Michigan Car Accident Lawyer

A car accident can occur unexpectedly, making an ordinary day chaotic and confusing. The aftermath, whether a minor fender-bender or a severe head-on collision, can be overwhelming.

Victims of car accidents face mounting medical bills, lost earnings due to time off work, and physical and emotional pain. You may receive compensation if someone else’s negligence causes your injury in a car accident. Even so, you must face the insurers who work hard to minimize their financial liability or reject claims. You must also demonstrate the negligent action of the at-fault party that led to the accident and injuries. 

This is where Michigan Injury Lawyers step in. Our Michigan car accident lawyer will investigate the crash, gather evidence, and initiate a compensation claim against the negligent party. We understand the impact of injury-related losses and will fight tirelessly for your right to compensation.

Why Choose Michigan Car Accident Lawyers?

Although many injured victims obtain compensation from the insurer of the at-fault party, some cope without financial support. You can enhance your chances of receiving compensation by working with our car accident lawyers.

At Michigan Injury Lawyers, our car accident lawyers have been representing injured victims since 2008, which gives us the confidence to protect your legal rights. Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident to ensure you have an experienced advocate who can manage the legal complexities while you focus on recovery. You can count on our Michigan auto accident attorneys to handle the legal aspects as you focus on recovery.

Compensation for a Car Accident

You can initiate a personal injury claim or lawsuit to receive compensation for your losses.

Some of the damages you can receive in a personal injury claim include:

Medical Expenses

You must incur medical expenses during the treatment of your injury. Medical expenses comprise a significant portion of your car accident claim. Damages for medical expenses cover physician bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and ongoing care.

Compensation for medical expenses can help cover these costs and ensure you receive the necessary healthcare services. A car accident lawyer can use medical records to prove these losses and support your compensation claim.

Lost Income

A car accident can lead to injuries that prevent you from working, resulting in lost earnings and income. Can I Claim Compensation for that loss? Yes, compensation for lost income can help offset the financial strain caused by your inability to work while recovering from the accident.

Lost earnings cover salary, tips, commissions, bonuses, overtime, vacation, and other benefits you’d have earned without the accident.

A car accident lawyer can prove lost income using the following:

• Bank statements
• Profit and loss statements
• Invoices
• Pay stubs
• Tax returns
• A letter from your employer

Out-of-Pocket Expenses

In addition to medical expenses and lost income, you may also have various out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident, such as transportation costs, home modifications, and over-the-counter medications.

Compensation for out-of-pocket expenses can provide relief for these additional financial burdens.

Pain and Suffering

Car accidents can cause physical pain and emotional suffering, impacting your overall well-being and quality of life. Compensation for pain and suffering aims to compensate you for the physical discomfort, mental anguish, and inconveniences resulting from the accident.

You can pursue compensation for pain and suffering if an injury has caused you pain for weeks, months, or years after the accident.

Emotional Anguish

The emotional toll of a car accident can be significant, leading to anxiety, depression, social disorder, and other psychological conditions. For instance, you may experience emotional anguish if the events leading to a car accident were traumatic.

Compensation for emotional anguish allows you to pay for treatment programs aimed at improving your mental health condition.

Loss of Companionship

If the car accident results in the loss of a loved one, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship, support, and guidance that the deceased provided. These damages compensate an injured victim for the emotional and relational void left by the tragic loss.

A car accident attorney can prove loss of companionship through medical records, professional testimony, or personal testimony demonstrating a change in support, communication, or emotional closeness.

Reduced Quality of Life

Severe injuries from a car accident can diminish your quality of life, limiting your physical abilities, independence, and enjoyment of daily activities. For instance, a limb loss due to a car accident can hinder your ability to participate in nature walks, your favorite activity.

Compensation for reduced quality of life aims to restore some aspects contributing to your overall well-being and satisfaction.

Permanent Disability/Disfigurement

When a car accident causes permanent disability or disfigurement, the law entitles you to compensation for the lasting physical impairments and changes to your appearance. These damages address the long-term impact of the injuries on your life and prospects.

For example, you may be entitled to compensation for lost earning capacity if a disability limits or ends a person’s ability to work.

Punitive Damages

In certain instances where the negligent actions of the at-fault party are deemed particularly egregious, punitive damages may apply. As the name suggests, punitive damages punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

A judge or jury can award you punitive damages after you’ve filed a car accident lawsuit.

Where Do Accidents Occur in Michigan?

Car accidents can happen anywhere, but certain places in Michigan see them far more often than others. Knowing where crashes are most likely to occur helps explain why accidents happen—and why injuries can be serious.

High-Traffic Highways and Freeways

Michigan’s major highways are another hotspot for accidents. Roads like I-75, I-94, and I-96 carry heavy commuter and commercial traffic. Higher speeds, lane changes, and congestion all increase the risk of serious crashes.

