Car Accident Negligence Lawyer

In 2019, 1 out of every 133 residents of Michigan was injured in a traffic accident. Many of these accidents were the result of negligent driving and unfortunately have been the cause of untold stress and suffering. It is often not the injured person alone who suffers the consequences, but also his or her family. 

After a car accident in Michigan, accident victims have much to deal with. Physical and emotional recovery, pain and suffering, damaged property, or financial burdens are often caused by auto negligence. Your worries can continue to pile up until they seem overwhelming.

If the actions of an at-fault negligent driver have caused you personal injury, you may be eligible for no-fault insurance benefits. Contact Mike Morse Law Firm today for a free consultation so our personal injury lawyers can provide the legal advice you need. 

How Auto Negligence Causes Car Accidents

Drivers have a duty of reasonable care. This means that they are expected to take certain measures and precautions to a reasonable degree to keep others safe on the road. This includes following traffic laws, using indicator signals, and stopping at red lights. 

While not every situation or mistake leads to a car crash, certain dangerous practices must be avoided. The Michigan Traffic Crash Facts report for 2019 identified many hazardous actions and auto negligence that often led to accidents that year. 

Excessive speed

Speed limits are posted for a reason. Municipalities choose these limits after careful research and studies. The goal is to keep residents safe and reduce the number of dangerous accidents. In 2019, 11.6 percent of accidents causing injury were caused by speeding. 

Following too close

Driving at a safe distance when following a vehicle gives the driver more reaction time so he or she can avoid an accident in the event of unexpected movement or a sudden hazard. Nearly 19 percent of statewide injury-causing accidents in 2019 happened because the driver was unable to stop at a safe distance to avoid the collision. 

Careless or distracted driving

In 2019, Michigan saw 1,615 drivers involved in accidents caused by careless driving. As people become increasingly dependent on mobile devices, distracted driving rates are on the rise. This leads to an increase in accidents as well. An at-fault driver who neglects to maintain appropriate care and attention while driving is more likely to be involved in a crash leading to injury.

Impaired driving

It is hardly surprising that driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol poses a serious risk to everyone on the road. By driving impaired, the at-fault driver showed negligence and a failure to keep people safe on the road.

When the at-fault driver is negligent and causes injury or damage, insurance policies allow the injured person to receive certain benefits.

Benefits Available After a Michigan Auto Accident

The State of Michigan provides “PIP,” or “Personal Injury Protection,” benefits for individuals who have been injured after a car accident. This is a mandatory level of benefits that all drivers in Michigan are required to have on their vehicles.

Michigan also goes by the rule of “No-Fault” law. No-fault benefits are provided for the injured person, no matter who was at fault for the crash. There are various damages that can be claimed to the insurance company as part of the no-fault benefits.

Medical expenses

Immediately after an accident, it can be difficult to imagine the long-term impacts that may result from car accident injuries. Costs such as hospital bills, ambulance fees, and necessary medication can be expensive and quickly add up. 

PIP no-fault benefits can cover associated medical bills for necessary care and treatment for the injured person. 

Lost wages

While facing mounting expenses related to the accident, the injured person might not be able to work while he or she recovers. Even after returning to work, there may be disabilities or other long-term effects that impact how much work can be done. The wages lost due to a car accident can be claimed within PIP benefits as part of your car accident case.

Pain and suffering

There are non-economic damages suffered after a Michigan auto accident as well. The pain and suffering associated with motor vehicle accidents might be difficult to calculate, but they must be considered. Your car accident attorney can ensure the emotional impacts of the car crash are included in your no-fault benefits compensation.

Excess expenses

In the past, Michigan required all drivers to carry unlimited PIP benefits without a cap on the amount of compensation that could be awarded. Since 2020, Michigan law allows drivers to cap their PIP insurance coverage at $250,000 or $500,000 per person. Medicaid users are able to cap their coverage at $50,000 per person.

In the case of an underinsured motorist (a driver who doesn’t have sufficient insurance coverage to cover the necessary compensation), there are options. An accident lawsuit can be made against the at-fault driver to cover the excess medical expenses caused by auto negligence.

Wrongful death

Auto negligence can cause serious injury that leads to death. When a negligent driver causes death, you may be able to set a wrongful death claim in motion. A free consultation with the team at Mike Morse Law Firm can help you understand whether you have a case.

Why You Need the Help of an Attorney After an Accident

If you have been endured pain and suffering or property damage caused by a negligent driver, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. The legal procedures and requirements of a car accident case can be confusing and complicated if you try to handle them on your own. 

Hiring an attorney can give you peace of mind. It is one of the best steps to take in moving forward after a crash, as it allows you the opportunity to focus on your health and your family. 

There are many local laws and regulations in Michigan surrounding auto negligence cases. These standards dictate how and when to file a claim after an accident.

Since our local attorneys have experience handling a wide variety of negligent car accident cases in Michigan, we are well qualified to handle all the necessary steps with your case. Your lawyer can investigate your car accident case to determine what types of compensation you may be eligible to receive.

It is important to remember that PIP no-fault insurance claims are paid by the auto insurance company. While the company might appear to be interested in your care, corporations are concerned with their bottom line. There is an incentive for insurance companies to offer the lowest insurance benefits possible to save money.

In the days following the accident, your auto insurance company may contact you to discuss your claim and potential settlement. Be careful. Do not talk to them until you have consulted with an auto accident lawyer who can inform you of your legal rights.

Insurance companies each have a team of lawyers in place to serve the interests of the company. When the legal team at Mike Morse Law Firm takes on your auto negligence case, your attorney will go the distance to fight for you, not the insurance company.

How Our Car Accident Lawyers in Michigan Can Fight For You

When you work with a car accident lawyer at Mike Morse Law Firm, you can have peace of mind. Rather than needing to deal with the insurance company on your own, there is an experienced professional on your side who you can trust.

While you are recovering from your accident, your lawyer will work hard on your case. This way, you do not need to add to the stress of your experience by worrying about the legal ramifications yourself.

With over $1.5 billion won for our clients, our lawyers can make sure you receive fair compensation after being injured in a car accident. If auto negligence caused the accident, your lawyer can do the research and investigation necessary for your car accident case or lawsuit.

Call us today at 855-MIKE-WINS for a free consultation and case review. Our team can provide the guidance you need to move forward after suffering from a no-fault motor vehicle accident.