Need a Michigan Car Accident Lawyer? Hire Andriacchi Law as your car accident attorney.
If you’re looking for a Michigan car accident lawyer, your search is over. Andriacchi Law’s car accident attorneys have the knowledge, skills, and experience to help you.
Every year, thousands of people are involved in car crashes in Michigan. The worst leads to a wrongful death. Even the smallest, slowest car crash can be life-changing with permanent injuries and a totaled vehicle.
Many car crashes involve medical bills, time off work, and the daunting task of dealing with difficult insurance companies.
So you need a skilled Michigan car accident lawyer to help you.
Dominic F. Andriacchi, Jr. is an experienced personal injury attorney who will guide you through complex Michigan law, protect your rights, and work tirelessly to maximize your compensation, bringing you peace of mind during a difficult time. He can do everything from:
- Helping you file a car accident claim with your own auto insurance company immediately
- Dealing with an insurance adjuster for the insurance companies
- Getting your police report
- Filing a lawsuit and
- Getting you a fair settlement or verdict to make up for the health and life that the negligent driver stole from you.
Key Takeaways:
- Experienced car accident lawyers help auto accident victims with all aspects of their personal injury claims. Everything from investigating the accident scene, gathering evidence, dealing with the insurance companies, and getting you fair compensation through a settlement or verdict.
- You should hire Andriacchi Law as your Michigan car accident attorney.
- We help accident victims navigate complex laws and maximize compensation for economic and non-economic damages (commonly called pain and suffering damages) so you can focus on what’s important: getting better.
- We have successfully helped car accident victims suffering from many serious auto accident injuries, including cervical spine injuries, fractures, orthopedic injuries, and brain injuries.
- We offer a free consultation and help clients on a contingency fee basis.
Why Do I Need a Michigan Car Accident Lawyer?
First, Michigan Law is Complex
Although every car accident is different, the legal issues are often the same. These can range from:
- Getting the police report to determine fault
- Hiring experts or a private investigator to investigate and gather evidence
- Submitting medical records and evidence to insurance companies’ insurance adjusters
- Meeting your obligations under Michigan’s no-fault insurance laws and your insurance policy and
- Knowing and applying Michigan law to hold the other side accountable.
This is simply too much for you to do yourself. That’s why you need someone with experience. Even lawyers know better than to represent themselves.
There’s an old saying, “A lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client.”
Collecting evidence, understanding Michigan and local law, and dealing with insurance adjusters are just some of the tasks they take off your plate.
You focus on getting better. Your lawyer focuses on getting you justice.
Second, You Must Protect Your Rights
It’s crucial to remember that you have rights.
A. You Have a Right to No-Fault Benefits
One of your rights is to get the no-fault benefits you’re entitled to under your car insurance policy. A car insurance policy is a contract. You paid your premium, upholding your end of the bargain. Your word is your bond.
Now, your insurance company must honor their contract and stand by their word. But, they will do everything they can to weasel out of their contract. The last thing they want is to pay. They won’t even tell you what you’re entitled to.
You need an auto accident attorney who will hold your insurance company accountable. You need a legal team who will get you your no-fault benefits.
B. You Have a Right to Fair Compensation For Your Injuries
Next, another of your rights is to hold the negligent driver accountable for the car crash. You’re entitled to fair compensation to make up for your injuries and losses.
The at-fault driver’s insurance company does not want to pay you a dime if they aren’t forced to.
You need car accident lawyers who will hold the negligent driver accountable for the car crash. You need a lawyer who will make sure you receive a fair amount of money for the harms and losses you’ve suffered.
C. If You Don’t Protect Your Rights, Others Will Take Advantage of You
Insurance companies will take advantage of you if you let them. That’s where skilled personal injury attorneys help.
A lawyer serves as your shield, protecting your rights from being trampled upon by insurance companies or other parties involved in the accident. They are also your sword, making sure others can’t wiggle out, and the insurance adjuster properly pays you a car accident settlement.
An attorney can help you with:
- Navigating the tricky terrain of the personal injury claim process
- Collecting the necessary medical records and witness testimonies to build a strong case
- Meeting the legal standard for claiming pain and suffering damages
- Ensuring that you are adequately compensated for all the physical and emotional distress you’ve endured.
Third, You Must Get A Fair Result
You must get a fair result as part of this process. You only get one shot to get what you’re entitled to. There are no do-overs.
