When you ride a motorcycle, you depend not just on your ability to ride well but on the ability of those you share the road with to spot you and act accordingly.

Unfortunately, many drivers do not see a motorcyclist until it’s too late. They have already made a maneuver that makes a collision inevitable; one the motorcyclist is powerless to avoid. There are several reasons that drivers might not see a motorcyclist. These are a few of the most common.

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A car accident can change your life instantly. If you are grappling with paralysis after a crash, you don’t need anyone to tell you how difficult it is. Suddenly, your body can’t function as it used to, and your days are now filled with medications, physical therapy, and potentially even surgery or counseling. It can be frustrating, especially when you did not cause the accident.

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Driving alongside semi-trucks on the highway can be a nerve-wracking experience for many, and for a good reason. Naturally, semi-truck accidents can be deadlier than most other types of motor vehicle accidents. This is because when these large vehicles collide with smaller cars during a crash, the smaller vehicle absorbs most of the forceful impact of the collision.

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Whenever you take a vehicle out on the road, you need to obey the rules the law sets out. For instance, giving way at certain intersections, stopping at a red light and not passing the speed limit.

Yet there are other rules you should abide by, even though they are not legal requirements. Hopefully, your driving instructor taught you them, but as that may have been a long time ago, and you may have forgotten. As have many of the motorists you share the road with. The three-second rule is one of the most commonly forgotten norms that motorists should abide by, even though the majority don’t.

It can help you to maintain a safe following distance

Do you know the safe following distance when traveling at 30 mph? What about when traveling at 10 or 60 mph? Most people do not, and working it out when your speed varies requires a mathematical agility that, even if it comes easily to you, will distract you from thinking about the road. By counting the gap in seconds rather than feet, you’ll avoid the math. Three seconds at 10 mph will usually be a safe following distance, and so will three seconds at any speed, as the faster you travel, the greater the three-second distance will be.

Sometimes, you need to leave more than three seconds

If you religiously stick to three seconds, you may well cause a crash one day. Reasons for lengthening the time gap include poor road conditions, poor weather conditions or you feeling poorly. If you are tired, agitated, distracted or in any state other than calm and focused, you should probably increase the gap, too.

Three seconds is a minimum gap for ideal conditions and a driver who is fully alert and focused on the road. If someone crashes into the back of you, there’s a good chance they should have been further back. Seeking legal guidance to prove this concern can potentially help you to claim the compensation you need and deserve as a result of the other driver’s likely negligence.

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Being involved in a car accident can be both stressful and disorienting. Knowing the steps to take immediately after a collision in Grand Rapids, MI, from checking for injuries to contacting a car accident lawyer, can help you handle the situation more effectively.

Calmly Check for Injuries

The best thing you can do in the aftermath of an emergency is stay calm. Check yourself for injuries first. If you are all right, check on any passengers in your vehicle and the driver or passengers of the other car. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 and try not to move them until emergency services arrive, as you may worsen their injuries.

Tags: Auto Accident, Auto Accident Grand Rapids, Auto Accident Michigan, Car Accident, Car Accident Attorney, Car Accident Lawyer
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Driving demands your undivided attention and that’s why you might ignore your phone when on the road. Still, what most people don’t realize is that texting is not the only cause of distraction while driving. Anything, from having a bite of your takeout to talking to passengers, can be just as dangerous.

Recognizing the activities that take your focus away from the road is one step toward improving your driving safety.

Distractions to be aware of apart from texting

Many driving safety campaigns have highlighted the dangers of texting while driving, making most drivers know to keep their phones away when on the road. However, there are a lot of other things you might be doing while driving that are just as risky.

Multitasking has become a common practice in today’s fast-paced society, and people do so even while driving. On the way to or from school or work, some folks may eat snacks, drink coffee, touch up their makeup or talk to passengers. However, multitasking can cause driving performance to suffer.

You put yourself at risk when you do anything that takes your focus off of driving. Even actions as simple as selecting a song, reaching for an item, or reading a billboard can significantly increase your risk of an accident.

