Grand Rapids Car Accident Lawyers

Get Trusted Legal Help from Grand Rapids Auto Accident Attorneys Who Win

Car accidents can change your life in seconds—leaving you with painful injuries, growing medical bills, and overwhelming stress. You don’t have to deal with the insurance companies or the legal system on your own. Our Grand Rapids car accident lawyer is here to fight for your rights and help you recover the full compensation you deserve.

At Goodman Acker, we’ve built a reputation as one of the top personal injury law firms in Grand Rapids, Michigan. With over 150 years of combined legal experience and a 99% success rate in resolved cases, our firm has helped thousands of auto accident victims move forward with confidence.

Call (248) 306-8729 now or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win.

Why You Need a Grand Rapids Auto Accident Attorney

Car accidents are traumatic. In the aftermath, you’re often left dealing with physical pain, emotional stress, medical bills, car repairs, and pushback from insurance companies—all at once. Even though Michigan operates under a no-fault system, recovering full compensation is rarely simple. That’s where a dedicated Grand Rapids auto accident attorney can make a life-changing difference.

Insurance providers may seem helpful at first, but their goal is to minimize payouts—not protect your best interests. Whether they deny coverage outright, delay payment, or offer a lowball settlement, the result is the same: you’re left without the financial support you need to heal and move forward.

A skilled Grand Rapids car accident lawyer knows how to fight back. From the moment you hire our firm, we take the burden off your shoulders by handling every part of the claims process—filing paperwork, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurers, and preparing for court if necessary. When you get an attorney for a car accident, you also get someone who protects your rights and fights for the full compensation you’re owed.

Here’s how we help you:

• Protect your rights under Michigan no-fault law and identify when a lawsuit is justified.
• Maximize your settlement by including all applicable damages—medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
• Challenge fault determinations to ensure you aren’t unfairly blamed for the crash.
• Document long-term injuries that may not show symptoms right away, such as whiplash or traumatic brain injuries.
• Advocate aggressively if your insurer denies your PIP benefits or stalls your claim.

Hiring a Grand Rapids car accident attorney means you’re no longer dealing with the insurance companies alone. You get a legal team that’s committed to protecting your rights, holding negligent drivers accountable, and securing the full compensation you deserve.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call Goodman Acker today at (248) 306-8729 for your free consultation.

Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance System: What You Need to Know

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Grand Rapids, understanding how Michigan’s no-fault insurance system works is essential. Unlike most states that follow an at-fault model—where the driver who caused the crash pays for damages—Michigan uses a no-fault system, meaning your own auto insurance covers many of your losses, no matter who was responsible for the accident. Still, navigating no-fault rules, denied benefits, and third-party claims can be overwhelming, which is why you should get a lawyer after a car accident to protect your rights and ensure you’re not shortchanged.

But just because the law says you’re “covered” doesn’t mean you’ll get everything you need without a fight.

What Does No-Fault Insurance Cover?

Under Michigan’s no-fault policy, your auto insurance provides Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. These typically include:

• Medical expenses for accident-related injuries
• Wage loss benefits for time missed at work
• Replacement services for tasks you can’t perform due to your injuries (e.g., housekeeping, childcare)
• Attendant care benefits if you need in-home care or help with personal tasks

These benefits are available regardless of who caused the crash. However, your insurer may still dispute the severity of your injuries, deny ongoing treatments, or claim your care isn’t necessary. That’s why you must have a Grand Rapids auto accident attorney help when filing your no-fault claim.

What Happens If PIP Benefits Aren’t Enough?

Severe accidents often lead to damages that go far beyond what no-fault insurance covers. In those situations, you may be eligible to file a third-party lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover compensation for:

• Pain and suffering
• Excess medical bills
• Long-term loss of income
• Emotional distress

A lawsuit becomes possible only if your injuries meet Michigan’s legal threshold, which generally requires a serious impairment of a body function, permanent serious disfigurement, or death.

Navigating these rules requires legal knowledge and skill. Our Grand Rapids car accident lawyers evaluate every case carefully to determine whether a lawsuit is in your best interest and ensure no avenue for compensation is overlooked.

The Risk of Being Blamed: Modified Comparative Fault

Even in Michigan’s no-fault insurance system, who caused the crash still matters—especially if your injuries are serious enough to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Michigan follows a modified comparative fault rule, which can significantly impact how much money you receive after an accident.

What Is Modified Comparative Fault?

Under Michigan law, you can still recover damages as long as you’re 50% or less at fault for the accident. But if you’re found to be 51% or more responsible, you’re barred from receiving any non-economic damages, including compensation for pain and suffering.

And even if you’re partially at fault but below the 51% threshold, your financial recovery will be reduced in proportion to your share of blame.

How Insurance Companies Use Fault to Limit Your Claim

Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line. One of their most effective tactics is blaming the victim. If they can show that you were even partially responsible, they can reduce what they pay—or deny your claim entirely if they can push your fault above 50%.

They may argue that:

• You were speeding or not wearing a seatbelt
• You failed to brake in time or didn’t yield
• You were distracted or using your phone

Don’t let them twist the facts. Our Grand Rapids car accident attorneys conduct thorough investigations, work with accident reconstruction experts, and gather witness statements to prove what really happened—and to defend your right to full compensation.

Why You Still Need Legal Help in a No-Fault System

Many accident victims in Grand Rapids mistakenly believe they don’t need legal help because of Michigan’s no-fault system. But insurance companies don’t always act in good faith—and the law is far from straightforward.

