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Hiring a Car Accident Attorney in Michigan

You may have many questions when you are involved in a car wreck, we are here to help! We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions by car accident victims in the state of Michigan.

What Can Cause A Vehicle Crash?

Operating a motor vehicle comes with inherent risk. You are accepting these risks when you get behind the wheel. That is why there is testing and training that must be done prior to receiving your license. Obtaining a license means that you have agreed to follow and obey the traffic laws of your state and of the United States. Even with all of these safety protocols, dangerous situations can still arise. A few of the ways accidents can occur are:

  • Driving with an impairment: this includes driving while drunk, driving while under the influence of illicit drugs and driving under the influence of prescription medicines.
  • Distracted driving: cell phones have become a big problem for motorists across the globe. Texting, making and receiving calls, taking pictures, choosing music and podcasts, etc. can all be reasons that an accident occurs.
  • Big truck accidents: these accidents occur when a large truck, such as an 18-wheeler, are involved. These big trucks have large blind spots and with the weight they haul they can have a hard time coming to a quick stop. They also make wide turns that sometimes other drivers are not prepared for.
  • Road conditions/weather: Weather and road conditions are more obstacles that drivers must face and be prepared for. Construction on the road, potholes, road closings and traffic rerouting can all lead to confused and distracted drivers. When weather gets bad you can have snow, sleet, ice, hail and more. This is a natural way that causes drivers a lot of stress and unfortunately can be responsible for many accidents.
When Should You Consider Hiring A Personal Injury Lawyer?

You should consider hiring a personal injury lawyer if you have been injured in a car accident or a family member was killed in a car accident. A personal injury attorney has been educated in the Michigan accident laws and will know best how to help you file a personal injury claim or, if someone was killed, a wrongful death suit.

When a car accident lawyer agrees to take your car accident case, they will do everything they can to make sure you receive maximum compensation or a favorable verdict. They will work to make sure that you are fairly compensated for any medical bills, lost wages, damage to your car and your pain and suffering.

Car accident victims have legal rights after an accident and car accident lawyers have the necessary experience and knowledge to make sure you are awarded what you deserve. There is a time limit on filing claims, so use LegalFinders now to get started on your car accident claim!

What Happens When You Have Been Involved In An Auto Accident?

Although every automobile accident situation is unique, you can rest easier knowing there are a few things that always happen after a car accident.

  1. Emergency services should be contacted – Immediately following an auto accident, emergency services should be called. The operator has been trained to be able to quickly identify what resources your accident is going to require. It is important to remember that you may be more seriously injured than you realize due to shock and adrenaline. If emergency medical technicians believe that you need to go to the hospital to be further checked out, you should comply. If you are concerned about using an emergency line for an accident that was very minor, you can always use the non-emergency police line instead of 911.
  2. You will need to exchange insurance information – the state of Michigan requires by law all registered vehicles to have a basic amount of insurance. After an accident you will need to exchange contact information for your insurance companies and policy numbers. Take pictures of the scene and property damage if you are able, this will be useful for your insurance company, the police and your car accident attorney.
  3. Keep all of your medical related documents – If you plan on filing a personal injury claim, you will need to keep track of all of your medical expenses. Any medical bills that stem from this auto accident will be important information for your insurance company and your car accident lawyer.
  4. You will need to obtain the police report – all police officers are required to document every detail of an accident. To do this, they will interview everyone involved in the accident and any witness who may have seen the car crash. They will take their own pictures of the accident scene for evidence and inspect the vehicles. Once they have concluded this, they will put it all in one report. This is very useful and important information for both your personal injury lawyer and your insurance company.

The aftermath of a car accident can be chaotic and overwhelming. Once you have handled your immediate concerns, use LegalFinders to get started on finding a local car accident lawyer to help you navigate the confusion.

What Type Of Injuries Can Occur In A Car Accident?

Most car accident doctors will tell you that any type of injury is possible in a car accident. Your body gets thrown and jerked around in unnatural ways which can cause minor injuries such as bruises and scrapes to more serious injuries such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries and disfigurement. It is very important that you receive medical care immediately after an accident. While any injury is possible, there are a few that are seen the most often. The most commonly seen injuries in car accidents in order from most to least severe:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Internal bleeding
  • Burns
  • Broken bones
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Scrapes and cuts
  • Bruises
What Should You Know When Contacting Your Auto Insurance Company To File An Accident Claim?

When you live in Michigan you may already be aware of their unique no-fault insurance laws. All vehicles with license plates must have a basic level of insurance coverage. No-fault means that proving who was the negligent driver is not necessarily required in order for you to be compensated. Your own insurance will cover your covered losses caused by your car accident.

When you call your insurance company, they are going to one your basic information, such as your name and policy number. Next, they will ask you to tell them, in your own words, what happened during the accident. They will also be in charge of calling the other driver’s insurance company. If you have anything such as medical records, pictures, videos or witnesses regarding the accident, they will also need that information. Next, they will likely send an insurance adjuster.

The insurance adjuster’s job is to evaluate the damage to your vehicle. They may also come to the scene of the accident to investigate it up close and to interview you regarding the accident.They will also need to obtain the police report to give them an official detailed report to help them understand what happened in the accident. Once they have everything they need, they will come up with the value of your claim. Disclaimer: insurance adjusters often have to use their judgment in car accident claims. Car accident attorneys can be very helpful in the event that the value they assign your claim is not accurate or adequate.

Is Michigan A No-Fault Insurance State?

