Southfield Car Accident Lawyer

Southfield Car Accident Attorney

A car accident can change your life in an instant, leaving you with injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about your future. In Southfield, navigating the aftermath of a crash often means dealing with Michigan’s unique no-fault insurance laws, which can be confusing and overwhelming. Fortunately, a experienced Southfield car accident lawyer can work on your behalf to secure the compensation you are owed.

At Wigod & Falzon, we prioritize personalized, one-on-one relationships with our clients. That way, you can receive the time and attention necessary to address your unique situation. We work tirelessly to protect your rights and pursue the restitution you deserve. Our experienced personal injury lawyers are committed to helping you through every step of the legal process.

Why Choose Wigod & Falzon?

At Wigod & Falzon, we believe in providing personalized legal representation, tailored to your specific needs. With decades of experience in handling car accident cases in the metro Detroit area, our team is dedicated to securing a favorable outcome for your case. We prioritize open communication, promptly answering any questions you have about your case. We want you to feel supported throughout every step of the legal process. If you’ve been in a car accident, hire a lawyer to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.

Our motto, “Dedication to Our Clients – Loyalty to Our Firm,” reflects our unwavering commitment to those we represent. From the initial consultation to the final resolution, we can work tirelessly to assert your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. With Wigod & Falzon, you’re not just another case. When you hire us, you are part of a partnership built on trust, advocacy, and results.

Understanding Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance System

Michigan’s no-fault insurance system is designed to streamline compensation for accident victims, but it comes with its own set of complexities. Under this system, your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage will handle medical expenses, lost wages, and certain replacement services, regardless of who caused the accident. Call a lawyer or your insurance provider first to ensure you understand your coverage and take the right steps to protect your interests.

While this ensures quicker payments, it also limits your ability to file a claim for non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, unless your injuries meet specific thresholds, such as serious impairment of body function. A skilled Southfield car accident lawyer can navigate this system, secure the full benefits you’re entitled to, and determine whether you have grounds for additional claims against an at-fault party.

When Can You File a Claim After a Car Accident in Michigan?

Although Michigan’s no-fault insurance system covers most accident-related expenses, there are instances where you may file additional claims against an at-fault driver. For example:

Serious Injuries

If your injuries result in significant impairment, permanent disfigurement, or wrongful death, you may be entitled to file a claim for non-economic damages, like loss of enjoyment of life.

Mini-Tort Claims

Michigan’s mini-tort law allows a driver who is less than 50% at fault to recover up to $3,000 in property damage, which can cover deductibles not paid by their insurance. Similarly, if you are more than 50% at fault, another driver may file a mini-tort claim against you to recover their deductible.

Mini-tort claims typically begin in small claims or municipal court, but either party can request the case be moved to a higher court. Additionally, optional insurance coverage, such as limited property damage liability, can help pay mini-tort claims if you’re at fault.

If no-fault benefits or mini-tort claims fail to cover the full extent of your damages, you can still file a personal injury claim in civil court. There, you can seek compensation for economic and non-economic losses with the aid of a Southfield car accident lawyer.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Southfield

Car accidents in Southfield occur for various reasons, with distracted driving being one of the most common. Texting, smartphone use, or even eating behind the wheel can take a driver’s attention off the road, leading to devastating consequences.

Speeding and aggressive driving, particularly on Southfield’s busy streets, also contribute to many accidents. Impaired driving, caused by alcohol or drugs, remains a significant risk, endangering everyone on the road.

Poor road conditions and weather-related hazards, such as icy streets or heavy rain, can also increase the likelihood of accidents, especially when drivers fail to adjust their speed or maintain a safe distance.

Identifying the exact cause of an accident is critical for determining liability and pursuing compensation. A car accident lawyer can conduct a detailed investigation, gathering evidence and consulting accident reconstruction professionals. This allows them to pinpoint who was at fault and build a strong case on your behalf in a car accident injury lawsuit, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Common Injuries Following a Car Collision

Car collisions often result in a range of injuries, from minor to severe. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Whiplash: This occurs when the neck is suddenly forced forward and back during an impact. The strain on the muscles and ligaments can cause pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Whiplash may require physical therapy or prolonged treatment to heal fully.
• Fractures: These are another frequent type of injury that often affects arms, legs, or ribs. Depending on the severity of the injury, fractured bones often require surgery, immobilization, and rehabilitation.
• Head Injuries: These include concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI). This type of catastrophic injury can lead to serious and potentially long-lasting symptoms, such as dizziness, headaches, and memory loss. In severe instances, it can even result in permanent cognitive impairment.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the spinal cord can range from herniated discs to partial or complete paralysis. These can significantly impact mobility and quality of life, often requiring extensive medical care.
• Internal Injuries: These injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent but require emergency treatment.
• Cuts, Bruises, and Soft Tissue Injuries: While less severe, these can still cause pain and discomfort.

Recovery from car collision injuries requires immediate medical attention, followed by rehab and therapy. Finding the funds for medical treatments can be difficult, which is why hiring a personal injury attorney can be a crucial first step as you begin your recovery.

