Grand Rapids Car Accident Lawyers

It can be difficult to know what to expect after a car accident. When we are taught how to drive, we learn to watch our surroundings, buckle up, drive defensively, and be safe. We learn everything we need to know about how to avoid an accident, but rarely are we told what to do after an accident. The reality is that some accidents are unavoidable no matter how safe a driver you are, so it helps to know what to do if you are involved in a crash. Reach out to a Grand Rapids car accident lawyer.

If you or someone you love has been in an accident in Grand Rapids or the surrounding area, help is available to get you through this difficult time. At Gruel Mills Nims and Pylman, we know how confusing and stressful it can be to process a car accident. Our team is standing by to answer your questions and help you understand your rights. For more information regarding your legal rights after a car accident, contact our Grand Rapids office or fill out our online contact request form.

Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman PLLC: Helping Car Accident Victims Fight for What They Deserve

At Gruel Mills, we proudly serve Grand Rapids and West Michigan. For over 35 years, we have represented accident victims and helped them access the resources and tools they need to move on and heal after a traumatic experience.

Empathy and trust are at the core of everything we do. When you sit down with one of our legal professionals, we want you to feel like you are with a friend. Coping with the aftermath of an accident can be an emotionally grueling experience, and we hope to make this process a little easier.

As members of the Grand Rapids community, we believe in lifting others up and giving back. We are always looking for opportunities to provide support to the people who live in this area through volunteer work and pro bono representation. We even received an award in 2022 recognizing our pro bono work. While we are a nationally recognized firm with awards for service and litigation, we always want our clients to feel important and receive personalized attention.

Since 1985, we have helped our clients fight for accountability and restitution.

The amount of your recovery will depend on many factors, and we cannot guarantee a particular result. Past results include:

  • $1.2 million for a motor vehicle accident involving serious injuries
  • $1.275 million after a car accident resulting in serious injuries
  • $1.5 million in damages for a wrongful death claim after a car accident
  • $1.6 million recovering after a fatal car accident

Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation and discuss your legal options. Our office is located downtown, near the Grand Rapids Art Museum and Rosa Parks Circle, and we have convenient parking. If you are less mobile or just don’t like driving downtown, we are happy to meet with you virtually or make other arrangements.

The Financial Impact of a Serious Car Accident

Your main concern after a car accident should be your health and safety, but it is hard not to worry about finances following an accident. The average cost of a three-day hospital stay in the U.S. is approximately $30,000. For a broken leg, you can expect to pay upwards of $7,500. If you are in a serious accident, it is impossible not to see these costs quickly add up and worry about how those bills will get paid.

Having the financial resources you need after an accident can be critical to your recovery. A car accident case aims to help you recover the costs associated with your accident so you can focus on yourself. Every case is different, and there is no way to guess the exact amount your case is worth.

Common damages include:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost income
  • Pain and suffering

In severe cases, you may also sustain the following damages:

  • Future medical costs
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Damage to your relationships with loved ones 
  • Wrongful death

A Closer Look at Why Car Accidents Happen in Grand Rapids

There were more than 245,000 vehicle crashes in Michigan in 2020. In 2021, that number rose 15% to more than 282,000.  About 20,000 of those crashes occurred in Kent County, which ranks as the fourth highest county in Michigan for motor vehicle crashes. This is far too many crashes.

Common causes of car accidents include:

Speeding

Year after year, speeding is a contributing cause of approximately one-quarter of all traffic fatalities. In 2020, 26 percent of all fatal crashes in the United States and 9 percent of all injury crashes were caused at least in part by speeding.

One of the dangers we face in Grand Rapids is the combination of high speeds and cold weather conditions. A speeding car takes longer to come to a complete stop under normal conditions. Combine this with ice and snow on the roads, and a driver can completely lose control of their vehicle.

Driving under the influence

Driving under the influence is dangerous and selfish, yet it continues to be a serious issue across the United States. In Michigan, recent data counted 311 fatalities caused by alcohol-impaired driving in one year, compared to 656 motor vehicle accidents that did not involve alcohol. This means alcohol contributed to over 32 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities that year. The national average for alcohol-impaired fatalities during that same period was only 29 percent.

