Suffering an injury from a car accident can be extremely painful and emotionally overwhelming. You may be wondering how to obtain financial compensation to cover medical expenses, lost income, and even pain and suffering from your injury. On the other hand, you may receive a settlement offer from your insurer or the at-fault party that does not fulfill your needs.
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle collision, let our Okemos car accident lawyer protect your rights and best interests through the legal process.
Your Okemos personal injury lawyer can investigate the accident, gather and assess evidence, negotiate with insurance adjusters, and help you maximize the award you deserve. Do not hesitate to let us help you make the best possible recovery from your injuries.
Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle in Okemos
Car accidents happen in many ways, and each type of crash presents different risks and legal challenges. Whether another driver rear-ended you at a stoplight or a reckless driver caused a multi-car pileup, the details of your accident can affect your claim.
Your Okemos car accident attorney handles the following types of car accident cases:
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Multi-vehicle accidents
- Single car accidents
- Vehicle rollovers
- Side-impact collisions
Every type of car accident comes with unique legal considerations, from proving liability to negotiating with insurance companies. If you were involved in a crash, documenting the scene and seeking medical attention right away can help strengthen your claim.
Your Okemos car accident attorney with White Law PLLC is here to help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Michigan Car Accident Laws
Michigan is considered a “no-fault” state for car insurance. This means your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays for your medical bills and other out-of-pocket losses (e.g. lost wages and property damage) as a result of a crash—up to the policy limits—no matter who is at fault.
The minimum amounts for car insurance coverage are $20,000 per individual, $40,000 per accident, and $10,000 for property damage per accident, according to the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services.
Michigan Comparative Fault Laws
Settling the claims associated with a car accident can be difficult when all case facts are considered. One of the main points of concern is whether you live in a no-fault or comparative-fault state.
The state of Michigan is a no-fault insurance state that requires drivers and other accident victims to file claims with their own insurance company first, regardless of who is at fault.
Yet, if multiple parties share fault for a crash, Michigan follows a “comparative fault” rule under MCL § 600.2959, meaning the amount you can recover from a car accident is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if your total damages are equal to $100,000 but you were found to be 15% responsible, your total award will be $85,000. If you end up being more than 50% to blame, you are prohibited from recovering non-economic damages.
The Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Michigan
If you were injured in a car accident, you have a limited time to file a claim. MCL § 600.5805 generally allows three years from the date of the accident to take legal action. However, exceptions may extend or shorten this deadline depending on the circumstances of your case, such as:
- Injuries involving minors – If you were under 18 at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations may be extended until your 19th birthday. This exception allows injured minors additional time to pursue compensation for their losses.
- Victims with mental or physical incapacity – If a car accident leaves you physically or mentally incapacitated, the statute of limitations may be paused. The deadline typically resumes once you regain the ability to pursue legal action.
- Claims against government entities – If a government vehicle was involved in your crash, you must act quickly. The state generally requires accident claims against public agencies to be filed within six months of the incident.
- Wrongful death cases – If you lost a loved one in a car accident, you have up to three years from the date of their passing to file a wrongful death claim. This timeline may differ if the death was not immediate or if other legal factors apply.
- Fraud or delayed discovery of injuries – Some accident-related injuries may not be immediately apparent. If new medical evidence emerges or fraud is discovered, the statute of limitations may be extended.
We’re not just lawyers. We’re passionate advocates who will ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
How No-Fault Insurance Works
No-fault insurance is required for every car owner before you can even get license plates in the state of Michigan. No-fault insurance is made up of three parts.
Personal Injury Protection
This part of your insurance will cover all “reasonably necessary” medical expenses with no maximum limit. In addition, it will also cover up to 85% of the income you would have earned if you had not been injured for up to three years. If you are killed in an accident, then this income will go to your family.
Property Protection
Under no-fault insurance, your insurance company will pay up to $1 million for any damage your car does to other people’s property, such as buildings.
Residual Liability Insurance: Bodily Injury and Property Damage
This part of your insurance will protect you from being sued unless your accident fits under one of these exceptions:
- If you cause an accident in which someone dies, is seriously injured, or is permanently disfigured
- If you are involved in an accident in Michigan with someone who is not a resident and who is an occupant of a vehicle not registered in Michigan
- If you are involved in an accident in another state
If you cause damages to another person’s car that is not covered by insurance, no-fault insurance will cover all of these damages, up until the specified limits, regardless of fault in the car accident
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer in Okemos Today
Although you may file your claim with your own insurance company, remember that they are only looking out for their own best interests, not yours. Insurance adjusters will try their best to offer a low-ball settlement or deny your claim entirely.
That is why having your car accident attorney in Okemos from White Law PLLC on your side can ensure you get the most favorable settlement possible, so contact us today to meet our team and request your free, no-obligation consultation.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
