Car accidents happen every day. You just don’t expect them to happen to you until you’re in one. A wreck can leave you with devastating injuries and expenses too much to bear. However, with the help of our car accident lawyers in Haslett, you can get help to pay for your accident.
Michigan’s no-fault insurance system is a big boon to victims, but navigating the system to get the full value of your case is tough without a lawyer’s help. White Law PLLC can help you get the compensation you’re truly entitled to after your car accident.
Michigan’s No-Fault System
In a no-fault system, victims first approach their own insurance to pay for injuries and property damage. Most states, including Michigan, also allow a lawsuit against the other drivers if the injuries are catastrophic enough.
Michigan’s no-fault insurance system went through drastic changes in 2020. The state has been no-fault since 1973, but now, drivers have more choices for their insurance. However, many of these choices put accident victims at a disadvantage.
We encourage drivers to continue to use the “unlimited” option for PIP insurance because it gives them the most protection. There are no caps with this coverage, and you get additional benefits that may increase your compensation. It may be more expensive, but it’s worth every penny if you get into a serious car accident.
Haslett Car Accident Lawyer Near Me (517) 316-1195
When Will I Need a Car Wreck Lawyer?
If you have serious injuries, you can go beyond the no-fault system and sue the other driver to pay for the injuries you’ve sustained. Under Michigan law, you have to prove three things before you’re permitted to seek compensation beyond your PIP insurance.
First, you can’t be more than 50% responsible for your accident. If you share responsibility, your percentage of fault will reduce any compensation you get from the court. One job of your auto accident lawyer is disproving evidence from defendants who’ll try to pin the blame on you.
Second, you have an injury that shows up on a medical diagnostic test. This is called “objectively manifested” in legal speak. An examination and medical testing from your doctor are enough evidence to show that you’re injured.
Being injured alone isn’t enough, though. The injury must have caused a “serious impairment” in your life. It has to affect your lifestyle on an ongoing basis. A permanent injury or an injury that’s slow to heal is usually enough.
For a free legal consultation with a car accidents lawyer serving Haslett, call (517) 316-1195
Michigan’s Statute of Limitations
You must take legal action within three years of your accident. If you don’t, you will be barred from compensation in the courts. This is the limit under Michigan’s statute of limitations (Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5805) for personal injury claims.
You can prevent this from happening by working with a car accident attorney in Haslett, MI, as soon as you can after your accident. White Law PLLC will have more time to work on your case the sooner you contact us.
Also, by starting early, it’s easier to get evidence and have a clearer recollection of the events of the accident. These deadlines exist to keep the courts fair for everyone and preserve everyone’s right to a speedy trial.
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Non-Economic Damages in Michigan Car Accident Cases
Michigan’s insurance system only covers economic damages after your accident. These are damages that have a provable value, like a medical bill or a mechanic’s invoice for car repairs. They do not cover non-economic damages, but there is a way to get them.
Non-economic damages are things like pain and suffering, disability, diminished quality of life, loss of consortium, disfigurement, and similar things that arise because of your accident. To get these, your injuries must be severe enough to qualify for suing the other driver.
This is known as meeting the “threshold injury” requirement. If your car accident lawyer believes you could qualify, they may recommend suing the other driver if your own PIP insurance doesn’t offer enough compensation.
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Lost Wages in Michigan Car Accident Cases
Part of Michigan’s minimum insurance requirements is work loss benefits. For the first three years after your accident, you can get paid up to 85% of your lost income. This is capped at $6,615/month from October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023, and goes up each year by a small amount.
If you make more than this amount, you may sue the other driver for the excessive economic loss without needing to prove you have a serious injury. If you believe this applies to you, speak with a car accident lawyer in Haslett, MI, to see if it’s worthwhile to do so.
Car Accident Attorneys in Haslett, MI
At White Law PLLC, our attorneys can help you understand the full range of damages you’re facing and how much money you may leave behind by accepting a small settlement. Find out how much your case is really worth by calling our offices for a free consultation.
We’ve helped tens of thousands of clients get compensation for their accidents and legal situations, and we can do the same for you. Contact us to speak with a Haslett car accident lawyer before you accept any sort of settlement.
Call or text (517) 316-1195 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form