The simple answer is yes. However, you might be wondering what no-fault insurance is. Auto Insurance is required in the state of Michigan by law. All drivers who register and pay for license plates must carry the required minimum insurance coverage. If you have been in a car crash, insurance benefits will pay for wages lost due to the injury, your medical expenses and any damage your car may have done to someone else’s property, such as a damaged fence. With this type of insurance, it does not matter who caused the car accident.

Every basic policy has a few conditions that have to be met. One is PIP (Personal Injury Protection). This part of the insurance policy will cover any reasonably necessary medical expense you may have because of the accident, with no maximum limit. Furthermore, if you have to lose wages due to time out of work related to the car accident, it will also pay for up to three years 85% of your missed income.

Another basic portion of any no-fault insurance policy is PPI (Property Protection). In this section, minimum insurance coverage includes up to $1 million for any damages your car does to another person’s property, such as houses and fences, excluding vehicles – it does not pay for damage done to cars.

What Is The Statute Of Limitations Regarding Car Accidents In The State Of Michigan?

The term “statute of limitations” refers to the amount of time someone has to bring a lawsuit for a specified type of claim. The statute of limitations for car accidents varies between states. According to Michigan law, the statute of limitations for filing an auto accident lawsuit is three years. This three year statute of limitation law applies to both personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. This means a car accident victim has exactly three years from the date of the auto accident to file a lawsuit pertaining to the accident. A car accident attorney can be very helpful with this by keeping up with important dates and deadlines of your car accident case for you.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident, you may find yourself looking for a car accident attorney. In Michigan, there are unique and complex laws regarding auto insurance and car accidents. To help you navigate this often confusing system, LegalFinders was founded. LegalFinders has gathered all of the personal injury attorneys in your area, into one searchable place. If you have been in a car accident, use LegalFinders to help you begin your journey.

Michigan Car Accident Lawyers

LegalFinders: Reach Out To Michigan Car Accident Attorneys

If you have ever been involved in a car crash, you know that the period after can be a blur. There are doctor appointments, calls to insurance companies, calls to and from the police. It is easy to become overwhelmed and want to give up. However the statute of limitations only gives you so long to get this taken care of before it is no longer an option.

In a car accident you can lose more than your car. Other economic damages, such as wage loss, can also happen. If you do not have the proper insurance coverage you may not be able to recover any of it. The cost of medical treatment and repairing your damaged property can quickly add up in a time where every penny matters.

Car crash victims now have an easy to navigate way to find a helpful law office. You have legal rights when you have been injured in a car accident and an auto accident lawyer is the best and most well-equipped person to explain to you those rights. Michigan car accident attorneys are extremely familiar with the state’s car accident laws and the applicable statute of limitations. LegalFinders will help you make an informed decision about who you hire and trust with your car accident case.

 

Michigan Car Accident Statistics

In 2020, the state of Michigan reported a total of 245,432 motor vehicle accidents that resulted in 60,986 injuries. Of the total car crashes, 1,010 were fatal with 1,083 fatalities reported. Motorists should use caution and vigilance when driving in Michigan; road conditions, weather and distracted driving are just a few of the hazards drivers face. Below is a sampling of the statistics of auto accidents in Michigan:

Total car accidents in Ingham county including Lansing City

6,927

1,911 injuries related to a car accident and 15 fatal accidents with 17 reported fatalities

Total car accidents in Kent county including Grand Rapids City

17,056

4,188 injuries caused by an auto accident and 55 fatal accidents

Total car accidents in Macomb county including Warren City

17,796

5,211 injuries reported as a result of an auto accident and 40 fatal accidents, with 41 fatalities

Total car accidents in Oakland county including Southfield City

26,316

6,563 injuries that resulted as a direct result of being in a car accident and 55 fatal accidents that resulted in 62 fatalities

Total car accidents in Washtenaw county including Ann Arbor

7,164

1,649 injuries were reported as a result of an accident and 23 fatal accidents with 26 fatalities

Total car accidents in Wayne county including Detroit

44,017

15,051 injuries occurred as a result of being in a car crash and 234 fatal car accidents were reported, with 252 fatalities

 

Most Dangerous Highways In Michigan

Motorists should always remain vigilant when driving so as to avoid being involved in an auto accident. While all roads can be dangerous, the following highways have been identified as being the most dangerous, due to road conditions and traffic congestion:

Highways
US Route 31
I-696
I-75
I-96
I-94

If you find yourself driving on one of these highways, be sure to remain distraction-free so you can make it safely to your destination.

LegalFinders: Narrowing Down Your Michigan Car Accident Lawyer Options

If you or a loved one have been involved in an auto accident, you may be overwhelmed with what to do now. You need a legal team who knows what you need before you do. A car accident attorney can help you understand the steps that you need to take next, what your legal rights are as a car accident victim and what your deadlines are. They can help you with your insurance claims and your medical expenses. 

LegalFinders was created with you in mind. LegalFinders has collected all of the top rated car accident lawyers and law firms in your area and put them in one spot. You can find testimonials from people who have been in your position to help you decide and the contact information for the personal injury attorneys once you have. For a free consultation with a Michigan auto accident attorney with years of experience, use LegalFinders today!

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Published: 29 January 2022

ARTICLE SOURCES

Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services — Michigan’s Auto Insurance Law Has Changed

Michigan Department of State Police — 2020 Year End Traffic Crash Statistics

Michigan Legislature — Section 600.5805

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