do not want to think about the possibility of a serious crash in which we might be injured or killed. But the harsh reality is that car accidents happen more frequently than we like to think, and it could happen to you.

After a car accident, your decisions can directly affect your life moving forward. That is why knowing what to do after a car accident is crucial. If you or someone you love has suffered an injury from a car accident, contact a car accident attorney to find out how you can protect your rights.

Six steps to take after a car accident

Recent data shows that approximately six million automobile accidents happen every year in the United States. More than 42,000 people died in motor vehicle accidents in 2021.

If someone else’s actions or negligence caused the accident, you might have a legal claim for financial damages. The amount of any settlement or judgment you may receive will depend largely on the steps you take following an accident. Here are six steps you need to take after a car accident.

1. Stay calm and stay focused.

​What to Do After a Car Accident?It is natural to feel overwhelmed with emotions after an accident. Anxiety, anger, and confusion are all normal feelings. However, try to control your emotions. Do not lash out or blame the other driver, and do not panic. It does no good and could even put you in greater danger to confront the other driver in anger.

Immediately following a collision, safely move your vehicle out of traffic if possible. The law requires you to stay at the accident scene, but does instruct that you should not obstruct traffic any more than necessary. You can even go directly to the nearest police station if you believe you could be harmed by staying at the scene, such as in a road rage situation. After you move your vehicle, check for any other threats that might pose an immediate danger.

This includes:

  • Fire or potential gas leaks
  • Falling debris
  • Blind curves or hills

Once you have surveyed the scene, check your passengers and the other vehicle for any signs of injury. If anyone needs immediate care, call 911.

2. Talk to the other driver.

Exchange insurance information after an accident so you can file an insurance claim and recover damages. Additionally, you must provide your information to the other driver, even if you were not at fault. Be sure to get all necessary information, as it may be difficult or impossible to obtain this information after the fact.

At a minimum, record:

  • The driver’s name and phone number
  • The name of their insurance company
  • The insurance policy number
  • The contact information for the insurance company
  • The name of their employer if they were on the job

Other helpful information includes:

  • The driver’s address
  • The driver’s license number
  • The make and model of the other driver’s vehicle
  • The name and contact information for any passengers in the other vehicle

3. Document the accident.

You never know how a car accident case is going to play out. Even if it is clear to you what happened and who was at fault, you do not know what the other party will say or do. So, it is essential to protect yourself. The best way to do this is to collect evidence. Think of what you would need to recreate the scene.

One of the best things you can do is take pictures. Take pictures of your vehicle, the other driver’s vehicle, including their license plate, and any property damage. Do not forget to get pictures of the full vehicle, not just damaged areas. Talk to witnesses and get their contact information. Your attorney or the insurance company may want to talk to them if there is any dispute about the events leading up to and after the accident.

4. Obtain medical care.

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries and the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries requiring hospitalization. These are injuries that are not always immediately noticeable after a crash. Even if you feel fine after a car accident, seek medical attention. Although spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries may not present symptoms right away, early treatment may help prevent permanent injury.

After an accident, a doctor can review your symptoms and do a thorough examination. It is better to be over-cautious than to not take appropriate action and end up with more serious injuries. Your Michigan No-Fault insurance must pay for this hospital visit, so do not delay treatment based on cost.

After your initial appointment, you need to attend any follow-up care. Not only is follow-up care an important part of your recovery, but it will also become a key part of your car accident case if you decide to take legal action. As you attend your appointments, keep a record of where you go, who you see, and any referrals or prescriptions ordered.

5. Speak to an experienced car accident attorney.

If you are in a car accident, your insurance policy will generally require that you notify the insurance company within two or three days. You will need to provide the insurer with the details of what happened in order to open a claim, or in case someone files a claim against you. Then, speak with a qualified legal professional as soon as possible.

Michigan’s No-Fault law allows victims who suffer injury after an accident to recover certain benefits from their own insurance company no matter who was at fault. If you or a loved one sustains serious bodily injury, is disfigured, or dies, you may be able to recover other damages if the accident was the other driver’s fault. In both cases, you will most likely be dealing exclusively with the insurance company. Remember, insurance companies are in the business of making money, and will do what they can to avoid paying the full value of your claim. You want an advocate by your side who can defend your rights and help you fight for a reasonable and just settlement.

