Car Accident Lawyers in Michigan
Consult An Experienced Michigan Car Accident Lawyer
If you are ever injured in a Michigan car crash, you need to get medical treatment immediately. Car crashes can be devastating, even if the injuries in the immediate aftermath seem slight.
Losses resulting from a car accident can be more substantial than you’d initially think. Even a relatively minor injury can put you out of work during recovery, and those lost wages can be tough to manage. This is doubly important when you have dependents who count on your income for their basic needs. We understand the toll a Michigan car crash can take on your life, which is why we’re dedicated to helping you get the compensation you deserve. Our Michigan car accident lawyers will investigate your case to discover the facts. With our focus on personal injury law in Michigan, you’ll find an unrelenting dedication to winning your case backed up by years of experience and know-how. Call 866-226-6833 or reach us through our contact page today!
Serving all of Michigan Including
Michigan Auto Accident Attorneys On Your Side
At Matz Injury Law, we’re happy to help with any auto accident injuries, whether it’s catastrophic or something that only briefly puts your life on hold. Either way, the loss can be significant. It’s especially tough for people in preventable crashes, so ensuring those responsible get held accountable is essential. Making a claim in Michigan can be reasonably complicated since the laws aren’t always straightforward, especially since the significant changes that went into effect in 2020. Steve and Jared Matz will help you through your case and answer any questions you might have. Throughout the claims process, we’ll be there to fight for your rights and make your case as strong as possible.
What Are My Rights After a Michigan Car Accident?
When you’ve suffered a car accident in Michigan, you have the right to seek compensation for damages, whether for personal injuries, property damage, lost wages, or any other damages you may have suffered. The process can be cumbersome, but our team can help make it as easy as possible. Michigan is a no-fault state, so that means the fault isn’t a factor when deciding which insurance company to turn to after your accident.
What is Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance Policy?
Under Michigan law, no-fault insurance covers the essential injuries suffered in a car accident claim. This includes medical bills, medical transport costs, wage loss, household services replacement such as maid services required to keep house if you are unable to do so, and attendant care services such as in-home nursing. It also covers survivor’s loss benefits in case of a fatal crash.
Lost wages are covered up to 85 percent of what you would have earned for up to three years after the accident. Your no-fault policy also covers family members living in your household, plus anyone uninsured who was a pedestrian, passenger, or motorcyclist involved in the automobile accident.
Your no-fault insurance does not cover direct damage to the vehicle, but it does cover up to one million dollars in property damage caused by your vehicle, such as if you drive into someone’s house and damage a fence, a wall, or a garage door. To pay for damage to your own vehicle, you need collision coverage.
The details of everything involved in a Michigan car accident in which one or both parties in an accident lack insurance can be pretty complicated, so it’s in your best interest to have a Michigan auto accident lawyer by your side to help you through. When you schedule your free consultation with our team, we can help you better understand the stipulations of your insurance policy.
What Do You Need to Do After a Car Crash?
Being involved in a car crash can be devastating, but how you act in the immediate aftermath can significantly impact your future. The first step after an injury accident is to 911. You’re going to want to get medical assistance for anyone who’s injured, including yourself. Even if everyone’s injuries seem minor, you should always call for an ambulance. Spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries are serious injuries that require immediate medical attention, but even a sprain can worsen if not treated as soon as possible.
While the police will collect the evidence themselves for their police report, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do the same. If you’re able to, be sure to take photos of the accident yourself. When you do so, highlight the damage in your photos, whether visible damage to the vehicles involved or other property damage sustained in the accident.
Additionally, take pictures of any tread marks left on the road and some photos that showcase the entire accident scene in a single frame. Following evidence collection, you’ll need to exchange insurance information with the other drivers involved in the accident. Remember that you should only be exchanging insurance information and nothing more. Only collect the information necessary for the insurance process, including their name, contact information, and insurance information. After you’ve dealt with everyone else involved in the accident, you’ll want to call the Michigan car accident lawyers at Matz Injury Law.
Ensuring the protection of your rights can get complicated. Still, an experienced Michigan auto accident lawyer, like Steve or Jared Matz, can help you navigate the process from the beginning. When you have an experienced lawyer by your side, you can move forward with getting the compensation you deserve so you can focus on your recovery. The last step in the aftermath of a Michigan car accident is to call your insurance company. Notify them of the accident, and follow the instructions that your lawyer has laid out for you. Remember, insurers are not on your side, so you must know the proper approach to protecting your rights. You must report the accident to your insurance company. Still, it would be best if you didn’t have to do anything else, including giving a statement, until you’ve gotten proper legal advice and are ready.
How Long Does the Insurance Company Have to Investigate and Settle My Claim?
