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Last Modified on Feb 21, 2026
Car accidents happen unexpectedly and often cause stress, confusion, and fear. In the aftermath of a collision, you may wonder whether you should hire a lawyer. Or even, when to hire a car accident lawyer in Michigan?
While not every car accident requires a lawyer, there are certain situations where retaining a lawyer from the start is imperative. In this blog, we’ll explain when it’s time to consider hiring a lawyer after a car accident.
Why the State of Michigan Is Different
Michigan follows a no-fault auto insurance system, which means your first mode of financial recuperation in a car accident case is your own insurance policy. Your insurance could cover many of your accident-related costs, like medical bills and lost wages. These benefits are called Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, and while they might seem straightforward, filing claims and communicating incorrectly with insurers can limit what you recover.
Additionally, Michigan allows third-party injury claims against at-fault drivers for non-economic damages, like pain and suffering. However, not every injury qualifies. Michigan’s car accident laws set a serious injury threshold that includes death, permanent serious disfigurement, or serious impairment of body function. If these thresholds aren’t met, your third-party claim can’t go ahead.
This is why hiring a skilled car accident attorney is essential. A lawyer can help make sure you meet all of the requirements, avoid missteps with insurers, and preserve your rights to both no-fault benefits and potential third-party claims.
Understanding a Car Accident Case in Michigan
Each car accident case is unique, and the specifics of Michigan’s car accident laws make timing and documentation critical. To make sure your rights are protected, you need to immediately hire a car accident lawyer if any of the following apply:
- Serious Injuries or FatalitiesIf you or someone involved in the accident has sustained serious injuries or, tragically, if there has been a fatality, it is crucial to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible.These cases often involve complex legal issues, extensive medical bills, and potential long-term consequences.
An experienced attorney can help see that you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages.
- Disputed LiabilityWhen liability for the accident is disputed, it’s a sign that you should consult with an attorney. Establishing fault can be contentious. This is why insurance companies may attempt to place blame on you or share it between both parties.Immediately after hiring, an attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and work to prove liability, protecting your rights throughout the entire process.
- Inadequate Insurance CoverageIf the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance coverage to fully compensate you for your damages, your own insurance policy might come into play. Dealing with insurance companies, especially when it comes to underinsured or uninsured motorists, can be complicated.Dealing with uninsured or underinsured motorist claims can be complicated without professional guidance. A lawyer can help navigate these situations and see that you receive the compensation you deserve, regardless of the at-fault driver’s coverage.
- Complex Legal IssuesCar accidents can involve complex legal issues, such as multiple parties, government entities, or commercial vehicles.If your case is more intricate than a simple fender-bender, it’s extremely beneficial to consult with a lawyer immediately, who can provide guidance and precision in handling these complexities.
- Stalled Negotiations With Insurance CompanyInsurance companies are mostly concerned with their own bottom line. That’s why their initial settlement offers may not adequately cover your damages.If negotiations with the insurance company stall or if they offer an unreasonable settlement, it may be time to hire an attorney who can negotiate on your behalf. Additionally, your attorney should, if necessary, take your case to court to see that you get what you deserve.
- Long-Term or Permanent DisabilitiesIf your car accident results in long-term or permanent disabilities, your future quality of life and financial stability may be at stake.A lawyer can work to secure compensation that accounts for your ongoing medical needs, rehabilitation, and any changes in your ability to work or enjoy life as you did before the accident.
- Statute of LimitationsAll 50 states have statutes of limitations, which are legal time limits for filing a personal injury claim. In Michigan, the general rule for personal injury claims stipulates that individuals have three years from the date of the injury to file a claim.If you wait more than three years to file your claim, you may forfeit your right to seek compensation. By hiring a lawyer immediately, you see that your claim is filed within the required timeframe. Thus, protecting your rights increases your chances of receiving compensation.
A Deeper Dive Into the Statute of Limitations and Michigan-Specific Deadlines
As already discussed, there’s a three-year personal injury deadline for filing a claim in Michigan. However, some other time-sensitive rules that can affect your car accident case include:
- No-fault and PIP deadlines. Claims for medical expenses, wage loss, and other PIP benefits may have separate timing rules, so be sure to have a lawyer review your policy. Filing too late can prevent you from getting compensated.
- One-year rule. In some situations, PIP benefits can only cover losses that were incurred only one year before the claim is filed, which means any delays could reduce what you might have otherwise been entitled to.
- Uninsured and underinsured (UM/UIM) coverage. If you’re filing under these policies, you might only have a couple of weeks from the date the accident occurred to file.
- Government-related claims. Accidents that involve municipalities or state entities often have notice requirements of just weeks or months.
Understanding these deadlines under Michigan’s car accident laws can act as a Michigan deadline reality check. The bottom line is, if you miss any of these deadlines, even by as little as one day, you could create permanent barriers to recovery.
In addition, minor mistakes, like providing incorrect information to an insurer or failing to notify a UM/UIM insurer, can also limit your rights to pursue compensation. That’s why it’s so important to hire a car accident attorney as soon as possible. By acting early, you can avoid the unique pitfalls associated with Michigan’s car accident laws to protect your benefits.
At Wigod & Falzon, we help clients navigate these rules and make sure every necessary step is taken on time. From PIP paperwork to threshold documentation for third-party claims, our car accident attorneys work to position your car accident case for the strongest possible outcome.
Why Work With Wigod & Falzon After a Car Accident?
Deciding whether to hire a lawyer after a car accident depends on the specific circumstances of your case. If you find yourself facing serious injuries, disputed liability, stalled negotiations, long-term disabilities, or just confusion and overwhelmingness, seeking legal counsel immediately is a prudent step.
Car Accident Statistics indicate that car accidents are a common occurrence in the state, with thousands of accidents leading to severe injuries and fatalities each year. The attorneys at Wigod & Falzon are experienced, compassionate, and can guide you through the legal process, advocate for your rights, and help you pursue fair compensation for your losses.
Plus, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means the attorney’s fees and costs of handling the case are paid from a percentage of the settlement or judgment the client receives in their personal injury case.
Simply put, no recovery = NO FEE.
We take pride in our track record of wins and are dedicated to advocating tirelessly for our clients. Additionally, we understand that no two cases are the same. That’s why we work to understand each client’s circumstances and craft a legal strategy to help get the results you need to move forward with your life.
Remember: Consulting with an attorney sooner rather than later can often lead to a smoother and more favorable resolution of your car accident case.
Speak With a Michigan Car Accident Lawyer for Trusted Guidance
Fear, confusion, and stress are common after a car accident. That’s where hiring an attorney can take a lot of weight off your shoulders.
The car accident team at Wigod & Falzon is committed to helping auto accident injury victims get justice. Contact us today for a no-commitment consultation!
Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice regarding your individual situation.