6. Stick to your state’s statute of limitations.

In any legal matter, there is generally a statute of limitations. This is the amount of time you have to take legal action. For car accidents, the statute of limitations begins the day of the accident, not the day you discover your injuries or the day you report the accident. If the statute of limitations expires, you forfeit your right to make a legal claim.

Each state determines its statute of limitations. In Michigan, the statute of limitations for car accidents and other personal injury matters is three years. However, claims for No-Fault insurance benefits have much shorter deadlines, with actions that need to happen in the first year after the crash. Thus, for either type of claim, contact an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible.

If you believe the statute of limitations has passed in your case, it may still be a good idea to contact an experienced car accident attorney. There are some exceptions that give you more time to file a claim, and your attorney will be able to tell you if those exceptions apply in your case.

Four things to avoid after a car accident

While there are certain things you should do after an accident, at the same time, there are things you should not do. Here are our top four:

1. Do not admit fault.

It is easy to get caught up after an accident and say “I’m sorry” or look for things you could have done to prevent the accident. Even if you think the crash was your fault, more information that comes out later might show that you were not. Right after a crash when emotions are running high is not the time to discuss who is to blame. Rather, it is usually best not to talk to the other driver outside of exchanging information.

If you say “I’m sorry” or “I’m not sure what happened,” to the other driver, they will likely repeat this to the insurance company. Because the insurance company would like a reason not to pay you damages, they will use such a statement to blame you for the crash. Do not let the insurance company blame you for an accident that was not your fault.

2. Do not agree to roadside deals.

It is an unfortunate reality that when you are in an accident, most insurance companies will raise your insurance rates. So, some drivers may try to make a deal to pay for your damages without reporting the crash to the insurers. This practice is not in your best interests.

Avoid a cash payoff after an accident because:

  • You are relying on the word of a stranger: Chances are, the other driver does not have the cash they say they are willing to pay you. That means you are either taking a check or relying on their word that they will pay you. You have no means to determine whether this person is trustworthy and if you will ever receive any money.
  • Your car damages may be greater than they seem: Unless you are a mechanic or do vehicle body work, you probably have no idea how much the repairs to your vehicle will actually cost. A mechanic may discover damage to your vehicle that is not visible right after the crash, like a bent frame, that could cost significantly more than the other driver is offering. If you later discover the damage is more than you initially thought, you are out of luck.
  • Your injuries may be worse than they first appear: The other person’s offer might cover the cost of the repairs to your vehicle. But what happens when your neck begins to hurt? Or you have to go to the ER with a splitting headache? Signs of an injury can take days to appear. You want to know you are covered if you need to go to the doctor or take time off from work. Medical bills and lost wages from an accident can quickly add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

3. Do not sign anything without talking to a lawyer.

Insurance companies like working with claimants who do not have a lawyer. They know that most people do not know the value of their claims, and they have tactics to get you to take a low settlement. Lawyers know these tactics and how to determine the full value of your claim.

If you receive an offer from the insurance company before you ask for it, or it seems like a lot of money to you, this is a big red flag. Insurance companies look for ways to pay you less, so if they make an offer, it shows that they know you have a case. Do not sign anything from the insurance company or agree to a settlement without first talking to a lawyer. An experienced car accident attorney can review your case, tell you if the offer is fair, and guide you through the next steps.

4. Do not post about your accident on social media.

Insurance companies will look at your social media. Once again, the insurance company will always look for a way to get out of paying you. If they can, they will use your pictures and your words against you. Do not post pictures of the accident. Do not talk about your “bad wreck” or the other driver’s actions. Do not discuss the accident on social media at all.

Further, watch what you post in general and set all of your accounts to private, but do not delete anything. If you complained about your sore neck or back before the crash, the insurance company may try to claim that your injuries predated the crash. If you post pictures on a good day after you are injured, they may try to claim that your injuries are not as bad as you reported. It is best to share your posts only with friends and family.

Protect your rights after an accident

When dealing with an accident, take care of yourself. Now is the time to protect your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. Accidents can be overwhelming, and it is not something you should do alone. If you need help or have questions after a car accident, contact the experienced personal injury  attorneys at Gruel Mills.


What to Expect After a Car Accident?

April 10th, 2023 by Ima Admin

The moments that follow a car crash are a mess of adrenaline, confusion, and frustration. One minute you are traveling down the road on your way; the next, you find yourself on the side of the road, possibly injured, and unsure of what will happen next.

Knowing the most common occurrences after a car accident and the best approach to handle them can help you successfully navigate the aftermath and increase your chance of getting the compensation you need. Reach out to a car accident lawyer.

