A car accident can be a devastating and life-altering incident. One minute, you’re driving and minding your own business, and the next, you’re dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and an insurance company that doesn’t have your best interest at heart. Working with an experienced Michigan car accident attorney can save you from the added stress of handling the complicated process of seeking compensation. This gives you the time and space to focus on your healing.
Whether you suffered injuries in a hit-and-run accident, a head-on collision, or a pedestrian accident, you don’t have to fight for compensation alone. At Schwaba Law Firm, we are here to fight for you. We know the tactics the auto insurance company will use to avoid paying you – and we know how to beat them. Call (906) 424-4661 today to get started with a free case review.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Michigan
Car accidents in Michigan occur for many reasons. While some crashes happen due to unavoidable circumstances, most stem from careless driver behaviors. Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted or drowsy driving
- Speeding
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Failure to yield
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Tailgating
- Improper lane changes
- Wrong-way driving
- Inexperienced or unlicensed drivers
Not all accidents result solely or even primarily from driver negligence. Poorly designed roads, inadequate signage, and malfunctioning traffic signals can contribute to crashes. Vehicle issues like faulty brakes or tire blowouts may also play a role. Other accidents result from inclement weather and unsafe road conditions. Understanding the factors that can cause or contribute to accidents can help your Michigan personal injury attorney determine who’s liable for your injuries and losses.
Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance Laws Explained
Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance system requires drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which pays for their medical expenses, lost wages, and other benefits regardless of who caused the accident. This system is designed to help accident victims secure prompt compensation without having to file a personal injury lawsuit against another driver. Drivers must also carry liability insurance for injuries or damage they cause to others.
Under Michigan’s no-fault law, PIP benefits cover medical bills, rehabilitation costs, up to three years of lost wages, and replacement services for daily tasks an injured person cannot perform. Policyholders can choose their level of medical coverage, ranging from unlimited lifetime benefits to lower coverage options.
While your no-fault benefits cover your economic losses resulting from a crash, they don’t compensate you for pain and suffering and other non-economic losses. However, if you suffer an injury that meets Michigan’s legal threshold for serious injury, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against an at-fault driver for additional compensation.
Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle
Michigan car accidents come in many types, each of which presents unique legal and insurance challenges. The type of collision often depends on factors such as speed, road conditions, and the involved drivers’ actions. Some of the different types of car accidents we handle at Schwaba Law Firm include:
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- T-bone (side-impact) crashes
- Sideswipe accidents
- Multi-vehicle pileups
- Single-vehicle crashes
- Rollover accidents
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Intersection accidents
- Highway crashes
- Parking lot accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Accidents involving bicyclists
- Work zone crashes
- Commercial truck accidents
- Accidents involving motorcyclists
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Car accident injury victims in Michigan may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of losses, depending on the severity of their injuries and the circumstances of the crash. The amount and type of compensation available depends on factors such as the available insurance coverage, the number of liable parties and their respective share of fault, and the extent of injuries and damage.
While Michigan’s no-fault insurance system covers certain expenses and losses, you may be eligible for additional compensation in cases involving serious injury. Depending on the details of your case, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including future medical care and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Replacement services
- Wrongful death
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Michigan
It’s important to understand what to do after a car accident in Michigan. Once you’ve had any immediate injuries taken care of, you should:
- Gather Evidence – Take pictures of the scene, including any damage to your vehicle. Make sure to exchange information with the other driver, including license plate and insurance information.
- Notify Your Insurance Company – Since Michigan is a no-fault state, you’ll need to contact your own insurance company right away so you can initiate your claim. Stick to the basic facts without admitting fault or speculating on what caused the crash.
- Document Everything – Keep documentation of all your expenses, including medical bills and car repairs. You should also document the various ways the accident has affected you, including pain levels, emotional distress, and the impact on your work life.
- Contact a Lawyer – Although your insurance company is responsible for covering your expenses, it’s essential to seek legal advice to ensure you’re fighting for all the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Our Law Firm for Your Michigan Car Accident Claim?
At Schwaba Law Firm, our attorneys are here to fight for the fair compensation you deserve. Not only can we bring substantial experience dealing with insurance claims and provide you with car crash legal advice, but we also offer:
- Free, no-obligation consultations to evaluate your case
- 24/7 availability to answer your questions when you need us most
- Dedicated personal injury representation, with a focus on car accident claims
- Proven experience against insurance companies and pursuing the compensation you’re owed
- Top-rated client service backed by 5-star reviews
- No upfront fees, and you only pay if we win your case
To quote from one of our testimonials:
I cannot say enough good about this law firm. Andy made us feel like family. He was there at our side every moment. Never did we feel like a client. He fought for us as if we were his own family. I don’t know what I would have done without him. He is not just a great lawyer. He is a good man. I would definitely go to him again. I just pray I never have to need him ever again but if I do I will be confident he will get the job done.
Contact Our Michigan Car Accident Attorney for Help
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Michigan, get the legal representation you need to fight for justice and compensation. Schwaba Law Firm is here to help you make your life whole again. Call (906) 424-4661 today for a free consultation.