Under Michigan fault law, when you file a no-fault insurance claim, you file with your own insurance company, not with that of the negligent driver. In Michigan, insurance providers have 90 days from the date you file your claim to settle it. They are required to acknowledge the claim and provide you with all the necessary paperwork and instructions for proving your claim within 30 days of filing. After you provide proof, Michigan auto insurance providers have 30 days to pay your personal injury protection (PIP) claims, including your medical bills.
After 30 days pass following proof of claim, the overdue amount is subject to 12 percent interest. This means that if the insurance still has not paid your PIP claims after 60 days following filing, it is considered overdue. Twelve percent interest is charged, and you are within your legal rights to file a complaint with the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS). You may also be eligible to take legal action for a bad faith claim against the insurance company.
Should I Sign the Settlement From My Car Insurance Company?
Before you sign any document from your insurer, you’ll want to talk to an auto accident attorney. You’ll want to speak to a law firm before you even give a statement to them about anything regarding the accident. The best rule of thumb is not to sign anything your adjuster offers until you’ve spoken with a lawyer, no matter how innocuous or generous the accident settlement may initially seem. It’s important to remember that insurance companies are not your friend. They don’t have your best interests in mind. Your insurance policy is there to protect you against the wishes of your insurer. Remember, your insurance provider is a for-profit company that makes money by not paying out on the policies they issue. To protect their bottom line, it’s in their interest to deny you as much coverage as possible. Contact the experienced Michigan car accident lawyers at Matz Injury Law to communicate with the insurance companies and protect your claim.
What Kinds of Compensation Can I Get After a Michigan Car Accident?
You may be eligible for compensation in the wake of a Michigan auto accident. Auto accident injuries can be severe, but even the ones that aren’t can still cost a significant amount of medical bills. Remember, long-term medical expenses also matter when determining how much your injury claim is worth. Property damage coverage falls under no-fault insurance in Michigan, but it only applies to damage you may have caused someone else. When it comes to your vehicle, you may have to work with Michigan mini-tort auto law. The maximum coverage here is $3,000, though this limit does not apply if the other driver does not have insurance.
Additionally, your collision coverage would handle the property damage if applicable. One of the most significant aspects of Michigan’s no-fault benefits is coverage for lost wages. Injuries from an auto accident can be severe, and some may never get better. When injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident prevent you from going to work, you may be able to get compensation for those lost wages. Specifically, this covers the wages you would’ve earned if you had not been injured. These benefits cover up to the first three years after an auto accident and are capped at a state-mandated monthly maximum. After that cap and after that time limit, you may be able to receive compensation for any additional lost wages by making a claim against the at-fault driver for the excess amount.
Disfigurement and permanent impairment can be particularly tough to deal with, and they aren’t considered exceptions for the compensation limits of PIP coverage. For serious bodily injuries and changes that permanently change one’s life, you’ll have to file a claim against the at-fault driver. Pain and suffering are unavoidable aspects of a car crash in most cases, but standard PIP insurance does not cover compensation for them. Pain and suffering are a form of non-economic damage, meaning the insurance company or the court system can’t easily measure it with a number value like they can with medical bills or property damage. To pursue compensation for non-economic damages, you’ll need to file a claim against the at-fault driver.
Don’t delay receiving fair compensation for your injuries. Call Matz Injury Law for a free consultation today to get started.
Can You Sue a Driver for a Car Accident in Michigan?
Under Michigan’s no-fault law, insured persons are protected against car accident lawsuits resulting from an auto accident, except in very specific special circumstances. These include the following circumstances:
- Car accident cases in which car accident victims are killed, permanently disfigured, or severely injured
- If an automobile accident involves a non-resident operating a motor vehicle not registered in Michigan
- Michigan drivers involved in accidents in other states
- Legal action for up to $1,000 against drivers who are 50 percent or more at fault if the accident causes damage to another’s car that is not covered by insurance
In these cases, for drivers who are found legally responsible, the required minimum coverage under their no-fault policy will pay up to specific amounts. Drivers may purchase additional coverage with higher limits. The minimum coverage protects the driver up to $20,000 for each person hurt or killed in an accident, up to a maximum of $40,000 for each accident if several people are injured or killed.
In the case of an accident where the victim is killed, wrongful death statutes may apply.
Finally, in some cases, you may be able to sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering. Your Michigan car accident lawyer can advise you if this type of lawsuit is a viable option.
What If The Result Of The Car Accident Is Fatal
Car accidents of any kind can quickly become a nightmare. Nobody ever wants to receive a call that their loved one is a car accident victim. It can be even more devastating for accidents in which a fatality occurs. Michigan’s fatality rate for motor-vehicle-related accidents is above average compared to other states. In the last reported year alone, Michigan had 1,131 traffic crash fatalities. If you are currently struggling with seeking compensation for an accident while mourning the loss of a loved one, you should reach out to a lawyer who specializes in Fatal Car Accidents.