Expect the Possibility of Injuries

What to Expect After a Car Accident?When a car crash occurs, it is common for one or multiple people involved to sustain some injury. The severity of the crash, the force involved, the safety features in the car, and the physical vulnerabilities of the people affected all impact the type and extent of injuries that can occur.

The National Safety Council estimates that 4.8 million people sought medical care for injuries they sustained in car accidents in 2020. Of course, even more people suffered injuries that did not require medical care or did not report that they were due to a car accident, and there was a drastic reduction in the number of cars on the road in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  Preliminary data suggests that car crashes increased and injuries worsened in 2021 and 2022 as everyone began driving more.

Car accident injuries can take time to show symptoms and appear. Even if you leave the scene feeling fine, remain alert in the hours and days ahead for worsening pain, cognitive changes, and other symptoms. Any indication that you may have an injury warrants a trip to the emergency room or your doctor for an evaluation and treatment. Earlier treatment will ensure a better outcome for your health, and medical documentation of your injuries close to the time of the accident is valuable for any legal claims you may need to make.

Expect to Seek Treatment for Your Injuries

You should be evaluated by a doctor for any harm that you suffer from a car crash, no matter the severity. You may be reluctant to head to the emergency room due to cost, but don’t be – your no-fault insurance in Michigan must cover the cost of this visit. Even if you do not think your injuries are very significant, doctors can look into common injuries that are not as obvious right away and ensure you get timely treatment.

Treatment and recovery from car accident injuries can take weeks, months, or even years. Expect to follow up with doctors, specialists, and physical or occupational therapists after a visit to the emergency room following a car crash. Insurance companies will look into your treatment to see if you have done everything you can to recover from your injuries.

Expect Impacts on Your Daily Life

Many people are unaware of the level of disruption that a car accident injury can cause in their life following a crash. Recovering from these injuries can sometimes require hospital visits, stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation. Once you get home, you may still need various therapies, treatments, and care as you heal.

Throughout the healing process, you may be in pain and unable to function to your full capacity. This may prevent you from working and fulfilling your daily life obligations for yourself and your family.

The emotional, physical, and financial burdens that can happen after a car accident are considerable. Trying to handle the surprising effects of an accident on your life can become overwhelming, especially when you must also try to figure out how to fight for the money you need to cover your losses.

Expect Phone Calls From Multiple Parties

It is not surprising for you to get phone calls in the hours after a crash or the next day. You may still be at the hospital or recovering when the communication attempts from insurers and other interested parties begin.

What you say to an insurer, at-fault party, or other interested party can affect the compensation in your claim. Therefore, if you are not feeling well or are taking strong pain medication, decline to talk to anyone until your head is clear. If you choose to hire an attorney right away, they can handle these calls on your behalf.

What Should I Avoid After a Crash?

The decisions and actions you take after a car accident can affect your insurance claim. Learning what common circumstances to avoid after a car accident can help you prepare and protect yourself as you move forward following a crash. The following are some easy guidelines on what to avoid in the days after a crash.

Avoid Communications With the Insurance Companies

The insurers will call you and pressure you into speaking with them sooner rather than later. They may tell you that talking with them as soon as possible helps move your case along quickly, but if you are not ready and have not sought the help of a lawyer, doing so can cause problems for you. Contrary to what the insurance company representatives may communicate to you, you are not under any obligation to speak with them.

Your only responsibility after a motor vehicle accident regarding an insurer is to inform your own insurance company that an accident occurred. When notifying your insurer about the collision, you only need to mention basic details such as the date of the accident, the approximate time of the crash, the location, and the parties involved. You should not delve into what you think happened, the events leading to the crash, or your injuries.

Avoid Making Any Statements to Other Parties

You should not talk to anyone or make any statements regarding what happened unless it is an attorney you hire to represent you. Comments or communications between you and parties at the crash scene can become evidence in your case.

At-fault parties, insurers, and witnesses can recount any statements you make regarding the accident in court. Statements regarding any physical condition, your actions, or even an apology can become evidence for the insurer to claim that you are somehow responsible for the collision or that your injuries are not what you report them to be.

Avoid Rushing Your Recovery Timeline

Recovery from car accident injuries can be painful, complex, and unpredictable. It can take time after a crash, from days to weeks, to begin understanding the extent of your injuries. Even then, you may not yet have healed from your injuries, and the length of your recovery could fluctuate depending on complications and other issues.

