Fatal Car Accidents Lawyer

The State of Michigan recorded 985 fatal car accidents in 2019, a trend that is on the rise in the past decade. If your family was affected by a wrongful death following a no-fault or at-fault fatal car accident, the pain and suffering you are experiencing are immeasurable. When you use a loved one in a fatal car accident, your stress may only be compounded by your legal concerns. 

After a fatal Michigan auto accident, you need to contact an experienced car accident attorney so you can receive fair compensation. Our experienced Michigan car accident lawyers at Mike Morse Law Firm know your legal rights, and we can make sure you get your compensation paid in full.

Call us at 855-MIKE-WINS today toschedule a FREE consultation with our Michigan attorneys to see how we can put our expertise at work for you. You can discuss all your concerns with us in your free case review, and we will make sure to answer all your questions and help you decide on your next steps.

Car Accident Statistics in Michigan

Fatal car accidents are most commonly caused by negligent drivers. According to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, in 2019, the number one contributing factor in fatal car crashes within the State of Michigan was alcohol. While alcohol use was only involved in 3.11 percent of all car accidents statewide, it accounted for nearly 30 percent of motor vehicle crashes resulting in death.

In addition to alcohol consumption, other common causes of car accidents in Michigan included:

• Drug use
• Excessive speed
• Distracted driving
• Turns at intersections 
• Inclement weather conditions

Meanwhile, the most common types of Michigan fatal car accidents in 2019 included:

• Single-vehicle collisions
• Head-on collisions
• Angle accidents
• Rear-end motor vehicle crashes

Holidays such as Labor Day and the Fourth of July saw a marked increase in fatal car accidents. Unfortunately, Michigan has also seen an increase of 9.4 percent in fatal car accidents between 2010 and 2019. 

An age group where fatal car accidents are on the rise is seniors aged 65 and above. Since 2010, the number of collisions caused by senior drivers increased by nearly 41 percent, with fatal collisions within this group increasing by approximately 18 percent.

Here at Mike Morse Law Firm, we understand how important it is to determine the cause in an auto accident case. We will investigate your case thoroughly to make sure you receive the help you need.

Where Do Most Fatal Car Accidents Happen in Michigan?

Certain places have a higher risk of accidents due to the layout, laws and other factors. For example, two-lane streets pose multiple problems:

• Limited space for maneuvering due to narrow lanes
• Dangerous merging behavior
• Reckless passing

As a result, cars may be more likely to collide with oncoming traffic.

Knowing higher-risk areas can keep drivers safe, as they’ll know what dangers to look for. Extra vigilance can be the difference between a close call and a fatal crash, so pay extra attention when using the following places.

Interstates

Interstates are highways passing through multiple states. As a result, they fall under the federal government’s jurisdiction, leaving the number and width of lanes up to the U.S. Department of Transportation. However, states set speed limits; Michigan’s maximum legal speed on an interstate is 75 mph.

For comparison, 75 mph is faster than hurricane winds. A collision at that speed can be devastating — and some drivers travel even faster, regardless of the law. Moving so quickly also affects reaction times, as motorists have only seconds to make a decision. Slamming on the brakes or swerving can also be dangerous, as drivers may lose control at these speeds.

The weather also plays a significant role in interstate collisions. Rain always makes roads more dangerous due to the increased risk of hydroplaning, but the hazards increase when traveling on winding highways or mountain passes. Fog, snow and other low-visibility conditions also add complications. Unfortunately, motorists may not slow down or follow safety guidelines, putting others in danger during inclement weather.

Intersections

One of the most dangerous places to drive is an intersection. Speeding and running red lights pose a serious hazard that can lead to multiple collisions. For example, if a speeding truck T-bones a van, the motorists about the enter the intersection will likely slam on the brakes, which can cause the cars behind to rear-end them.

The busy nature of intersections increases the likelihood of fatal car accidents, especially in areas where large numbers of drivers may hit the road at the same time. For example, intersections near amphitheaters usually see higher traffic once a concert ends.

Intersections also add pedestrians to the mix, especially in urban centers. Although pedestrians have the right of way when lawfully crossing the street, impatient or impaired drivers may act recklessly and put people on foot in danger. Due to the nature of a pedestrian-car accident, even a low-impact collision can cause severe injury and even death.

Some intersections have an increased risk of accidents due to their layout. A winding road may interfere with line of sight, and unaware drivers may not have enough time to stop.

Finally, sun glare is an oft-forgotten threat that can have serious consequences. The placement and design of traffic lights can make them difficult to see at certain times of day, leading to confusion about who has the right of way. Otherwise conscientious drivers may cause crashes because, from their angle, the light looked green when it wasn’t.

First Steps to Take After a Fatal Car Accident

After you or a family member has been involved in a serious accident, the first concern you have is the well-being of yourself and your family. In addition to that, there are other important details that need to be handled as well. 

In Michigan, auto accidents resulting in damages worth over $1000, serious personal injury, or death must file a police report. This report can help construct a narrative of what happened in the car crash and may serve as key evidence in your case.

