Michigan Car Accident Lawyer

Michigan Car Accident Attorney

Car accidents happen every day in the Southfield area for various reasons, and the most common cause of accidents reported throughout Michigan is driver negligence. That’s where a skilled Michigan car accident lawyer can step in. It is also helpful to understand what to do after a car accident in Michigan to protect your legal rights from the start.

When another driver is clearly to blame for your recent accident, it is natural for you to wonder how you can hold them accountable for the damage they have done and how much compensation you could potentially obtain. The team at Wigod & Falzon can help answer your questions in this situation. Book Your Free Consultation Today!

Understanding Car Accidents in Michigan

Michigan enforces unique car accident laws for resolving car accident claims, unlike other states. The primary method of recovering your losses after a car accident is filing an auto insurance claim through your own no-fault insurance policy, but you may be entitled to additional compensation that insurance won’t cover. However, you can only pursue these alternative avenues of recovery in certain situations.

Michigan Car Accident Statistics reveal that the state consistently sees thousands of accidents each year, many of which involve serious injuries or fatalities. These statistics highlight the importance of understanding Michigan’s no-fault system and the potential need for legal representation to navigate the complexities of additional compensation claims.

Understanding the No-Fault Insurance System

Michigan adheres to a no-fault auto insurance system, meaning your own insurance company is the first place to turn to after an accident, no matter who’s at fault. While this system is designed to provide faster access to benefits, it also comes with rules, limits, and traps that many people don’t discover until their benefits are delayed, reduced, or denied. You can learn more about the Michigan no-fault law to better understand how these regulations affect your specific claim.

Under Michigan’s no-fault system, your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) includes benefits that are meant to cover several core losses after an accident, and these benefits include:

• Medical expenses related to accident injuries, like hospital care, surgeries, physical therapy, rehabilitation, prescriptions, and necessary medical equipment.
• Wage loss benefits that generally cover up to 85% of your lost income for up to three years if your injuries prevent you from working.
• Household and replacement services, which can reimburse you for help with chores you can no longer perform, like cleaning, cooking, yard work, or snow removal.
• Attendant care, which pays for in-home assistance if you need help with bathing, dressing, or mobility.

Even if another driver clearly caused the accident, your own insurer is responsible for paying these benefits first. This is where many disputes develop, especially when injuries are serious or long-term.

What the No-Fault Insurance System Doesn’t Cover

Despite its broad reach, Michigan’s no-fault insurance system doesn’t cover everything, leaving open the possibility of civil claims against the at-fault driver. Some of the common gaps that lead to additional civil claims could include:

• Pain and suffering damages, which require a claim against the at-fault driver, but only if your injuries reach the severe injury threshold.
• Excess economic losses, like medical bills or wage loss, that go beyond your chosen coverage limits.
• Certain out-of-pocket costs and long-term impacts, like future care needs, reduced earning capacity, and quality of life losses that aren’t fully addressed by PIP benefits alone.

These gaps are why many accident victims ultimately need to hire an experienced Michigan personal injury lawyer when it comes to pursuing compensation beyond their no-fault benefits.

Michigan’s No-Fault Reform and PIP Choice

In 2019, Michigan passed major reforms to the no-fault insurance system, and those changes took effect in July of 2020. One of the biggest shifts is that PIP medical coverage is no longer a one-size-fits-all. Drivers can now choose between different levels of medical coverage instead of getting the automatic unlimited benefits they once enjoyed. Because of this, injured drivers and passengers might have to deal with:

• More denials and disputes when their medical bills exceed their policy’s selected PIP limit.
• Excess claims issues, where the cost of your total losses needs to be pursued through another policy or through a civil claim.
• Coordination problems, especially when multiple insurers, Medicare, or health insurance policies are involved.

Navigating the changes brought by Michigan’s no-fault reform and the new PIP choices can be confusing for accident victims, as selecting the wrong level of coverage can lead to unexpected denials, delays, or expenses. At Wigod & Falzon, our dedicated Michigan no-fault PIP benefits lawyer has extensive experience helping clients pursue additional compensation when necessary, and we can provide you with valuable assistance during this challenging time.

Why Choose Us as Your Michigan Car Accident Attorney?