When driving, it is your responsibility to navigate safely. To do so, you must minimize distractions and pay attention to your driving.

The cost of taking your eyes off the road

Distracted driving poses a serious threat not only to your own safety but also to that of others sharing the road. The number of accidents caused by inattention is alarming, with thousands of crashes occurring in Michigan each year due to distracted drivers.

Car accidents often lead to severe injuries, ranging from whiplash to traumatic brain injuries. While some individuals may recover from their injuries, others face permanent disabilities or even death.

Should you cause harm to another person or damage property due to distracted driving, you may be held financially responsible. Moreover, if you lack collision coverage, expect to pay for your vehicle’s repairs out of pocket.

Before you hit the roads in Michigan, remember that what you do can have far-reaching implications. Do not let yourself get sidetracked and stay alert. A momentary distraction can lead to a costly and devastating outcome.

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Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can range from minor to severe, having various effects on a person’s health. In some scenarios, patients can experience a lasting impact on their neurological and cognitive functions, potentially hindering them from performing simple tasks and day-to-day activities. Other times, they may suffer from severe impairments, leading to memory loss, motor skills deterioration, mental ability regression and other issues. A patient may require targeted treatments to address these problems, including varying forms of rehabilitation.

When healing and receiving treatment, a patient may exhibit symptoms that require further diagnosis, often issued by their treating physician if needed. Doctors may require these additional tests and treatments to determine if the patient needs rehabilitation to address TBI-related conditions that may cause the following:

• Impact on the patient’s physical and mental capacity to perform tasks alone
• Problems keeping patients from initiating and maintaining relationships with friends, family and other important people
• Hindrances preventing patients from becoming participative members of society who can join in essential group activities

With the right rehabilitation program, patients’ quality of life can improve as they recover their confidence and independence over time.

Considering other factors that can affect recovery

Aside from undergoing rehabilitation, other factors can impact the healing and recovery of TBI patients, such as their health condition before the injury, the severity of their TBI and whether they have support as they endure their treatments. Unfortunately, one of the biggest obstacles is being able to afford the rehabilitation they need. These programs can be expensive, overwhelming patients financially.

If your severe TBI happened because of someone else’s negligence, it may be best to seek legal counsel and pursue compensation based on the situation. Doing so can help you access the necessary medical care without worrying about having enough resources to pay for them.

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The greater Grand Rapids area has some relatively dangerous roads. Some of these locations are dangerous due to design issues. For example, the 100th Street Bridge caused a significant number of semi-truck collisions due to its low clearance until its replacement in 2020.

Many other locations see a high number of crashes due to visibility issues, traffic density and other factors. What are the most dangerous roads in the Kent County area?

Urban roads and highways top the list

One of the most dangerous locations in Grand Rapids is where people get off of 131 at Wealthy Street. The location sees a lot of panhandling and foot traffic, which are both serious crash risk factors. This off-ramp saw 134 collisions in 2021, making it one of the most dangerous intersections in the Grand Rapids region.

28^th Street is also a dangerous road. Multiple points on the relatively long street see an above-average number of crashes. The area near Trader Joe’s which is often flooded by traffic from people visiting Woodland Mall, sees a high number of crashes. Just a few blocks away, where 28^th Street intersects with Breton Road also sees a large number of crashes.

Alpine Avenue is essentially the 28^th Street of the West Side. It’s packed with shops and restaurants, which means there is a lot of traffic, especially near the highway ramps close to 3 Mile. Crashes occur frequently, especially near the entrance to the bigger retailers. The addition of a Chik-Fil-A has only helped add more congestion to an already busy road. Even when the road turns into M-37 as drivers head north, the major intersections see a concerning number of crashes.

Many of the exits for 131 through town see a higher-than-average number of collisions, although other highways also have hazards that lead to crashes. M-6 tends to see many winter weather collisions due to a large amount of commercial vehicles and many curves that become dangerous when snowy.

