by Distracted Driving Accidents in Michigan
If you’ve been hurt in a crash caused by a distracted driver, you’re not alone. Many Michigan crash victims feel frustrated, confused, and unsure what to do next. You may be wondering:
- What counts as distracted driving in Michigan?
- Can I sue after a distracted driving accident?
- How do I prove the other driver was at fault?
At Steinberg Goodman Law PLLC, we understand the toll these crashes take—physically, emotionally, and financially. Our mission is simple: We Tip the Scales and Fight for Every Dollar You Deserve.
What Michigan’s Distracted Driving Laws Mean for You
Michigan law bans drivers from using hand-held phones or other devices while operating a vehicle. That includes texting, emailing, scrolling social media, or holding a device for navigation. Drivers can only use voice-activated or hands-free technology while the vehicle is moving.
Violating these laws is more than a traffic offense—it’s a form of negligence. When a driver takes their eyes off the road to text, check a map, or make a call, they endanger everyone around them. If that distraction causes a crash, they can be held legally responsible for the harm they cause.
Our Michigan personal injury lawyers regularly represent victims injured in distracted driving crashes in Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, and Washtenaw Counties, including Detroit, Southfield, Troy, Sterling Heights, and Ann Arbor.
Can You Sue After a Distracted Driving Crash in Michigan?
Yes. If someone’s distracted driving caused your injuries, you may have the right to recover compensation. Michigan’s No-Fault system provides certain benefits, but if another driver’s negligence caused serious harm, you can seek additional damages through a personal injury claim.
You May Be Entitled to Recover:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages (for fatal crashes)
Our Michigan accident attorneys know how to gather evidence that proves a driver was distracted—such as phone records, witness statements, and crash-scene photos. We build strong cases to hold negligent drivers and their insurers accountable.
Why Prompt Medical Care Matters
Even if you feel okay after the crash, you should seek medical care immediately. Quick medical attention protects both your health and your legal rights.
Here’s Why Medical Care Is Crucial:
- Documents your injuries – shows the connection between the crash and your symptoms.
- Strengthens your claim – insurance companies take detailed records seriously.
- Supports future care – helps estimate ongoing costs for treatment or therapy.
- Shows you acted responsibly – delays in treatment can make insurers question your claim.
Our Michigan accident lawyers will use your medical documentation to support and maximize your claim for damages.
What to Do Next – Quick Checklist
If you or a loved one were injured by a distracted driver, follow these steps to protect your rights:
- Call 911 and report the crash.
- Take photos of vehicles, the scene, and any visible distractions (like a phone in the other driver’s hand).
- Exchange information with the other driver and witnesses.
- Seek medical treatment even if you don’t feel immediate pain.
- Keep all documents —medical bills, repair receipts, and insurance correspondence.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurers before speaking with a lawyer.
- Contact Steinberg Goodman Law PLLC at (248) 538-1494 or visit www.steinberg-goodmanlaw.com for a free, no-pressure consultation.
Why Choose Steinberg Goodman Law PLLC
- Trusted local experience: Serving clients throughout Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, and Washtenaw Counties.
- Proven record of results: Decades of combined experience fighting for Michigan injury victims.
- Client-first approach: Clear communication, compassionate service, and strong advocacy.
- No fees unless we win: You pay nothing upfront—we only get paid when you do.
At Steinberg Goodman Law PLLC, our Michigan accident lawyers are dedicated to helping injured people rebuild their lives.
Call Us Today
If a distracted driver changed your life, you don’t have to face the insurance companies alone. Call Steinberg Goodman Law PLLC at (248) 538-1494 or visit www.steinberg-goodmanlaw.com today.
We Tip the Scales and Fight for Every Dollar You Deserve.
by Is Lane Splitting Legal in Michigan? What Every Rider Should Know
By Steinberg Goodman Law PLLC — Personal Injury Lawyers Serving Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, and Washtenaw Counties
If you ride a motorcycle in Michigan, you’ve probably found yourself stuck in heavy traffic, watching open space between cars and wondering — can I ride through? It’s a common question, especially among newer riders who’ve seen lane splitting allowed in other states.
However, in Michigan, lane splitting is not legal. And when a crash happens, this one detail can affect how insurance companies and police treat your claim.
At Steinberg Goodman Law PLLC, we know how quickly a motorcycle ride can turn into a life-changing event. We help injured riders understand their rights, deal with insurers, and recover the full compensation they deserve.
We Tip the Scales and Fight for Every Dollar You Deserve.
Michigan’s Law on Lane Splitting
Michigan traffic law is clear: motorcyclists must use a full lane of traffic and riders are not permitted to drive between rows of stopped or moving vehicles — the act known as lane splitting.
