Being involved in a car accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. Medical bills start piling up, you’re unable to work, and insurance adjusters are calling with settlement offers before you’ve even recovered. During this vulnerable time, one critical question arises: Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?
At The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm, P.C., we’ve represented over 15,000 injured clients across Michigan since 1994, securing more than $300 million in settlements and verdicts. Our experience has shown us time and again that accident victims with legal representation consistently achieve better outcomes than those who navigate the claims process alone.
Here are ten compelling reasons why hiring an experienced car accident attorney is essential for protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
1. Insurance Companies Are Not on Your Side
Let’s be clear: insurance adjusters are not your friends, no matter how sympathetic they seem. Their primary obligation is to their employer’s bottom line—not your well-being.
Insurance companies employ sophisticated tactics to minimize payouts:
- Pushing for recorded statements that can be used against you
- Offering quick, lowball settlements before you understand the full extent of your injuries
- Misrepresenting policy terms and coverage limitations
- Delaying legitimate claims hoping you’ll give up
An experienced attorney understands these tactics and knows how to counter them effectively. We handle all communication with insurance companies, protecting you from statements that could jeopardize your claim while aggressively negotiating for the compensation you deserve.
Bottom line: Insurance companies have entire legal teams working to pay you as little as possible. You need someone equally skilled fighting for your interests.
2. Maximizing Your Compensation Requires Legal Expertise
Most accident victims significantly underestimate the true value of their claim. Research consistently shows that individuals with legal representation recover substantially more compensation than those who handle claims alone.
Your compensation should include:
- All medical expenses: Current bills, future treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care
- Lost wages: Both past income and diminished future earning capacity
- Property damage: Vehicle repairs or replacement value
- Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
- Loss of consortium: Impact on relationships with family members
Calculating these damages requires specialized knowledge and experience. At The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm, we work with medical experts, economists, and vocational specialists to accurately determine the full value of your case—then we fight to recover every dollar you’re owed.
3. Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance System Is Notoriously Complex
Michigan operates under one of the most complicated no-fault insurance systems in the nation. Recent reforms have added additional layers of complexity that even many attorneys struggle to navigate.
Understanding your rights requires knowledge of:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefit levels and coverage options
- The “serious impairment of body function” threshold for pursuing pain and suffering damages
- Coordination of benefits between different insurance policies
- Exceptions to no-fault immunity
- Statute of limitations and notice requirements
A knowledgeable attorney ensures you receive appropriate PIP benefits while preserving your right to pursue additional compensation when warranted. We’ve successfully handled thousands of no-fault insurance claims and understand exactly how to maximize recovery under Michigan law.
4. Critical Evidence Disappears Quickly Without Proper Preservation
The strength of your case depends on evidence—and that evidence can vanish rapidly after an accident.
Essential evidence includes:
- Accident scene photographs and measurements
- Surveillance or dashcam footage (often deleted after 30-90 days)
- Vehicle damage documentation before repairs
- Witness contact information and statements
- Road and weather conditions
- Electronic data from vehicles (EDR/”black box” information)
Whether you’ve been involved in a rear-end collision, rollover accident, or complex multi-vehicle crash, professional legal representation ensures proper documentation and preservation of crucial evidence before it’s lost forever.
We immediately begin investigating your case, sending preservation letters to prevent destruction of evidence, and working with accident reconstruction experts when necessary to build the strongest possible claim.
5. Determining Liability May Involve Multiple Responsible Parties
Fault determination can be far more complex than it initially appears. While one driver may seem obviously at fault, thorough investigation often reveals additional liable parties.
Potentially responsible parties may include:
- Other negligent drivers
- Vehicle manufacturers (in cases involving defective parts)
- Employers (for accidents involving commercial vehicles or drivers on company time)
- Government entities (for road defects or poor maintenance)
- Bars or restaurants (in drunk driving accidents through dram shop liability)
- Maintenance companies or repair shops
Identifying all liable parties is crucial because it expands your potential sources of compensation. An experienced attorney conducts comprehensive investigations to ensure no responsible party escapes accountability.
6. Legal Deadlines Can Forever Bar Your Claim
Michigan law imposes strict deadlines for filing car accident claims. Missing these deadlines—even by a single day—can permanently eliminate your right to compensation.
Key deadlines include:
- Three years from the accident date for most personal injury lawsuits
- One year for certain claims against government entities
- One year from the death for wrongful death claims
- Shorter notice requirements for specific types of claims
Additionally, waiting too long to hire an attorney can prejudice your case even if you meet filing deadlines. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and insurance companies build stronger defenses.
