Westland Car Accident Lawyer

If you or someone close to you got hurt in a collision in Westland because of another driver’s careless behavior, you’re likely dealing with a lot. Medical bills. Lost time from work. Damage to your car. And you may be wondering how you’re going to put it all back together. A Westland car accident lawyer from Goodman Acker PC can guide you through what comes next and work to hold the other driver, and their insurance company, fully accountable.

Michigan’s no-fault insurance system provides some benefits regardless of who caused the crash, but it doesn’t always cover everything. When someone else causes serious injuries, you may have options to pursue more compensation through the civil court system. Having the right legal support makes a real difference. An attorney from our team can deal directly with the insurance companies, gather strong evidence, and push for the maximum compensation available under the law.

Goodman Acker PC helps people in Westland and throughout Wayne County after serious car accidents. If someone else’s carelessness caused your injuries or loss, contact us now for a free consultation. You won’t pay anything upfront, and we don’t accept attorney fees unless we recover damages for you.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Westland?

After a crash, what you do next can affect your health, your claim, and your financial recovery. Taking a few smart steps right away can protect both your wellbeing and your legal rights. One of the most important things you can do early on is get an attorney for a car accident to help protect your rights and deal with the insurance company while you focus on healing.

Immediate Steps at the Scene

Check for injuries first. If you or anyone else needs emergency medical help, call 911 immediately. Stay calm and try to move your car out of traffic if it’s safe. Turn on hazard lights.

Exchange information with the other driver. Get their name, license plate number, driver’s license number, and insurance details. If witnesses are nearby, ask for their contact information too. Take photos of the cars, the road, skid marks, traffic signs, and anything else that might help show what happened.

Medical Attention and Documentation

Don’t wait to see a doctor. Even if you feel fine, some injuries don’t show up right away. A quick checkup can catch issues early and provide documentation of your condition. If you already went to the ER, follow up with your doctor and stick to the treatment plan.

Keep a record of every medical visit, prescription, and diagnosis. Save receipts and notes. These documents help show how the accident affected your health and your finances.

Reporting Requirements in Michigan

Michigan law requires drivers to report any crash that causes death, injury, or property damage worth $1,000 or more. You must call the police and file a report. The officer will create an accident report, which becomes key evidence in your case.

You should also notify your insurance company soon after the crash. However, don’t give a recorded statement until you’ve spoken to a lawyer. Insurance companies often look for ways to reduce or deny claims.

Preserving Evidence for Your Case

Photos, videos, witness statements, and your medical records are just the start. You may also need to track down surveillance footage, driving records, or phone logs. A Westland car accident lawyer can step in early to preserve this evidence before it disappears.

Keep a journal. Write down your pain levels, daily challenges, and how the crash changed your routine. These notes can support claims for non-economic damages.

Common Types of Car Accidents in Westland

Different kinds of car crashes lead to different injuries and insurance issues. Types of car accidents vary, but certain patterns show up more often on Westland roads.

Intersection Collisions

Busy intersections like Wayne Road and Cherry Hill Street often see crashes when drivers run red lights, make illegal turns, or fail to yield. These accidents can cause side-impact injuries, which often involve the neck, spine, or brain.

Rear-End Accidents

Rear-end crashes frequently happen near shopping areas such as the Westland Shopping Center. Distracted driving and sudden stops are common causes. Even a low-speed impact can lead to whiplash, back injuries, or concussions.

Highway and Freeway Crashes

High-speed crashes on roads like I-275 or Ford Road can cause serious harm. Pileups, rollovers, and sideswipes happen when drivers tailgate, speed, or make unsafe lane changes. These wrecks often involve more than two vehicles.

Weather-Related Accidents

Snow, ice, and rain create slick roads and poor visibility. Places like Venoy Road can become especially dangerous during winter. Drivers who go too fast for conditions or fail to use headlights properly may be held responsible for resulting crashes.

How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?

Every car accident case is different. The value of your case depends on how badly you were hurt, how the injuries affect your life, and how the insurance company handles your claim. A fair car accident settlement should reflect both the short-term costs and the long-term impact the crash has had on your daily life and future.

Factors That Determine Settlement Value

Your total medical bills, lost wages, and cost of future treatment all impact your settlement. Non-financial harm, such as ongoing pain or not being able to enjoy activities you once loved, can also add value. The clearer the proof, the stronger your claim.

Economic Damages vs. Non-Economic Damages

Car accident settlements usually involve both economic and non-economic damages:

• Economic damages cover things with a specific dollar value. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses like paying for rides to doctor visits or buying medical devices.
• Non-economic damages don’t come with receipts, but they still matter. This includes physical pain, mental stress, changes in mood, and trouble doing everyday activities. Michigan law allows you to recover these damages in certain situations, especially if you meet the serious injury threshold.

