Southfield Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents happen in an instant, but the physical, emotional, and financial toll can last a lifetime. Roadways in Heavily traveled roads in Southfield, such as Southfield Freeway (M-39), Telegraph Road, and 10 Mile Road, are common sites for collisions. Whether it’s a busy intersection or a distracted driver, the danger of a crash looms for anyone commuting on these roads.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Southfield, you deserve someone who will fight for your rights and ensure your voice is heard. At Goodman Acker PC, we understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help. You shouldn’t have to handle the aftermath of your accident alone. Contact our trusted Southfield car accident lawyer today to discuss your case, and allow us to guide you toward justice and recovery.

Why Choose Goodman Acker PC for Your Southfield, MI Car Accident Claim?

Choosing the right legal team in the aftermath of a car accident is one of the most important decisions you can make. At Goodman Acker PC, we believe you deserve not only experienced representation but also lawyers who genuinely care about you and your recovery. With over 150 years of combined legal acumen, our firm has the knowledge and resources to take on even the most complex car accident cases. When you work with us, you’re not just a client—we treat you like family.

As a trusted Southfield personal injury lawyer, Goodman Acker PC, we offer an unwavering commitment to honesty, ethics, and results. Our legal team prides itself on giving you a straightforward, realistic assessment of your case and breaking down your legal options in clear, simple terms. We will never make empty guarantees about outcomes just to secure your case, but we will promise to fight tirelessly on your behalf, pursuing the maximum compensation you’re entitled to under the law. From the moment you contact us, your case will receive the full attention of a skilled and dedicated legal team.

Our attorneys aren’t just legal professionals; we’re also deeply rooted in the Southfield community. From supporting local charities to advocating for safer roadways, our dedication to justice extends beyond the courtroom. When you choose Goodman Acker to represent you in your Southfield car accident claim, you are choosing a team of compassionate professionals who will stand by your side every step of the way.

Should I Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company After a Car Accident?

A car accident can leave you shaken and overwhelmed. Bills pile up quickly, and it’s common to feel pressure from the insurance company to settle the claim as soon as possible. After all, their first offer might seem like a quick solution to your financial concerns. However, accepting the first offer from an insurance company is rarely in your best interest.

Insurance companies often aim to settle claims for as little money as possible. Their adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, even if it means undervaluing the full extent of your injuries and losses. By settling early, you may miss the opportunity to claim compensation for medical bills, long-term care, lost wages, and even pain and suffering. Once you’ve accepted an offer, it’s nearly impossible to reopen your claim—even if the settlement doesn’t cover the full scope of your damages.

Before making any decisions, it’s crucial to consult an experienced Southfield car accident lawyer. At Goodman Acker PC, we will carefully review the details of your case and advise you on the best course of action. We’ll communicate directly with the insurance company on your behalf and build a strong case to ensure you receive the compensation you truly deserve. Don’t settle for less than you’re entitled to; reach out to us, and we’ll protect your rights and fight for the justice you deserve.

Laws Affecting Car Accidents in Southfield, Michigan

Dealing with the legal system after a car accident can be daunting, especially in Michigan, where specific rules govern the claims process. Here’s a breakdown of the key laws that could impact your personal injury case in Southfield.

Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance and the Threshold Injury Rule

Michigan operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means that after a car accident, your own insurance provider covers your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. This system is intended to provide quick access to compensation for immediate expenses and reduce the need for litigation for minor accidents. However, the no-fault system does not account for pain and suffering damages unless your injuries meet Michigan’s “threshold injury rule.”

Under Michigan law, you can only sue an at-fault driver if your injuries are considered “serious” enough to qualify under the threshold injury rule. This typically means that your injuries caused death, permanent disfigurement, or a serious impairment of an important body function. Determining whether your case meets this threshold can be a complex process, requiring thorough documentation and legal analysis. At Goodman Acker PC, we have extensive experience navigating Michigan’s no-fault laws and will ensure that your injuries are properly evaluated to explore all avenues for compensation.

Michigan’s Statute of Limitations

Time is critical when it comes to filing a car accident claim in Michigan. The state enforces a strict statute of limitations for personal injury cases, giving you three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you fail to file within this timeframe, you may lose your right to pursue compensation.

While three years may seem like a long time, building a strong case takes months of preparation. Evidence must be gathered, injuries thoroughly documented, and expert testimony secured. At Goodman Acker PC, we understand the importance of acting quickly to protect your rights and preserve critical evidence. By contacting us as soon as possible after your accident, we can ensure your case is filed within the legal deadline.

Michigan’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rule

Michigan also follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which can impact the amount of compensation you’re entitled to receive after a car accident. Under this rule, your level of fault in the accident is taken into account. Your damages will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your total compensation would be reduced by that same percentage.

However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you may be completely barred from recovering any non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. This rule underscores the importance of having a skilled Southfield car accident lawyer on your side. At Goodman Acker PC, we will carefully investigate your accident, gather evidence to minimize your share of fault, and protect your ability to pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Do I Have a Car Accident Case?