Which Age Group is Most At Risk?
People of all ages can be involved in a Michigan auto accident, and all ages are at risk for fatalities. Yet, certain age groups are statistically more at risk than others.
According to the same reports above, the most at-risk age group for fatality in a car crash was ages 25-34. This outcome is regardless of whether the individual was the driver or the passenger. Of the fatalities in this age range, 173 were males, and 51 were females.
Michigan Statute of Limitations for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim
In Michigan, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim is three years from the date of the death or personal injury. If not filed within this time frame, the court can refuse to hear your case, and you forfeit your right to obtain damages for your loved one.
Seek legal advice from one of our Michigan car accident attorneys at Matz Injury Law as soon as possible. We can start the process for you, delve into an investigation to support your claim, and file the necessary paperwork so you don’t miss the deadline for seeking damages.
Was Your Loved One Involved in a Fatal Car Accident in Michigan?
If your loved one was the victim of a fatal motor vehicle accident or sustained injuries in a crash that led to their death, there are steps you can take. While these steps will not bring your loved one back, they can assist you in the days ahead as you face uncertainty and potential financial hardship. They can also help you seek justice for your loved one and hold the negligent party accountable. Two critical steps your Michigan car accident lawyer can help you take include applying for and obtaining survivor’s loss benefits and filing a wrongful death claim.
Survivor’s Loss Benefits
You might be able to file for survivor’s loss benefits through Michigan no-fault insurance laws, regardless of who was responsible for the auto accident.
Survivor’s loss benefits are payable under personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, a requirement for all Michigan registered motor vehicles. A portion of these benefits are available to those who pay for the deceased’s funeral. However, the amount available for reimbursement will depend on the amount chosen when setting up the insurance policy. As a result, you may receive between $1,750 and $5,000 for funeral and burial (or cremation) expenses.
Wrongful Death Claim
Following a loved one’s death due to injuries sustained during a car accident, you may wish to pursue a wrongful death claim. The other vehicle’s driver may have been negligent in some way, yet deny any fault and attempt to shed blame on your deceased loved one. If this happens, our dedicated fatal car accident attorneys know how to prove their negligence on your behalf and seek the compensation you need.
By law, if your loved one was less than 50 percent at-fault for the accident, you can file a claim for pain, suffering, and more. Making this type of accident claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company or the at-fault party directly often results in the need to file a lawsuit to obtain rightful compensation.
When Do I Need to Make an Injury Claim?
When making a personal injury claim, it’s essential to keep the statute of limitations in mind. In the state of Michigan, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Still, some other limitations may apply, so it is a good idea to speak with a lawyer at Matz Injury Law as soon as possible. When filing a claim with your insurance company for damages covered by your PIP insurance, you typically have one year from the accident date to do so. While the one-year limit for PIP coverage and three-year limit for filing a claim against the at-fault driver is how it works generally, some aspects can vary based on your insurance company. For example, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage depends explicitly on the details of your individual insurance policy.
When you talk to a lawyer in the aftermath of your accident, they can help you make sure that all your claims get filed on time per your unique policy requirements. You’ll need to act quickly to get the most out of your insurance claims. The sooner you file, the more time you have to work within the time limits and discover how much compensation you’ll need and the best sources to get it. Keep in mind that the need to act fast is not the same as resolving your case fast. Your adjuster will push for an accident settlement as quickly as possible, but you’re more likely to get favorable results from working with personal injury attorneys.
To get started with your case, call Matz Injury Law today for a free consultation.
How Much Can You Sue for Pain and Suffering in Michigan?
Even though Michigan is a no-fault state, fault can factor into the accident case. A driver who is more than 50 percent at fault can be sued for pain and suffering by victims. The victims must, however, prove that they have suffered a serious impairment of bodily function resulting from the accident. This is referred to as the body injury threshold.
To meet the body injury threshold, you must be able to prove that your injury was caused or exacerbated by the car accident and that it has significantly impaired your ability to live your normal life. It can be confusing to know whether you meet this threshold. In some cases involving broken bones, such as a mild hairline fracture, for example, you may not qualify. You may be eligible for others, such as a compound fracture. Your Michigan personal injury lawyer can help determine if you can sue for pain and suffering.
If you meet this threshold, there is no cap on the monetary compensation for which you can sue the at-fault driver, but understand these are not punitive damages. The money recovered from this type of lawsuit is intended to award compensation to victims, not to punish the at-fault driver.n>
Top Qualities to Look for When Choosing a Michigan Car Accident Lawyer
We understand that choosing the right attorney can be tricky. However, there are some key qualities you look for prior to hiring an attorney for your case.