When lots of cars are moving through the same space—especially during rush hour—the chances of a collision go up. Intersections are especially risky because drivers are turning, stopping suddenly, or trying to beat traffic lights.

For instance, interstate and freeway corridors tend to have the highest deaths per road user in the state.

• I-75 (Metro Detroit area): Known for heavy traffic and a notable accident pattern, especially around the curve near 9 Mile Road in the Hazel Park/Detroit area.
• I-94 (across southern Michigan): Heavy commuter and freight traffic correlate with frequent collision reports.
• I-96 and US-12 corridors also rank among roads with historically significant accident figures.

Urban and suburban roads see more crashes simply because there are more drivers on them every day.

In Metro Detroit especially, freeways handle massive traffic volumes, which leads to frequent rear-end collisions, multi-car pileups, and high-speed accidents.

Metro Detroit and Other Populated Areas

More people means more cars, and more cars mean more crashes. Metro Detroit consistently reports the highest number of accidents in the state, particularly in Wayne County. Suburbs like Southfield, Warren, Sterling Heights, and Dearborn also see a high number of collisions.

Other busy areas, including Ann Arbor and Lansing, experience frequent crashes due to commuter traffic, students, and major roadways cutting through the city.

Construction Zones and Road Work Areas

Michigan road construction is a fact of life—and work zones are dangerous. Sudden lane shifts, narrow lanes, reduced visibility, and impatient drivers all contribute to accidents in construction areas.

Even careful drivers can get caught off guard when traffic patterns change without much warning.

Rural Roads and Deer Collisions

In less populated areas, crashes still happen—but for different reasons. Rural roads in Michigan are well-known for deer-vehicle collisions, especially in the fall and early winter. These accidents often happen at night or in low-visibility conditions and can cause serious damage and injuries.

Most auto accidents in Michigan happen:

• On busy city streets and intersections
• Along major highways and freeways
• In densely populated areas like Metro Detroit
• In construction zones
• On rural roads with wildlife crossings

If you were injured in a crash at any of these locations, you’re not alone—and the location of the accident often plays a major role in how and why it happened.

Fighting the Insurance Company

Many insurers use different tactics to minimize financial liability or downplay the severity of your injuries. Average Settlement for Car Accident amounts vary depending on the severity of injuries, medical costs, and long-term impact, but insurers often offer low initial amounts. Further, insurance companies are giant companies that employ attorneys to defend their interests in the claim. Our highly experienced car accident attorneys can level the playing field when dealing with insurers.

Here’s how our car accident attorney handles interactions with the insurer:

• Evaluating the Value of Your Damages: Our car accident lawyers know how to assess the true value of your claim. Insurance companies may offer you a quick settlement that does not adequately cover your economic and non-economic damages. Our car accident lawyers can leverage their knowledge and experience to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
• Negotiating With Insurers: Our car accident attorney will evaluate all settlement offers and advise you whether to accept, reject, or push for a better deal. Most importantly, they will use evidence to demonstrate why you deserve a higher settlement value.
• Represent You In Court: If you can’t agree on a settlement with an insurer, our car accident attorney can represent you. They will submit documents, cross-examine witnesses, and make compelling arguments before a judge or jury.

What to Do After a Car Accident

Your actions after a car accident can enhance your wellness and protect your legal rights.

Here’s what you should do after a car accident:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Seek immediate medical attention even if you feel fine after the crash. Some injuries may have delayed symptoms that can worsen over time. A medical evaluation can detect any hidden injuries, such as internal bleeding or whiplash, and initiate a treatment plan.

A healthcare provider will also document the treatment and injuries. Medical Records in Your Car Accident Case serve as crucial evidence that links your injuries directly to the crash. Our car accident attorneys can use medical records to prove the extent of your injuries and support your compensation claim. An insurer can question the severity of your injury if you delay seeking medical attention.

File a Police Accident Report

In Michigan, drivers must file a police accident report after a car accident. You should file a police accident report if a crash results in:

• Injury
• Death
• Property damage exceeding $1,000

A police accident report is evidence of the crash, documenting details such as the time and location of the incident, the parties involved, and any injuries sustained. Our car accident lawyers can use the report to establish liability or support your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions About Auto Accidents in Michigan

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions the personal injury lawyers at Michigan Injury Lawyers hear regarding car accidents:

How does someone report a car accident?

Immediately after an accident, contact the police and report any and all injuries that have been sustained. The police will arrive at the scene. They'll create a police report, interview witnesses, and gather witness contact information. They will also, if necessary, assist in getting medical treatment for those injured in the accident. They'll also let you know how to get a copy of the police report. You'll need this for your car accident claim. When talking with police, it's important that you don't admit fault. Let the police conduct their investigation, then contact a car accident lawyer.