Unfortunately, some insurance companies might try to take advantage of the stressful and emotional situation you are in after losing a loved one in a fatal car accident. These corporations may try to pressure you into settling for less compensation than you may be entitled to. 

Be cautious when you are contacted by an adjuster from the insurance company who wants to discuss the details of the car crash or your insurance policy. Don’t talk to them. Instead, contact a lawyer who can advocate on your behalf with your best interests in mind.

Why You Need a Lawyer For Fatal Car Accidents

If you or a loved one has been involved in a fatal car accident, you might not be in the right state of mind to consider the legal aspects of your case.  On the other hand, a Michigan car accident lawyer can help you navigate the insurance and legal systems that are often overwhelming. It’s vital to take action promptly as the law in Michigan only allows a certain amount of time to file a lawsuit after an accident. 

Car accidents resulting in personal injury or death cause a significant amount of stress. Beyond the physical and emotional pain, there are also medical expenses to consider and lost wages can pile up. 

There are many details involved in filing a claim after an accident, and it can easily become overwhelming if you try to handle your claim on your own. An experienced attorney who knows Michigan law can help you file a lawsuit to recover such damages.

It’s important to remember that insurance companies have their own team of lawyers to fight for their interests. The insurance company’s goal is to look for policy limits in your insurance benefits to save their costs and lower your payout. 

You need a law firm on your side that will stand up to the insurance company and get you the compensation you’re entitled to.
   
When you work with our team of attorneys at Mike Morse Law Firm, you can have peace of mind knowing we will handle your case right. Your lawyer will take over the communication with the insurance company so you can grieve the loss of your loved one.

Can You Sue For a Fatal Car Accident in Michigan?

Each state has its own laws and regulations about motor vehicle collisions. Knowing these differences and allowances is essential in ensuring you receive the appropriate compensation. There are three types of claims that you can pursue after a fatal car accident in Michigan.

No-fault benefits

In Michigan, all drivers are required to have no-fault insurance on their vehicles. This means that benefits are available, no matter who was at fault in the accident. In the case of a fatal car accident, these no-fault benefits, or “Survivor’s Loss Benefits,” are awarded to the dependents of the individual who died.

This “No-Fault Law” means that the family members of the deceased can collect benefits even if they were determined to be at fault. No-fault insurance benefits can provide compensation for accident-related costs such as funeral expenses, medical bills, and lost wages.

Wrongful death

The personal representative of the estate for the individual who died in the auto accident can file a lawsuit or claim against the at-fault party for wrongful death. This allows the family to receive compensation for pain and suffering, loss of financial support, and the loss of companionship. 

In Michigan, whoever is named executor in the will receives the highest priority to become the personal representative of the wrongful death claim. If no one is named in the will, the representative might be the surviving spouse, other beneficiaries of the will, or other heirs. This will be determined by the court.
There are many state-specific requirements for naming the personal representative, and many documents and forms will need to be filed. It is thus important to rely on a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer to handle local cases. 

Underinsured motorist coverage

Unfortunately, many drivers in Michigan are “underinsured,” which means that, even if the at-fault driver does carry insurance on his or her vehicle, it is not always enough to cover expenses related to large accidents. 

If the at-fault insurance won’t be enough to cover your damages, underinsured motorist coverage may be able to make up the difference. Your lawyer will be able to determine the legal allowances for your case and can investigate to see whether your insurance coverage allows for an underinsured motorist claim to be filed. 

Our lawyers are well-versed in Michigan law.. We take the time needed to learn about your case and the specific circumstances around your case.  We will do everything we can to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve under Michigan law..

How Much Do Fatal Car Accidents in Michigan Usually Settle For?

The most common question we get asked is, “How much compensation can I receive after a car accident?” Naturally, the actual amount of compensation varies on a case-by-case basis. Details such as lost wages, medical bills, and wrongful death damages will impact the settlement you receive after a car accident in Michigan.

Over the past 25 years, we have helped our clients receive over $1.5 billion in compensation.  The Michigan car accident attorneys at Mike Morse Law Firm fight hard for our clients and have a history of proven results.  

Our Michigan Car Accident Lawyers Can Fight For You
Surviving victims of a car crash caused by a negligent driver may settle their claims for far less than they would have with the help of an experienced car accident lawyer. We don’t want this to happen to you or your family.

Understandably, while grieving, receiving a settlement is likely not one of the first things on your mind. However, it is important to make sure your case is handled as soon as possible.

Hiring an experienced and trustworthy attorney is the first step your family can take to move forward after the loss of your loved one. There’s no need for you to navigate the insurance and legal systems on your own. We will guide you through it  every step of the way.

Remember – with Mike Morse Law Firm, there are no fees until we win your case.  Contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our team of experienced lawyers are here for you and will help you get your life back on track. As one of the nation’s leading personal injury law firms, you can rest assured that you will get the most money possible and be treated with respect and compassion.