Grand Rapids Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer

COMPASSIONATE AND AGGRESSIVE HIT-AND-RUN ACCIDENT LAWYERS

We Have Represented the Interests of Hit-and-Run Accident Victims for Decades

Not everyone involved in a traffic accident in Grand Rapids, Michigan, remains at the crash scene. The driver at fault might leave, causing the collision to become a hit-and-run. The problem with hit-and-run crashes is that the victim might receive compensation if the driver who fled is unidentified.

As such, most people involved in this type of collision often wonder how they will get compensated. This is where our Grand Rapids hit-and-run accident lawyer comes in. Our lawyers will work with the authorities to identify and locate the at-large driver and commence the claims process once they are identified.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a hit-and-run collision, our team at Goodman Acker, P.C. can help. Contact us at 248-286-8100 for a free case review.

Why Choose the Grand Rapids Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers at Goodman Acker, P.C.?

At Goodman Acker P.C., we understand that accidents happen, and when they do, they leave you with injuries, medical bills, and other financial losses you did not plan for. As such, you need compensation to recover your losses. Our lawyers work tirelessly to ensure you get a favorable outcome.

We have decades of experience handling different personal injury cases, including hit-and-runs, and have won our clients millions in settlements and verdicts. We always prioritize our client’s needs and take a personalized approach to every case we handle. Also, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t have to worry about paying us an upfront fee.

Call us at 248-286-8100 to learn more about how we can help you.

Understanding Hit-and-Run Collisions Under Michigan Law

A hit-and-run accident happens when one party leaves the crash scene. People leave crash scenes for various reasons, including having an expired driver’s license, being illegal immigrants, lack of insurance, etc. However, none of these is a valid reason to leave an accident site.

Under Michigan law, a driver involved in a traffic accident or has reasons to believe they were in  a crash must stop the vehicle at the crash site and remain there long enough to:

• Provide their name and address and the registration number of the car they were operating, including the name and address of the owner, to a police officer, the individual struck, or the driver or occupants of the vehicle with which they have collided;
• Exhibit their license to a police officer, any individual struck, or the driver or occupants of the vehicle with which they collided; and
• Render to any individual injured in the accident reasonable assistance in securing medical aid or arrange for or provide transportation to any injured individual.

If a driver fails to do this, they’ll be liable for a hit-and-run, which carries civil and criminal penalties.

What Should You Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Grand Rapids, MI?

The actions you take immediately after an accident where the other driver leaves the scene go a long way in helping you identify the person and get compensation. So, ensure you do the following:

Document the Other Driver’s License Plate

If you are conscious after the crash, try to write down the fleeing driver’s license plate number. Also note their vehicle model, make, color, and any writing on it. If your injuries keep you from getting this information, don’t fret, as a traffic or dash cam might have recorded the accident.

Call the Police

Calling the police will get them and other first responders to the scene. The police will take your statement and commence the investigation to locate the driver who fled.

Talk to Witnesses

Since the accident will likely leave you in a daze, it is more likely that eyewitnesses will have more information about the fleeing driver’s vehicle make, model, color, and license plate. So talk to them to get this information. Also, get their contact details if you need to give them to the police or contact the witness later.

Take Photos of the Scene and Check for Video Footage

Photograph your vehicle, the crash scene, and your injuries. Check whether there’s a traffic or outdoor camera belonging to a business from which you can obtain video footage of the accident. You can pass the information to the police to get a copy of the footage or your Grand Rapids hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you. It is best to do this immediately, as most surveillance footage deletes within 24 to 48 hours if no backup system exists.

Get Legal Representation

Contact a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected and the police do not slack in investigating the hit-and-run accident. Also, a lawyer will help you determine if you can sue for compensation and commence the process if you can.

Who Pays for Your Damages After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

After a hit-and-run accident, the first option for your damages is to file a personal injury protection (PIP) insurance claim if you have a no-fault insurance policy. The coverage will pay your medical bills and some of your lost wages, but it does not pay for non-economic damages.

If you want compensation for non-economic damages, you can get it through your uninsured motorist coverage. Since hit-and-run drivers are unidentified, Michigan law places them in the same category as uninsured motorists. However, if the hit-and-run driver is known, you can file a compensation claim rather than rely on your PIP.

To file a lawsuit, you must have suffered severe injuries or a disability. Those who lose their loved ones can also seek wrongful death compensation from the hit-and-run driver.

You can claim monetary and non-monetary losses, including the following:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Property damages
• Pain and suffering
• Cost of rehabilitation
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Funeral and burial expenses (in wrongful death cases).

Depending on the facts of your case, you might be eligible for other damages, including exemplary damages. After reviewing your case, we will know all you’re entitled to.

Grand Rapids Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer FAQs

Accidents will leave you with questions, especially a hit-and-run collision. The following are some of the common questions our attorneys answer:

Do I Get No-Fault Insurance Benefits After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

Yes. You can get no-fault insurance benefits if you have a policy, and the payment covers your medical bills, a portion of your lost wages, and attendant care services.

What Happens If the Police Never Identifies the Hit-and-Run Driver?

If the police do not identify the hit-and-run driver, you cannot file a compensation claim even if you suffered severe injuries or a disability. However, you can rely on your personal injury protection coverage if you have a no-fault insurance policy.

How Much Settlement Can I Receive for a Hit-and-Run Accident?

There is no fixed amount for how much you can get as a settlement. Several factors determine the sum, including the type and severity of the injury suffered, the type and duration of your medical treatment, the permanency of conditions, etc.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Hit-and-Run Collisions in Michigan?

Under Michigan law, you must file a lawsuit within three years after the accident. The time starts counting from the accident date, and once it elapses, you are statute-barred from taking legal action.

How Can Our Grand Rapids Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney Help You?

The peculiarity and complexity of hit-and-run accident cases make it vital to have legal representation. Our lawyers at Goodman Acker P.C. will liaise with the investigators to locate the hit-and-run driver and help you obtain evidence against them. Once we have the proof we need, we will build a case against the negligent motorist.

Also, our Grand Rapids hit-and-run accident lawyers will meet all filing deadlines, from handling letters from insurance companies and responding to legal motions to filing court documents. We will negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurer for a settlement, and if we can’t reach one, we will represent you during a trial.

We will seek all available damages, discuss your legal options, and help you make the right decisions. Also, our lawyers will explain everything you need to know about the case at each stage. We care about your recovery from injuries and returning to a semblance of the life you had before the accident, so we will handle your case while you focus on your health.

Were You Involved in a Hit-and-Run Accident? Contact Goodman Acker, P.C., Now!

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a hit-and-run accident, our legal team at Goodman Acker, P.C., can help you understand your case and your rights. We are compassionate and aggressive in our approach and will do all we can to obtain a successful outcome. Contact us at 248-286-8100 to schedule a free case evaluation.

LEGALLY REVIEWED BY BARRY J. GOODMAN

Barry J. Goodman has devoted his professional life to keeping courthouse doors open for victims seeking justice. Always a tireless advocate for his own clients, Goodman sees his responsibility as a Detroit personal injury attorney in a broader sense as well. [ Attorney Bio ]