Michigan’s Serious Injury Threshold

Michigan’s no-fault insurance system covers your medical costs and some lost wages, no matter who caused the crash. But to sue the other driver for pain and suffering or other non-economic damages, your injury has to meet the state’s “serious impairment of body function” rule.

This doesn’t mean you must be permanently disabled. It means the injury must significantly affect how you live your life. For example, if you can’t walk your dog anymore, can’t lift your kids, or had to stop coaching your child’s team, that could meet the standard.

A lawyer can help show that your injuries qualify and give you the right to pursue more compensation.

How Insurance Companies Calculate Offers

Insurers use software, formulas, and past settlements to estimate claim values. But they often leave out key facts or undervalue injuries. When they see you have strong legal representation, they’re more likely to offer a fairer amount.

Understanding Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance Laws

Michigan’s no-fault system covers some of your expenses no matter who caused the crash. But it doesn’t always pay enough, especially when serious injuries are involved.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Benefits

PIP benefits pay for medical treatment, lost wages, and help with household tasks. The amount depends on your policy and whether you chose unlimited coverage or a cap. These benefits don’t include pain or suffering.

Property Protection Insurance

This part of your insurance covers damage your vehicle causes to another person’s property. It doesn’t cover damage to your own car. That’s handled under collision coverage, which is optional.

Residual Liability Coverage

If you get sued after a crash, this coverage helps pay for injuries or property damage the other driver claims you caused. It kicks in only under specific situations, like if someone meets the serious injury threshold. After a car accident should you get a lawyer is a valid concern in these cases, especially when liability is in question or the other party is making a serious claim.

When Can I Sue After a Car Accident in Westland?

While Michigan’s no-fault system limits lawsuits in many cases, it doesn’t block all of them. You may have the right to file a lawsuit if the crash left you with lasting harm.

Meeting the Serious Injury Threshold

As mentioned earlier, you can file a third-party lawsuit when your injuries meet the threshold of serious impairment. Your day-to-day life must be noticeably affected. Broken bones, head injuries, and surgeries often qualify.

Third-Party Liability Claims

If the other driver acted carelessly or recklessly, you may have a claim for additional compensation. These claims allow you to seek payment for pain, suffering, and long-term impacts that no-fault insurance doesn’t cover.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims

If the other driver doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough to cover your damages, you can file a claim under your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. These claims often involve disputes over how much you’re owed.

Statute of Limitations in Michigan

Michigan gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Waiting too long could mean losing your right to take legal action, no matter how strong your case is.

How Our Attorneys Can Help

The legal process can feel like a maze, especially while you’re still recovering. Our team at Goodman Acker PC handles every part of your case, from the first phone call to final resolution.

Comprehensive Case Investigation

We gather photos, video footage, police reports, medical records, and witness statements. Our team works to uncover every detail, and we dig deep when something doesn’t add up.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters don’t work for you. We do. We take over all communication and push back when they try to downplay your injuries or pressure you into a lowball offer.

Medical Record Analysis and Expert Consultation

We review your medical files with trusted professionals to show the full scope of your injuries. When needed, we bring in outside experts to support your case.

Negotiating Maximum Settlements

We prepare every case as if it might go to trial. This puts pressure on the other side to make better settlement offers. Our goal is always to recover the maximum compensation available under the law.

Trial Representation When Necessary

If the insurance company refuses to make a reasonable offer, we’re ready to present your case in court. Our trial attorneys know how to build strong arguments and tell your story to a jury. Filing a police report after a car accident can also provide key evidence that supports your claim.

Why Choose Our Firm

Goodman Acker PC has helped car accident victims throughout Michigan for more than 30 years. We understand the roads in Westland and the issues drivers deal with here every day.

Local Westland Experience and Knowledge

From busy intersections near Wildwood Plaza to neighborhood roads near Central City Park, we know where crashes happen and what evidence helps build a strong case.

Proven Track Record of Success

We have a 99% success rate, and our results speak for themselves. We’ve recovered millions in settlements and verdicts for car accident victims across the state.

No Fee Unless We Secure Compensation

You don’t pay us unless we recover compensation for you. It’s that simple. We take the risk so you don’t have to.

Personalized Attention to Every Case

We never treat you like a number. Our Westland car accident lawyer take time to listen, return calls, and explain your options clearly. You’ll always know where your case stands.

Resources to Handle Complex Cases

Some cases need accident reconstruction, in-depth medical analysis, or testimony from specialists. We have the tools and connections to handle those cases with confidence.

Let Our Car Accident Attorneys in Westland Help

Don’t wait to get legal help. The sooner you act, the better your chances of protecting your rights and recovering the maximum compensation available. At Goodman Acker PC, we offer free consultations and don’t charge anything unless we recover for you.

Whether your crash happened on Ann Arbor Trail, near Hines Park, or along Merriman Road, we’re ready to listen and take action. Call (248) 831-1507 today to speak with a Westland car accident lawyer who’s ready to fight for you.

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 ]