Waterford Car Accident Attorney

Car crashes can happen anywhere, but certain areas in Waterford, Michigan, see more than their fair share. Busy intersections near Highland Road, stretches along Dixie Highway, and sharp curves by Elizabeth Lake Road are just a few spots where accidents tend to happen. If you suffered injuries or damage because someone else made a careless decision behind the wheel, you’re probably dealing with more than just vehicle repairs. You may be struggling with medical bills, missed work, or ongoing pain. 

A Waterford car accident lawyer from Goodman Acker PC can help you take action. You shouldn’t have to bear the cost of someone else’s mistake. Legal representation helps even the playing field when dealing with insurance companies that often try to minimize payouts. Our team knows what it takes to build strong cases, and we’re here to talk when you’re ready. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s look at your options.

Common Types of Car Accidents in Waterford

Waterford drivers encounter a mix of traffic conditions, from wide commercial roads to quiet residential areas. Crashes can happen anywhere, but certain types occur more often in specific places around town. If you’re unsure what to do next or need help dealing with insurance, Get an Attorney for a Car Accident to protect your rights and improve your chances of receiving full compensation. Here are some of the most common kinds of accidents local drivers experience:

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end accidents happen when one driver hits the back of another vehicle. These crashes often occur in stop-and-go traffic or near intersections with frequent braking. Near the shops along Highland Road, for example, congestion and distracted driving can easily lead to these types of crashes. A sudden stop, even if minor, can still cause injuries like whiplash.

Intersection Accidents

When drivers fail to yield, ignore traffic signals, or try to beat a yellow light, intersection crashes can occur. One area where this happens often is at the intersection of Cooley Lake Road and Hospital Road. These collisions may involve a driver turning left in front of oncoming traffic or running a red light. The result is often a T-bone crash, which can seriously damage the side of a vehicle and cause significant injuries.

Highway and Freeway Crashes

High-speed accidents are common along M-59, especially near the Waterford section where drivers enter and exit at busy ramps. At higher speeds, even a small mistake like changing lanes without checking blind spots can lead to a major wreck. These crashes often involve multiple vehicles and can shut down traffic for hours.

Weather-Related Accidents

Snow, ice, and heavy rain all increase the risk of losing control on the road. Near Waterford Oaks County Park, where trees shade the pavement, black ice can linger longer than in open areas. Drivers going too fast for the conditions may slide into ditches, hit other cars, or spin out into intersections.

Distracted Driving Incidents

Texting, using GPS, or even eating while driving causes countless accidents every year. On Cass Lake Road, for instance, it’s easy for drivers to get distracted by nearby businesses or by adjusting the radio. Just a few seconds of inattention can lead to a crash, especially when traffic is heavy or unpredictable.

Each of these types of accidents comes with its own risks and challenges. Knowing where and how they happen can help you stay alert and take action if you’re involved in one.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Waterford?

The steps you take after a crash can shape how your claim goes. Acting quickly helps protect your health, your rights, and your potential case. The right documentation and legal advice can also influence the outcome of your Car Accident Settlement, especially when injuries or disputed fault are involved.

Immediate Steps at the Scene

Start by checking yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away. Even if the crash seems minor, you still need to report it. A police officer will create an accident report, which can help with any insurance claim or legal case.

Move your vehicle out of traffic if it’s safe. Use hazard lights or cones if you have them. Exchange names, phone numbers, insurance details, and license plate numbers with the other driver. Be polite, but don’t admit fault, even if you feel responsible. Let the investigators figure that out.

If witnesses stop to help, get their contact information too. Their statements can support your version of events later on.

Seeking Medical Attention

Even if you feel okay, you should get checked out. Some injuries show up later. Visit a nearby facility like Ascension Providence Hospital or urgent care to make sure everything’s documented.

Documenting the Accident

Take pictures of the scene, the vehicles, your injuries, and anything else that seems relevant. Keep any receipts or records of towing, repairs, or medical visits, as these will support your Car Accident Claim and help prove the extent of your losses.

Contacting Insurance Companies

Call your insurance company soon after the crash. Stick to the facts and avoid admitting blame. Don’t give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance without talking to a Waterford car accident lawyer first.

When to Call a Lawyer

If the crash caused injuries, property damage, or the insurance company pushes back, it’s time to call a lawyer. The sooner you get help, the better your chances of recovering maximum compensation available.

Understanding Michigan Car Accident Laws

Michigan’s car accident laws determine who pays, how much they pay, and when.

Fault-Based Insurance System

Michigan now uses a fault-based system for crash claims. That means if another driver caused the crash, their insurance may be responsible for your damages.

Comparative Negligence Rules

If more than one person contributed to the crash, each party gets assigned a percentage of fault. Your compensation can be reduced if you’re found partly responsible, but you can still recover as long as you weren’t more than 50 percent at fault.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

Michigan law requires drivers to carry no-fault PIP benefits, residual bodily injury, and property protection. But those minimums often don’t cover the full cost of serious injuries.

