A car accident can be a terrifying experience, but what you do immediately after the car accident can affect your rights to recover money damages. Car accidents can result in serious or even catastrophic injuries. Without the help of a Michigan accident attorney, you may not receive the compensation you need to cover all of your medical bills, lost wages, and more.
At The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm, P.C., we represent individuals who have been injured in car accidents in Detroit, Michigan, or the surrounding communities. We are experienced lawyers ready and willing to take your case to court to get the outcome you deserve.
If you have been injured in a car accident, contact our office for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Car Accident Cases We Handle
Car accidents happen every day. Tragically, some of these collisions result in serious injury or even death. If your accident was caused by another person’s negligence, you might be entitled to compensation. It is important to consult with an experienced Detroit car accident lawyer to determine whether you have a valid claim for damages in an injury or wrongful death case.
We represent individuals who are involved in the following types of accidents:
- ATV Accidents – All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are designed to be operated off-highway. They are fun to ride but can result in devastating injuries if not operated with care. If you are involved in an ATV accident, you need to contact an attorney to determine if you are entitled to compensation for your losses.
- Road Defect Injury – While many accidents happen because of another motorist’s carelessness, some are the result of road defects. If the road was dangerously designed or contains a known defect, you might be able to file a lawsuit against a government entity or another responsible party.
- Hit and Run Accidents – If you are involved in an accident where the at-fault motorist leaves the scene without exchanging information, you need to call 9-1-1. Filing a police report often proves critical to obtaining the compensation you need after a hit-and-run accident.
- Bus Accidents – Bus accidents are often catastrophic, resulting in injuries to passengers, other motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Bus accidents can be extremely complex when it comes to liability. A lawyer can help determine who should be held legally responsible.
- Rideshare Accidents – Uber and Lyft accidents are becoming more common. If you are injured in a rideshare accident, you should seek medical attention immediately and document the incident with the rideshare company.
Car accidents can impact your entire life. You might be unable to earn a living or have extensive medical bills. An insurance company may try to deny your claim or even put you at fault for the accident, meaning your recovery may be reduced significantly.
A Detroit car accident lawyer can help ensure that you do not end up settling for less than your case is worth and that you get the compensation you deserve. The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm is also experienced in helping clients navigate social security disability benefits if their injuries will cause them to be away from work for a significant length of time.
Our Car Accident FAQ Page can provide additional guidance on your rights and what to expect after an accident.
Common Types of Car Accidents
There may be many factors that contribute to your car accident. While head-on collisions and T-bone accidents generally cause some of the most severe injuries, even fender benders or low-speed crashes can send someone to the hospital.
Common types of car accidents in Michigan:
- Rear-end collisions – A rear-end crash happens when a vehicle overtakes the vehicle ahead and collides with the vehicle’s rear. Often, a rear-end crash is caused by a distracted driver following too close, known as tailgating, or driving too fast for road conditions.
- Head-on collisions – A head-on collision is when a driver crosses the centerline of the road and hits oncoming traffic. A common reason for head-on collisions is drunk driving, drowsy driving, distracted driving, or losing control. Head-on collisions can cause very serious injuries.
- T-bone accident – A T-bone accident occurs when a vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle, most commonly at an intersection. This can happen when a driver falls asleep, disobeys a stop sign or traffic signal, or fails to yield the right of way to entering or crossing traffic.
- Sideswipe crash – Usually, a sideswipe happens when 2 vehicles crash while traveling next to each other in the same direction. It could also happen when a driver makes an improper lane change without looking to the side or checking a blind spot and they swerve into another vehicle.
- Single-vehicle crash – A single-vehicle crash could happen when a vehicle collides with a tree, pedestrian, or bicyclist, loses control going off-road or hits an animal such as a deer.
- Distracted Driving – Distracted driving is driving a vehicle while doing some other activity, such as texting, using a phone, or being distracted by occupants, etc., that takes your attention away from driving.
Determining fault in a car accident is often crucial. In Michigan, if you are more than 50% at fault for an accident, your noneconomic (pain and suffering) damages may be barred. The amount of money you could recover would be reduced according to your allocation of fault. Knowing this, insurance companies will often try to put you at fault for the accident.
Car Accident Statute of Limitations in Michigan
Michigan gives you up to three years to file a car accident lawsuit. The car accident statute of limitation in Michigan means you have three years from the date of the accident to file a legal claim. If you don’t file within three years, your right to pursue the claim will expire.
It is important to know that because Michigan is a no-fault insurance state, you are entitled to personal protection insurance benefits. However, You must file a notice of claim and application for benefits within one year of the accident date. If your own insurance doesn’t cover the full extent of your damages, you might need to file a car accident injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver for the additional damages.
How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help You After a Crash
After a car accident, the legal complexities can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with injuries, medical bills, and insurance claims. An experienced car accident attorney from The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm, P.C., can provide invaluable assistance during this challenging time.
- Evaluate Your Case: We will thoroughly investigate the accident to determine liability and the full extent of your damages. This includes gathering evidence, speaking with witnesses, and working with experts to reconstruct the accident if necessary.
- Handle Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance adjusters can be tricky. They often aim to minimize the payout. We will negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
- Legal Representation in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and will fight for your rights in front of a judge and jury.
- Maximize Your Compensation: We will ensure that all potential sources of compensation are explored, including underinsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection (PIP), and any third-party liability claims. Our goal is to maximize your financial recovery so you can focus on your recovery.
- Protect Your Rights: Michigan’s comparative fault rule means that if you are found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident, your ability to recover damages could be limited or even eliminated. We will work diligently to protect your rights and prevent unfair blame from being placed on you.
- Guide You Through the Process: The legal process can be complex and confusing. We will guide you every step of the way, ensuring that you understand your options and making informed decisions about your case.
Injured in a Car Accident in Michigan? Contact Our Office.
Were you injured in a car accident in Michigan? Contact our office to speak directly to a Detroit car accident lawyer. All consultations are provided at no cost and without obligation to retain our services. Call our firm at 248-885-6614 to get started.