how soon contact attorney michigan car accident

by Mrs. Jennifer Haag DVM Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago 7 min read

When should you contact a car accident lawyer?

If any of the following apply to your situation, call a lawyer right away: Any accident that causes significant injury to you or someone else. Any accident where fault is not clearly established. Any crash involving another motorist, such as a pedestrian, other cars, truck, or cyclist.

How long do you have to sue after a car accident in Michigan?

three years

If you've been injured in a Michigan auto accident, you generally have three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for the injuries you sustained. This three-year period is known as the “statute of limitations.” It applies to both bodily injury and wrongful death claims.

What happens if you don't report an accident within 24 hours?

Failure to report an accident can lead to your policy being declared void by your insurers which could result in you being uninsured in respect of vehicle damage in the event of a later accident.

What happens after a car accident in Michigan?

What should I do after a car accident in Michigan? Following any car accident in Michigan, a crash victim should definitely contact the nearest police department, file a police report and seek any medical treatment if needed. After everything settles down, it's important to obtain a copy of the police report.

How long after a crash can you claim whiplash?

Make your whiplash claim in a timely fashion

It is important to recognise there is a time limit in place for making a whiplash claim. You have a period of three years from the date the accident occurred, or from the date when you first became aware of the injury.

Can you get sued in Michigan for a car accident?

A driver who is injured in a car accident in Michigan can bring a lawsuit to sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering compensation – as an injured driver can do in all other states – but in Michigan the injured driver must first be able to show that he or she has suffered a “serious impairment of body function.”Aug 24, 2020

How long do I have to tell my insurance company about an accident?

within 24 hours

How Long Do I Have to Report an Accident to My Insurance Company? If you're involved in an accident, you must tell your insurance company as soon as possible. Most insurers specify that you must inform them within 24 hours of the incident.

Do you have to call police after a minor car accident?

If it's a minor collision and there are no injuries, make a note of it just in case the other people later try to claim for an injury. Call the police and an ambulance immediately if anyone is hurt or if the road is blocked.

Do I need to make a police report for a car accident?

You should make a police report when the accident involves a government vehicle, damage to government property, a foreign vehicle, a pedestrian or cyclist, a hit-and-run case, or an injury requiring hospitalisation or medical leave of 3 days or more.

How long do accidents stay on your record in Michigan?

two years

How long do car accidents stay on your record? In general, car accidents in Michigan will stay on your driving record as follows: points on your driver's license, which will remain there for two years; and/or convictions on your driving record which will remain there for a minimum of seven years.

What happens if you leave the scene of an accident in Michigan?

Leaving the scene of an accident in Michigan is a crime. The penalties include fines, jail and driver's license points and suspension. A driver who has been involved in a crash must: (1) stop; (2) provide personal information; (3) present a driver's license; and (4) help secure medical aid for anyone injured.Feb 24, 2022

What happens after a car accident not your fault?

Collect Information

If the other driver has stopped make sure you get their name, address and most importantly their insurance details. Also take note of their vehicle registration number. Finally speak to any witnesses who are at the scene. Take statements from anyone who saw the accident.Aug 28, 2014

Michigan Car Accident Laws: What Are They

A car accident attorney explains the current auto law as established by the Michigan Supreme Court, McCormick v. Carrier – and how the No-Fault Act codified the McCormick decision as the law.

What Happens In A No-Fault Accident?

We address questions about auto insurance coverage issues, No-Fault benefits and your legal rights following a serious crash.

No-Fault Accident FAQs

Our attorney’s address the most frequently asked questions surrounding No-Fault accidents.

Michigan No-Fault Insurance Lawsuit FAQs

Our lawyers answer frequently asked questions about car accident cases and litigation, to ease your concerns about starting a lawsuit.

Negligence In A Car Accident Case: What You Need To Know

Determining negligence – or who is at fault – is the critical first step that must be taken in every successful car accident lawsuit.

Car Accident Lawsuit FAQs

Get answers to questions about a car accident lawsuit in Michigan and learn how to sue the at-fault driver who caused the crash that resulted in injuries.

What to do after a car accident in Michigan?

After a car accident in Michigan it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible even if you feel your injuries are only minor. Many injuries that initially appear to be insignificant can later cause substantial pain and discomfort. These injuries are often referred to as delayed injuries and they must be documented immediately to prove they were caused by the crash and not some other event. It’s also important to return to your doctor if you experience any new symptoms that were not apparent during initial treatment .

Can you give a statement to an auto insurance adjuster in Michigan?

Never give “statements” to an auto insurance claims adjuster after a car accident in Michigan. And never sign a release or allow the insurance adjuster to look at the damage without the presence of an attorney.

Where is Michigan Auto Law located?

To better serve you, Michigan Auto Law has office locations in Farmington Hills, Sterling Heights, Detroit, Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids. Call (800) 777-0028 for a free consultation. You can also use our consultation form. We are here for you–anytime you need us.

How many years has Michigan auto law been listed?

