Michigan Car Accident Lawyers

Experienced Michigan Car Accident Lawyers – Michigan Auto Law

Michigan Auto Law is the state’s largest firm handling car accident cases only. The team of over 20 attorneys works with victims of car, truck, pedestrian, bicycle, and rideshare accidents. They have been dedicated to car accident law for more than 50 years. The firm’s track record is solid, with year after year of multimillion-dollar wins for clients.

This sole dedication to car accident cases is just one reason Michigan residents have to work with Michigan Auto Law after devastating accidents:

• A team of experts in auto accident law, training others around the country
• An established record of winning 98% of cases with a verdict or a settlement
• Record-setting wins, including $34 million for a truck accident, the highest damages amount in the U.S. that year
• Free consultations and no fee for clients until they win

Why Do I Need a Michigan Car Accident Lawyer?

You may not need a lawyer after a car accident if your injuries and expenses are minor. If you have any resulting expenses, you may be able to work with your insurer to get adequate compensation. For more serious accidents, it makes sense to talk to a lawyer. Contact an experienced car accident firm in these situations:

• You don’t understand the laws or what your rights or options are after an accident.
• You have serious injuries, including disfigurement or something that significantly disrupts your life.
• You can’t work after an accident.
• Your medical bills are high, and you expect to have more in the future as a result of the accident.
• The insurance company is denying your claim or offering too little.
• Someone died in the accident.

Working with Your Car Accident Lawyer

To get the most out of your lawyer, it’s important to work with them. Your lawyer is the expert and will do most of the work, but they need your cooperation. Be honest, answer all their questions, and provide all the information they need:

Michigan Laws That Affect Car Accidents

Every state has its own laws governing auto insurance and personal injury lawsuits. Know the important Michigan laws to understand how they will impact your case in the state:[1][2][3]

No-Fault Auto Insurance

One of the most important laws relates to auto insurance. Michigan is a no-fault state. This means you make a claim with your own insurer for compensation after an accident, even if someone else caused the accident.

Michigan drivers must carry personal injury protection, or PIP, as part of their auto insurance. PIP covers your medical expenses and lost wages after an accident. As a no-fault state, Michigan limits your ability to sue an at-fault driver. You cannot sue the at-fault driver unless your injuries are severe enough to meet a set threshold, one or more of the following:

• Death
• Serious impairment of a bodily function
• Serious disfigurement

The law also requires that these criteria be based on tangible medical evidence. You will need a lawyer with medical experts on hand to prove your injuries meet the threshold to sue.

Small Claims Court

Although your ability to sue an at-fault driver for damages is limited, Michigan does allow for minitorts. These are small court claims. You can take an at-fault driver to small claims court for up to $1,000 in damages not related to injuries. For instance, you can claim for property damage.

Statute of Limitations

Michigan’s statute of limitations on personal injury cases is three years. In most cases, you have just three years from the time of an accident to file suit. The courts make some exceptions under the discovery rule. If you could not have reasonably discovered your injuries immediately, the clock starts later. This is not typical in car accidents.

Comparative Negligence

If your injuries meet the threshold to sue in Michigan, the courts may reduce your damages awarded based on comparative negligence. The defendants may prove in court, for instance, that you were 20% to blame in the accident. This can reduce your damages by 20%.

The laws governing personal injury and car accident lawsuits in Michigan can be confusing. You need Michigan car accident lawyers on your side, explaining your rights and options. Your lawyer will advocate for you and provide the best chance of a good outcome.