Car Accidents Can Change Your Life in an Instant
Car accidents can occur suddenly and at any time. Despite your best efforts, preventing them is sometimes impossible. One moment, you are driving carefree, and the next, you’re dealing with debilitating injuries, mental strain, and a daunting legal process. In just seconds, a car accident can devastate your life, causing physical pain and emotional overwhelm. Michigan laws regarding car accidents and insurance claims can further complicate this already difficult situation. Our experienced and compassionate car accident lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial hardships you’re facing.
Dealing with a car accident involves various tasks, such as filing an insurance claim, determining fault, managing injuries, and striving to move forward. Confronting insurance companies can feel intimidating, as they often prioritize their interests over yours. Remember, you don’t have to face this challenging situation alone.
Michigan Traffic Accident Trends
Michigan’s accident statistics have remained unchanged for the past few years, with an average of around 316,000 reported cases annually. The state experienced a slight decrease in accidents in 2020, which can be attributed to the pandemic’s restrictions. However, with the state’s opening, car accidents are expected to rise again, necessitating increased enforcement patrols and stricter driving laws. As of 2021, the Michigan State Police recorded a total of 316,000 crashes, resulting in 74,000 injuries and 994 fatalities.
Leading Causes of Accidents in Michigan
Drunk driving, distracted driving, speeding, and reckless driving are Michigan’s leading causes of accidents. Despite concerted efforts by the authorities to reduce these factors, the number of accidents resulting from them has not decreased significantly. Motorists must exercise caution and avoid driving under the influence, using mobile phones, or driving recklessly.
Reduce Your Risk with Michigan’s Highway Safety Manual
Michigan has a significant traffic accident rate, and these accidents are preventable. Staying informed about car accident statistics, common causes of traffic accidents, and methods for improving highway safety is essential. Whether you are a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, everyone should prioritize road safety and take necessary measures to prevent accidents.
The Highway Safety Manual is an indispensable resource for traffic engineers and transportation planners. It serves as a guide for assessing the safety of roads and highways and helping with safety improvement plans. This manual recommends various road safety measures such as signage, pavement markings, and traffic control devices. Like other states, Michigan uses this manual to analyze its road networks and develop strategies to improve highway safety.
How Michigan Auto Insurance Coverage Works
Minimum Insurance Requirements
Car accidents are terrifying and can happen at any time, anywhere. In addition to the physical pain and emotional trauma, car accidents can also create a significant financial burden. Michigan is a no-fault state, which means that each driver’s insurance company would pay for their medical bills and property damage regardless of who is at fault. However, Michigan law requires drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which covers expenses such as medical bills, wage loss, and replacement services. This coverage can be a lifesaver in case of injury but can also be confusing and challenging to navigate.
The importance of reporting a car accident to your insurance company in Michigan
If you are involved in a car accident in Michigan, you must contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. They will assign an adjuster to your case, and you should provide them with all relevant information, including police reports, medical records, and statements from witnesses. While it is important to cooperate with your insurance company, it is crucial to note that their interests may not always align with yours. They may try to minimize their payout or delay your claim, so it would be wise to seek expert legal advice.
Minimum Liability Coverage Requirements in Michigan
Michigan law also requires drivers to carry liability insurance, which covers damage or injuries caused by the driver if they are found to be at fault. The minimum liability coverage in Michigan is $20,000 for bodily injury per person, $40,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $10,000 for property damage per accident. These coverage limits may not be enough to cover the full extent of damages in case of a severe accident. Hence, it is essential to consider higher coverage limits and also consider purchasing additional coverage such as collision and comprehensive coverage.
Michigan No-Fault System
Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance system was introduced in 1973 to help provide drivers with unlimited, lifetime medical coverage if injured in an accident. However, as medical costs and the number of accidents increased, the system became unsustainable. As a result, changes to the system were necessary. The significant changes introduced in 2020 mean drivers can now choose different levels of personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, ranging from no PIP coverage to unlimited PIP coverage. Opting for limited PIP coverage means that drivers stand to save money on their auto insurance premiums, but they forfeit unlimited medical coverage if injured in an accident.
