Detroit Car Accident Lawyers

We’ve Achieved Million-Dollar Results

Each year, thousands of people are killed and millions are injured in motor vehicle crashes. In fact, in the state of Michigan, over 270,000 car accidents occur annually. These crashes are frequently caused by the negligence of other drivers, often leading to their own death or injury as well as the death or injury of innocent victims.

It can be easy to find a car accident attorney. However, it is important that you choose an attorney that is right for your case. Goodman Acker P.C. has helped thousands of Detroit auto accident victims receive justice and win the maximum settlement for their injuries – and we can help you too.

What Damages Are Available in My Car Accident Case?

There are three main damages available after a car accident, special, general, and punitive. Special damages, also called economic damages compensate for financial losses an injury victim sustains such as:

• Missed days at work
• Medical expenses
• Future medical expenses
• Loss of future earning

General damages, also called economic damages, on the other hand, compensate for more abstract losses such as pain and suffering or mental anguish. The last type of damages is not often awarded and are called punitive damages. Unlike the first two, the purpose of punitive damages is to punish the negligent party in cases of willful negligence such as drinking and driving.

How Much Should I Get for a Fair Car Accident Settlement?

After being involved in a motor vehicle accident, having an idea of what you can recover is helpful and comforting as you seek medical attention and navigate the legal process. Of course, every case is unique and will depend on the severity of your injuries among other details of the case.

For a rough estimate of what you can expect to get from your car accident settlement, take all of your expenses from the accident (including medical bills, your lost wages from missed work, and car repairs) and multiply the sum by three.

Common Types of Injuries in Michigan Auto Accidents

Depending on the accident circumstances, a wide variety of possible injuries could occur. Some of the most common injuries we represent clients for include:

• Whiplash.
• Other neck injuries.
• Back strain/sprain.
• Herniated discs.
• Spinal cord injuries.
• Broken bones.
• Paralysis.
• Internal bleeding and organ damage.
• Lacerations and cuts.
• Scarring.
• Severe burns.
• Knee injuries.
• Traumatic brain injuries.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder.

The severity of injuries will depend on numerous accident factors, such as the type of collision, impact severity, and whether occupants were wearing seatbelts. An accident involving a large truck versus a passenger vehicle typically result in more severe injuries when compared to a collision involving two passenger vehicles.

What Is A No-Fault State?

As of July 1, Michigan will enact a new no-fault law that will impact every driver and their insurance policy, as well as any other individuals injured in car accidents, including bicyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and more. Because the changes will affect insurance policies, it’s important to be aware of how they will affect you if you or someone you loved has been injured in a car accident.

Michigan is a no-fault state, meaning that every owner of a car in the state is required by law to purchase certain basic coverages to pay for expenses in the event of an auto accident. Insurance can pay for expenses and damages no matter who caused the accident.

The new no-fault law will allow drivers to select PIP medical coverage options ranging from unlimited to no coverage. These options will also change who is responsible to pay benefits for certain types of accidents, especially if the injured claimant lacks insurance coverage.

Auto Accident Law FAQ

It is crucial to understand Michigan accident laws and how they affect your case. To be better prepared for your initial consultation, here are some answers to some of the commonly asked questions that our firm receives.

Do I need to contact the police after the accident?

Based on Michigan auto law, you are required to immediately file a police report after your crash if death, injury, or property damage exceeds $999. Although the law states that you need to immediately file the report, the law does not restrict you from filing a report if it wasn’t done so “immediately.”

How long does the settlement take after the crash?

After a car accident, there are several factors that can help provide you with a perspective on how long the settlement will take to process. Some of the elements that must be considered are:

• Type and severity of your injuries
• Your medical prognosis and rehabilitation time
• Current and future medical needs
• Your ability to return to work
• Whether there is disputed liability and whether your case may go to trial

Who pays my medical bills?

Under Michigan auto law, the victim of the accident is entitled to have medical bills paid if the injuries arose from the crash. This is based on no-fault insurance laws in Michigan. Typically, these bills will go through the insurance company of the at-fault party or through the Michigan Assigned Claims Facility.

In order to ensure that your medical bills are covered, you should file an Application for No-Fault Benefits with the correct insurance company. Make sure you also work with your car accident lawyer to get the proper compensation you need.

Is there a time limit to file a no-fault claim in Michigan?

Michigan has two filing deadlines that relate to PIP coverage. The first deadline says you must provide written notice to the correct insurance company within one year of the accident date. The second date to know deals with the one-year-back rule. Provided you gave notice to the ainsurance company within the first year, you have to be ready to take legal action if they don’t pay a particular expense within a year of you incurring it.

How do I get my condition validated to file a third-party claim?

A physician should be the one to validate the seriousness of your injuries. That can be done through your visits and diagnostic tests. To qualify to bring a third-party liability claim, your injuries must have impacted your life in a significant way. Courts will look closely at how long you were off work, what activities are affected, what you can’t do for yourself anymore, etc. If your life isn’t significantly impacted, you may not have a serious body function impairment.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit for my injuries in Michigan?

In general, you have three years after the accident to file a lawsuit in Michigan. That means three years from the date you were injured to recover damages sustained in a Michigan car accident. If you fail to meet the deadline, the court could throw your case out. That means you would be eligible to collect nothing, even if the defendant made an offer before the deadline passed.

Depending on who the defendant is, you could have other filing deadlines to monitor too. For example, if you have a claim against a government agency, you only have six months to put them on official notice. The filing time is reduced to 120 days if your claim relates to a defective building or highway. The statute of limitations, in this case, would only be two years.

Should I post about my case on social media?

To best protect yourself, you should not post about your case on social media. You should increase your privacy settings if you have not already.

Put 150+ of Combined Experience on Your Side

For more than 150 years, our Detroit car accident lawyers at Goodman Acker P.C. have been dedicated to helping those recover compensation for their injuries and get back on their feet. We understand being involved in a car accident is a traumatic event, and can often be life-altering for both you and your family.

Your Michigan Car Accident Lawyer from Goodman Acker will:

• Answer all of your questions, including who is responsible for your medical
  bills and whether or not you need an attorney to represent you.
• Represent you under a contingency fee agreement, which means there are
  no costs or fees whatsoever unless you win a settlement or recovery.
• Charge no upfront fees so you never have to worry about picking up the
  phone and being charged to ask questions or learn if you do have a case.
• Handle your no-fault insurance claim and help you attain the benefits you
  deserve, such as reimbursement for medical bills and lost wages, attendant
  care services, and more.
• Work with the insurance adjuster so that you do not have to and can concentrate
  on your recovery.
• Obtain all necessary evidence to help you win your case, including police
  reports, medical records, witness statements, and more.
• Guarantee first hand-personal attention to your case so that you receive
  the best possible settlement for your case.