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.

A personal injury attorney can help navigate those next steps. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, then reach out to the Goodman Acker team today. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys can help you get the settlement that you and your family deserve. 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.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

There are several things you should do if you’re in a car accident. After an accident occurs, you should check yourself and others in your vehicle for injuries and then assess others, such as those in the other vehicle. If you’re able to do so, you should remain where you’re at until emergency medical care arrives. You should always notify the police of an accident so that a report can be created.

If you have minor injuries, you should check vehicle damage and exchange information with the other driver, such as name, telephone number, and insurance information. Be sure to get the license plate number of the other vehicle. When possible, you should take photographs of your vehicle as well. After the accident, reach out to your insurance company to notify them and then reach out to a car accident lawyer, such as Goodman Acker.

Results and Damages of Car Accidents

There are several consequences of car accidents, from bodily injury to pain and suffering. Some of these may not appear until days, weeks, and even months after your accident. You may also not realize the full extent of the injury immediately. Some of the most common injuries include the following:

• Injuries of the extremities, including legs, arms, feet, and hands.
• Fractured bones.
• Whiplash and damage to the soft tissue areas.
• Shoulder and hip injuries.
• Bulging or herniated disks to the spine.
• Concussions.

You may also experience more severe injuries, including:

• Emotional and psychological trauma. This is also known as pain and suffering. Being in an automobile accident can be traumatizing, and you deserve for this to be recognized.
• Disfigurement and severe scarring.
• Nerve damage resulting in a loss of sensation.
• Traumatic brain injury.
• Spinal cord damage resulting in paralysis.

Any of these injuries can result in the inability to work, which can cause you to lose income. It’s essential to gather your medical records after your accident to prove the extent of your injuries. Experienced attorneys, such as the team at Goodman Acker, will then provide this information to the insurance adjuster along with a demand letter to ensure you’re getting the maximum settlement that you deserve.

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.

What it Means for Michigan to be a No-Fault Liability State

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.

Michigan is a no-fault state, meaning 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.

How Is a Settlement Amount Determined?

Several factors are taken into consideration when determining a settlement for a car accident personal injury claim. There is no single answer or set formula to determine the amount. Some of the factors that are factored in include:

• Pain and suffering. You’re entitled to compensation for any pain and suffering from the time of the accident and into the future.
• Scarring and other permanent disfigurements from the injury and any surgeries that happen as a result. When this kind of long-lasting damage occurs after an accident, you’re entitled to compensation.
• Loss of wages. If you’re unable to work after your accident, this will be considered when determining what we ask for in your settlement.

These are only a few things that determine how much of a settlement we can request. It’s important to reach out to a personal injury attorney to get a more personalized answer. Goodman Acker can help you determine how much of a settlement you may be eligible to receive.

How Can Goodman Acker Help Me?

Our team of personal injuries attorneys at Goodman Acker understands the laws surrounding car accidents in the state of Michigan. We will take the following steps that are needed for your personal injury case to be successful. They include:

• Gathering witness statements, accident reports, and the investigation file from the police.
• We will gather and review your medical records as well as submit your claims for medical bills.
• Communicate with your automobile insurance adjuster for you. If negotiation is necessary, we will do that as well.
• Provide you with advice about your personal injury claim.
• Get you the best possible settlement for your pain and suffering.

With over 150 years of combined experience, you can rest assured that no matter how you’ve been injured, we’re prepared to give you the representation that you deserve. Call us now so we can get started on your case. Our team has the experience and skills you need to get the best results possible.

Contact Us Today To Discuss Your Case

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Goodman Acker today. Our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to providing clients with the representation that they deserve in order to get the result they want. Our focus is always on you and fighting to get you everything that you’re entitled to receive.

You can find us at 1500 E. Beltline Ave. SE, Suite 235 in Grand Rapids. You can submit an online inquiry any time of the day, and someone from our team will reach out to you as soon as possible. You can also reach us by phone at 248-665-8455.