Grand Rapids Car Accident Lawyers

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Just as quickly as the impact of a car accident happens, confusion sets in immediately after a collision. If you were injured in a car accident, you are probably wondering what it’s going to cost you, how you’re going to pay for it, if your insurance company will help, and if hiring an attorney is necessary.

To recover compensation following a car accident in Michigan, you will need to start by filing a claim with your insurance company. Michigan is a no-fault state, so collision injury victims do not have to negotiate with the other driver’s insurance provider to receive coverage. It is possible that your own insurance company will deny your claim, or not provide sufficient benefits. In these cases, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim against the other driver. It is important to hire an experienced legal team — like that of Goodman Acker P.C. — to protect your right to compensation after a car accident. Our Grand Rapids car accident attorneys are available 24/7 to discuss your case.

To schedule a free case evaluation with our legal team, send us your contact information or call (248) 286-8100.

Car Accident Damages

The victim of a motor vehicle collision may suffer from damage to their person and their property. Car accidents can result in a range of different injuries. Depending on the severity of a victim’s injuries, medical bills alone can cost a person thousands of dollars, and project to cost more later in life. Medical expenses are often the most costly damages that result from car accidents, but a collision can cause a variety of additional financial and non-financial damages. It is possible to recover compensation that accounts for all of these damages through a claim.

Following a car accident, a person who is injured will be responsible for covering expenses such as:

• Medical bills (which may include surgery, medication, rehabilitation, medical devices, and therapy)
• Vehicle damage
• Lost wages due to an inability to work
• Transportation costs

Will Insurance Cover My Expenses?

A driver’s ability to pursue a car accident claim through their insurance provider will depend on the state laws. States, in general, are considered as “at-fault” or “no-fault” liability states.

In at-fault states, the responsibility for covering car accident damages falls on the driver who caused the collision, and their insurance company. To recover damages, an injury victim must file a claim with the other driver’s insurance provider. A person who lives in an at-fault state may face debates regarding their role in the accident, as the insurance companies will attempt to attribute fault to the other driver.

In no-fault states (such as Michigan), each person must file a claim with their own insurance provider. Claims are handled through personal injury protection (PIP). So, what is personal injury protection? It is a type of insurance policy which covers the policyholder and pays for damages such as medical bills and lost wages.

Without the need to prove liability, the claims process does not involve negotiation with the other driver. However, the policyholder may still need to present a case to their insurance company. Coverage is not guaranteed in a no-fault state. Michigan also follows comparative negligence laws, so coverage can be reduced according to a driver’s degree of fault (for example, a driver who is found to be 25% at fault for a collision would have their coverage reduced by 25%). The insurance provider may deny your claim or reduce your coverage in a no-fault state, in which case hiring an attorney is necessary.

If you were injured in a car accident, you may also be wondering: When can you sue a driver under PIP law? Although you may be able to recover compensation through your insurance provider, there could be a reason you wish to file a claim against the other driver. Lawsuits in states like Michigan which rely on PIP claims for accident coverage are typically reserved for cases of severe physical injury or extreme non-economic damage in which the other driver is at fault.

Contact Us Now to Discuss Your Case

The Goodman Acker P.C. legal team is available 24/7. We are prepared to represent your rights when negotiating with your insurance provider. We can also handle your case if you are interested in pursuing a personal injury claim against the other driver or a negligent third party, and can help you understand if your case meets certain legal qualifications.

Call (248) 286-8100 or use our form to reach our car accident attorneys in Grand Rapids and schedule a free consultation.