The hours and days following an accident are critical. When your world seems to stop turning, who can you trust to document conditions, assess injuries, contact the insurance adjuster, and collect evidence for you? The average person may have some idea of what caused their accident and who is responsible, but the formal legal process of asserting these factors and recovering compensation is more challenging than many injured drivers expect.

When you need a trusted Michigan car accident lawyer, look no further than Wigod & Falzon, Motor City’s top-rated personal injury law firm. An experienced Southfield, MI, car accident attorney can be an invaluable asset to have on your side, no matter what your recovery requires. Our team has years of experience helping injured clients make sense of car accident laws and their recovery options after all types of motor vehicle accidents in the Southfield area.

Common Types of Auto Accidents in Michigan

Car crashes can happen under any type of conditions. These are a few of the car crash conditions we deal with:

• Car Accident Cases
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Road Traffic Accidents
• Drunk Driving Accidents
• Distracted Driving Accidents
• Rollover Crashes
• High Speed Accidents
• Semi-Truck Collisions
• Hit and Runs
• Pedestrian vs. Car Accidents
• Fatal Accidents
• Head-on Collisions
• Rear-end Collisions
• Side-impact (T-Bone) Accidents
• And more.

The state may follow the no-fault rule when it comes to resolving most vehicle accidents, but there is a chance that you could have alternative channels of recovery available to you that you may not recognize on your own.

Having the right Southfield, MI, car accident attorney representing you can help you take full advantage of any such recovery options. Our team can help you see what to expect physically after a car accident to help get your medical and legal needs are fully documented.

If you believe that another driver is responsible for causing your recent car accident in Southfield, you may need to secure several types of evidence to hold them accountable under Michigan’s car accident laws. This evidence could include testimony from witnesses who saw the accident happen, vehicle computer data, the other driver’s cell phone records, and traffic camera video recordings, if available.

Injured Due to an Auto Accident in Michigan?

The road to recovery after an automobile accident can leave you and your family reeling, confused, and anxious. We can guide you through every step, from the day of the accident to the day of your settlement.

There are many serious injuries that you may sustain in an auto accident. Even a low-speed crash that seems mild at first can lead to deceptively serious injuries, many of which manifest long after the initial shock of the moment subsides.

Some common injuries that auto accident victims face, and hire our law firm to help address, include but are not limited to the following:

Fractures, Cuts, Scrapes, and Burns

The impact of an auto accident can produce many injuries that, while classified as minor, can still be very painful and cumbersome to deal with. It is common for accident victims to get bruises, scrapes, and fractures. These accidents can also lead to cuts, broken bones, and burns.

Sometimes, the nature of the accident or the injury can exacerbate the harm. For example, an accident where a gas leak occurred with one of the vehicles can cause burns. This can lead to scar tissue and require extensive reconstructive surgery to treat.

Fractures worsen, leading to bone breaks due to the vulnerability created in the affected area. Even simple sprains and minor bruising can impact a person’s ability to move and complete daily tasks, showing that any injury is worth seeking compensation for with the help of a Michigan car accident attorney.

Spinal, Neck, and Brain Injuries

Many car accidents involve injuries to the spine, neck, and brain because of the sudden whipping motion that happens on impact. The sensitive nature of the spine makes it susceptible to harm, while the brain can slam against the inside of the skull, leading to damage with no visible signs.

Because of the role the spine, neck, and brain all play in mobility and mind-body connection, these injuries can lead to major life struggles like:

• Partial, temporary, or complete paralysis
• Loss of motor functions, sensations, or bodily functions
• Loss of sexual activity or diminished ability to take care of oneself
• Memory loss, mood swings, and personality changes
• Diminished life enjoyment due to lifestyle changes

These issues can also be fatal, even if they do not claim the life of the victim immediately. About 22% of those who suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) passed away as a result of the injury within five years. This shows the importance of reaching out to a law firm immediately to begin building your claim and seeking accountability.

Mental and Emotional Trauma

While some insurance companies and opposing lawyers may try to downplay the impact of emotional and mental trauma after a car accident, our legal team knows these matters are very real. We can help you pursue compensation if an accident caused you to suffer from serious struggles such as:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Sleep disturbances
• Excessive nervousness
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Mood swings
• Fear of driving or certain routes
• Embarrassment and shame

We also understand how these issues can exacerbate or be exacerbated by physical injuries you sustained in a car accident. Consider the following examples:

• A person may become depressed after an accident, which could lead to weight gain, and, in turn, cause them to become more depressed.
• Someone could become anxious because their injuries jeopardized their career, and these mental struggles could make it even harder for them to return to work successfully.
• An individual with mobility issues may become embarrassed, which could dissuade them from going out in public, leading to the further erosion of their health and mobility.