How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?

No two car accident cases are the same. The value depends on what happened, how badly you were hurt, and what you’ve lost.

Economic Damages

These are out-of-pocket losses like medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs. Keep records of everything, from ER visits to follow-up care.

Non-Economic Damages

These relate to pain, emotional distress, and disruptions to your daily life. If the accident left you unable to do things you used to enjoy, that affects your claim value too.

Factors That Affect Settlement Value

Insurance limits, the extent of your injuries, the length of your recovery, and whether the other driver admits fault all play a role. Knowing What To Do After a Car Accident can help you protect your claim from the start and avoid mistakes that might reduce your compensation.

Punitive Damages (When Applicable)

Courts sometimes award punitive damages to punish reckless behavior, like drunk driving. These damages aren’t common but may apply in severe cases.

Common Injuries from Car Accidents

Injuries from car crashes can range from mild to life-changing. Some show up right away, while others take days or weeks.

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Rear-end crashes often cause the head to snap forward and back, damaging muscles and ligaments in the neck.

Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

Herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, and spinal cord damage can lead to long-term pain or even paralysis.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

A blow to the head or a sudden jolt can cause concussions or more severe brain trauma. These injuries often impact thinking, memory, or mood.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Wrists, ribs, and legs are common fracture sites, especially in high-speed crashes.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Strains, sprains, and bruises might not sound serious, but they can keep you out of work or daily routines for weeks.

Who Can Be Held Liable for My Car Accident?

More than one party can be responsible for a crash. Identifying everyone involved helps increase the potential for full recovery. Filing a Police Report After a Car Accident can support this by creating an official record of the incident, which may help establish liability and strengthen your claim.

Other Drivers

Most car accident claims involve another driver who broke traffic laws, wasn’t paying attention, or acted carelessly.

Employers (Vicarious Liability)

If someone caused a crash while doing their job, their employer might share legal responsibility.

Government Entities

Poor road design, lack of signage, or dangerous construction zones can lead to liability for state or local agencies.

Vehicle Manufacturers

Defective brakes, airbags, or steering systems sometimes cause or worsen crashes. In those cases, manufacturers might be held responsible.

Property Owners

If a crash happens on private property due to unsafe conditions, the owner might be partially at fault.

How Our Attorneys Can Help

Car accident claims involve more than paperwork. Our team works hard to protect your rights and fight for the best result possible.

Comprehensive Case Evaluation

We’ll listen to what happened, review your records, and figure out your options.

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

We collect police reports, medical records, witness statements, and traffic camera footage to build your case.

Negotiation with Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters often push back. We step in to handle those talks so you don’t have to.

Court Representation When Necessary

If the other side refuses to take responsibility, we’ll prepare your case for trial and represent you in court.

Maximizing Your Compensation

We look at every possible loss and source of recovery to seek the maximum compensation available.

Handling All Legal Paperwork and Deadlines

We manage forms, filings, and timing so you don’t miss out on your chance to file.

Why Choose Our Firm

Goodman Acker PC has helped many people across Waterford and throughout Michigan after serious car accidents for more than 30 years.

Proven Track Record in Waterford Car Accident Cases

Our Waterford car accident lawyer have handled cases involving crashes on Telegraph Road, Huron Street, and other busy roads in the area. We have a 99% success record and fight hard to maximize our clients’ compensation.

Personalized Attention and Communication

You won’t get passed around. We keep you in the loop and answer your calls and questions.

No Fee Unless You Recover Compensation

You don’t owe anything upfront. We only collect a fee when we help recover money for your case.

Local Knowledge of Waterford Courts and Procedures

We know how the local court system works and what to expect from the insurance companies operating here. Fault Determined in a Car Accident often depends on this local experience—knowing how judges and insurers typically handle these cases can make a real difference in outcome.

Experienced Trial Attorneys

While many cases settle, we don’t back down when litigation becomes necessary.

What Questions Should I Ask a Car Accident Lawyer?

Knowing what to ask can help you feel more confident during your first consultation.

• Experience and Success Rate: Ask how many similar cases the attorney has handled and how those cases were resolved.
• Fee Structure: Find out whether the Waterford car accident lawyer works on contingency, what percentage they take, and whether there are any additional costs.
• Case Timeline: Every case moves at its own pace. Ask how long your type of case usually takes.
• Communication Process: Ask how often you’ll get updates and who you’ll talk to when you have questions.
• Trial Experience: Ask whether the attorney has taken car accident cases to trial and how often they prepare for litigation.

Our Skilled Car Accident Attorneys in Waterford Can Help

Car accident cases move fast. Waiting too long can make it harder to collect evidence or file claims on time. When you reach out to Goodman Acker PC, we offer a free consultation so you can learn about your options without pressure.

We don’t charge any upfront costs. Our team works on your behalf to pursue the maximum compensation available based on your losses.

If someone else’s mistake caused your accident, don’t wait to get legal help. Call Goodman Acker PC today at (248) 831-1507 for your no-cost case review.

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 ]