Whether you are a driver or a passenger, a car accident is a harrowing experience, especially when you or a loved one is seriously injured. Crash victims typically feel overwhelmed and ill-equipped to make important decisions. However, making the wrong choice right after an accident can have lasting consequences, emotional and financial.
You may be wondering whether hiring a lawyer is worthwhile. Here is an overview of the many ways an experienced Detroit car accident attorney can help you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.
Skilled auto accident lawyers provide a variety of services that vary according to the details of the situation.
In general, a good personal injury attorney fulfills two major roles:
Many victims are entitled to more than they realize. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer helps clients receive every dollar they deserve, including intangible damages such as pain and suffering as well as compensation for excess medical expenses and lost wages.
Car accident claims involve extensive paperwork such as court documents, medical records and insurance forms. Experienced personal injury lawyers handle all the details of a claim so their clients can focus on their recovery.
Here are some of the functions a Detroit car accident attorney performs in a typical case:
Recommended reading: Important Ways An Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Can Help When The Accident Is Not Your Fault
Here are some additional ways a knowledgeable accident lawyer can provide valuable assistance and support.
Up-to-Date Knowledge of Michigan’s Complicated No-Fault Laws
Recent changes to the Michigan No-Fault laws made one of the country’s most complicated insurance systems even more challenging. An experienced Detroit car accident attorney has a thorough understanding of the current statutes and how they apply to every situation.
Recommended reading: What Every Michigan Driver Should Know About The New No-Fault Insurance Law
No Fees Until Your Case is Won
Like most personal injury attorneys, reputable car accident lawyers work on a contingency basis. This means they collect their fees after a case is resolved without retainers or other up-front costs. While clients are typically responsible for out-of-pocket expenses such as postage and copying documents, these amounts are usually deducted from the settlement.
Recommended reading: Understanding Car Accident Lawyer Fees
Recovering Damages for Pain and Suffering and Excess Medical Expenses
Under Michigan No-Fault law, severely injured accident victims who are less than 50% at fault may receive compensation for intangible damages such as pain and suffering. While this portion of a settlement is often substantial, plaintiffs must prove another driver was responsible for the accident that caused them to suffer catastrophic injuries.
Additionally, as of July 1, 2020, No-Fault policies do not automatically include unlimited lifetime PIP (Personal Injury Protection) medical coverage. Instead, vehicle owners can choose from a range of options with lower PIP medical coverage limits. Therefore, some accident victims may be left with staggering medical bills if the cost of their care exceeds their policy limits.
Both of the above situations entail a complex legal process best handled by an experienced Detroit car accident attorney.
Recommended reading: How Much Car Insurance Do I Need Under The New Michigan No-Fault Law?
Looking Out for Future Needs
Not all injuries are apparent immediately after an accident. For example, soft tissue injuries to muscles, tendons or ligaments are not visible on x-rays and may take days or weeks to show up. The same is true for concussions. In addition, it can be difficult to determine whether someone will need reconstructive surgery at the beginning of the healing process.
Furthermore, victims and their families are often too overwhelmed to think about the future. However, a person may need long-term care, home-based help, additional surgery and/or rehabilitative therapy. An experienced lawyer has the resources to assess current and future needs and make sure the client is fairly compensated.
This is another important reason to hire a Detroit car accident attorney before signing any paperwork or talking to an insurance agent.
We understand how a car accident can upend your life, especially when you are seriously hurt. When you hire us, our experienced legal team takes care of all the details so you can focus on recovering. Most importantly, we have the expertise and resources to build a successful case that achieves a winning result for you and your family deserve.
Car accident law is complicated, but finding the right Detroit car accident lawyer is simple.
Start your case today by clicking the link below or calling 1-800-CALL-SAM for a free, no-obligation remote consultation from the safety and comfort of your home.
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