When you need an experienced Michigan car accident attorney, look no further than Wigod & Falzon, Motor City’s top-rated personal injury law firm. Our law firm understands how to calculate and convey the total harm you have suffered in a car accident, including mental and emotional damage. Our talented personal injury team can assess your case and begin pursuing the full scope of compensation you may be entitled to.

Unsure of Your Future After an Auto Accident in Michigan? Hire a Car Accident Lawyer.

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 6 million motor vehicle accidents occur each year across the United States, resulting in many severe injuries. Those involved can have their lives changed in an instant, leaving them injured, overwhelmed, and unsure of what the future holds after an accident.

From lost wages to extended hospital stays, the days, weeks, and months following an automobile accident can feel bleak, dark, and scary. You may wonder whether you will be able to work again after an accident, or whether you will be liable for your hospital bills. These questions, and many more, are likely invading your thoughts right now.

You may also be facing lingering joint pain or early signs of arthritis after the crash. These symptoms can develop slowly but impact your daily life. Recognizing them early can make a big difference in your recovery and legal claim.

We can help you navigate the unknown. Our Michigan car accident attorneys have helped hundreds of people just like you manage insurance claims, medical issues, lost wages, and personal injury compensation after an auto accident leaves you questioning what to do next.

If you believe that another driver is clearly responsible for causing your recent car accident, you will need to navigate the auto insurance claim filing process and seek recovery through your auto insurance policy. However, you will also need to gather evidence showing the exact cause of your accident. If you are accused of being at fault, it could interfere with your insurance claim settlement process, or the insurer may attempt to deny you coverage.

Types of Compensation We Can Help You to Get in Car Accident Cases

If you do have grounds for additional legal recourse after a particularly damaging accident, you will need an experienced attorney’s help to determine the appropriate course of action for holding the at-fault party accountable for the harm they have caused and for building a strong case against them.

While it is technically possible for an injured plaintiff to file a personal injury case on their own, they are more likely to succeed with an attorney representing their interests—especially in complex cases involving SLAP and rotator cuff tear injuries or other less visible forms of trauma.

How We Can Help

You do not have to handle your personal injury case alone. Our Michigan car accident attorneys have helped hundreds of accident victims navigate insurance claims, medical bills, lost wages, and personal injury compensation after a car accident derailed their plans and life. You can rely on your Southfield, MI, car accident attorney to gather the evidence needed to build your car accident claim and uncover all the various forms of compensation you may be able to recover.

We can help you get compensation for:

• Medical expenses such as hospital bills, rehabilitation, and physical therapy
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages or income
• Mental anguish
• Attendant care and household services
• Decreased earning capacity
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Lifestyle updates, like changes to your home or vehicle
• Scars and disfigurements
• And more.

Damages in Civil Claims

Damages in most civil claims filed in Southfield are either economic or non-economic. Economic damages are more straightforward, proven with the appropriate documentation, and include any direct financial losses one party caused another party to suffer. Most personal injury claims filed in Southfield involve negligence, but they can also arise from intentional or illegal misconduct.

Non-economic damages are more subjective, intangible losses resulting from another’s actions. For example, if you suffered a severe injury that has left you permanently disabled, the injury itself was likely not only physically painful but psychologically damaging as well. A serious accident is a traumatic experience, and if you must cope with a permanent disability, it can be incredibly distressing as well.

If you have grounds to pursue a civil claim outside of the insurance claim filing process after your accident, the right attorney can help you pursue full compensation for your non-economic damages. Michigan law does not limit pain and suffering compensation in most personal injury cases, so this could be a large share of your total case award if you have an experienced Southfield, MI, car accident attorney arguing for you.

Pursuing Your Personal Injury Claim for a Car Accident in Michigan

At Wigod & Falzon, we’ve spent years representing clients across the state, and we know hiring a local law firm can make a major difference to the outcome of your car accident claim. Our team lives and works right here in Southfield, which means we’re familiar with the local judges, procedures, and outcomes that can shape your case.