What should someone say or not say to other drivers or the insurance company after an auto accident? 

Again, you never want to admit liability after an accident happened. You can certainly express empathy and concern for the situation, but ultimately never admit fault. Insurance companies may try to use this information against you to shortchange your insurance claim.

What should I do after a traffic accident? 

After your car accident, it's important that you:

• Call Michigan Injury Lawyers. Our personal injury lawyers will do everything we can to secure a fair settlement in your car accident case and help you move forward after your accident.

• Seek medical attention, even if you don't think you were seriously injured. You may have internal injuries that can get worse over time. A medical report from a doctor also can strengthen your auto accident claim.

• Review the police report of the accident either online or by calling the police department to get the names, phone numbers, and other contact information of witnesses and other drivers.

Should I report the accident to my own insurance company?

Yes, you should always report your accident to your own auto insurance company as soon as possible if you are involved in an accident. You can call your insurance company, but most also allow you to report your accident online or through a mobile app. You should only report the basics—date, time, and location of the accident; make and models of other vehicles involved; and the other driver's insurance information. Don't admit fault or provide too many details as your insurance company may try to use this information against you.

When should someone get a car accident lawyer?

You should seek legal counsel as soon as possible after an accident. It's important from the onset to start off things on the right footing. By contacting an attorney immediately they can deal with the automobile insurance company on your behalf and begin the process of gathering evidence, and bringing your claim together in the proper context.

What happens when someone doesn't contact an attorney immediately after an auto accident?

Sometimes people delay reporting the onset of symptoms associated with an accident, which can make it difficult to establish the timeframe of when the injuries occurred in relation to the accident. Oftentimes the insurance companies or the defense attorneys will exploit that time delay and it will ultimately affect the value of the case.

What is the statute of limitations for filing an auto accident claim?

In Michigan, accident victims have three years to file a personal injury claim in civil court. There are very few exceptions to the statute that shorten or lengthen this deadline. If you do not file within this time, you will be unable to seek compensation through the court system. Your car accident lawyer can ensure your case is filed on time.

Can you report a car accident after 24 hours?

Yes. You have to report a motor vehicle accident to the police within 3 days. However, it's best to report it as soon after the accident occurred as possible.

Why should someone report a car accident?

Reporting an accident begins the process of preserving evidence. Like anything else, you want to build a strong foundation for your case. If you're building a house you want to start with a very strong foundation. A personal injury claim is very similar. You need to start with a very broad spectrum of gathering evidence, information, and facts.

How does someone win a car accident claim? 

Well, there are really no winners in a personal injury case. I always tell people you don't want to have a good claim because if you have a good claim that means you have very substantial injuries. But ultimately how you get compensated for the injury that you have sustained is by immediately contacting an attorney—an attorney that's familiar and that's going to take a personal interest in your case. Oftentimes people contact larger firms that just operate on a burn and churn basis. It's a numbers game for them of how many cases they can get in and how fast they can process them. We try to take each case on an individual basis and maximize the car accident settlement for each individual client.

How long does it take to settle a car accident claim? 

No two car accident cases are the same. You can often resolve a claim in three months and they can take as long as two years. It really depends on the individual, the claim, the facts, and oftentimes the insurance company that's involved. But each case is an individual case and must be looked at under the totality of the circumstances. Often, where your claim is filed come into play to determine how fast a case can be resolved.

In terms of dollar figures, what is the range you've seen in Michigan for settlements or jury verdicts? 

The ultimate value of a claim is going to be on an individual basis given the nature of the injuries, the severity, and the impact that it's had on an individual. In order to even file a third-party claim against an at-fault driver, an individual must overcome the tort threshold in Michigan. Meaning they must suffer a serious bodily impairment that affects their general ability to lead a normal life or a permanent serious disfigurement. So in order to pass that threshold, an individual must have very serious injuries. The actual cash that a person ultimately receives often depends on the amount of insurance that's available for that party to access. That's why it's imperative people have liability insurance but also carry underinsured motorist coverage and uninsured motorist coverage.

What can I receive compensation for? 

You may be able to file a claim for some of your accident-related medical expenses, such as:

• medical bills for current and future treatments
• attendant care
• hospital bills for current and future treatments
• lost wages if you're disabled and can't work
• pain and suffering
• replacement services
• transportation costs
• property damage

The Michigan auto lawyers at Michigan Injury Lawyers have helped many innocent victims get the money they need after their auto accidents, and we'll do our best to help you, too. You shouldn't have to worry about bills for an accident that wasn't your fault. Get our experience and dedication on your side—just dial (888) 454-0801 or fill out a free initial consultation form.

What is someone entitled to in a car accident?

