Michigan Car Accident Attorney

Car accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. You could be driving to work when someone makes an illegal lane change and crashes into you. Similarly, a quick grocery run could end in a severe injury because a texting driver ignored a stop sign. When such acts of negligence leave you with catastrophic injuries, you need a Michigan car accident attorney on your side.

At Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping car crash victims in Michigan get justice. Our personal injury lawyers have the knowledge, experience, and resources to hold negligent parties accountable and demand a full and fair settlement. Whether you were injured in a rear-end collision, T-bone collision, or any other type of car crash, we are here to help. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation.

Why Hire Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers for Your Car Accident Claim?

Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers is a top-rated car accident law firm in Michigan. When you trust us with your automobile accident claim, you benefit from the following:

• Decades of Experience: Our attorneys have years of experience handling auto accident claims in Michigan and have helped many clients recover the financial compensation they need to cover their current and future damages.
• Extensive Knowledge: We know the state and federal laws that govern the Michigan trucking industry and use those insights to develop a compelling argument for compensation. When insurance companies try to deny client claims, we don’t back down, even if it means going to court.
• Access to Resources: Successful auto accident cases are based on solid evidence. Our Michigan car accident attorneys work with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and other professionals to build a case that insurance adjusters will take seriously.
• Personalized Attention: Our car accident lawyers treat every client with the personalized attention and respect they deserve. We know that this is a distressing time for you and your family, and fight to secure maximum compensation for your damages.
• No Attorney Fees Unless We Win: We believe that everyone should have access to high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why our car accident lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case.

Do You Have a Car Accident Case?

After an auto accident, one of your first concerns may be whether you have a case. There’s no universal answer to that question, as every car accident is different, but there are some common criteria that insurers and personal injury attorneys examine. 

One of the most important is the extent to which your injuries have affected your life. Michigan law requires car accident victims to show a “serious impairment of body function” to recover compensation for pain and suffering from the at-fault driver. This means that you must demonstrate the following:

• An injury-induced impairment that can be observed or perceived through symptoms or your overall condition;
• The impairment affects an important body function;
• Due to this impairment, you either can’t live a normal life or your ability to do so is limited.

So what would this look like in reality? Let’s assume you were T-boned at an intersection and broke both your arms. Even after healing, you can’t use your arms without pain. The injury would clearly impact your ability to live a normal life, especially if you were employed in a job that required you to lift things, type, or use your hands. Therefore, you satisfy the three standards outlined above because:

• You have injuries observable through X-rays;
• The injuries to your arms affect an important body function (picking things up, feeding yourself, doing the work you are trained and qualified to do);
• The injuries prevent you from living a normal life.

A Michigan car accident lawyer can make an experience-based assessment of your injuries and determine whether you have a case against the driver who struck you.

Financial Compensation in a Michigan Car Accident Claim

Depending on the circumstances, a car accident victim may be able to claim some or all of the following damages from the at-fault driver and their insurance company:

• Pain and Suffering: This refers to the physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by your injuries. It can include chronic pain, limited mobility, headaches, and other ongoing symptoms. Pain and suffering damages also account for how your injury disrupts daily routines, interferes with sleep, or causes frustration over reduced independence.
• Mental Anguish: Emotional effects such as anxiety, depression, or trauma related to the crash can be part of your claim. These damages address the psychological toll the accident has taken, especially in cases involving disfigurement, extended recovery, or life-threatening events.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, such as hobbies, sports, or family routines, you may claim damages for loss of enjoyment. This form of compensation recognizes how the accident has limited your ability to live as you did before the crash.
• Medical Expenses: Depending on the circumstances and the type of auto insurance you had, you may be able to recover the full cost of medical care related to the accident, including hospital stays, ambulance fees, surgery, physical therapy, prescriptions, and follow-up visits. If your injuries require long-term treatment, such as rehabilitation or assistive devices, future medical costs may also be included. Alternatively, a car crash victim may recover medical expenses from their insurance depending on the type of no-fault coverage they had. 
• Loss of Income: Depending on the circumstances and the type of auto insurance you had, if you were unable to work due to your injuries, you may be able to seek compensation for the wages you lost during that time. In cases involving more serious injuries, you may be able to recover damages for loss of future earning capacity. Alternatively, a car crash victim may recover loss of income from their insurance depending on the type of no-fault coverage they had. 

A Michigan car accident lawyer can help you understand what types of compensation you may be eligible for and pursue a fair and just settlement for your injuries and damages. If the insurance adjuster pushes back, we won’t hesitate to go to trial.