Don’t gamble with your rights. Contact an attorney immediately to ensure all paperwork is prepared and filed correctly and on time.
7. Special Circumstances Demand Specialized Knowledge
Not all car accidents are straightforward. Certain situations involve unique legal complexities that require specialized expertise.
Drunk Driving Accidents: DUI crashes may involve punitive damages and third-party liability through Michigan’s dram shop laws.
Hit-and-Run Cases: Hit-and-run accidents require specialized investigation techniques and understanding of uninsured motorist coverage.
Rideshare Accidents: Uber and Lyft crashes involve complex insurance coverage that changes based on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.
Commercial Vehicle Collisions: Trucking accidents and bus crashes involve federal regulations, commercial insurance policies, and potential corporate liability.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents: Pedestrian and bicycle crashes often result in catastrophic injuries requiring substantial compensation.
Each scenario demands specific legal knowledge and investigative approaches. Our firm has successfully handled every type of motor vehicle accident case, and we know exactly how to pursue maximum compensation in each unique situation.
8. Medical Documentation Requires Legal Expertise to Interpret
Insurance companies scrutinize medical records looking for any reason to deny or devalue your claim. They’ll argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident, that you delayed treatment, or that you had pre-existing conditions.
Effective legal representation includes:
- Coordinating with healthcare providers to ensure proper documentation
- Working with medical experts who can testify about causation and prognosis
- Obtaining life care plans for catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries
- Establishing the connection between the accident and all resulting medical treatment
- Countering insurance company medical experts
We’ve built relationships with top medical professionals across Michigan who understand how to document injuries in ways that support your legal claim while providing excellent patient care.
9. Trial Experience Provides Powerful Negotiating Leverage
While most personal injury cases settle before trial, having an attorney prepared and willing to litigate sends a powerful message to insurance companies.
Insurers know which attorneys actually try cases—and which ones always settle. When they understand you’re represented by trial-tested counsel, they’re far more likely to make reasonable settlement offers.
The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm has secured landmark verdicts including:
- $8 million settlement in a municipal utility truck accident
- $6.87 million verdict in a personal injury case
- Numerous multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
Should settlement negotiations fail, you need experienced courtroom advocates who can effectively present your case to a jury. Our trial record speaks for itself.
10. Peace of Mind Allows You to Focus on Recovery
Perhaps most importantly, having dedicated legal representation removes the overwhelming burden of navigating the complex claims process while you’re trying to heal.
When you hire The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm, we handle:
- All communication with insurance companies
- Medical record collection and organization
- Evidence gathering and case investigation
- Expert witness retention
- Settlement negotiations
- Litigation if necessary
You shouldn’t have to become a legal expert while recovering from injuries. Let us handle the legal complexities so you can focus on what matters most—your physical and emotional recovery.
Real Results for Real People
Our commitment to clients goes beyond legal representation. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. This ensures access to justice regardless of financial circumstances.
Since founding our firm in 1994, attorney Joseph Dedvukaj has built a reputation for compassionate advocacy combined with aggressive litigation when necessary. His AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell and membership in the National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 reflect his standing among Michigan’s legal community.
But awards don’t tell the whole story. What matters most is the $300+ million we’ve recovered for over 15,000 injured clients—real people who trusted us during the most challenging times of their lives.
Take the First Step Toward Justice
If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident anywhere in Michigan, don’t navigate this complex process alone. Every day you wait is a day the insurance company uses to build its defense against you.
Contact The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and outline the path forward—with no pressure and no fees unless we win.
Call 1-866-HIRE-JOE (1-866-447-3563) or visit our Bloomfield Hills office to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?
At The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm, we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront costs, and we only collect attorney fees if we successfully recover compensation for you. This ensures everyone has access to quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation.
When should I hire a lawyer after a car accident?
As soon as possible. Critical evidence can disappear within days or weeks of an accident. The sooner you hire an attorney, the stronger your case will be. Don’t wait until the insurance company has already built its defense.
What if the accident was partially my fault?
Michigan follows modified comparative negligence rules. You can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, though your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault. An experienced attorney can help minimize your assigned fault percentage.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Michigan?
Generally, you have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, some situations involve shorter deadlines. Don’t risk missing critical deadlines—consult an attorney immediately.
Will my case go to trial?
Most car accident cases settle before trial. However, having an attorney prepared to go to trial gives you significant negotiating leverage and ensures you’re ready if litigation becomes necessary.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Every accident case is unique and requires individualized assessment by a qualified attorney. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.