Rushing your recovery could jeopardize your health and affect the amount of money you may be eligible for under the law. Skipping appointments and refusing treatments or procedures can all be evidence used by an insurer to show that a victim is interfering with their healing process and potentially causing further damage and injury.

What Should You Do After a Crash?

Knowing what you should not do after a car accident can help you avoid complications in your case, but it is also helpful to know what you can do to help fight for the compensation you need after sustaining damages in a crash. It is best to take action as soon as possible after a collision to protect your legal rights and put you in the best position possible going into the insurance claims process.

Always Call the Police and Report the Accident

Always call the authorities when you are involved in a car accident. There is too much at stake not to contact the police at the crash scene or immediately after. If you are injured enough that you must go to the hospital in an ambulance, you may not be able to speak to the police at the scene, but they will follow up with you in the hours or days afterward.

Reporting the accident to law enforcement allows them to conduct a preliminary investigation immediately after the crash. The police will interview the witnesses at the scene and the parties involved to determine who they believe is to blame and if anyone violated the laws of the road. Additionally, police will identify and document in their report the damage to property and visible injuries to occupants of the vehicles in the crash. Police may also take measurements and document evidence in order to perform an accident reconstruction analysis if the crash was severe. This evidence can be invaluable in a later insurance claim or legal case because the evidence may be gone by the time you can return to the scene.

Stay the Course of Your Medical Care

Your primary concern and responsibility after a car accident is your health. You must do what you can to heal and recover from the injuries you sustained in the car accident.

Following the medical advice of your doctors regarding treatments and rehabilitation is important to optimize your recovery and to help prove to the insurance company the significance of your injuries and their impacts on your daily life.

Collect and Protect Evidence Available to You

To help your case, you should gather any evidence in your possession and put it away for safekeeping until you meet with an attorney to help you with your claim. Evidence that may be available to you includes police reports, medical records, bills, repair estimates, and any communications regarding the accident and your injuries that can support your claim.

Additionally, photos or videos that you or a witness take at the scene of the crash and of your injuries, including the recovery process, can help you prove the damages you sustained.

Call a Car Accident Lawyer

You do not have to wait to call a car accident attorney after a car accident happens. When you are ready, contact a motor vehicle accident lawyer at Gruel Mills to schedule a free case consultation. We are happy to visit you in the hospital or at home to ease your burden as you heal.

As soon as you hire your lawyer, we can step in and relieve you from the pressure of insurers and other parties trying to ask you questions or for information regarding the accident. Having an attorney representing you in the case means they will be in charge of all aspects of your claim, including handling communications and requests from other parties to the case. Call a lawyer as soon as possible for the peace of mind that they are working on your case, and you no longer have to worry about what happens next.

An attorney working on your behalf will help you through filing a claim, negotiating an settlement, and representing you in court should a lawsuit be necessary.

Expect to Fight for Your Car Accident Damages Compensation

While an attorney cannot predict how your case will turn out, they can give you better insight into what is likely to occur in your pursuit of compensation. You will have to fight for your rights under the law to get fair compensation for your losses following a car accident. Reach out to a Grand Rapids personal injury lawyer.

The fight for compensation and recovery of your losses can take time. With the experience and knowledge of an attorney, you will be better prepared for what lies ahead.

Call the experienced car accident attorneys at Gruel Mills today for a free case evaluation if you or a loved one have been involved in a motor vehicle accident.


What Are the Different Types of Sexual Abuse?

April 10th, 2023 by Ima Admin

Victims of sexual abuse often feel hopeless regarding their options following their tragic ordeal. They worry about who they can talk to for help, especially if their abuser is a person in power or someone in a trusted position.

As a result, many victims of sexual abuse suffer in silence and are left to deal with their injuries, losses, and fear alone. However, if you are a sexual abuse survivor, you should not have to live in fear or worry that bad things will happen if you come forward and hold the person who abused you accountable.

In addition, it is also essential to understand that there are many different types of sexual abuse for which you can pursue legal action. In this post, we will go over some of these different types of sexual abuse, the legal remedies you may have if you have been a victim of abuse, and how an experienced sexual abuse attorney can help you fight for the justice you deserve. Reach out to a sexual abuse lawyer.

What Is Sexual Abuse?