Michigan Auto Law has been listed for 17 consecutive years with the top reported injury settlements and trial verdicts in Michigan… This remarkable record eclipses every other law firm in Michigan…

Can trucking companies destroy evidence in Michigan?

For instance, motor carriers will quickly send out rapid-response teams to a serious truck crash. Their job is to make the evidence seem minor. Trucking companies in Michigan can also legally destroy critical evidence if they aren’t told to preserve it in time. That’s why it’s important to speak with an experienced truck accident attorney now.

Is a motorcycle considered a motor vehicle in Michigan?

Under Michigan’s No-Fault insurance laws, a motorcycle is not considered a motor vehicle. But there are exceptions that let a person injured in a motorcycle accident recover No-Fault insurance benefits and compensation for pain and suffering. We can help you.

How much can you sue for a car accident in Michigan?

However, your recovery may be limited by the at-fault driver’s liability coverage. The most you can sue for under the mini tort is $3,000.

Can you sue a car that was totaled in Michigan?

If the at-fault driver who totaled your car was insured at the time of the crash, then you’re limited under Michigan’s mini tort law to sue for no more than $3,000 for your vehicle damage repair costs. However, if the at-fault driver was uninsured, you can file a lawsuit for the full value of your vehicle damage.

Can you sue a driver for pain and suffering?

You can sue the at-fault driver to recover your pain and suffering compensation, excess wage loss benefits, excess medical benefits and for a mini tort recovery to pay for repairing damage to your vehicle.

Can you sue an uninsured driver?

You could sue the uninsured, at-fault driver, aft the car accident but your attorney will have to determine if this person has personal assets or the ability to pay for the harms and losses they have caused. If you have “uninsured motorist coverage,” you can file a claim with your own auto insurer.

Is Michigan a no fault state?

August 24, 2020 by Steven M. Gursten. Michigan is both a No-Fault insurance state and a tort threshold state, meaning Michigan has a crash injury threshold and special rules that apply to suing someone after a car accident. These unique requirements apply to filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver who causes a crash for pain ...

What does an attorney do in a car crash?

An attorney will help disprove some if not all the accusations of fault. You might think that it is pretty obvious that you are at fault, but a lawyer can help in lifting these accusations and ensure that you are not thrown under the bus. An attorney may also identify other parties that may have played a part in the occurrence of the crash.

Can you claim third party benefits in Michigan?

Alongside the first party benefits, an auto accident victim is entitled to benefits under the third party claim. These include remuneration for pain and suffering and non-economic losses. However, in order to receive these benefits, the victim must meet a certain threshold that is required. Additionally, the auto accident victim must prove that the other driver was largely at fault. Even if you are injured from a truck accident, a Michigan truck accident lawyer at our firm can help you.

What is PIP in Michigan?

As per the Michigan No-Fault Law, you are entitled to first party benefits or PIP ( Michigan Personal Injury Protection) even if you were at fault. Some of the benefits include: Medical expenses: The No-Fault law allows for you to be reimbursed for all the medical expenses that were accrued following the auto accident.

How to hire an accident lawyer?

Because an insurance company's lawyers have the knowledge to reduce compensation and even deny the claim altogether, hiring an accident attorney is the best option for people who: 1 Have suffered severe injuries. 2 Are faced with expensive medical bills. 3 Have experienced a significant loss of wages due to their injuries.

What happens when an insurance company disputes a car crash?

When an insurance company disputes its policyholder's liability for the car crash, the company is basically saying that the policyholder is not at fault (or is at least claiming you don't have enough proof of fault) and , therefore, the insurance company is not responsible for paying for your damages .

How to determine severity of injury?

Generally, the severity of your personal injuries is measured by the: 1 Type of injury (or injuries) you've sustained. 2 Length of time it takes (or will take) for you to recover. 3 Cost of medical bills (and any other therapeutic procedures) you've incurred.#N#This also can include the estimated cost of future medical procedures.

How long does a long term injury last?

Generally speaking, a long-term injury is one that lasts for around a year or longer , while a permanent injury is one that disables you for life. These types of personal injuries seriously affect your ability to become and stay employed—not to mention the quality of your life.

What is a dispute in insurance?

When an insurance company disputes its policyholder's liability for the car crash, the company is basically saying that the policyholder is not at fault (or is at least claiming you don't have enough proof of fault) and , therefore , the insurance company is not responsible for paying for your damages .

Why is it important to hire a personal injury attorney?

Because of possible situations such as statutes of limitations (which can vary by state), it's important to hire a personal injury attorney and get the claims process going as quickly as possible; however, you don't want to hire the first attorney for whom you see a billboard on the highway.

Do all personal injury attorneys have experience?

Not all personal injury attorneys have experience with cases that deal with personal injury caused by a car accident. Some focus more on slip-and-fall accidents, others on work-related injuries, and others still on premise liability cases. Make sure the attorney you choose has represented individuals who've suffered personal injuries specifically ...