The Legal Impact of Texting While Driving in Michigan

Texting while driving has been prohibited in Michigan since 2010. For a first offense, motorists are fined $100. Subsequent offenses cost $200. However, that does not stop drivers, young or older alike from doing so. Distracted driving accidents are a growing concern in Michigan.

Consider this devastating distracted driving accident in the state that involved three cars. The first driver was on his way to a college class. The second driver was out with her best friend looking for the best place to get a prom dress. The third driver, a younger teen was texting and driving.

The texting teen had his eyes off the road when he went through a stop sign. He slammed into the side of the second driver and her best friend, instantly killing both. The second car was then pushed into the third car that spun out of control into a light pole. The driver survived but was severely injured. The texting driver also made it out of the crash alive.

What happens next? Typically, the families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death lawsuit. Any seriously injured victims may file a personal injury lawsuit.

The main question then becomes whose insurance will cover the costs, and what happens if one of the drivers does not have insurance?

There are six types of car insurance to be aware of. They include:

• Medical payments coverage: Often called Med-Pay covers medical expenses of all injured victims in your vehicle.
• Personal injury protection: Offers coverage for medical payments and lost wages.
• Liability coverage: Offers coverage for damage and injuries caused to other drivers and vehicles, plus defense fees.
• Uninsured/underinsured driver coverage: Covers accidents with an underinsured or uninsured driver.
• Comprehensive coverage: Covers non-collision damages like theft.
• Collision coverage: Covers collision-related damages to your vehicle regardless of who was at-fault for the accident.

In the accident outlined above, is the young teen driver’s insurance going to be able to cover the costs involved in this horrific collision? The answer is likely to be no. This is where an experienced Detroit-area personal injury, distracted driving lawyer needs to be consulted. A case like this is far too complicated for grieving families to be able to manage alone.

At Bashore Green Law Firm we understand the devastating loss faced when a loved one has been seriously injured – or worse – in a car accident because of the negligence of a distracted driver. We are here to help you through the legal maze to obtain compensation for either a wrongful death or serious injuries.

Bashore Green has decades of combined legal experience supporting clients needs who are victims of auto accidents. Our auto accident lawyers know precisely what to do to obtain fair compensation for your losses. Call us today at 248-838-0635. We are here to listen to your story and help you navigate the legal process.