Depending on the extent of a person's injuries under Michigan law, there are what are called first-party cases and third-party cases. A first-party case is where you're entitled to personal injury protection benefits. You're entitled to all of your medical care arising out of the accident for life. You're entitled to a wage loss up to a certain amount, attended care services, replacement services, and transportation services. A third-party case is where you would ultimately file a claim against the at-fault driver or the at-fault driver's insurance company. In a third-party claim, you would be seeking noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering, compensation for your injuries, and also economic damages above and beyond what you were compensated for as a result of your own personal injury protection benefits.

What would be considered economic damages above and beyond? 

Economic damages are capped at 85 percent up to a certain amount for only 3 years. Depending on the severity of injuries, someone may have economic damages for the rest of their life. They can often go 20, 30, 40 years or more into the future. So it's important that you get compensation for yourself and for your dependents arising out of that third-party claim.

Who pays for my car accident expenses? 

Because Michigan is a no-fault auto insurance state, all drivers are required to purchase personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. This no-fault coverage provides compensation for your medical costs and partial lost wages after car accidents. But even after you receive money from your PIP, you may need to file a claim against the at-fault party—especially if your injuries were serious, disfiguring, or disabling—as PIP insurance often doesn't fully cover accident-related expenses.

Do I have to go to court? 

Most car accident cases settle out of court. While the insurance company may offer you an initial settlement after the accident, these are usually “lowball” offers, and if you accept, you may forfeit your rights to full compensation. Our Michigan auto accident lawyers will fight to help you get the money you deserve. If the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement, our lawyers will file a lawsuit in civil court on your behalf. Often just filing a car accident lawsuit prompts the insurance company to settle claims fairly. But if not, then our lawyers will take your case to trial and advocate for your rights in court.

How can a car accident lawyer help me? 

When you need experienced, passionate, and caring legal help in your corner, consider Michigan Injury Lawyers. Our car accident lawyers are not afraid to do hard work on behalf of our clients, such as:

• collecting evidence
• analyzing the accident scene
• interviewing witnesses
• maximizing recovery
• and more

We'll also negotiate to get you the maximum settlement for your accident-related expenses. Don't try to deal with the aftermath of your car accident alone—call our Michigan auto accident lawyers, and let us handle your case so you can focus on getting better.

How important is it for someone to retain legal counsel when pursuing compensation? 

Obtaining legal counsel after an accident greatly improves your ability to recover the maximum compensation for your damages. The legal field is ripe with pitfalls and landmines. Frankly, some attorneys that don't practice in this area of the law on a continuous constant basis aren't even up-to-date on all the latest changes in the law. Having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side may enable both you and your loved ones to collect additional monies that may otherwise be missed. Insurance companies are not your friends. Their whole business model is predicated on paying out less money than they take in and how they do that is by denying claims and by minimizing injuries and minimizing the amount they pay out to injured individuals.

Can someone sue for negligence in a car accident? 

Absolutely. If another driver is at fault for causing the accident and you were insured at the time of the auto accident, you can file a third-party claim against the at-fault driver.

What happens if you're partially at fault in a car accident?

Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence standard in most personal injury cases, which means an injured accident victim can still recover damages if they are partially at fault. However, their damages will be reduced by their percentage of fault. In Michigan, you can be up to 50 percent at fault and still recover damages. However, if you're more than 51 percent at fault for the automobile accident, you will be barred from filing a third-party claim. But under Michigan's no-fault system, if you sustained any injuries at the time of the accident and they arose out of the accident and were insured at the time of the accident, all of your medical care associated with that will be covered for life, under your first-party insurance benefits.

Consult With Our Car Accident Attorneys

Our car accident attorneys at Michigan Injury Lawyers file a valid and complete claim against the negligent driver on your behalf. Their understanding of personal injury laws allows them to protect your rights as an injured victim.

For example, all legal cases, including car accident claims, must adhere to legal timelines and deadlines. The personal injury statute of limitations in Michigan requires injured victims to file a lawsuit within three years from the date of the accident.

You can lose your right to compensation if you initiate a lawsuit beyond the three-year deadline. Our car accident attorneys understand the applicable deadlines in your case and will work hard to submit a timely claim.

Protect Your Rights with Our Skilled Michigan Car Accident Attorney

If  you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a car accident, you may find it difficult to enjoy life. For example, a severe bone fracture can prevent you from participating in volleyball, your favorite sport. An injury can also prevent you from playing with your kids. And, in more serious accidents, severe injuries can impact you long-term and come with mounting bills.

You, therefore, deserve compensation for the reduced quality of life due to the accident. Our car accident lawyers at Michigan Injury Lawyers understand all the applicable damages in your case and will fight tirelessly to maximize your settlement value.

Contact us online or at (313) 438-4357 to schedule a free consultation.