It’s impossible to put a price tag on pain and suffering. Calculating a fair car accident settlement isn’t as straightforward as totaling your medical bills and lost wages. A general practitioner or any ol’ lawyer who also takes personal injury cases will hurt – not help – you.
This definitely cannot be your lawyer’s first rodeo.
Instead, you need qualified car accident lawyers who have filed car accident lawsuits for car accident victims and gotten car accident settlements before.
Yes, I say “car accident” a lot. It’s because they must have knowledge, skills, and experience specifically in this type of law. Your lawyer must be able to talk the talk and, most importantly, walk the walk.
The insurance adjuster on the other side will research your lawyer and their law firm. If they or their law firm are inexperienced, the adjuster will determine your claim is less valuable.
A proper attorney will help you understand the full scope of your potential compensation, including economic and non-economic damages. They will:
- Evaluate your claim
- Take into account the specific details of your case and
- Negotiate with the insurance company to get you the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.
By hiring a proper car accident lawyer who specifically deals with motor vehicle accident, you’re boosting your chances of a better outcome.
Why Should I Hire Andriacchi Law As My Michigan Car Accident Lawyer?
The aftermath of an auto accident is an overwhelming mix of doctor appointments, insurance paperwork, and legal procedures. Missing a deadline, filing things late, or even something as simple as forgetting a diagnosis on your Application for Benefits can set your personal injury claim back permanently.
Insurance companies are waiting and hoping you make a mistake.
First, You Need A Michigan Lawyer
To navigate this maze successfully, you need an experienced Michigan car accident attorney. With the help of Michigan car accident lawyers, specifically auto accident attorneys, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal aspects.
Sometimes, car accident victims will hire a personal injury law firm from another state. This is a mistake. Michigan law has many special parts to it that other states don’t. For example, Michigan’s no-fault insurance benefits are very different than other states.
Second, Your Michigan Lawyer Must Specifically Handle Car Accidents
But not every lawyer is the same. Not every lawyer understands what you are going through. You do not want a lawyer who will take a divorce case one minute and then yours the next. Just like you don’t want your family care doctor performing brain surgery.
No.
Instead, you need someone on your side who focuses specifically on auto accidents and understands what you’re going through.
Third, Not All Michigan Car Accident Lawyers Are the Same
Similarly, not all auto accident attorneys are the same. Not every law firm is a good one. Many with lots of attorneys and big staffs operate on a “quantity over quality” model. They will take your case, run you through the system, and, when the going gets tough, will simply settle your case for less than full value or will drop the injured person.
Instead, you need a personal injury law firm that is compassionate and empathizes with accident victims and their suffering. You need Andriacchi Law’s legal team.
Andriacchi Law’s Michigan car accident lawyers have the knowledge, skills, and experience to handle whatever comes after your car accident.
Dominic F. Andriacchi, Jr. of Andriacchi Law is an auto accident lawyer who will ensure that you get the maximum compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident.
Types of Michigan Car Accidents
Not all crashes are the same. How the crash occurs has a significant impact on the injuries and legal issues. Three common types of car accidents are: rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, and T-bone accidents. Understanding them will help you prepare for potential challenges that might crop up during your claim process.
Let’s take a closer look at each, starting with the most common one: rear-end collisions.
Rear-End Collisions
Common causes of these collisions may include sudden stops, unexpected braking, and speeding. Many think they are minor compared to head-on collisions. But, they can cause serious injuries such as whiplash, neck strain, fractures, and even internal bleeding. These commonly cause brain injuries.
In Michigan, per MCL 257.402, the driver who rear-ended another car is presumed at fault. So proving fault is usually pretty easy. However, the at-fault driver may try to claim the other car is at fault for making a sudden stop or that some more serious hazard caught their attention (child darting, etc.).
Head-On Collisions
Picture an old movie showing two trains hitting head-on on the same track. Pretty vicious crash, right? That’s why head-on collisions are usually fatal car accidents. The force of impact is typically high, leading to serious injuries and fatalities.
Common causes of head-on collisions include distracted driving, driving under the influence, and incorrect passing. The injuries resulting from these accidents can be severe, including spinal cord injuries, whiplash, and traumatic brain injuries.
For example, in one such case, we helped multiple Michigan car accident victims on the receiving end of a head-on collision. They suffered many serious, permanent injuries including a traumatic brain injury, multiple fractures, spinal injuries, and PTSD. We were able to resolve the entire case in full and without having to file suit.