We regularly practice in the Wayne County Circuit Court, the Oakland County Courthouse, and the Macomb County Circuit Court, allowing us to develop legal strategies that resonate locally.

The Importance of Legal Support

Our Southfield, MI, car accident attorneys can help determine whether your case meets the state’s criteria for filing a personal injury claim. It is possible for you to recover as much compensation as your auto insurance policy allows and, if you meet the prerequisites for a personal injury claim, secure additional compensation from the at-fault driver.

If you intend to pursue this type of claim, it is vital to understand how the comparative fault system works in the state. Under this rule, it is possible for a plaintiff to recover compensation for damages even if they share fault with the defendant. However, their share of fault is reflected in a liability percentage, and they lose this percentage of their case award.

Michigan’s comparative fault system works differently from many other states that uphold similar modified comparative fault rules, however. If a plaintiff is found to be less than 50% at fault, their total case award is reduced by an equal percentage. If they are found more than 50% at fault, they’re not able to claim non-economic damages from the defendant, and their economic damage recovery is reduced by their fault percentage.

FAQs

Q: Do I Need a Lawyer for My Michigan Car Accident Claim?

A: It is highly recommended to hire a car accident lawyer for your Michigan car accident claim. Speaking with a lawyer, like the ones on our team, is the first step to getting representation for your upcoming legal battle. This includes navigating Michigan’s No-Fault Law, communicating with insurance adjusters, and pursuing the compensation you deserve to live your life without worrying about the future. Our team can help you seek justice with our 25 years of experience.

Q: Should I Take Photos of the Accident Scene and Vehicle/Property Damage?

A: Yes, you should take photos of an accident scene and vehicle/property damage. Photos are an important part of the claims process and can help establish who was at fault. However, knowing what photos to take is crucial. If you are in the hospital following an auto accident, you may need someone else to take the photos for you. Our firm can help you gather photos and additional evidence for your car accident claim.

Q: What Does No-Fault Mean in Michigan?

A: In Michigan, no-fault means your personal insurance covers damages no matter who is at fault for your accident. The state’s No-Fault law provides certain benefits to injured people to help them return to a “normal lifestyle.”

If injured in a car accident, a person can receive medical care to recover, including transportation to treatment and therapy, compensation for lost wages, in-home help, and care services for hygiene and personal care. Other benefits include home remodeling and vocational rehabilitation.

Q: How Much Does a Car Accident Attorney Cost in Michigan?

A: The cost of a car accident attorney can vary in Michigan. Our firm can assess your case and pursue it with no down payment or retainer fees. That means that you will not pay a dime unless we are successful in your case. We believe in transparent representation. That is why our fee is a percentage of your settlement, so you will not be left wondering if legal fees could overtake your payment.

Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Michigan?

A: The statute of limitations for when car accident claims should be filed in Michigan is three (3) years, as stated in Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.5805. The countdown for initiating your personal injury or wrongful death case starts from the moment of the accident or your loved one’s passing.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Michigan Today

The aftermath of an accident is stressful enough. You need legal representation that can make the process following it stress-free. Our attorneys are your personal advocates, and we are ready to stand with you every step of the way.

Wigod & Falzon takes personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you can approach your case with peace of mind and without any risk of your legal fees draining your finances during this difficult time. This makes our firm a financially accessible resource for all who need to hire a car accident lawyer. During your initial consultation with our team, we can review the details of your claim and explain how our firm can assist with your recovery.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a Southfield, MI, car accident attorney and begin your recovery. The personal injury attorneys at our firm can advocate for your rights until the very end. Set up a free, no-commitment consultation today.

You Can Thrive After an Auto Accident

“Wigod & Falzon, P.C. did everything to recover a $55,000.00 settlement for my personal injury no-fault benefits case. My attorney took the time to give me all the details on my case as it progressed. He was always courteous and on time for all court hearings, and he really fought hard for me. He treated me like I was his only client. I would definitely recommend Wigod & Falzon to anyone who suffered a personal injury.” — Raymond G.

“Joseph Falzon was my attorney. He was professional and he handled everything with the insurance company. I never got any phone calls or bills for hospitals or physicians I saw during my case. His office kept me informed on all aspects of the case. Anything pertaining to me, I was notified of every step of the way. And I got the maximum payout.” — Yvonne W.

