Kids are back to school and that means a greater chance of distracted drivers on the road. “At any daylight moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving, a number held steady since 2010.” (NOPUS)
According to Michigan Live more than 9,000 crashes in the last decade have involved cell phone use and, more than 34,000 Michigan accidents have occurred as a direct result of distracted drivers.
If you are texting while driving you are three times more likely to get into an auto accident. During the average 5 seconds it takes to send a text message a distracted driver can easily change lanes crossing over the length of an entire football field averaging a speed of 55MPH. While 5 seconds does not seem like a long time as we know a sudden jerk of the wheel and lane change can make the difference between life and death on our road ways.
Younger drivers are at particularly higher risk for distracted driving. “Ten percent of all drivers 15 to 19 years old involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crashes.”(NHTSA)
Have you or a loved one in a car accident because of a distracted driver? The attorneys at Corriveau Law can help. We have helped countless victims of distracted driving accidents get the benefits from their Michigan no fault insurance provider.
If you have been seriously injured or disabled as a result of an auto related accident caused by a distracted driver proving another driver is at fault makes all the difference. While your Michigan No Fault insurance will cover your medical expenses and wage losses these benefits are limited by statute.
A Michigan auto accident victim is entitled to receive No-Fault wage loss benefits for up to the first three years after the date of the accident. “If the monthly limit and/or the three –year limit on lost wage benefits is insufficient, then the victim can pursue a claim for ‘excess wage loss benefits.’ (MCP 500.3135(3)©) Reimbursement both medical and wage loss claims must be paid by your insurance company within one year following the accident. In the event that any reimbursement expense is not covered by the first party claim one may file a potential third party lawsuit to cover such additional expenses.
If you are not at fault in your car accident and have been seriously injured, you may make a claim against the responsibly party of the crash. This is known as a “third party claim”. Contact Corriveau Law today for your free consultation and to see if your auto related accident qualifies. Michigan law requires a “serious impairment of body function” to qualify for such.
When an accident happens, one or more of the drivers involved in the accident are considered “at fault”. The neglected or distracted driver and the owner of that vehicle are financially responsible for your losses. However, the best way to stop distracted drivers is not a lawsuit. The best way to stop it is to lead by example….
What Constitutes Distracted Driving?
Talking on the phone
Reading
Grooming
Computer Use
Adjusting Music and Air Conditioning
Passenger Distraction
Texting
Playing Games {Pokemon-GO}
Distracted driving basically is anything that takes ones thinking and visual abilities away from the road. According to a recent survey one-third of drivers admitted to texting while driving at one time or another.
While cellphone use, eating, and brushing your teeth while driving {yes, people really do these things} are not illegal in Michigan people still do them. Educating our young drivers and making a commitment to putting our phones and other distractions away could save lives, including yours, or a loved one. “According to section 257.602b of the Michigan Vehicle Code, it’s illegal to read, write, or send text while driving.”
Has your distracted driving contributed to a severe injury or deadly accident, you may be facing criminal charges, reckless driving, or manslaughter. Corriveau Law has extensive experience in defending against both civil and criminal violations.
No matter if you are the victim or the one at fault your rights are limited by statute. For more information or for your free initial consultation contact Corriveau Law today.