Generally, for a head-on collision to occur, the at-fault driver is doing something very wrong: driving on the wrong side of the road, driving while drunk or high, etc. Proving responsibility tends to be easier, but there are close cases.
Because head-on collisions are usually so serious, you must have an experienced attorney who has dealt with them before.
T-Bone Accidents
We have represented many clients injured in T-bone accidents. Many of them occur at intersections because the at-fault driver is usually distracted, under the influence, or otherwise mistimes a red light. This type of automobile accident often leads to serious injuries including:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
Proving who is responsible for these types of crashes may be harder than a rear-end crash or head-on collision. Occasionally, especially in intersections, a detailed timeline of events is crucial.
At Andriacchi Law, we have successfully helped many clients who have been involved in t-bone crashes.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
One of the worst things after a crash is the insurance companies. They have a team of lawyers and adjusters whose primary goal is to pay as little as possible. This makes getting fair compensation a fight of David versus Goliath. If you don’t have an experienced car accident lawyer by your side, you’ll get run over.
From reporting the accident to negotiating with insurance adjusters and avoiding common pitfalls, a car accident lawyer can guide you through every step of the insurance claim process. They can help you with:
- Understanding your rights
- Gathering all necessary evidence
- Calculating the value of your claim
- Negotiating a fair settlement on your behalf
Reporting the Accident
After a car accident, you’ll feel overwhelmed. But you must report the crash to your insurance company as soon as possible. This is the first step in starting the claims process, and the sooner you do it, the better. But you must be very careful in what you say.
When reporting the accident, ensure that you provide detailed information about the incident, including:
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- How it happened
- The details of everyone involved
- A detailed description of any damages and injuries
A word of warning about your description of damages an injuries. If you don’t list something on your Application for Benefits – or even make a simple mistake – the insurance company will use that against you. At best, they’ll deny you your benefits because you didn’t list an injury. At worst, they’ll accuse you of fraud.
For example, in one case, the client reported her injuries on her Application for Benefits but didn’t write the words “brain injury” specifically. Her primary care doctor diagnosed her with a brain injury about a week later and wrote that the vehicle accident was the cause.
The insurance company denied all benefits related to the brain injury. They forced us to file a car accident lawsuit and dragged it out two years before they would pay a dime. Even worse, their own nursing staff and defense medical examiner reported the client suffered a brain injury. They just ignored it and hid it.
It was all because the Application for Benefits form did not include the magic words.
That’s why you need a Michigan auto attorney after your vehicle accident.
Negotiating with Adjusters
The next obstacle is the insurance adjusters. The insurance adjuster will twist everything against you so they don’t have to pay. They will take your words out of context, downplay your injuries, or dispute your claim altogether.
The adjusters often have little to no medical education, work long hours, and have hundreds of open claims at the same time. During one deposition, the adjuster admitted she had around 150 open files and never even bothered to read an email I sent her showing how my client’s brain injury was related to the crash.
This is where experienced car accident lawyers earn their pay. You shouldn’t be worrying about this while you’re trying to get better. It’s your lawyer’s job to deal with it.
Avoid Some Common Mistakes
Some common mistakes people make with their own insurance company are:
- Forgetting to sign a medical authorization form (or signing one that is too broad)
- Making a statement without consulting a lawyer and forgetting to include something important
- Making simple errors on the Application for Benefits form and
- Accepting the initial offer right away.
The best way to not make these mistakes is to have seasoned car accident lawyers on your side. They guide you through the process, give you the right advice at the right time, and ensure you don’t make any mistakes.
Michigan No-Fault Insurance Laws
Michigan law requires all drivers to have no-fault insurance. No-fault coverage includes Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, Property Protection Insurance (PPI), and Bodily Injury Liability coverage.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Benefits
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs related to your injuries, such as attendant-care benefits (like an at-home caregiver) or replacement services (like someone who cuts your grass).
However, there are limits. If your medical expenses exceed your PIP coverage, you might be responsible for paying the remaining costs. For example, if you selected PIP coverage of $50,000 and your medical bills total $75,000, you’re on the hook for the remaining $25,000.
Your policy might also be “coordinated,” which means your healthcare coverage is responsible first. In that case, your health insurance pays first before your PIP coverage kicks in.