Weather

Poor weather can make driving treacherous. In Grand Rapids, we have our fair share of unfavorable conditions. Snow and ice are typical during the winter months. This means drivers on the road need to take extra steps to prevent an accident. Failure to take the appropriate safety measures could make the driver negligent.

Things we see drivers do that contribute to bad weather accidents include:

  • Speeding
  • Inappropriate use of headlights
  • Inadequate or missing traction devices
  • Not knowing the weather conditions

Wildlife

Grand Rapids is a beautiful destination for outdoor lovers. While our wildlife is an enjoyable aspect for residents and visitors, it also contributes to a large number of accidents every year.

According to recent numbers from the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, there were 51,103 deer-involved motor vehicle collisions in 2020. That is one out of every five accidents that year. Kent County had the second-most deer crashes with 1,712.

Anyone who lives and drives in Michigan knows we share the road with wildlife. Accidents do not only happen when a driver collides with an animal – they can also happen when a driver serves or otherwise reacts to avoid a collision with a deer, raccoon, rabbit, possum, or other wildlife.

Drivers should always drive at a speed and following distance where they have enough time to react. If an animal darts out into the road, a driver should be traveling slow enough that they can come to a stop without swerving into another lane. In the same regard, if a driver comes to a stop to avoid a collision, the driver behind them should have allowed enough following distance that they also have enough time to stop.

Common Questions We Hear From Our Clients

If you were in an accident, you likely have many questions. Our job is to help our clients understand their rights and answer any questions they may have. Below are some of the most common questions we hear from our clients:

What should I do immediately following an accident?

As an accident victim, you need to protect your rights. Here’s how.

  1. Stay at the scene: If you were just in an accident, do not leave the scene. Unless you reasonably fear for your safety and drive straight to a police station, this is illegal. It will also hurt your legal claims for compensation. Move your car to a safe location, and check your surroundings to ensure there are no other dangers.
  2. Exchange insurance information: The law requires all drivers to exchange insurance information after an accident involving damage or injury. The more information you get, the easier it will be to process your case. At a minimum, you need the other driver’s name, phone number, name of the insurance carrier, policy number, and contact number for the insurance provider.
  3. Gather evidence: Photos are the best way to preserve evidence of what happened. Try to get pictures of both vehicles, including any damage, and the other vehicle’s license plate. If witnesses saw what happened, get their contact information as well.
  4. Go to the doctor: Your health should always be your number one priority. If you know or even suspect that you may have any serious injuries, call 911 right away. If you are injured but do not need immediate attention, go to your doctor or urgent care immediately after leaving the scene.
  5. Contact a car accident attorney: An experienced attorney can help you combat the aggressive tactics of the insurance company and help you plan your next steps moving forward.

Do I need an attorney if I want to recover damages after a car accident?

The law does not require you to retain an attorney if you want to recover damages after a car accident. You can make claims to the various insurers on your own. However, insurers routinely delay or deny claims, and it is incredibly difficult to represent yourself if litigation becomes necessary. In many situations, it is difficult to even determine which insurer is responsible for paying your benefits in the no-fault system.

At Gruel Mills, our legal team is familiar with insurance companies’ tactics, and we know how to combat them. When we take on a car accident case, our first objective is to provide our clients with a safe space and advocate for their rights. We will help you get the care you need and make sure you know what to expect every step of the way. And because we work on a contingency basis, you do not have to worry about paying hefty legal bills up front. Do not let worry about the cost of litigation keep you from contacting us.

Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman PLLC: Your Trusted Local Car Accident Attorney

Dealing with a car accident is difficult. At Gruel Mills, we make the process easier for you. With over 35 years of experience, we know what to expect from the insurance companies and how to fight for the compensation our clients deserve. Reach out to a Grand Rapids car accident lawyer.

If you or a loved one have been in a car accident, do not wait. Contact Gruel Mills at (616) 235-5500 or email us for a free case consultation.

Grand Rapids Office Location

Campau Square Plaza Building
99 Monroe Ave NW #800
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

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