Michigan’s no-fault system means drivers injured in an accident can receive first-party benefits. These benefits include medical bills, attendant care, replacement services, and lost wages. However, drivers can only receive these benefits from their insurer, not the driver responsible for causing the accident. Drivers can choose different PIP coverage levels to determine the benefits limit they receive. Choosing unlimited PIP coverage means that medical bills and other first-party benefits can be covered entirely, regardless of the accident’s cause.
Monroe Car Accident Attorneys: Seeking Compensation for Personal Injury
To ensure fair compensation, it is advisable to seek the assistance of an experienced Monroe Michigan Car Accident Lawyer. They can assist in filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company to obtain a fair settlement or pursue a civil lawsuit if necessary. However, it is important to be aware that Michigan law restricts victims (or their survivors) from going to court unless the victim has suffered wrongful death, serious disfigurement, or serious impairment of bodily function.
Moreover, to receive full and fair compensation, the injured victim must bear no blame for the accident. Otherwise, Michigan’s comparative fault rules will impact the amount of non-economic damages awarded to the plaintiff. For example, if the injured victim is found to be 30 percent responsible for the accident, they would only receive 70 percent of the non-economic damages owed to them (such as pain and suffering, physical impairment, disfigurement, or loss of consortium).
Mini-tort damages may be available to help drivers recover part of their economic losses from a car accident. This includes damage or replacement of their vehicle and property. However, it’s crucial to understand that the amount of recovery is subject to Michigan’s comparative fault law. Seeking guidance from one of our Monroe Car Accident Attorneys can ensure informed decision-making regarding this potentially confusing law.
Statute of Limitations and Damages
The time limit for filing a lawsuit after a car accident is defined by the statute of limitations. In Michigan, car accident victims have three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Failing to meet this deadline means forfeiting your right to file a lawsuit. It’s important to note that the statute of limitations varies for personal injury and property damage claims. Personal injury claims have a three-year statute of limitations, while property damage claims have a one-year statute of limitations.
In Michigan, car accident victims may be eligible for different types of damages to cover various costs related to the incident, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Michigan law allows for the following types of damages to be awarded:
1. Economic Damages
These are quantifiable damages resulting directly from the accident, encompassing medical expenses, lost wages, and car repairs.
2. Non-Economic Damages
These intangible damages, such as pain and suffering, are challenging to quantify.
3. Punitive Damages
These damages are awarded to punish the at-fault driver for their extreme negligence.
Consider Michigan’s comparative fault rule, which assigns liability to multiple parties involved in the accident. If you are deemed partially at fault, your damages will be reduced proportionately. For example, if you are found 20% responsible for the accident and awarded $100,000 in damages, your final compensation will be $80,000.
Get the Legal Protection You Deserve with a Monroe Car Accident Lawyer
Michigan car accident laws pose significant challenges. Accident victims must understand their complexities. It is crucial to follow proper protocols after a car accident, such as notifying law enforcement, involving witnesses, and seeking the advice of an experienced Michigan car accident attorney. Whether you’re searching for “automobile accident attorneys near me” or “car wreck attorneys near me,” your search ends here. If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t navigate the complex legal process alone. Contact Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault, and let our team of legal experts guide you to the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us for a free consultation and take the first step towards rebuilding your life after an injury. For over 65 years, the attorneys at Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault have protected the rights of car accident victims and their families throughout Southeast Michigan and identified all negligent parties liable for victim injuries.
Contact Us. We can Help.
Call us at 734-430-3012 to get started, or use our easy online contact form today.
A free consultation with a Monroe Michigan Car Accident Lawyer at Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault can provide peace of mind. We offer guidance on legal options, case evaluations, and potential compensation. Our free consultations ensure legal assistance without financial cost. Personal Injury cases are taken on a contingency fee basis. No fees unless we recover compensation for you.