How can this information help Michiganders?

When people in the Grand Rapids area know what roads are the most dangerous, they can make a different route on their way to their destination. Keeping an eye out for other vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles and motorcycles can help people avoid contributing to Kent County’s collision statistics.

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The impact of a traumatic brain injury resulting from a catastrophic car accident extends beyond the survivors. Family members equally feel the sudden and drastic changes in their dynamics, as they play a central role in their loved one’s recovery.

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) disrupts normal brain functioning, with symptoms that vary depending on the severity of the damage. Patients may experience a range of physical, behavioral, emotional and cognitive problems.

As survivors transition from hospital rehabilitation to care management at home, families must know they can help make the process a positive experience.

Ways to help TBI survivors live well

While uniquely challenging, caring for TBI survivors is manageable. Families can:

• Create necessary accommodations: Implementing safety measures can address potential impairments or deficits. For example, properly labeled drawers or posted notes can aid memory and reduce a loved one’s frustration from trying to remember where to find things or figuring out how they work.
• Monitor healthy routines: Set reminders for schedules on eating carefully planned meals, taking medicines and exercising. Also, take note of doctor’s appointments and therapy sessions.
• Build encouraging environments: Reassure loved ones that safe spaces exist, where they can freely express their struggles without fear of judgment. Reinforce how strong they are through honest conversations.
• Promote independence: As much as survivors need to take it slowly, they must also learn how to live independently again. Walk them through taking on tasks they used to do without the pressure of doing them exactly like before. Comfort them that change can also be fulfilling.

Most importantly, set realistic goals. The journey to recovery is rarely straightforward and often fraught with unpredictable trials. Complications may surface or side effects may worsen, which can prolong the process. Thus, families must be transparent with their loved ones about progress. Doing so fosters trust and allows the patient to be more hopeful of the future.

Supportive families need support too

Aside from medical guidance, supportive families need support themselves. A legal counsel who is ready to fight for their circumstances can be a source of strength and go after liable parties for compensation. The recovered funds can pay for long-term rehabilitative care and prevent further financial losses.

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On Behalf of Holmes & Wiseley, P.C.

The emotional toll can be overwhelming when your partner has been seriously injured in a truck accident. On top of grieving and watching them suffer, you’re suddenly thrust into a world of legal complexities and financial challenges. In such circumstances, hiring an experienced truck accident attorney becomes imperative.

You’ll likely find yourself in the unfamiliar territory of searching for legal representation for your partner, especially if they’re too injured to do so themselves. Acting quickly is essential because legal timelines can be strict, and evidence can become more challenging to obtain and preserve as time passes.

Specialization in truck accident cases

Truck accidents differ significantly from other vehicular accidents due to their magnitude and commercial trucking regulations. As such, finding an attorney specializing in truck accident cases is crucial. Such lawyers will be familiar with the specific laws and guidelines that apply, making them more equipped to build a strong case for your partner.

Credentials and reviews

While you may feel pressured by time, doing your homework is essential. Look for attorneys with a track record of success in truck accident cases. One way to find this is to check online reviews or references. Peer endorsements and client testimonials can offer valuable insights into an attorney’s expertise and client relations. Ask for recommendations from people you trust, but always corroborate any claims through your research.

Schedule an initial consultation

Most attorneys offer a free initial consultation, which can be incredibly useful for assessing the lawyer’s capabilities and their compatibility with your partner’s needs. Prepare a list of questions beforehand. This meeting is for the attorney to understand your case and for you to gauge whether this is the proper representation for your partner.

Fee structures

In most truck accident cases, attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win the case. Be sure to clarify any upfront costs or additional fees associated with the case. Transparency in financial matters can save you from surprises down the line.

Finding the right attorney to represent your partner can alleviate a lot of the stress of the situation because you’ll know that their case is in good hands. Just keep in mind that because state law imposes specific time limits and evidence that could make or break your family’s case needs to be safeguarded right away, swift action is critical.

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