What Are the Different Types of Sexual Abuse?Sexual abuse refers to any sexual or sexually motivated behavior that is done to a person without their consent. While
many people associate sexual abuse with unwanted sexual touch, in truth, many intrusive behaviors fall into this category, which is not limited to physical contact alone. Instead, sexual abuse can include sexual harassment to sexual penetration with or without violence, indecent exposure, forcing another individual to view or participate in pornography, and more

Different Types of Sexual Abuse

As mentioned, sexual abuse can take on various forms and sometimes may not even include physical touching. However, this type of abuse can generally be broken up into the following types:

Verbal Sexual Abuse

Verbal sexual abuse refers to spoken or written words that evoke, express, or imply sexual content. This abuse can be found in social settings, at home, and at work, and it is often passed as crude humor.

Some of the more common examples of verbal sexual abuse include:

  • Sexual jokes
  • Graphic sexual descriptions
  • Teasing about physical characteristics
  • Name-calling
  • Statements about physical development
  • Solicitation
  • Sexting
  • Stalking with phone calls
  • Unwanted romantic advances
  • Sexual insults

Visual Sexual Abuse

Visual sexual abuse is categorized as any nonconsensual or unwanted sexual advances or harassment of a visual nature. Or in other words, this abuse forces another person to witness or look at something sexual without their consent.

Some examples of visual sexual abuse include:

  • Flashing
  • Exhibitionism
  • Nudity
  • Unwanted exposure to sexually explicit images
  • Sexting
  • Performing sexual acts while individuals are present that are non-consenting

Covert Sexual Abuse

Covert sexual abuse is a type of sexual abuse that happens without the victim’s knowledge. It often involves being followed, photographed, and observed, as well as sexual cyber-harassment and social media stalking. The perpetrator does this stalking to get sexual satisfaction from the victim without their knowledge.

Physical Sexual Abuse

Physical sexual abuse refers to any unwanted or nonconsensual sexual contact. Examples of physical-sexual abuse include unwanted touching, kissing, enemas, intercourse, oral sex, sodomy, licking, and physical restraint.

Ritualistic Sexual Abuse

Ritualistic sexual abuse is a type of sexual abuse that is blended with some form of spirituality and rituals and often has overtones of religious, satanic, or magical intent. In some instances, perpetrators of ritualistic sexual abuse attempt to justify their abusive actions as an act of worship or penance.

This abuse can include:

  • Genital mutilation
  • Chants during abuse
  • Incest rituals
  • Child marriages

Institutional Sexual Abuse

Institutional sexual abuse or assault usually occurs when an individual in power abuses their power to assault or molest a victim sexually. This abuse often includes relationships involving coaches and athletes, a priest and a child, a teacher and a student, a doctor and a patient, or a counselor and a camper. Unfortunately, when this type of abuse happens, most victims often feel powerless, with nobody to turn to for help. They often fear retaliation or other harm for reporting sexual abuse.

In addition, institutional sexual abuse also occurs when  assisted living or nursing home employees sexually abuse their patients or those in their care. This is especially problematic because these patients often have reduced mental or physical capacities that can make it challenging to comprehend what is going on or report the abuse.

The Effects of Sexual Abuse

Unfortunately, the damage of sexual abuse can be devastating, impacting a victim physically, emotionally, and financially. Many victims may have a hard time keeping relationships and trusting people.

They may develop problems with their:

  • Sexual relationships
  • Job performance or schoolwork
  • Behavior, causing them to become more withdrawn and removed from social interactions
  • Self-esteem and suffering from severe anxiety or depression

If you were a victim of sexual abuse, reach out to a knowledgeable sexual abuse attorney today. These lawyers can provide you with the legal support you need during this challenging time. They can figure out your legal options and help you hold the responsible parties liable while pursuing the financial damages you deserve.

Where Do These Types of Sexual Abuse Happen?

Unfortunately, sexual abuse can happen anywhere. Some places are more associated with this type of abuse than others, such as alcohol-fueled parties on college campuses. Yet, sexual abuse can occur in any context. It is especially likely in locations where individuals have authority over others and can try to leverage it for sexual reasons, or in places where a person is an advisor, leader, or mentor and tries to take advantage of their position.

Civil Claims Following Sexual Abuse

If you were the victim of sexual abuse, you might have legal options you can pursue to obtain compensation for the losses and harm you experienced. While the government may charge such abusers for their crimes and send them to prison, sexual abuse victims can also pursue monetary recovery by filing a civil legal case against the responsible parties.

