A car accident is a life-threatening experience that can result in severe injuries or fatalities. Victims of car accidents endure expensive medical bills, chronic pain, and emotional distress. You may be entitled to compensation if injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence.
Even so, the at-fault party’s insurer may reject your claim or make a low settlement offer that doesn’t cover your losses. Our car accident lawyer at Michigan Injury Lawyers understands the impact of a car crash and is ready to fight for your rights.
We can investigate the cause of the crash, gather evidence, and initiate a compensation claim against the at-fault party.
Why Choose Us
The ability to recover from an injury-related loss depends on the settlement value for your car accident claim. Working with our car accident attorney enhances the chances of receiving a fair settlement value for your losses.
At Michigan Injury Lawyers, we have over 15 years in the industry, our Ann Arobr car accident attorneys are highly experienced in handling your claim. We work hard to maximize claims through proven legal strategies and dedication.
How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth
Your ability to recover from an injury depends on your settlement value in a car accident claim. Generally, there is no average value for a car accident claim. The outcome depends on the facts and circumstances of the injury.
Here are the factors that determine the value of a car accident:
Severity of Your Injuries
Injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more serious consequences like broken bones, head trauma, or spinal cord injuries can not only affect your physical well-being but also have a substantial financial impact.
Severe injuries may require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care, leading to hefty medical bills and lost earnings.
The more severe your injury, the higher the potential value of your car accident claim. Our car accident attorneys consider the severity of injuries when negotiating a fair settlement value for your losses.
They understand that severe injuries result in immediate medical expenses and long-lasting effects on your life, such as chronic pain, inability to work, or reduced quality of life.
Ensure you have enough medical records to prove the extent of your injuries and support your claim or lawsuit.
Shared Fault
Your car accident settlement value may be lower if you’re partly to blame for the accident. Imagine driving through downtown Ann Arbor when another driver runs a red light and collides with your vehicle.
While the other driver bears most of the fault for the accident, the insurance companies may argue that you were also partially responsible for the collision because you were slightly above the speed limit.
Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault for the accident. If it is determined that you were 20 percent at fault for the collision, your total compensation will be decreased by 20 percent.
Our Ann Arbor car accident lawyers can use evidence to protect you from being unfairly blamed for the collision.
The Availability of Evidence
Although you may be entitled to compensation for your losses, you must prove the negligent acts of the at-fault party. The more evidence you have to support your case, the stronger your position will be when seeking compensation for your injuries and damages.
Here are possible sources of evidence to prove a car accident claim:
- Police accident report
- Eyewitness statement
- Photos of the accident scene
- Medical records
- Debris at the crash scene
- Traffic camera footage
- Reports from accident reconstruction experts
The evidence you present can make or break your case, influencing the outcome of negotiations or court proceedings.
Our skilled Ann Arbor car accident attorney can help gather and preserve evidence that may otherwise be lost or overlooked. They can work to secure surveillance footage, black box data from vehicles, and expert testimony to strengthen your claim.
Insurance Coverage of the At-Fault Party
In most cases, the injured victims obtain compensation from the insurer of the at-fault party. In that regard, their insurance coverage influences the settlement value you can get for your losses.
An at-fault party with low insurance coverage or no coverage can restrict the settlement value for your car accident claim. Our car accident lawyer can explain your alternatives, including filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Duration of Recovery Period
You may receive a higher settlement value if you require months or years to recover from the injury. A more extended recovery period leads to additional costs such as rehabilitation, lost earnings, and structural adjustments in your home.
A longer recovery can also impact your quality of life and emotional well-being. If you spend months on the treatment, you may have to see a therapist to overcome the emotional distress due to the inability to work or enjoy life.
Our Ann Arbor personal injury lawyers can demonstrate how a lengthy treatment plan has impacted the quality of your life.
Where Do Car Accidents Occur in Ann Arbor
Car accidents can occur for various reasons, including speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving. However, road users are vulnerable to road accidents in specific areas in Ann Arbor.
Here are the areas where car accidents occur in Ann Arbor:
- Washtenaw Avenue: As one of the main thoroughfares in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw Avenue sees a high volume of traffic daily. The combination of heavy traffic flow, multiple lanes, and frequent intersections increases the likelihood of car accidents along this road.
- State Street: State Street, parallel to the University of Michigan campus, is another hotspot for car accidents in Ann Arbor. The mix of students crossing the road, cyclists sharing the lanes, and vehicles moving through congested areas often leads to collisions.
- Plymouth Road: Known for its commercial establishments and residential neighborhoods, Plymouth Road is a common site for car accidents in Ann Arbor. The varying speed limits, abrupt lane changes, and heavy traffic make this road prone to accidents.