Our experienced Grand Rapids auto accident lawyers step in to:

• Challenge wrongful claim denials
• Make sure all eligible benefits are paid
• Help file lawsuits when serious injuries allow for additional recovery
• Defend you against unjust fault accusations 

Don’t risk leaving money on the table. Talk to a Michigan auto accident attorney who understands how the no-fault system really works.

Types of Auto Accidents We Handle

Our Grand Rapids accident attorneys have experience with all types of motor vehicle accidents, including a wide range of types of car accidents, such as rear-end collisions, head-on crashes, intersection accidents, drunk driving incidents, and multi-vehicle pileups.

Rear-End Collisions

These are some of the most common car accidents in Grand Rapids, especially during rush hour or in stop-and-go traffic. They often cause whiplash, back injuries, and other soft tissue damage that may not appear until days later.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on crashes are typically severe and can result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. These accidents often occur on undivided highways, rural roads, or due to impaired or distracted driving.

Intersection Accidents

T-bone and side-impact collisions frequently happen at intersections due to failure to yield, running red lights, or distracted driving. Proving fault in these cases often requires detailed analysis and witness testimony.

Drunk Driving Accidents

Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs pose a major threat on Michigan roads. If you were hit by an impaired driver, we’ll pursue every available avenue of compensation, including potential punitive damages.

Distracted Driving Accidents

Texting, using GPS, or other distractions can lead to serious collisions. Proving driver distraction can be challenging, but our Grand Rapids car accident lawyers know what to look for in phone records, surveillance footage, and crash reports.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

If you were injured by a driver who fled the scene, you may still have options. We help clients pursue compensation through uninsured motorist (UM) coverage and explore other legal remedies to hold the responsible party accountable.

Rollover Accidents

These violent crashes are often linked to speeding, aggressive driving, or vehicle defects. They tend to result in significant injuries, especially in SUVs and trucks with a higher center of gravity.

Multi-Vehicle Pileups

Chain-reaction crashes can involve multiple drivers and create complex questions of liability. Our firm investigates thoroughly to determine fault and pursue every liable party for damages.

No matter how your crash occurred, we’re ready to help.

Common Injuries After a Car Accident in Grand Rapids

Even “minor” accidents can cause serious injuries. Many symptoms don’t appear right away, which can make your claim more difficult. Our attorneys understand how to connect these injuries to the crash and ensure your medical care is fully documented.

Some of the most common injuries we see include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures
• Whiplash and neck injuries
• Back and shoulder injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Emotional trauma and PTSD

If your condition is complex or worsens over time, our Michigan auto accident lawyers will ensure your settlement reflects the long-term costs of your recovery. We’ll also help you understand how different portions of your compensation may be treated for tax purposes, since not every car accident settlement is taxable.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

A car accident can leave you facing overwhelming expenses. Depending on the details of your case, you may be entitled to:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost income and reduced earning ability
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Property damage

We work with economists, medical professionals, and life-care planners to calculate the full extent of your damages—so you’re not left paying out of pocket later.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Grand Rapids

The steps you take after an accident can make or break your case. Here’s what to do:

1. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel okay.
2. Report the crash to the police and request a copy of the accident report.
3. Notify your insurance company to start your PIP claim.
4. Contact a Grand Rapids car accident attorney before speaking with the other driver’s insurer.

Time is limited. Michigan law gives you three years to file a personal injury lawsuit, so don’t wait.

Grand Rapids Car Accident Statistics

Car accidents are unfortunately common in Kent County and throughout Grand Rapids. According to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts:

• Over 20,000 crashes occurred annually in Kent County in recent years.
• Roughly 20% of those accidents involved injuries.
• Urban areas like Grand Rapids see higher rates of rear-end and intersection crashes due to congestion.

While Grand Rapids is a safe and thriving city, auto accidents remain a risk on busy roads like I-196, US-131, and 28th Street.

Why Choose Goodman Acker?

Not all Michigan car accident attorneys offer the same level of care, experience, or results. At Goodman Acker, we bring:

• 150+ years of combined legal experience
• 99% success rate on concluded cases
• Millions recovered for injured clients
• 24/7 availability for client emergencies
• Recognitions from Super Lawyers and Martindale-Hubbell
• No fee unless we win your case

We treat every client like family and fight for the maximum compensation available under the law.

FAQs About Car Accident Cases in Michigan

How much is my car accident case worth?

It depends on your injuries, the impact on your life, and the insurance policies involved. Our team will calculate your total damages and fight for the best outcome.

Will my auto accident case go to court?

Most cases settle outside of court, but we prepare every claim as if it will go to trial. If the insurance company won’t offer a fair amount, we’re ready to litigate.

What if I was partially at fault for the crash?

You can still recover compensation as long as you weren’t more than 50% at fault. Your settlement may be reduced based on your share of blame.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a car accident?

The statute of limitations in Michigan is three years from the date of the accident.

Speak With a Grand Rapids Car Accident Attorney Today

Don’t let an insurance company decide what your future is worth. Whether you’re recovering from injuries or grieving the loss of a loved one, we’ll help you take the next step forward.

Contact Goodman Acker today at (248) 306-8729 or fill out our secure online form to schedule your free consultation. 

We’re here for you—day or night—and we’re ready to fight for everything you’re owed.

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 ]