Speeding drivers hit 3 Detroit police cruisers in 1 day
Detroit drivers don’t seem to understand that traveling at high speed in inclement weather is dangerous. Take, for instance, last Saturday, when Detroit roads were covered in snow. Local police officers were out doing their job despite the terrible weather. According to MSP, three police cruisers were struck by speeding drivers who lost control of their vehicles. Luckily, only one of the officers suffered minor injuries and was treated for back pain.
“Again, the best defense in snow, ice, and rain is to slow down,” said Lieutenant Mike Shaw, MSP Public Information Officer. “We all have to remember that weather does not cause crashes, drivers do.”
Michigan drivers must reduce speed in bad weather
It’s not just the smart thing to do. Under Michigan laws, motorists must travel at a speed that is “reasonable and proper” for the road conditions. This means that you may get a speeding ticket even if you’re driving below the regular speed limit on that road if the police consider you were going too fast given the road conditions.
This is very important for victims of winter-related crashes. Imagine getting out of the car and hearing the driver that hit you say it was not their fault as they were going at less than 60 mph. Be that as it may, you can still accuse them of negligence.
If you do not require immediate medical attention, remain at the scene until the police arrive. Make sure that the police report includes information on the road conditions and the speed the other driver was going at.
If they are issued a speeding ticket, an experienced Detroit car accident lawyer can use it to prove negligence. When filing a personal injury claim, you have to prove the other party was guilty of negligence. Speeding is a form of reckless driving and constitutes negligence.
Types of damages you can seek for an accident caused by speeding
In a personal injury claim, you can seek compensatory damages, which can be of two types:
Economic damages – These are meant to cover your financial losses, primarily your medical expenses and your lost wages. You must keep track of all injury-related expenses. You can seek compensation not only for your hospital bills but also for traveling to a different city to see a specialist. If you need to make alterations to your home, like installing a ramp or handrails, the costs are included in your financial losses.
Non-economic damages – These are meant to compensate a victim for their pain and suffering. In Michigan, there is no cap on pain and suffering damages awarded in personal injury claims, except for medical malpractice cases. As these are non-tangible damages and you have no bills to justify your demands, you will need a seasoned lawyer to build a convincing case. Keep in mind that you can seek damages for both your physical and mental suffering. It might be wise to keep a pain diary, detailing your physical pain and the mental anguish your condition causes you. Don’t hesitate to see a mental health expert if you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or panic attacks.
Have you been injured in a winter-related crash?
If you or a loved one were injured in a winter-related crash or an accident caused by speeding, the experienced attorneys at the Neumann Law Group can help. Our personal injury attorneys have many years of experience working on such cases. Through our dedicated representation, we have secured significant compensation for our injured clients and their families. To learn more and schedule a free initial consultation, call our office at 800-525-6386.