MICHIGAN CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS

Securing the Legal Compensation You Deserve

Michigan is a no-fault state for car accidents, meaning that regardless of who caused the car accident, you can have your medical bills and other expenses covered by your PIP insurance policy. All Michigan drivers must purchase no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) insurance.

However, even minor car accident injuries can result in heavy costs. The pain of your injury may prevent you from being able to work, not to mention the medical bills that can quickly pile up.

By securing a favorable settlement with the insurance company, you can be compensated for the losses you have sustained, including:

• Medical bills
• Loss of income
• Permanent disability
• Loss of earning potential
• Loss of quality of life
• Funeral and burial expenses in fatal accidents

What if PIP Coverage Isn't Enough?

In the past, the state mandated the amount of PIP insurance coverage that drivers could purchase. However, with the passing of Senate Bill 1 in June 2019, drivers now have the choice to enroll at different levels of PIP insurance, with the lowest set at $50,000. That is rarely enough to account for the most catastrophic injuries and may not even be enough to get treatment for minor car accident injuries.

When an accident injury causes severe impairment to your life, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party for additional legal compensation. Michigan's no-fault insurance laws significantly limit who can file a personal injury lawsuit, so reviewing your case with an experienced car accident attorney is best to understand all your options. 

What is the Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident Claim in Michigan?

In Michigan, individuals typically have three years from the date of a car accident to file a claim. If you are injured in an accident, initiating a lawsuit within this three-year period is crucial. Failing to do so could result in losing your right to seek compensation for your injuries and related damages.

The statute of limitations applies to personal injury claims, but some exceptions exist. For instance, if the accident involves a government entity (such as a city-owned vehicle or public transportation), the time limit may be much shorter, typically just six months. Similarly, if the victim was a minor during the accident, the three years may be extended until the individual reaches the age of majority.

It’s important to understand that while the statute of limitations is crucial for filing a lawsuit, other aspects of your case, such as insurance claims and gathering evidence, should be addressed as soon as possible. Delays in seeking medical care or legal assistance can complicate your case, and evidence that supports your claim may be lost over time.

To ensure that your rights are protected and that you meet all legal deadlines, it’s advisable to consult with an experienced Michigan car accident lawyer immediately after your accident. They can help guide you through the process and ensure all necessary actions are taken within the required time frame.

Uncovering the Cause of Your Car Accident

The first step to pursuing compensation for a car accident claim is identifying the negligent party. With millions of car accidents occurring on the road every year, it is no surprise that the majority of these auto accidents are caused by driver negligence.

Our team of experienced Michigan car accident lawyers can help determine if the other driver committed any of the following negligent behaviors:

• Distracted Driving: Anything that diverts the driver's attention from the road. Cellphone use, texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or interacting with passengers can all lead to distractions.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI/OWI): Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
• Speeding or Reckless Driving: Driving at excessive speeds or engaging in reckless behavior, such as aggressive maneuvers, dramatically increases the risk of accidents.
• Fatigued Driving: Being overly tired or falling asleep at the wheel can impair a driver's ability to react promptly and make sound decisions.
• Following Too Closely (Tailgating): Not maintaining a safe distance between vehicles can lead to rear-end collisions, especially when the lead car brakes suddenly.
• Failure to Yield: Ignoring traffic signs or signals, not giving the right of way, or not yielding when necessary can result in collisions.
• Running Stop Signs/Red Lights: Disregarding traffic signals increases the chances of intersection accidents, often resulting in T-bone collisions.
• Illegal Lane Changes, Turns, etc.: Making sudden or illegal maneuvers without signaling or checking blind spots can cause accidents, especially on highways or in heavy traffic.
• Vehicle Malfunctions: Mechanical failures, such as brake failure, tire blowouts, or other issues with the vehicle's components, can cause accidents, especially if the driver is unable to control the vehicle.

This list is by no means exhaustive; there are many ways in which negligence can lead to car accidents, including defective auto parts or dangerous vehicle designs.

The legal team at Grewal Law PLLC utilizes all possible resources to uncover the party responsible for your injuries and hold them accountable, including police reports, witness testimony, medical experts, and accident reconstructionists. 

Contact Grewal Law today to schedule a FREE case evaluation with our car accident attorneys in Michigan!