- Huron Parkway: Huron Parkway, a major north-south route in Ann Arbor, is frequently plagued by car accidents. The fast-paced nature of this road, coupled with drivers trying to access nearby businesses and neighborhoods, can result in collisions and rear-end accidents.
- South Main Street: South Main Street, lined with restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, is also a common location for car accidents in Ann Arbor. The mix of pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles sharing the road can create chaotic conditions, leading to accidents.
If you suffered an injury in a car crash on any of the above roads, our car accident attorneys can investigate the incident and pursue compensation on your behalf.
Ann Arbor Car Accident Lawyer
While many injured victims obtain compensation from the insurer of the at-fault party, some cope without financial support. Working with our car accident attorneys increases your chances of receiving compensation for your losses.
Our car accident lawyers are highly knowledgeable in handling different causes of crashes and injuries.
Here are some of the car accidents our attorneys can handle:
- Rear-end Collisions: These commonly occur due to distractions or tailgating. Our car accident attorneys can help initiate insurance claims and seek compensation for your injuries.
- Head-on Collisions: These accidents often result in severe injuries and damage. Our car accident lawyers can guide you through the legal process to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
- T-bone (side-impact) Accidents: These accidents can cause significant injuries, especially to the passengers struck on the side. Our car accident lawyers have the skills to represent you and fight for your rights in court.
- Sideswipe Accidents: Even seemingly minor sideswipe accidents can lead to injuries. Our car accident lawyers can assess the extent of your damages and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
- Multi-Vehicle Pileups: These accidents can involve multiple parties and insurance companies. Our car accident attorneys can handle the fine details of these cases and advocate for your best interests.
- Rollover Accidents: Rollover accidents can result in catastrophic injuries. Our car accident lawyers have the knowledge and resources to investigate the causes of the crash and pursue compensation for your losses.
Our car accident lawyers can also advocate for your rights if you sustain any of the following injuries:
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Limb loss
- Internal injuries
- Burns
Fighting the Insurance Company
Insurance adjusters work hard to minimize the financial liability of insurance companies. They can either reject your claim or make low settlement offers that don’t cover your losses. Further, you’re likely to face highly experienced attorneys who can frustrate your efforts to receive compensation for your losses.
Working with our highly experienced car accident attorneys at Michigan Injury Lawyers can level the playing field.
Here’s how our car accident attorney can support you in facing insurance companies:
- Investigating the crash: Our car accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate the details of the accident to gather evidence and determine liability. The investigation process can include reviewing police reports, talking to witnesses, and examining the surveillance footage of nearby businesses.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance companies are notorious for offering low settlements in hopes that you will accept. Our car accident lawyer will evaluate the settlement offers and advise you whether to accept, reject, or push for a higher settlement offer.
- Representing you in court: If you cannot reach a fair settlement through negotiations, our car accident attorney will be prepared to take your case to court. They will present a compelling case before a jury for a chance to receive a fair settlement offer for your losses.
What to Do After a Car Accident
Your actions after a car accident can enhance your wellness and protect your rights as an injured victim.
Here is what you should do after a car accident:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health and well-being should be your top priority after a car accident. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, seek immediate medical attention. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a healthcare professional can assess your condition and provide necessary treatment.
A healthcare provider will generate medical records that you can use to initiate a claim or lawsuit. The at-fault party’s insurer may question the severity of your injury if you delay seeking medical attention.
Notify the Police About the Crash
You should alert a law enforcement officer after a car crash. The police will document the accident scene, speak to witnesses, and create an official report detailing the events leading up to the collision.
Our car accident lawyers can use the police accident report to determine liability and support the claim.
Inform Your Insurer About the Crash
You should also notify your insurer about the crash. Your underinsurance/uninsured coverage can cover your losses if the at-fault party holds no or low insurance coverage. However, seek the counsel of our car accident attorneys when discussing details of the accident, as insurance companies may use this information to minimize your claim.
Consult With Our Car Accident Attorney
You should also notify our car accident attorneys about the crash for legal guidance on protecting your rights. All cases, including car accident claims, have legal deadlines and timelines.
The Michigan statute of limitations requires injured victims to initiate a lawsuit within three years from the accident date. Our car accident attorneys understand these deadlines and will make a timely submission so you don’t lose your right to compensation.
Our Ann Arbor Car Accident Attorney is Here to Help
Your quality of life is likely to worsen after being injured in a car accident. A severe injury can keep you from working or participating in your favorite sport. Although you may be entitled to compensation, you must prove negligence by the at-fault party.
Our experienced personal injury attorneys at Michigan Injury Lawyers understand the extent of injury-related losses. They can work with experts to prove negligence and demonstrate the impact of the crash on your life.
You can count on our skilled Ann Arbor car accident lawyers to obtain compensation for your losses. Contact us at (313) 438-4357 for a free case evaluation.