When Does a Car Accident Go to Court?

• A Michigan car accident does not always go to court, but when it does, you want to have an experienced car accident lawyer on your side to represent your interests.
• Insurance companies are not working in your best interests. Only a car accident attorney can do that, so consider hiring one even if you are planning on avoiding trial and reaching a settlement beforehand.
• Personal injuries from car accidents warrant compensation for more than just medical expenses with other damages like lost wages, property damage, disfigurement, and pain and suffering.
• At Matz Injury Law, our Southfield law firm operates on a 22% contingency fee basis rather than the standard 33%. There’s no risk in getting a free consultation, and you get to keep more money with Matz.

Getting into a car accident can be enough to change your life. Even cases that are settled quickly can still be stressful to manage, so it’s important to recognize when your case might go to court. Accident cases that go to a courtroom can be significantly more difficult to navigate, which is why you need an experienced Michigan car accident attorney by your side.

At Matz Injury Law, we have extensive experience working with car accident victims throughout Michigan. Our Southfield-based team focuses on pursuing the maximum compensation possible for injuries suffered in a car accident, even if that means fighting for your case in court. Take a look at when a Michigan car accident case goes to court and how Matz Injury Law can help.

Do You Have to Go to Court for a Michigan Car Accident?

You will not necessarily have to go to court for a car accident in Michigan, but being prepared for the possibility is generally beneficial. Going to court is only necessary when you cannot agree with the auto insurance company or at-fault party in an accident. Given that insurance companies will try to protect their interests over yours, it is very likely that their initial offer will be less than what you actually may need.

Regardless of what kind of accident you were involved in, you will benefit from calling a lawyer as soon as possible. A car accident lawyer is an essential tool to have if your case does make it to court, but you can benefit from their services beforehand, too. Insurance companies often have strategies to try and coerce accident victims to settle for lower compensation. Experienced accident attorneys will know what to look out for and negotiate with insurance adjusters for a fair settlement for damages. If these negotiations go well, you may be able to avoid court entirely.

When Does a Michigan Car Accident Go to Court?

A Michigan car accident goes to court when your case cannot be settled through the insurance claim process. This results when the insurance company denies the compensation you deserve. Some reasons this may occur include:

• They claim the insurance policy does not cover the losses you suffered.
• The insurance company wants additional information before they apply fault insurance coverage.
• The no-fault benefits do not cover the incident or who caused it.

Note that this does not happen automatically, and you will have to file a formal car accident lawsuit in the civil court system that specifies that you are suing either the insurance company or the guilty driver, depending on the details of your case.

When you file a complaint through the civil court system, the lawsuit has technically begun, but that does not necessarily mean you will go to court. Once the legal action is filed, both sides of the lawsuit exchange information during the discovery process, including whether the defendant is the other driver’s insurance company or the other motorist personally. An agreement can be reached during discovery after everyone works to gather evidence, and if that happens, a court appearance is unnecessary. If a settlement still cannot be reached after discovery, then the case moves to court under Michigan law.

Can I Negotiate a Settlement with the Insurance Company After a Michigan Car Accident?

It is possible to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company after a Michigan car accident, and doing so can even help you avoid having to deal with a trial. There are some risks to keep in mind, however, as insurance companies are not working in your best interests. They are primarily concerned with their own profit, and that only happens by denying as much coverage as they feel they can get away with. When seeking a settlement, it is paramount that you advocate for the full amount of compensation for all damages suffered in the car crash.

When an insurance company offers you an initial settlement, they will very likely underestimate the value of your claim. They may even provide a detailed writeup of compensation based on your medical expenses, but even that still excludes some additional compensation you may be entitled to. Medical treatment is important, but you should also consider factors like lost wages and future medical conditions and treatments. A personal injury attorney can help you fight for all the compensation you deserve to cover the damages suffered.

Related Article: How Long Does a Car Accident Settlement Take?

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident Claim in Michigan?

You do not necessarily need a lawyer for a car accident claim in Michigan, but you would benefit from one. While you are free to accept the initial settlement offer from the insurance company, that likely will not be enough to cover all the damages suffered from the accident. With a lawyer, you can fight for the full amount you deserve.

At Matz Injury Law, we have extensive experience representing Michigan car accident victims and communicating with insurance companies. Plus, we work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to pay unless we win. We charge a contingency fee of just 22% rather than the standard 33% of your winnings, which means you keep more money with Matz.

Note that in situations where you need to file a personal injury lawsuit due to serious impairment or financial loss, or in situations where the other driver is uninsured and requiring you to pursue compensation through a civil suit against their assets, it is beneficial to get legal advice from an attorney. We also recommend seeking legal advice in some of the more challenging cases, including:

• A commercial trucking accident
• Wrongful death
• Serious injuries, such as brain injury or paralysis
• Disputes over who is at fault in the motor vehicle accident
• Personal injury cases that the insurance provider has outright denied

Related Article: What to Know About Michigan Case Costs and Attorney Fees

Why Clients Choose Matz Injury Law

Matz Injury Law has been helping clients throughout Michigan for years fight for fair compensation from car insurance companies. We know just how debilitating injuries from a car accident can be, which is why our Michigan car accident lawyers will take care of your legal matters for you, allowing you to focus on recovery. Take a closer look at how some of our previous clients feel about our legal services.

Client Testimonials

“I have used Matz Injury Law over the years and they are the most honest and trustworthy attorneys I have ever used. They go above and beyond for their clients. I would recommend them to anyone.” — David L.

“From the moment we reached out to Steve he demonstrated professionalism, expertise, and genuine care of our legal needs. Throughout the entire process, Steve Matz provided care and timely communication, ensuring we were informed and comfortable every step of the way. There was never a problem reaching Steve, every email and phone call was answered directly by Steve. His depth of knowledge and attention to detail were evident in his strategic approach to our case, resulting in a favorable outcome that exceeded our expectations. Steve Matz not only represented my interests with skill and dedication but also showed compassion and empathy, making a stressful situation much more manageable.” — Robert B.

Let Us Help You On Your Path to Compensation

Matz Injury Law is happy to help clients all across Michigan pursue compensation in the wake of an auto accident to cover the cost of damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and more. Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t owe anything to us upfront. You only pay when we win. Even then, we only charge 22% of your winnings rather than the standard 33% you find with most Michigan personal injury attorneys. Contact our team today at 1-866-22Not33 or by filling out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation for your personal injury claim.