Personal Injury Lawyers Near Beverly Hills, MI
Beverly Hills, MI, a suburb of Detroit, is a wonderful place to live — just northwest of downtown, residents enjoy an even pace of life while enjoying close proximity to both the heart of the city and many nearby lakes, including Orchard, Pine, and Cass Lakes. Just as with almost any community, however, when an injury occurs, there may be a lot to contend with—not the least of which is often the initial injury.
More Than Just an Injury
For those who have become injured, the initial injury can sometimes represent only the beginning of one’s troubles and challenges. Burdens can pile up quickly — including those such as medical bills, loss of work, and even the loss of physical abilities that an injured party may have once had.
That’s not to mention potential issues such as feeling traumatized and facing emotional distress as the result of or following an injury. Making matters even more complicated, insurance companies can play an important role in an injury and its aftermath. That’s where finding a reputable personal injury lawyer near Beverly Hills, MI, can become an important undertaking. Navigating the complex world of recovery can be a daunting challenge — but you don’t have to take that journey alone.
Personal Injury Lawyers Near Beverly Hills, MI
For those who have faced an injury or accident in the Beverly Hills area, just outside of central Detroit, this is where the assistance of personal injury attorneys near Beverly Hills, MI can come in.
Personal injury lawyers are those who take on personal injury cases. They often help clients not only navigate the aftermath of an accident or injury, but can also represent their clients in court, negotiate with insurance companies on behalf of their clients, and might offer other services related to personal injury law.
What do Personal Injury Lawyers Do?
There are several services that personal injury lawyers might offer. Among these, some of the most important may include:
- Helping those affected by an injury understand their options.
- Representing victims of injuries in court.
- Negotiating with insurance companies.
- Establishing the details of a case, including evidence.
- Filing paperwork correctly and in a timely manner.
Personal Injury Law in Michigan
Each state is different, so, when seeking an attorney, finding an attorney who is familiar with jurisdictional laws and competent in the practice area you require can be essential. For a personal injury case to be actionable in Michigan, there are a few basic requirements outlined by the law.
It can be vital to understand not only your specific situation but how it fits into the broader landscape of state law. An experienced personal injury attorney near Beverly Hills, MI, may be able to help you understand your specific situation in a more clear light.
No-Fault State
Michigan is a no-fault state, meaning that everyone is required to have no-fault insurance before they’re on the road, and in the event of an accident, no-fault insurance will often cover some basic costs, including personal injury, damage to property, and residual liability to a minor extent. Often, this also means that automobile accidents are not legally actionable unless they meet a certain threshold as outlined in Michigan state law.
Is My Case Actionable?
If you believe you have a personal injury case but you’re not sure, consulting with an experienced and reputable local attorney who is familiar with jurisdictional laws may be a viable path forward.
They may be able to help you understand if your case meets one or more of the minimum thresholds required in a no-fault state such as Michigan. These requirements are outlined in section 500.3135 of Michigan’s Insurance code and draw a distinction between incidents that can become actionable personal injury cases and those that are covered by no-fault insurance. These threshold requirements include that an accident meets one or more of these conditions:
- Being fatal. This is one of the most clear-cut instances in which the injury may become an actionable case beyond no-fault insurance benefits.
- Causing “serious impairment of body function,” which is defined in MCL Section 500.3135(5), to mean that an injury meets 3 requirements:
- (a) It is objectively manifested and can be observed (through actual symptoms or conditions) by someone besides the victim,
- (b) It is an impairment of an important body function, meaning that the body function was of great significance, value, or consequence, to the person who lost it, and-
- (c) It affects the individual’s ability to lead their normal life — meaning that it has impacted their capacity to live in their normal manner of living. While this last requirement does not carry a temporal threshold beyond which the individual’s capacity to lead a normal life is diminished, the amount of time in question may be relevant to the case, nonetheless.
- Causing permanent, serious disfigurement.
In addition to these thresholds, the matter of fault can also become important. MCL Section 500.3135 also outlines some important caveats regarding fault. A court cannot assess damages for a party that is found to be more than 50% at fault. (See MCL 500.3135(2)(b).)
When Should I Call An Attorney?
Many individuals who have recently been in an accident or suffered an injury wonder when the right time to call legal professionals is. The truth is, for each individual, this may be different. However, if you believe that you have an actionable case, it’s often advised to call as soon as possible. Whether or not you have an actionable case — meaning that you have a situation in which a lawsuit may be viable — can depend on a number of factors, including the nature of the injury, and to what extent fault is attributed to each party.
When it comes to navigating the aftermath of an injury, not only is time of the essence but there are numerous pitfalls that can lead to suboptimal outcomes. These can include communications with insurance companies that actually hurt your case, failing to file paperwork properly or in a timely manner, and even failing to file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations runs out on your case.
How do I Find the Right Attorney?
Finding the right attorney for your case is an important undertaking. It might involve finding an attorney who offers the right combination of a successful track record, empathy for your situation, and a style of communication that you find helpful. Some metrics you can use to differentiate between potential attorneys may include their fees or rates, their success rate in similar cases, and even how quickly they get back to you after you reach out.
At Mike Morse Law Firm, we operate on a contingency fee basis — meaning that you don’t pay us unless we’re successful in your case. We understand that for many of our clients, the future may seem uncertain and that the financial burdens of an injury can be significant.
Still Unsure? Wondering What’s Next? Give Us a Call!
Whether you’re sure you need the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney, you’re simply looking for more answers, or you’re not sure what steps you should take next, we’re here to help. Stop by our Southfield office, just outside Beverly Hills, MI, give us a call at 855-645-3946, or use our online contact form to learn more!