However, the law does allow two motorcyclists to ride side by side in the same lane if both agree. That’s called lane sharing, and it’s perfectly legal.
If you’re injured while lane splitting, insurance companies may try to blame you for the crash. Don’t assume you have no case — liability in motorcycle accidents is rarely black and white. A skilled Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand where fault really lies.
Lane Splitting Remains Illegal in Michigan
While some states are reconsidering their motorcycle laws, the fact remains that lane splitting is against Michigan law. If a police officer determines that a rider was lane splitting at the time of an accident, they may issue a citation right at the scene.
Traffic violations can also impact your insurance claim. Insurers routinely consider citations when determining fault, and courts are often unsympathetic when injuries result from actions that violate state law.
Understanding Michigan’s motorcycle laws before an accident happens can help you protect both your safety and your rights on the road.
Lane Splitting, Lane Filtering, and Lane Sharing: What’s the Difference?
These terms sound similar but have very different meanings under Michigan law:
- Lane splitting means riding between lanes of stopped or moving traffic. This is illegal in Michigan.
- Lane filtering involves frequent lane changes when traffic slows or stops. While not expressly prohibited, it’s not advisable, since most drivers in heavy traffic follow closely and may not expect a motorcycle weaving between lanes.
- Lane sharing refers to two motorcyclists riding side by side in a single lane. This practice is legal in Michigan when both riders consent.
Knowing these distinctions helps riders stay safe — and helps prevent legal and insurance complications after a crash.
Why Lane Splitting Is So Dangerous
There’s a clear reason why Michigan law prohibits lane splitting: it’s dangerous for everyone on the road.
Motorcyclists are already more exposed and less protected than drivers of enclosed vehicles. When lane splitting, riders travel in extremely tight spaces, often just inches from moving cars and trucks. Even a small mistake or unexpected move can cause a serious collision.
Drivers in slow or stopped traffic don’t expect motorcycles to pass between lanes. They may drift, pull out, or change lanes suddenly — leaving the motorcyclist nowhere to go.
Lane splitting also endangers pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists, since limited visibility and close proximity make it much harder for anyone to react in time.
At Steinberg Goodman Law PLLC, we’ve seen how devastating motorcycle crashes can be. If you or someone you love was hurt on a Michigan roadway, our team is here to help you understand your rights, protect your claim, and guide you toward recovery.
Can You Recover Compensation After a Lane Splitting Accident?
Even if you were lane splitting when the crash occurred, you may still have legal options. Michigan follows a comparative fault rule, which means you can seek compensation as long as you were not more than 50% at fault for the accident.
Depending on your case, you may be eligible to recover for:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Damage to your motorcycle and personal property
At Steinberg Goodman Law PLLC, our attorneys carefully analyze every detail — from traffic camera footage and police reports to witness statements — to determine the real cause of your accident. Many motorcycle crashes involve negligent drivers who were texting, tailgating, or changing lanes without checking for bikes.
Why Prompt Medical Care Protects Both Your Health and Your Case
After any motorcycle crash, seek medical care right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Some conditions — like concussions or internal injuries — can develop hours or days later.
Prompt treatment not only protects your health but also strengthens your legal claim. Insurance companies often argue that delays in care mean your injuries aren’t serious or related to the accident. Documented medical evaluations provide powerful evidence to support your case.
What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Michigan
If you’ve been in a crash — whether lane splitting was involved or not — follow these steps to protect yourself and your rights:
- Move to safety and call 911 immediately.
- Exchange information with all involved drivers and take photos of the scene.
- Seek medical care right away, even for minor pain or dizziness.
- Avoid admitting fault to police or insurance adjusters.
- Call a Michigan personal injury lawyer before speaking to an insurance representative.
The right legal guidance can make all the difference in how your claim is handled — and in how much you recover.
How Steinberg Goodman Law PLLC Helps Michigan Riders
At Steinberg Goodman Law PLLC, we’re proud to serve injured riders across Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, and Washtenaw Counties. We understand the risks motorcyclists face and the unfair assumptions they often encounter after a crash.
Our attorneys take an active, personal approach — investigating every detail, pushing back against lowball insurance offers, and making sure our clients receive the care and compensation they deserve.
Call (248) 538-1494 or visit www.steinberg-goodmanlaw.com for a free, no-pressure consultation today.
You don’t have to face the aftermath of a crash alone. Let our team help you protect your rights, rebuild your life, and move forward with confidence.
Steinberg Goodman Law PLLC — We Tip the Scales and Fight for Every Dollar You Deserve.