Our Recent Car Accident Case Settlements

Who Pays My Bills After a Car Accident?

Michigan is a no-fault insurance state, meaning that, usually, each driver’s insurance company is responsible for covering their policyholder’s medical bills and lost wages (for the first three years) up to the policy limit. These PIP benefits will vary depending on your level of coverage, so they may or may not be sufficient.

If your insurance policy does not cover all the damages incurred in a car accident, you can file a claim against either the other driver involved or your insurance company, depending on the type of insurance you have and the nature of the crash. Below are some instances when an accident lawsuit may be appropriate:

• Serious Injury: You can sue for non-economic damages if the motor vehicle accident resulted in a serious injury or wrongful death. For instance, if the accident caused permanent disability, you can sue the other driver for pain and suffering. However, to sue for pain and suffering, you must meet the serious injury threshold.
• Vehicle Damage Under $3,000: Michigan law allows for mini-tort claims, which are small claims intended to cover your insurance deductible under limited property damage liability. However, under the mini-tort law, claims may only cover up to $3000.
• Insufficient Coverage: If you have limited coverage and incur expensive medical bills, you can file a third-party claim against the other driver to cover your medical care costs. However, you must be able to demonstrate that their negligence caused your injuries.

It is important to note that the Michigan no-fault insurance system can be challenging to navigate without the help of an auto accident lawyer. An experienced attorney will fight to ensure that you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Michigan

Auto accidents in Michigan happen for many reasons, but most can be traced to driver behavior, poor road conditions, or equipment failure. While each crash is different, certain patterns appear again and again in police reports and insurance claims. They include:

• Distracted Driving: Using a phone while driving remains one of the leading causes of crashes. This includes texting, making calls, using navigation apps, or browsing social media. Even a short glance away from the road can lead to rear-end collisions, lane departures, or missed traffic signals.
• Speeding: Driving faster than the posted limit or too fast for the conditions reduces reaction time and increases the force of impact in a crash. Speed-related accidents are common on Michigan highways, rural roads, and in areas with heavy traffic or poor weather.
• Drunk or Drugged Driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are more likely to cause accidents due to impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and poor coordination. Michigan law takes these violations seriously, but drunk drivers still cause many injuries and deaths each year.
• Reckless Driving: Aggressive behavior such as road rage, tailgating, weaving between lanes, running red lights, and ignoring traffic rules puts others at risk. These actions often result in high-speed collisions, sideswipes, or multi-car accidents at intersections.
• Failure to Yield: Some drivers ignore or misjudge the need to yield when merging, turning left, or entering intersections. This leads to T-bone crashes and other side-impact collisions, especially in busy urban areas like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing.
• Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, ice, and fog make Michigan roads hazardous for part of the year. Drivers who fail to adjust their speed or leave enough space in slippery conditions increase the risk of losing control or causing a chain reaction crash.
• Running Stop Signs and Red Lights: Disregarding traffic signals is another frequent cause of serious auto accidents. These crashes often involve high speeds and give little time for others to react. Injuries in these cases tend to be severe due to the angle of impact.
• Driver Fatigue: Tired drivers are less alert, react more slowly, and may fall asleep at the wheel. Long-haul drivers, shift workers, and people driving late at night are especially prone to fatigue-related accidents.
• Vehicle Defects or Maintenance Failures: Some crashes happen because of mechanical problems like brake failure, tire blowouts, or steering issues. While the driver may not be directly at fault, poor maintenance or manufacturing defects can still lead to dangerous situations.

Common Car Accident Injuries in Michigan

Car accidents in Michigan can cause a wide range of injuries. The type and severity of injury normally depend on how the crash happened, the speed involved, and where the person was seated. Even low-speed collisions can result in lasting pain, especially if certain parts of the body absorb the impact.

• Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash happens when your neck snaps forward and back quickly, stretching muscles and ligaments beyond their normal range. It’s common in rear-end collisions, and pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion are typical signs. Similar soft tissue injuries can also affect your back, shoulders, and arms.
• Broken Bones: The force of a crash can easily cause fractures. Wrists, arms, ribs, legs, and ankles are among the most commonly broken bones, especially in T-bone accidents. Some fractures heal with rest and casting, while others may require surgery and physical therapy.
• Head Injuries and Concussions: Head and brain trauma can occur if your head strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, or window. Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury caused by sudden impact or movement. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, memory issues, or difficulty concentrating. More serious brain injuries may cause long-term impairment.
• Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine can affect movement, sensation, or coordination. Herniated discs, nerve compression, and spinal fractures may occur in serious motor vehicle collisions. In some cases, people may experience pain that radiates through the legs or arms, or even partial paralysis.
• Internal Injuries: Seat belts and airbag deployment can cause internal trauma, especially in high-speed crashes and head-on collisions. Injuries to the lungs, kidneys, liver, or spleen may not be visible but can become life-threatening without immediate care. Internal bleeding often requires hospitalization and surgical intervention.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Broken glass, torn metal, or flying objects inside the car can lead to deep cuts. Some lacerations heal with stitches, while others may cause permanent scarring or nerve damage. Facial injuries are especially common when airbags deploy or glass shatters.
• Psychological Trauma: Many people experience mental and emotional effects after an automobile accident. Anxiety, flashbacks, or a fear of driving may interfere with your daily life. These responses are real and may require counseling or long-term support to manage.

What to Do After a Car Accident

If you have been involved in a car accident, the first thing you should do is check if anyone (yourself included) has been injured. Call 911 for medical help if necessary. Then take the following steps:

• Contact the local or Michigan State police to report the motor vehicle collision. They can provide assistance, document the scene, and file an accident report, which can be important evidence in a personal injury claim.
• Exchange contact and insurance provider information with the other driver involved in the accident. Limit the conversation to these details: do not assign or accept blame.
• Take pictures and video of the entire accident scene, including the vehicles involved, the damage sustained, and the surrounding area. If you see anything that may have contributed to the crash, like road debris or an inoperative traffic light, capture it.
• Get the contact information of any bystanders who saw the accident and can provide a witness statement. Your auto accident attorney will want to speak to these parties later.
• Seek medical treatment. Even if you think you weren’t hurt except for a few bruises, get a checkup to make sure, as not all injuries show symptoms right away. Should you turn out to have compensable injuries, your medical records will support your compensation claim.
• Contact your insurance company to report the accident and provide them with the information you have collected.
• If you have suffered injuries or damages, get legal advice from a Michigan car accident attorney about taking legal action. While no law says that you have to use an attorney, most accident victims who obtain legal assistance obtain better outcomes.

Remember to stay calm and avoid admitting fault or making any statements that could be used against you later. Instead, focus on your safety and well-being first and foremost, and then take the necessary steps to protect yourself legally and financially.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in Michigan?

After a motor vehicle accident, you have one year to submit an application for no-fault benefits to the correct no-fault insurance company. Identifying the correct no-fault insurance company can sometimes be difficult. Accordingly, it is wise to consult with a lawyer to ensure the correct no-fault insurance company is put on notice of the claim. 

Auto insurance companies may have different time limits for claims involving uninsured or underinsured motorists, so it’s important to review your policy after an accident to understand the deadlines that may apply to your claim.

Depending on the circumstances, other shorter notice periods may apply as well. For that reason, it is wise to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer right away after a crash. 

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is three years from the date the car accident occurred. If you fail to file a personal injury claim within this time frame, you will lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages. For this reason, it is wise to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after a car crash to ensure all of your rights are protected. 

Collisions Involving Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers

In Michigan, drivers are required to have no-fault auto insurance, which often provides coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from a car accident, regardless of who was at fault.

If you were injured in a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may be eligible for certain benefits from your insurance company. These are referred to as “uninsured” or “underinsured” benefits. 

If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, your own insurance policy’s uninsured motorist coverage may provide compensation for your damages, such as excess medical expenses, excess lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have underinsured motorist coverage, it may cover the gap between the other driver’s policy limit and the actual cost of the damages you suffered.

If you do not have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage and the other driver is unable to pay for your damages, you may need to file a lawsuit against them to recover your losses. However, if the driver is truly uninsured and has no assets to pay for your damages, it may be difficult to recover fair compensation.

Get a Free Consultation From a Michigan Car Accident Lawyer

The aftermath of a serious car accident can be difficult. Not only are you facing a long and painful recovery, but if you can’t work, the financial impact can be devastating. To make matters worse, insurance companies will not simply give you a check to cover everything. To receive fair compensation, you will likely need to negotiate and fight for it.

Don’t leave your well-being to chance:  let the Michigan car accident lawyers at Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers help. We have a proven track record of successful verdicts and settlements and will approach your claim with equal dedication and determination.

To schedule your free initial consultation, call our personal injury law firm at 269-769-BEAR or fill out this contact form. Remember: if it’s not fair, call the Bear!