Liability for Institutional Sexual Abuse

Although liability for institutional sexual abuse is a complex area of law, in general, to prove liability in a sexual abuse case against another party, you must demonstrate:

  • The institution owed a duty to protect the victim
  • The institution breached its duty by performing some action or inaction
  • The institution’s breach allowed the sexual abuse to occur
  • You suffered damages from the sexual abuse

To determine whether you can pursue legal action for your institutional sexual abuse or other types of sexual abuse, consider contacting an experienced sexual abuse lawyer at Gruel Mills as soon as possible. Our legal professionals can review what happened, determine if you have a viable claim, and help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Time Limitations to File a Sexual Abuse Legal Claim

To pursue a sexual abuse lawsuit, it is important to realize that time is limited. According to the statute of limitations, which is a law that dictates the time limit people have to file a lawsuit following an alleged offense, victims of sexual abuse have limited time to file a lawsuit after the abuse. In Michigan, this time limit is 10 years after the abuse. If the victim was a minor at the time, this 10 years does not start to run until they turn 18 years old. There are other exceptions and tolling provisions that may apply as well.

To determine exactly how much time you have to file your case, contact an experienced sexual abuse lawyer as soon as possible. Once the statute of limitations expires, you will not be able to pursue legal action to secure the recovery you are entitled to. Yet, with a sexual abuse lawyer on your side, these attorneys can help you determine when you need to file your lawsuit and make sure your legal filings and motions are submitted to the court before this deadline expires.

The Compensation You Can Pursue After Being Sexual Abused

Pursuing a sexual abuse lawsuit can help you recover compensation for the trauma and harm you sustained. When it comes to these lawsuits, holding only the abuser responsible for the sexual abuse may not get you the results you want since, often, these individuals may not have the financial capability to compensate you for everything you are rightfully owed.

That is why in instances where sexual abuse occurred in part because of the negligence of an institution, the institution must be named in the civil suit to help ensure that you obtain the maximum damages you are entitled to. These damages are usually divided into two categories, economic and non-economic.

Economic Damages in a Sexual Abuse Case

Economic damages typically refer to the quantifiable expenses that have resulted from the sexual abuse.

These damages usually include:

  • Hospital expenses
  • Medical care costs
  • Doctor visits
  • Emergency services, including ambulance services
  • Prescription medications
  • Specialist visits
  • Therapy
  • Lost wages
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Other financial losses

To make sure you can secure all the economic damages you need, keep all the receipts, treatment plans, and expenses incurred because of the harm you suffered from the sexual abuse.

Non-Economic Damages in a Sexual Abuse Case

In addition to the tangible losses following sexual abuse, victims also experience significant emotional hardships. As a result, a court can award payment for non-economic damages. These damages refer to the more subjective losses that an individual experiences following sexual abuse, such as:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of consortium
  • Chronic pain
  • Physical disfigurement
  • Physical and emotional scars

If you want to determine what damages you can pursue, consider contacting an experienced sexual abuse lawyer at Gruel Mills as soon as possible. We can walk you through these different damages, determine which ones apply to your case, and help you pursue maximum financial recovery to help you rebuild your life after dealing with this devastating abuse.

Contact a Sexual Abuse Attorney Today and Fight for Maximum Financial Recovery

If someone has sexually abused you or your child, what happened is not your fault. You are a survivor and deserve justice for everything you endured. Thankfully, when you hire an experienced sexual abuse attorney to take on your legal case, you will not have to fight for justice alone.

The lawyers at Gruel Mills can stand by your side through this challenging journey and:

  • Determine the legal course of action you can take.
  • Investigate the incident thoroughly and gather the evidence needed to help substantiate your claim.
  • Provide updated communication so you are not left in the dark about what is happening.
  • Pursue holding all the parties responsible for your abuse accountable for the damages you sustained.
  • Handle all the settlement negotiations and fight for the just offer you need.
  • Take your case to court if the other party is unwilling to get you the money you need and fight for maximum damages.

If you or a family member has suffered from sexual abuse, contact an experienced sexual abuse attorney at Gruel Mills today for a free case evaluation. Find out how these lawyers can help you figure out the best steps for you going forward.


​What Is the Most Common Type of Construction Accident?

April 10th, 2023 by Ima Admin

Construction sites have countless potential accident risks. In fact, construction workers, particularly those working for private construction companies, have a higher risk of dying than people working in most other professions. Construction workers frequently have to deal with dangerous chemicals, power tools, and heavy equipment. One hazard, however, stands out above the rest. Reach out to a construction accident lawyer.