Crucial Steps After an Accident

The moments following a car accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps is essential for protecting your health and legal rights. First, check for injuries and seek immediate medical attention if needed. Even if you feel fine, some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately.

Serious collisions, or any crash that potentially causes injuries, need to be immediately reported to the police. An official police report can be a crucial piece of evidence for your claim. If you can safely do so, take photos of the vehicles involved in the crash, damage to the vehicles, and the scene in general. Collect contact information from the parties involved in the crash, and be sure to include insurance details and contact information for any witnesses.

Avoid admitting fault or discussing details of the accident with others. Your statements can be used against you later. Notify your insurance company about the accident, but stick to the facts and avoid speculation about fault or damages. Lastly, consult a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can protect your rights, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and provide legal counsel.

What Can I Be Compensated For?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation. The specific damages you can recover often fall into two categories: economic and non-economic.

Economic damages are documented financial losses, such as medical expenses. These can include hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment. Lost wages due to time away from work and diminished earning capacity are also forms of economic damages.

Non-economic damages consist of intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages address how the accident has impacted your overall well-being and quality of life.

In cases where the at-fault party engaged in egregious negligence or misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded. Michigan’s no-fault insurance system may limit certain claims. However, if your injuries meet the state’s threshold for serious impairment, you may pursue additional compensation.

Every case is unique, and determining the full value of your claim requires careful evaluation. Documenting your medical treatment, lost income, and the emotional impact of your injuries can strengthen your case. An experienced personal injury attorney can explore all potential compensation avenues.

How an Attorney Can Help You Find Compensation

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries, insurance claims, and legal complexities. A skilled personal injury attorney can be crucial in helping you secure the compensation you deserve. Their first step is to fully investigate your case, collecting evidence such as medical records, police reports, and witness statements to build a strong claim. If you’ve been in a car accident in Michigan, an experienced lawyer can guide you through the legal process and ensure your rights are protected.

Attorneys also handle communication and negotiation with insurance companies, which may attempt to minimize payouts. With the experience brought by an attorney, you can avoid falling victim to lowball offers. Your lawyer can advocate for a fair settlement that fully covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If needed, your lawyer can take your case to court and present a compelling argument on your behalf.

In addition to advocating for financial compensation, a personal injury attorney can assert your rights throughout the process. They can guide you through Michigan’s complex no-fault insurance system, explain legal procedures, and meet important deadlines, such as the statute of limitations.

An attorney can also provide clarity on the value of your claim, factoring in both current and future expenses to keep you from being left with unanticipated financial burdens. By managing the legal process, your attorney allows you to focus on recovery while they fight for the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

FAQs

How Much Can Someone Sue for a Car Accident in Michigan?

The amount someone can sue for after a car accident in Michigan depends on the severity of the injuries, the degree of property damage, and the specific circumstances of the case. Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. While there are no general caps on economic damages, certain non-economic damages may be subject to limits in specific cases, such as those involving catastrophic injuries. If you are in Southfield, Michigan, a local lawyer can help you navigate these complexities and pursue the compensation you deserve.

What Are Most Lawyer Fees for Car Accident Cases?

Lawyers handling car accident cases often work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they secure a settlement or award. The specific percentage varies, depending on the case’s complexity and the agreement between the client and the lawyer. It’s important to discuss the fee structure in detail with your attorney to understand how fees will be handled before proceeding.

Who Pays for Damages in a Michigan Car Accident?

Michigan’s no-fault insurance system requires each driver’s insurance to cover their own medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. However, the at-fault driver may be held responsible for certain damages, like property damage or pain and suffering, if the injuries meet specific thresholds. Understanding your insurance coverage and legal options is essential when pursuing the appropriate compensation.

How Long After a Car Accident Can You Sue in Michigan?

Michigan law generally allows three years from the date of the car accident to file a claim for injuries or damages. However, if the claim involves an uninsured motorist or a government entity, different deadlines or notice requirements may apply. Acting quickly allows you to meet these deadlines and preserves your right to pursue compensation for your losses.

What Is Michigan’s Mini-Tort Law?

Michigan’s mini-tort law allows drivers to claim as much as $3,000 for damage to their vehicles that isn’t covered by their own insurance, such as in cases involving deductibles. This claim is filed against the at-fault driver, but it only applies to out-of-pocket expenses for property damage. The mini-tort option does not cover injuries or non-economic losses, so additional claims may be necessary, depending on the circumstances.

Contact Wigod & Falzon PC to Get Help with Car Accident Cases

Time is a critical factor in car accident cases. Michigan law generally requires you to file a claim within three years of the crash, but certain deadlines, such as those for no-fault claims, may be shorter. Acting promptly not only protects your legal rights but can also preserve critical evidence.

A car accident can be life-changing, but you don’t have to face it alone. Reach out to the trusted and experienced legal team at Wigod & Falzon to discuss your case, explore your options, and pursue the compensation you deserve.