Grand Rapids, Michigan Car Accident Attorney

Personal Injury Lawyer for Kent County Car Crash Victims on I-96 and U.S. 131

Kent County ranks in the top five counties in Michigan for annual car accidents, in part because of its location at the intersection of three major highways. I-196 travels south through Holland and toward Chicago, I-96 flows east through Lansing and Detroit, and U.S. 131 spans north to south across the entire state. The intersection of U.S. 131 and Wealthy Street in Downtown Grand Rapids has recently been ranked as one of the 10 most dangerous intersections in the State of Michigan, with 123 accidents and 18 injuries in one year.

The weather conditions around Grand Rapids can make these roads even more dangerous, with cold winter temperatures and frequent occurrences of lake-effect snow affecting visibility and traction. When drivers fail to properly account for these additional hazards, the results can be disastrous.

If you have been injured in a car accident on one of the dangerous roads in West Michigan, you need an attorney who can help you understand your options for compensation and pursue a lawsuit against the responsible parties if necessary. Attorney John D. Tallman is a Grand Rapids native with almost 40 years of experience serving clients in car accident and other personal injury cases throughout Kent County and West Michigan, and he is committed to seeing your case through to the end, only requiring compensation if he is able to collect on your case through a settlement or verdict.

Common Causes for Accidents on Michigan's Dangerous Roads

Accidents tend to happen more frequently on busy roads in large part because of the high number of vehicles sharing the roadway at any given time. Highway traffic jams may result in side-swipe and rear-end accidents, and at intersections like 131 and Wealthy Street, collisions may be more common. Many of these accidents are caused by one or more drivers engaging in negligent behavior, such as:

• Speeding
• Drowsy driving
• Drunk driving
• Distracted driving
• Reckless driving
• Road rage
• Tailgating

Interstate highways like 96 and 196 also see a large amount of commercial semi-truck traffic, and with it, the truck accidents that ensue. These crashes often result in severe injuries and fatalities with long-lasting impacts on victims and their families. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, the truck driver, trucking company, and other parties may share in the liability.

Help From a Kent and Ottawa County Car Accident Lawyer

Whenever you have been injured in a car accident, your first priority should be your health and safety. Try to get away from traffic as much as possible, and seek medical attention to identify and treat injuries that require immediate care. If you are physically able, it is also a good idea to take pictures and video of the accident and any contributing road conditions, as this evidence can be used to establish liability if you choose to file a lawsuit. Next, you should consult with an attorney as soon as possible to receive qualified legal advice on the best way to proceed.

In many cases, you can obtain compensation for your injuries from your own car insurance provider through your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy, which should cover a significant portion of medical expenses and 85 percent of lost wages for up to three years. However, if you have been severely injured, a liability lawsuit against the at-fault parties may be your best option for receiving the full compensation you need. Our attorney will help you file a lawsuit and build a strong case by gathering evidence and testimony from witnesses, experts, and medical professionals. We will work to achieve a fair settlement through negotiation, or fight for your relief through trial litigation if necessary.

Contact a Michigan Lower Peninsula Personal Injury Attorney

When you need a lawyer who not only has the legal knowledge and experience to present a strong case, but also a life-long familiarity with the roads in the Grand Rapids area, John Tallman is an excellent choice. Contact us today at 616-361-8850 for a free consultation. We represent clients in Grand Rapids, Grand Haven, Muskegon, Holland, and throughout Kent County, Ottawa County, and Muskegon County.