Auto Accident Law
Auto Accident Law
Car accidents can happen very unexpectedly and change your life in a flash. The consequences can impact everything from your physical health and your finances to your ability to work and enjoy your life. If you suffered injuries in an accident another driver caused, you may be struggling in every area of your life. You need an experienced car accident lawyer who will work to hold the other driver accountable.
Rodnick, Piraino & Ingber, PLLC, is here to help. When you’ve been hurt in an accident, the only thing you should have to focus on is getting better. Whether you were in a significant accident or a minor fender bender, we are happy to take the complexity and stress of the situation off your hands. We can handle your insurance claims and legal processes, managing every aspect of your lawsuit so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Located in Warren, Michigan, and serving clients in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties and statewide, we’re proud to represent clients searching for compensation, accountability, and justice after a devastating car accident. Contact us today for assistance with pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Accident Cases We Handle
A car accident is a traumatic experience, and no car accident is quite like any other. The last thing you want is a lawyer who treats your case like just another accident. When we take on a car accident case, we always give it the individualized attention it deserves.
Our firm handles all types of automobile accident claims, including those resulting from:
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Drunk driving accidents
- Distracted driving accidents
- Intersection crashes
- Single-vehicle accidents
- Multi-vehicle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Motorcycle crashes
- Truck accidents
What to Do After an Auto Accident in Michigan
The actions you take after a car accident can have a significant impact on the outcome of your compensation claim. Take the following steps to protect your rights:
- Call 911 to initiate an official response to the collision
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver
- Take photos and videos of the scene, any damage, your injuries, and conditions that may have caused or contributed to the crash
- Seek medical attention right away
- Attend all follow-up medical appointments and follow your doctor’s treatment plan
- Contact your insurance company to report the collision, but avoid providing anything more than the basic facts without first consulting an attorney
- Avoid posting about the accident on social media
Who Is at Fault for the Accident?
Michigan is a no-fault state, so under most circumstances, your own auto insurance should cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, there were significant changes to Michigan’s auto insurance laws in 2020, giving drivers a more comprehensive range of coverage options. Different insurance plans will cover different expenses up to specific amounts, so you should check the details of your plan to verify the extent of your coverage.
However, fault does come into play when the negligence of one of the drivers was the cause of the crash. If you were injured and you believe that the other driver was negligent, you may be able to file a lawsuit for non-economic losses such as pain and suffering.
Michigan law follows a modified comparative negligence doctrine for lawsuits relating to automobile accidents. Under the comparative negligence doctrine, you can only sue for compensation if you were less than 51 percent responsible for the accident. The court will reduce your compensation based on your percentage of fault. For example, if the court decides you were 20 percent responsible for the accident, it will reduce your final compensation by 20 percent.
Many insurance companies will attempt to shift blame away from their own clients to avoid paying large settlements to accident victims. Your car accident attorney will thoroughly investigate the accident, identify all liable parties, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
What’s the Deadline to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Michigan?
You shouldn’t wait too long to contact a lawyer after a car accident, or you may find yourself running out of time to file a lawsuit at all. Michigan’s statute of limitations gives you just three years to file a lawsuit after a car accident. Additionally, Michigan law requires you to file a personal injury protection insurance claim no later than one year after an accident.
What happens if you file a lawsuit after the deadline passes? In almost every situation, the court will dismiss your case and you’ll miss the opportunity to recover compensation. In rare cases, there may be exceptions that extend the deadline, but this is something you’ll want to know long before the deadline passes. It’s also something your car accident lawyer can figure out. They’ll know the law and can determine whether any exceptions may apply in your case.
What’s the Deadline to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Michigan?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, hiring an attorney can be highly beneficial. They will manage the complex legal process and fight to safeguard your rights. They will gather evidence, investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, and build a strong case on your behalf. Additionally, they will handle all communication and negotiations with insurance companies, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Car accident lawyers have extensive knowledge of Michigan personal injury laws and can help you determine the appropriate compensation for your losses, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. They will fight for the maximum compensation you deserve by negotiating with the insurance companies and presenting a robust, thoroughly researched case demonstrating how the accident has affected you and why you deserve the compensation you’re seeking.
If negotiations fail to yield a fair settlement, your lawyer will be prepared to represent you in court. Effective legal representation can significantly increase your chances of obtaining the compensation and outcome you deserve.
Contact a Warren, Michigan, Car Accident Attorney Today
If you suffered injuries in a motor vehicle accident, the last thing you want is to have to focus on legal matters instead of on your recovery. An injury can disrupt your life both physically and psychologically. You need someone skilled and knowledgeable on your side so you can concentrate on healing.
With our decades of combined experience, the team at Rodnick, Piraino & Ingber, PLLC, is prepared to handle your car accident case with professionalism, attention to detail, and the personalized approach you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case. We look forward to learning more about your situation, addressing your questions and concerns, and working together to pursue the justice, accountability, and compensation that will allow you to heal after a devastating car accident.
