Is It Worthwhile to Hire a Detroit Car Accident Attorney?

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. Making the wrong choice right after an accident can have lasting emotional and financial consequences.

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.

WHAT DOES A DETROIT CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER DO?

Skilled auto accident lawyers provide a variety of services depending on the details of the situation.

In general, a personal injury attorney fulfills two major roles:

• Pursuing the compensation you may be entitled to. Many victims are entitled to more than they realize. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer helps clients seek medical expenses, lost wages and, when the law allows, noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering.
• Handling the claim so you can focus on recovery. Car accident claims involve extensive paperwork such as court documents, medical records and insurance forms. Experienced personal injury lawyers handle those details.

Here are some of the functions a Michigan car accident attorney performs in a typical case:

• Completing and submitting necessary paperwork
• Complying with statutes of limitations and other filing deadlines
• Obtaining and reviewing medical records
• Gathering evidence
• Interviewing witnesses
• Finding expert witnesses when needed
• Accounting for future medical expenses and other losses
• Pursuing compensation for intangible damages such as pain and suffering when available
• Communicating with the insurance companies involved
• Helping clients obtain available No-Fault benefits
• Negotiating with the opposing parties
• Representing clients in court when a case goes to trial

WHEN SHOULD I CONTACT A CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER?

If you are injured in a car accident, there are several reasons to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Michigan has strict time limits, called statutes of limitations, for filing personal injury claims, including car accidents.

To preserve Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits under a No-Fault policy, you generally must give the insurer written notice of injury within one year of the crash. PIP benefits can include medical bills, attendant care and mileage to and from medical appointments. Work-loss benefits are typically 85% of lost wages for up to three years, and replacement services are currently $20 per day, subject to the limits in the statute.

To file a third-party claim for noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering, you generally have three years from the date of the accident. Missing that deadline can bar a lawsuit against the responsible party.

Some exceptions may apply, including for minors. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer can start your case promptly so you do not miss a filing deadline.

It also takes extensive information to build a case. A lawyer will need to gather and review medical records, interview witnesses and analyze police reports and other evidence. It may also be necessary to obtain testimony from physicians and other experts. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the sooner they can begin, while evidence is fresh and witnesses are still available.

MORE REASONS TO HIRE AN EXPERIENCED MICHIGAN ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

Here are additional ways a knowledgeable accident lawyer can provide assistance and support.

Up-to-Date Knowledge of Michigan’s Complicated No-Fault Laws

Michigan No-Fault is one of the country’s more complicated auto insurance systems. An experienced Detroit car accident attorney understands the current statutes and how they apply to a given situation.

No Fees Until Your Case Is Resolved Under Our No Fee Guarantee®

Like most personal injury attorneys, reputable car accident lawyers work on a contingency basis. They collect their fees after a case is resolved, without retainers or other up-front costs. Case expenses such as records and filing fees are typically addressed in the fee agreement and often deducted from a recovery. See our No Fee Guarantee®.

Recovering Damages for Pain and Suffering and Excess Medical Expenses

Under Michigan No-Fault law, injured accident victims who are less than 50 percent at fault may recover noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering if they meet the serious-impairment or death threshold.

Additionally, as of July 1, 2020, No-Fault policies do not automatically include unlimited lifetime PIP (Personal Injury Protection) medical coverage. Vehicle owners can choose from a range of PIP medical limits. Some accident victims may be left with medical bills if the cost of care exceeds those limits.

In both situations, the legal process can be complex, and you may want an experienced Detroit car accident attorney on your side.

Looking Out for Future Needs

Not all injuries are apparent immediately after an accident. Soft-tissue injuries and concussions may take days or weeks to show up. It can also be difficult to know early on whether someone will need additional surgery or long-term care.

Victims and their families are often too overwhelmed to think about the future. An experienced lawyer can help assess current and future needs before you sign paperwork or talk to an insurance adjuster.

OUR EXPERIENCED DETROIT CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS WILL FIGHT TO WIN THE COMPENSATION YOU DESERVE

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 the details so you can focus on recovering. Most importantly, we have the expertise and resources to build a case for you and your family.

Car accident law is complicated, but finding the right Detroit car accident lawyer is simple.

Start your case today by filling out the brief form below or contacting us for a free, no-obligation consultation.