“Clear, concise, personal and professional! What I liked most, is that they made sure you understood everything during the whole process, without all the confusing legal jargon. If needed, I’d definitely retain their services again.” — Juan

“They did such a great job on my case! Mike Morse and Christiansen Law failed me but these guys did amazing! I called Jeffery Fieger and he referred me here.” — Summer E.

“Wigod & Falzon P.C. is a really great law firm. I had never been through anything like this before and I really feel that my PIP team was a lifesaver.” — George G.

“Great law firm, James is very professional & great at what he does! Very friendly & sensitive to your needs, I highly recommend this firm they’ll get you justice!” — Eric B.

“I truly enjoyed my service with this company. God bless them all. They were patient with me and helped guide me through my process.” — Mikayla K.

FAQs

Do I Need a Lawyer for My Michigan Car Accident Claim?

If you’ve been in an auto accident, chances are you’re dealing with injuries, trauma, and rearranging details of your life to suit your newfound reality. Speaking with a lawyer, like the ones on our team at Wigod & Falzon, is the first step to getting representation through your upcoming legal battle.

This includes navigating Michigan’s No-Fault Law, communicating with insurance adjusters, and getting the compensation you deserve to live your life without worry of the future.

Our team of auto accident lawyers is experienced in this subject. We won’t let insurance companies bully you during the aftermath of an auto accident—we’ll be your bulldog; loyal, trusting, and ready to advocate on your behalf.

Should I Take Photos of the Accident Scene and Vehicle/Property Damage?

Photos are an important part of the process, including establishing who was at fault. However, knowing what photos to take is crucial. If you’re in the hospital following an auto accident, you may need someone else to take the photos for you.

Our attorneys take the necessary photos of your vehicle and injuries to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Don’t leave this important task to just anybody; trust that your dedicated Wigod & Falzon attorney can handle these details with precision and care.

What Does No-Fault Mean in Michigan?

You’ve probably heard that Michigan is a “No-Fault” state. But what exactly does that mean? In Michigan, people injured in auto accidents can get help, even if they were not at fault. The state’s No-Fault law provides certain benefits to injured people. However, a careless driver who caused the accident should be held responsible. There are two parts to any auto accident in Michigan: No-Fault benefits and compensation for injuries, also known as pain-and-suffering damages.

Michigan’s No-Fault law tries to help people injured in auto accidents return to a “normal lifestyle.” If injured in a car accident, a person can receive medical care to recover. The care includes transportation to doctors for treatment and therapy.

If injuries prevent an individual from working, the person can receive compensation for lost wages. If someone cannot complete daily household chores, they can hire a service provider to handle them. If someone is severely injured and cannot maintain basic hygiene on their own, they can pay for attendant care services. Other benefits include home remodeling and vocational rehabilitation.

How Much Does A Car Accident Attorney Cost in Michigan?

We offer a no-commitment consultation to assess your case and determine whether our representation is a good fit.

Then, we’ll pursue your car accident case with no down payment, no retainer fees, and no risk of repayment for services rendered. That means that you won’t pay a dime unless we are successful in your case.

We believe in Transparent Representation. That’s why our fee is a percentage of your settlement, so you won’t be left wondering if legal fees could overtake your check.

What is the Statute of Limitations on Car Accidents in Michigan?

The timeframe in which car accident claims can be filed in Michigan is three (3) years, as stated in Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.5805. The countdown for initiating your personal injury or wrongful death case starts from the moment of the accident or your loved one’s passing.

The personal injury attorneys of Wigod & Falzon can advocate for your rights until the very end. Get a free, no-commitment consultation today.

About Michigan

Michigan is beloved for its stunning Great Lakes shores, scenic parks, and cultural gems like the Henry Ford Museum and Motown Museum, attracting visitors year-round. In 2023, the state reported 1,095 traffic fatalities—a 2% drop from 2022, though still above the six-year average. Alarming trends include an 8% rise in work zone crashes and an 11% increase in pedestrian accidents. To improve safety, new child passenger laws take effect April 2, 2025, requiring rear-facing seats until age 2, harnessed seats until age 5, and back-seat riding for all under 13 when possible. These updates aim to protect young passengers and make roads safer. Despite ongoing challenges, Michigan continues to welcome travelers eager to explore its natural beauty and rich history.