The Most Common Type of Construction Accident

​What Is the Most Common Type of Construction Accident?Falls represent the most common type of construction accident, including more than one in three, or 36.4 percent, of work-related deaths in the construction industry. Workers may fall from an upper floor of a building to a lower one, from the top of the building, from scaffolding, or from ladders. Such falls can cause severe injuries, which, in many cases, can cause long-term pain and limitations for the victim.

Common Injuries From Falls

Falls on construction sites can cause many potential injuries.

Head Injuries

While construction workers usually have to wear hard hats while on the job site, those hard hats may provide relatively little protection in the case of a serious fall. Head injuries, including traumatic brain injury, can cause either short- or long-term limitations for many construction workers. Construction workers generally have to remain off the job until they recover from the brain injury. If the injury causes permanent brain damage, it may prevent them from working and doing some of the normal daily activities they used to enjoy.

Back and Neck Injuries

Falls can cause serious back and neck injuries, including:

  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Herniated discs
  • Ligament, tendon, or other soft tissue damage

In many cases, the limitations from a serious back or neck injury can lead to long-term complications, including mobility challenges that make it difficult for construction workers to get back on the job.

Internal Injuries

Falls from a significant height can cause internal injuries, including internal bleeding or organ trauma. Those injuries may not be immediately evident to the naked eye. Therefore, it is important for any worker who suffers a serious fall to get medical attention right away.

Broken Bones

Falls often result in broken bones due to the force of the accident. Even more serious injuries can occur if something falls on the victim after he hits the ground. Broken bones may cause long-term limitations for many victims, including the inability to work while recovering.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Even minor falls can cause sprains and strains. In some cases, ligament and tendon damage can prove more serious than broken bones. These types of injuries may cause longer-term limitations and keep construction workers away from work longer.

How Falls Occur on Construction Sites

Due to the many hazards present on construction sites, falls can occur for a variety of reasons. Most construction companies take many steps to help protect against falls. OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, has specific safety regulations in place designed to prevent employees from falling from platforms, workstations, floors, and roofs. However, some construction companies may not follow those regulations.

Unstable Equipment

Construction workers may use several options to help them climb to the heights they need to work, including ladders and scaffolding. Sometimes, however, the equipment may prove rickety or unstable, increasing the risk of a devastating fall.

Workers may struggle to keep their balance as a ladder sways back and forth, or a piece of scaffolding fails to withstand the test of wind or hazards. Placing ladders and scaffolding on unstable ground may increase that instability and raise the fall risk.

Improper Use of Equipment

Even when construction workers have the right equipment in place, if they do not use it correctly, they may end up tumbling down. For example, many ladders have strict regulations regarding where workers can stand while using them.

Using an extra rung up the ladder may not seem like a serious problem, especially for a construction worker who needs to reach just a few inches higher. However, some construction workers may take that chance rather than take the time to find another ladder or piece of equipment. In addition, positioning ladders on unstable surfaces or raising them too high may increase the risk of a fall.

Lack of Fall Protection

In the construction industry, workers must have railings and fall protections in place at an elevation of six feet or more, according to OSHA regulations.

That may include:

  • Covering or guarding holes in the floor
  • Providing guard rails around elevated platforms or when workers need to work at high elevations
  • Providing warnings about potential hazards

A lack of adequate fall protection and warnings can make it much more dangerous for construction workers to continue working at the heights they need to reach to continue their jobs.

Inadequate Safety Equipment

Construction workers often need to work at potentially dangerous elevations. They may need to work on roofs, on the sides of tall buildings, or at precarious angles and positions as they work to perform their assigned duties.

To work at those heights, however, workers may need personal protective equipment, including:

  • Safety harnesses and lines
  • Nets
  • Stair railings and handrails

Construction companies may need to provide those tools to their workers whenever needed. Unfortunately, some construction companies may not provide adequate fall protection equipment.

Even if equipment is provided, construction companies may provide workers with old or damaged equipment that may not take the strain of an actual fall. Some construction companies may also fail to provide harnesses and lines for all body sizes, including providing equipment too large or too small for some workers on the site. Poorly-sized safety equipment may fail in the event of an emergency.

Many falls on construction sites occur because workers either do not have or do not use that vital safety equipment.

Dangerous or Damaged Flooring

In many cases, construction workers go in to repair damage. Sometimes, however, those workers may not realize the full extent of the damage the building has sustained. When the floor or roof gives way, it can lead to a devastating fall for which the worker cannot prepare ahead of time.

