From commuters to long-haul truckers, road-trippers to bus drivers, millions of Michigan residents utilize the state’s roadways, highways, and freeways every day. To keep everyone safe from harm, the state has many traffic laws that motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians are obliged to abide by.
When someone fails to obey these laws, they can endanger themselves and others, risking a collision that could cause property damage, injury, or death. Of the millions of car accidents in the United States each year, about a third result in injuries or fatalities.
If you or a loved one were involved in a car accident in Michigan, you may feel overwhelmed and frustrated at the thought of dealing with insurance companies or seeking fair compensation for your losses from the negligent party (or parties). You do not have to go through this alone. A Michigan car accident lawyer can help.
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm has handled over 10,000 cases since 1985. Our team of Michigan car accident lawyers can help you navigate this difficult time and pursue the justice you deserve. Call us today at (800) 794-0444 to schedule a free consultation about your case.
Where and How to Seek Compensation
States have either “fault” or “no-fault” laws regarding traffic accident liability and insurance coverage. Michigan is a no-fault state, meaning victims must seek compensation from their insurance provider and are not allowed to seek compensation from the other driver’s insurance company, even if the other party was responsible for the collision. However, victims can seek compensation from the other party through a personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death civil suit.
A no-fault or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy is a type of insurance coverage that is designed to lessen your financial burden if you are injured in a car crash. Before Senate Bill 0001 was passed in 2019, Michigan law mandated that all motorists were automatically enrolled in unlimited medical coverage with the purchase of a PIP policy. Today, drivers who purchase or renew coverage from July 2020 onward can opt-out altogether or choose a coverage level of $50,000 (if a driver has Medicaid coverage), $250,000, $500,000, or unlimited.
No-fault coverage can help cover:
- Emergency and long-term medical care
- Lost wages
- Hired staff to perform essential activities of daily living (if you can no longer do these tasks due to your injuries)
- Attended care for long-term health issues
If you have PIP coverage, you may be able to obtain compensation from your insurance provider. However, the immediate and long-term costs associated with recovery and rehabilitation may add up to more than your PIP coverage maximum. Also, insurance companies may try to offer you a payout that is less than you deserve.
A Michigan car accident lawyer can negotiate with your insurance company to advocate for a fair payment. An attorney can also help you bring a civil suit against the other party to seek more compensation to cover the full extent of your losses. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to learn more.
Car Accident Damages
Car accidents can have significant short and long-term effects on victims and their families. If you are facing mounting bills, you might consider pursuing a civil suit to recover damages not covered by your insurance policy. A Michigan car accident lawyer can help you determine the best course of action based on your situation.
An attorney might suggest pursuing one of the following types of civil suits:
- Personal injury: A personal injury suit is a means to seek compensation for injuries such as whiplash, broken bones, internal bleeding, paralysis, or sprains. You can also seek compensation for emotional pain and trauma. Damages sought in a personal injury claim may include current and future medical costs, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Victims must abide by the statute of limitations, which dictates how long someone may file a suit after an incident. Per Michigan Compiled Laws Section 600.5805, the statute of limitations for a Michigan car accident is three years.
- Property damage: Property damage suits cover non-bodily losses. For example, this kind of suit can cover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle or renting a car while yours is out of commission. It can also cover the cost to repair a building or structure if a car crashed into your property. If a car crashes into your place of business, a property damage suit may allow you to seek compensation for lost income as well.
- Wrongful death: Tragically, some car crashes result in fatalities. If a person dies in a collision, their survivors may suffer wounds that never heal. While monetary rewards cannot replace a lost loved one, financial compensation can relieve some of the financial burden associated with the death of a family member. This is particularly important if the deceased was the primary breadwinner. Compensation available in a wrongful death lawsuit can include funeral and burial costs and monetary awards for emotional pain and suffering. Survivors may also be eligible to receive funds to offset the reduction in household income.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 794-0444
Establishing Liability
To hold the responsible party (or parties) accountable for their actions, you must prove fault. Establishing liability and proving your losses is often a complex legal process. A Michigan car accident attorney can help you by:
- Compiling evidence to establish factors that contributed to the accident and the sequence of events
- Designing a strategy based on the details of your case
- Negotiating with your insurance company
- Advocating for a fair settlement or representing you in civil court
- Communicating with you throughout the process to update you about your case and answer any questions.
This is just the sampling of the many services that a Michigan car accident lawyer from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can provide.
Contact Us Today
Car crashes cause millions of dollars in damages every year, as well as extensive physical and emotional pain for victims. Unfortunately, while some cases are clear-cut, others are much more complex. Bringing responsible parties to justice may require a significant amount of time and legal knowledge.
If you or a loved one were involved in an accident, you may feel overwhelmed with stress, anxiety, and anguish. While it may be difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel now, there is hope. The Michigan car accident lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm are here to help. Call (800) 794-0444 today to schedule a free consultation with our team.
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