If you’ve been in a car accident and are wondering whether you have a case, it all starts with understanding negligence. Negligence is the legal foundation for most personal injury claims, including car accidents. At its core, negligence occurs when someone fails to act with the level of care that a reasonable person would exercise in similar circumstances, leading to harm to others.

To successfully prove you have a car accident case, four critical elements must be established:

1. Duty of Care: Every driver has a responsibility to operate their vehicle in a safe and reasonable manner, obeying traffic laws and prioritizing the safety of others on the road. This is referred to as their “duty of care.”
2. Breach of Duty: You must demonstrate that the at-fault driver violated their duty of care. Examples include speeding, texting while driving, running a red light, or driving under the influence.
3. Causation: It must be proven that the other driver’s breach of duty directly caused your injuries. This means showing a clear link between their actions and the harm you’ve suffered.
4. Damages: Finally, you must provide evidence of the losses you’ve incurred due to the accident. These may include medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering.

At Goodman Acker PC, our Southfield car accident attorneys have extensive experience helping clients prove these key elements. We will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, and fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Who May Be Held Liable in a Southfield Car Accident?

Determining liability in a car accident isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. While the at-fault driver is often the primary party held responsible, other individuals or entities may also be liable, depending on the circumstances of the crash.

Here are some potential parties who may be held liable:

• Negligent Drivers: If the other driver was speeding, driving distracted, or otherwise acting recklessly, they are likely to be held accountable for the accident.
• Employers: If the at-fault driver was on the job at the time of the accident, their employer might share responsibility under the concept of vicarious liability.
• Vehicle Manufacturers: If a defect in one of the vehicles contributed to the crash, the manufacturer might be liable.
• Government Entities: Poorly designed or maintained roads, such as defective traffic signals or large potholes, could make local or state governments partially liable.

These are just a few scenarios of how liability can be assigned in a car accident case. At Goodman Acker PC, we will leave no stone unturned in identifying all responsible parties and working to hold them accountable for their actions.

Compensation Available to Southfield Car Accident Victims

After a car accident, the financial and emotional toll can be overwhelming. However, with the help of an experienced car accident attorney, you may recover compensation for the damages you’ve suffered. Depending on the specifics of your case, you could be entitled to:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
• Lost Income: Compensation for wages lost due to missed work, as well as diminished earning potential if you cannot return to your previous job.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for the cost of repairs or replacement of your vehicle and other damaged belongings.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for the physical and emotional anguish you endured as a result of the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the reduced ability to enjoy daily activities or hobbies due to injuries.
• Wrongful Death Damages: If you’ve lost a loved one in a car accident, you may be entitled to damages for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other losses.

Each case is unique, and the exact compensation you may receive depends on the details of your accident and the extent of your injuries. Our team at Goodman Acker PC will carefully assess your case to ensure all of your losses are accounted for and aggressively pursue the maximum compensation available.

How Much Does a Southfield Car Accident Attorney Cost?

The financial strain of a car accident can leave victims hesitant to seek legal help, worrying about the cost of hiring an attorney. At Goodman Acker PC, we’re committed to making high-quality legal representation accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis.

Here’s what that means for you:

• No Upfront Costs: You won’t have to pay anything out of pocket to hire us.
• You Only Pay If We Win: Our fees are a percentage of your settlement or verdict, so if we don’t recover compensation on your behalf, you owe us no attorney’s fees.
• Transparency: We’ll explain our fee agreement in detail during your free consultation, so you’ll always know how we’re compensated.

This approach allows you to focus on your recovery without the added burden of worrying about legal fees. With Goodman Acker PC, you can trust that we’ll work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Contact Our Trusted Southfield Car Accident Lawyers Today

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you need a dedicated lawyer by your side. At Goodman Acker PC, we’re here to support you every step of the way. From handling complex legal processes to fighting for the compensation you deserve, we’re committed to helping you rebuild your life.

Here’s how we can help:

• Aggressively investigate the accident and gather evidence to strengthen your claim.
• Communicate with insurance companies to ensure you’re treated fairly.
• Calculate the full extent of your damages to pursue maximum compensation.
• Provide compassionate, personalized representation tailored to your needs.

Don’t wait to take action. The clock is ticking on your chance to file a claim, and building a strong case takes time. Contact Goodman Acker PC today at (248) 831-1507 or through our online form for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to ensure you get the help you need during this difficult time.

Goodman Acker P.C. – Southfield Office

Two Towne Square, SUITE 444
Southfield, MI 48076
(248) 831-1507

LEGALLY REVIEWED BY BARRY J. GOODMAN

Barry J. Goodman has devoted his professional life to keeping courthouse doors open for victims seeking justice. Always a tireless advocate for his own clients, Goodman sees his responsibility as a Detroit personal injury attorney in a broader sense as well. [ Attorney Bio ]