Experience
Does the lawyer regularly handle Michigan car accident cases? If your case has to go to court, you want someone in your corner that has faced litigation and won major Michigan car accident cases. Also, pay attention to how much their other clients have recovered in damages while working with the lawyer. Most car accident lawyers should have this information on their website or at least be willing to share it with you. If they do not, that is a red flag.
Communication
Your Michigan car accident attorney should be transparent with you and keep you up to date on your case. Don’t settle for a lawyer who does not respond to you in a timely manner. Much of the work for your case involves communicating with you and insurance companies. You need to know that they are responsive and proactive in your case.
Reputation
What do their past and present clients have to say about the attorney? Just as important is what their fellow attorneys think of them. If a lawyer is willing to refer you to a different attorney, that indicates the referred lawyer’s work is worth putting the referring lawyer’s reputation on the line. That is a sign of quality and respect from their peers.
Fees
If you speak with a Michigan car accident attorney who wants to charge you a fee upfront or who does not work on contingency fees, this can be a red flag. Most injury attorneys only charge a legal fee if you win your case. In addition, while most law firms charge 33 1/3 percent of your accident settlement, at Matz Injury Law, we only charge 22 percent. That is why our slogan is “22, not 33.” The law firm you choose and the fees they charge can significantly impact the money you take home, so choose wisely.
Why Choose Matz Injury Law for Your Michigan Car Accident Lawyer?
Matz Injury law brings decades of experience to the table in successfully negotiating and litigating car accident claims. We are well-versed in the law, with compassionate and driven attorneys to help you navigate the complex legal process so your accident claim is not disregarded or dismissed by insurance companies, other attorneys, or anyone else. We can help you build a case and fight for the accident settlement you deserve. We will stand by your side as a dogged ally the entire way.
In addition to our free consultations, we charge significantly less than almost all of our competitors. We know that going through a car accident can be one of your life’s most challenging events. That’s why we’re dedicated to helping crash victims get the Michigan car accident settlements they deserve. That process can be stressful and complicated, but our team is adept at easing the burden of the complex legal process. We’ll take care of the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery. Our car accident lawyers have been helping people throughout Michigan across both peninsulas, from Grand Rapids to Port Huron, Lansing to Houghton, and beyond get the verdicts they deserve. We travel from our Southfield office to our clients across Michigan to provide the care and attention your case deserves. In total, we’ve won more than $300 million for clients across the state.
No Fee Unless You Win
Auto insurance companies have experienced lawyers working for their interests. They will deny you as much coverage as they feel they can. Our team is ready to stand up to them and get you the compensation you deserve. Cutting corners is what insurance adjusters do best, which is why our legal team strives to do the opposite. Throughout our history, we’ve won many cases that resulted in multi-million dollar accident settlements for our clients. Whether you lost a loved one in an accident or suffered minor injuries with some lost wages, we will work to get the maximum value of your claim.
When you work with us, medical care is just the beginning of the damages you can push for. The exact details will vary based on the unique circumstances of your automobile crash, of course. Remember, you don’t owe us anything if we don’t win your case. We work on a contingency basis, but that’s just the beginning of the benefits you can enjoy. As mentioned, most car accident lawyers charge 33 ⅓ percent of their clients’ Michigan car accident settlements for their services because that is the maximum the Supreme Court allows. At Matz Injury Law, we cut that to 22 percent. This 22 percent applies whether a case goes to trial or settles outside of court. We’re that confident we can get you results.
Reach Out for a Free Consultation With a Michigan Car Accident Lawyer
The most important thing to do after a car accident, truck accident, or any vehicle accident is to get the medical treatment you need. The second most important thing is to contact injury lawyers who focus on your future. At Matz Injury Law, you can get reliable legal representation that works relentlessly to bring you total compensation for your economic and non-economic losses at a reduced fee. Our team has extensive experience with accident victims and injury cases, and we’ll handle every aspect for you. We’ll talk with your insurer and learn the ins and outs of your insurance coverage to protect your rights.
Meanwhile, you can focus on getting better. There’s no cost to give us a call. There’s no cost unless we win the case on your behalf. When you call, you can expect your case to receive personal attention. We guarantee you can talk directly to Steven Matz or Jared Matz to discuss your case. We know how severely a personal injury can affect your life, which is why we believe every case requires a personal level of focus and attention. Ready to discuss your case? Contact Matz Injury Law today for a free consultation at 866-226-6833 or complete our online contact form, and we’ll be in touch immediately.
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