Car Accident Lawyers in Michigan
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Key Takeaways
- Your no-fault insurance covers injuries from car accidents, including medical bills and lost wages.
- Lost wages are covered up to 85 percent of what you would have earned for up to three years after the accident.
- The statute of limitations for a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit in Michigan is three years.
- Talk to a Michigan car accident lawyer before accepting any insurance settlements.
Consult An Experienced Southfield 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!
Matz Injury Law’s 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, our car accident attorneys, 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.
Call Today
In addition to our free consultations, we charge significantly less than almost all of our competitors. Remember, you don’t owe us anything if we don’t win your case. Many personal injury law firms in Michigan charge a standard contingency fee of 33 1/3%. At Matz Injury Law, we offer a different approach with a contingency fee of only 22%. 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.
Areas We Serve In Michigan
At Matz Injury Law, we proudly serve clients across the great state of Michigan for decades. Our team works hard to ensure you receive the legal support you deserve for your car accident injury claims, no matter where you are located.
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
Understanding Michigan No-Fault Coverage Limits
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.
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 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 Claim?
Under Michigan law, no-fault insurance claim can cover the essential injuries suffered in a car accident claim, including:
- Medical bills
- Medical transport costs
- Wage loss
- Household services replacement (e.g., maid services)
- Attendant care services
- 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
- Any uninsured 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.
2018-2022 Michigan Auto Accident Statistics
Michigan’s auto accident landscape has shown notable trends over the past five years, as evidenced by the collected data from Michigan State on total crashes and resulting injuries. 2018, Michigan witnessed 312,798 crashes, leading to 75,838 injuries. This was followed by a slight increase in total crashes in 2019, reaching 314,377. 2020 marked a significant decline in crashes and injuries, with 245,432 accidents and 60,986 injuries, likely influenced by pandemic-related factors.
After the pandemic, the bar chart shows an upward trend resumed in 2022, with 293,341 total crashes and 70,281 injuries. In addition to injuries, 1,123 fatalities due to automotive accidents were recorded in 2022. These statistics highlight the ongoing challenges and fluctuations in road safety in Michigan.
You are not alone if you were a victim of a Michigan car accident or related injury. Reach out to Matz Injury Law. Our Personal Injury firm fights tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve to recover properly.
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.
- Call 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.
- Collect photo evidence. While the police will collect the evidence 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.
- 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.
- Call the Michigan car accident lawyers at Matz Injury Law. Protecting 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.
- Call your insurance company. 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. 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?
- 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. 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 can receive the compensation for the following:
- Medical bills: Long-term medical expenses also matter when determining how much your injury claim is worth.
- Property damage: Only applies to damage you have caused to someone else. You may have to work with Michigan mini-tort law (maximum coverage here of $3,000). Additionally, your collision coverage would handle the property damage if applicable.
- Lost wages: When severe 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.
- Disfigurement and permanent impairment: These fall outside PIP coverage limits and require filing a claim against the at-fault driver. Standard PIP insurance does not cover non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, which are harder to quantify than medical bills or property damage. For compensation in these areas, a claim must be filed against the responsible driver.
- Pain and suffering: This is not covered by PIP insurance and is harder to quantify.
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.
Don’t delay receiving fair compensation for your injuries. Call Matz Injury Law for a free consultation today to get started.
What If a Car Accident Was Fatal and Results in a Wrongful Death?
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 1,123 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.
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.
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.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Car Accident Claims In Michigan?
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.
- One year from the date of the accident to file a claim with your insurance company for damages covered by your PIP insurance
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. 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
- 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.
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 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 addition to our free consultations, we charge significantly less than almost all of our competitors. 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.
In total, we’ve won more than $300 million for clients across the state.
Recent Car Accident Settlements
We have successfully represented many Michigan car accident victims. Recent settlements include:
- $4,150,000 settlement on behalf of the family of a college student who was killed in a traffic crash while riding a motorcycle. The settlement came from three different insurance companies.
- $500,000 bodily injury settlement for a 2-year-old girl who was catastrophically injured as a result of a motor vehicle collision.
- $3.45 million settlement against a cement company whose truck crossed a center line causing three deaths and severely injuring a 4 year-old boy. The settlement was $450,000 in excess of available insurance.
Client Testimonial
Don’t just take our word for it. Hear what one satisfied client had to say:
“I reached out to Steve after my car accident and even without paying him he was there for me. Offered me advice and told me everything I needed to know about what my insurance company owed me. He cares about people and it shows!” – Kyanna W.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no cap on the monetary compensation for which you can sue the at-fault driver, but understand these are not punitive damages.
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.
The most at-risk age group for fatality in a car crash was ages 25-34. This is regardless of whether the victim was the passenger or the driver. Fatalities in this age group saw that 130 were males, and 53 were females.
You can receive the compensation for the following:
Medical bills: Long-term medical expenses also matter when determining how much your injury claim is worth.
Property damage: Only applies to damage you have caused to someone else. You may have to work with Michigan mini-tort law (maximum coverage here of $3,000). Additionally, your collision coverage would handle the property damage if applicable.
Lost wages: When severe 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.
Disfigurement and permanent impairment: These fall outside PIP coverage limits and require filing a claim against the at-fault driver. Standard PIP insurance does not cover non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, which are harder to quantify than medical bills or property damage. For compensation in these areas, a claim must be filed against the responsible driver.
Pain and suffering: This is not covered by PIP insurance and is harder to quantify.
Recent Settlements
$4,150,000 settlement on behalf of the family of a college student who was killed in a traffic crash while riding a motorcycle. The settlement came from three different insurance companies.
$450,000 settlement for an injury sustained while working at a manufacturing facility in Michigan. We were able to get around the workers compensation act exclusive remedy by proving our client was not an employee but instead, an independent contractor.
$3.45 million settlement against a cement company whose truck crossed a center line causing three deaths and severely injuring a 4 year-old boy. The settlement was $450,000 in excess of available insurance.
$1.74 million settlement against a 19 year-old driver and the fraternity where he was drinking immediately prior to a head on collision that killed a 52 year-old husband and father of 3 children.
$1.3 million Federal District Court settlement on behalf of a mother and daughter in a car/truck collision. Mom suffered a pancreas injury but returned to full-time employment within six months; eight year old daughter suffered an aggravation of a pre-existing learning disability as well as a ruptured spleen.
$1 million settlement for a 52 year-old woman in a rural county who broke both ankles and suffered a retrobulbar hemorrhage of her right eye after being struck by a gravel truck.
Matz Injury Law obtained a $1,000,000 settlement for a woman in Northern Michigan who fractured both ankles as a result of being rear-ended by a gravel truck.
A settlement of $3,450,000 for a family who lost loved ones as a result of an inattentive cement truck driver.
$100,000 uninsured motorist settlement (policy limit) for family of passenger killed in Detroit in suspected joyriding incident.
$1 million settlement on behalf of a 60 year-old woman with a mild closed head injury due to County Road Commission negligence.
$950,000 settlement on behalf of the mother of a young boy who died while a passenger in a one-vehicle crash.
$750,000 to the family of a passenger killed in a collision on an icy road.
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