Workers may also not expect damaged flooring to give way, so they may have no fall protection as they move across that area. Falling through damaged flooring can increase the risk of severe lacerations and other fall injuries.

Inadequate Worker Training

Construction workers frequently need to take on job duties that most people never need to fulfill, including working in potentially dangerous conditions without posing a danger to themselves and others. Workers need basic training in OSHA standards and other fall prevention measures in many industries, including construction.

Sometimes, however, workers end up on a job site without the practical knowledge they need to complete their job duties safely, and employers may not provide the necessary training. If workers do not know about what safety protocols they must follow or what safety equipment they have available, they may be more likely to take dangerous chances that can result in a devastating fall.

Trip Hazards

Construction sites can quickly end up cluttered. Tools end up scattered across the site, materials get piled up or left sitting, and, in many cases, workers need to take care of basic demolition tasks before they can start putting the building back together.

In some areas, however, trip hazards can pose a much more substantial danger: if a worker trips over equipment left sitting too near the edge, for example, it can result in a fall from a significant height. In addition, simply falling over items on a construction site can pose a danger since workers may have serious laceration injuries or bruising. Cleaning up around the job site can help protect many workers against the possibility of serious injury.

Slippery or Uneven Surfaces

When construction workers finish their jobs, they usually leave even, safe flooring behind them. While working on the site, however, workers may end up dealing with much more hazardous surfaces.

Floors can prove slippery, uneven, or difficult to navigate as construction workers take care of reconstruction. Those uneven floors can pose a significant hazard for many workers, making it difficult for them to navigate the area safely.

The dangers can increase when workers must navigate unstable floors with a large number of materials or heavy equipment, which can interfere with visibility and balance. A trip or slip and fall in these circumstances can cause significant injury to many construction workers.

After a Construction Site Fall: Your Next Steps

Many construction companies have clear requirements in place when it comes to reporting devastating accidents and dealing with the aftermath. The company may require workers to immediately report a fall to a supervisor and seek medical attention.

If you suffer a fall on a construction site, follow those steps to preserve your right to seek compensation through a workers’ compensation or tort claim.

Make sure the accident report accurately reflects what led to your accident.

When you file a workers’ compensation claim, you will generally have the right to compensation regardless of who caused the accident or bears responsibility for it. This includes conditions under which your negligence may have contributed to the accident: for example, failing to take adequate safety precautions despite clear training and regulations on the site.

You want your accident report to note the true cause of your accident and where and when it occurred. The cause of the accident may help determine when you have the right to file an injury claim rather than or in addition to a workers’ comp claim, so having an accurate assessment of what led to your fall can prove crucial.

File your claim through workers’ compensation

Workers’ compensation will generally pay all medical expenses associated with an on-the-job accident and provide you with compensation for up to 2/3 of your income during your recovery. However, you may need to file a workers’ compensation claim quickly to ensure you get the full benefits you deserve.

Delays in filing can also mean a delay in getting your workers’ comp checks, which can interfere with your ability to pay your bills and manage other costs during your recovery.

Follow your care provider’s instructions.

Your care provider will work with you to create a care plan that will help get you back on your feet as soon as possible. If you fail to follow those instructions, you may find that workers’ comp will refuse to pay what you might otherwise deserve for your injuries, including coverage for any treatment of worsening injuries.

Keep copies of your medical records and any instructions issued by your care provider.

You must take responsibility for your care as you recover from fall injuries. Make sure you keep copies of your medical records and the treatment recommended by a medical care provider so that you can deal with any challenges workers’ comp may throw your way.

Contact a construction accident lawyer

Sometimes, you may need a construction accident lawyer to help review your right to compensation and assistance through workers’ compensation.

You may need a construction accident lawyer if:

  • Workers’ compensation denies your claim
  • Workers’ compensation does not pay for needed medical care promptly
  • You will need to pursue a settlement due to permanent injuries from your fall
  • You have questions about your right to compensation or how to navigate your claim

Additionally, you may have a claim against the at-fault party if it was not your employer. Workers’ compensation is generally the only recourse you have if your employer or coworkers were negligent and caused your injury. However, if another subcontractor, general contractor, the land owner, or any other third party was at fault, you can bring a claim against them in tort. These civil claims may allow you to recover damages you cannot get through workers’ compensation.

If you suffered injuries in a fall on a construction site, you might need a lawyer to help guide your claim and provide you with more information about your rights. Contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Gruel Mills as soon as possible for a free consultation to ensure you do not miss out on the compensation you deserve.


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