You must understand your policy’s terms and conditions, ideally when you’re first selecting coverage. If it’s too late for that, consult with an attorney to ensure you’re getting the maximum benefits you’re entitled to.
Property Protection Insurance (PPI)
Property Protection Insurance (PPI) is coverage for any damage to property caused by your vehicle in an accident. The coverage limit for PPI in Michigan is $10,000 for property damage.
Bodily Injury Liability Coverage
Suppose you’re the at fault party in a Michigan car accident lawsuit, and you’re at fault. You’re responsible for the other party’s injuries. Bodily Injury Liability coverage protects you by providing paying for the other party’s injuries up to your policy limits. In Michigan, the minimum Bodily Injury Liability coverage is $250,000 per person and up to $500,000 for an accident if multiple people are injured.
Recovering Compensation in Michigan Car Accident Cases
When you’re injured in an automobile accident, the physical and mental injuries are bad enough. The medical bills, lost wages, and property damage make things that much worse. Car accident case law and statutory law allow you to recover damages against the negligent driver. What types of damages can you recover in a Michigan car accident case?
In the following sections, we’ll briefly explore the different types of compensation you can recover in a car accident case, including:
- Economic damages, which reimburse you for your financial losses
- Non-economic damages, which reimburse you for the health and life that were stolen from you
Economic Damages
Economic damages include:
- Medical costs
- Wage loss
- Property damage and
- Future medical costs
Medical costs are based on the actual costs of medical treatment. Wage loss is based on the income you would have earned in the three years following the accident. Property damage is any damage done to vehicles or other property due to the accident.
Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)
Non-economic damages compensate you for the harms and losses you suffered. They account for the pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life you’ve experienced as a result of the accident. They are commonly called “pain and suffering” damages.
Calculating non-economic damages is tricky because they involve factors such as the severity of your pain, the impact of your injuries on your daily life, and the emotional distress you’ve experienced. Also important is how long you’re expected to live with these injuries.
Exemplary Damages
In Michigan, punitive damages (punishment for wrongdoing) are generally not allowed in car accident cases. Instead, we have something called “exemplary damages,” which compensates someone for how an injury occurs. For example, in cases involving gross negligence or drunk driving, exemplary damages may be included.
Statute of Limitations for Michigan Car Accident Claims
In Michigan, you must settle or file your case before the Statute of Limitations runs out or you’ll be SOL. You generally have three years from the date of the accident to file for third-party actions. That’s where you sue the at-fault, negligent driver.
For first-party No-fault cases, generally, you must notify your insurance company and file a lawsuit within one year of the medical expense being incurred. There are some exceptions to this rule, but they are tricky and difficult to explain in writing.
If you don’t act before the Statute of Limitations expires, you’ll probably lose your right to file a lawsuit or collect what you’re entitled to. It’s nearly impossible to do so after the time limit expires.
Therefore, you must act promptly and seek legal advice as soon as possible. An experienced car accident lawyer can help ensure that you meet all necessary deadlines and maximize your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.
Choosing the Right Michigan Car Accident Lawyer
Selecting the right Michigan car accident lawyer can resemble finding a needle in a haystack. With so many options available, how do you know which one is the best fit for you? The key is to look for an attorney who not only has the legal expertise and a proven track record but also shows empathy and compassion towards their clients.
When selecting a car accident lawyer, ask questions about their experience, fees, and success with similar cases. Ensure that they have clear communication skills, strong ethics, and a deep understanding of Michigan car accident laws. The right lawyer can make all the difference in your case, helping you navigate the legal maze and secure the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.
Successful Michigan Car Accident Settlement
Our law firm has had many successful results for our clients who have been injured in a car accident in Michigan. You can take a look at our law firm’s Michigan Verdicts and Settlements page, which showcases many case studies.
For one client hurt in a car accident in Michigan, we secured a $1.2 million verdict for her. It was based on non-economic (pain and suffering) damages alone.
In another, our client filed a car accident claim with her own auto insurance company. They denied paying her what she was entitled to and forced us to file suit. After fighting them for two years, we finally got them to pay full benefits and honor their contract.
These are just two case studies from our law firm. Our results page details many more successful outcomes.
Hire Experienced Car Accident Lawyers. Hire Andriacchi Law.
After a car accident, you’ll be confused and facing complex laws, insurance negotiations, and a stressful recovery. Andriacchi Law is here to help.
Call now or fill out the contact form for a free consultation with a Michigan car accident lawyer.