Your Car Accident Lawyer in Grand Rapids, MI
Car accidents can happen to anyone at any time. It doesn’t matter how old you are, what type of vehicle you drive, or whether you live in the city or the suburbs.
If you were injured or suffered property damage in an accident that wasn’t your fault, a car accident lawyer in Grand Rapids can help you recover compensation. Contact us today to discuss your case for free.
Table of Contents
- Top Causes of Car Accidents in West Michigan
- What Do I Need to Do After a Car Accident in Grand Rapids?
- Car Accident Laws & Insurance Coverage in Michigan
- Types of Compensation You Can Recover After a Car Accident
- Car Accident Claims & Michigan’s Comparative Negligence Rules
- Why Choose Barrix Law Firm for Your Car Accident Case?
- How a Grand Rapids Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
- Grand Rapids Car Accident FAQs
- Contact a Grand Rapids Auto Accident Attorney Today
- Related Articles & Info
Top Causes of Car Accidents in West Michigan
Michigan is a large state with over 10 million residents and a strong tourism industry, so it’s not surprising that the state averages nearly 300,000 traffic crashes annually. While many accidents are fender benders that result in minimal cosmetic damage, the outcome can be much more serious despite improved safety technology. The state typically reports about 70,000 injuries and 1,000 deaths related to traffic collisions each year.
These are the most common causes of Michigan car accidents:
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Grand Rapids
Taking the appropriate steps after a car accident (outlined below) can help protect your rights and strengthen your case. These steps will also help you avoid making any big mistakes, like leaving the scene of the accident or failing to report the accident to police, which can result in misdemeanor charges.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, follow these steps to protect your rights, strengthen your case, and improve your chances of securing full compensation.
- Check for injuries, and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Per MCL 257.622, you must notify police of any accident causing injuries or over $1,000 in property damage.
- If possible, move vehicles off the road or to a safe location away from traffic. Do not leave the scene.
- Exchange information with the other driver, including name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate, and insurance.
- Take photos to document the scene of the accident, your injuries, and road or weather conditions.
- Collect contact information from anyone who witnessed the accident, if applicable.
- Seek medical care as soon as possible, even if your injuries are minor. Attend all follow-up appointments and listen to the provider’s instructions.
- Notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. You have just 1 year from the accident to file an Application for Benefits or a claim for unpaid PIP coverage.
- Keep all accident-related documents, including insurance paperwork, police reports, and medical records, in case your attorney needs them to handle your case.
- Consult with an attorney to assist with the claims process and ensure that you’re receiving all benefits you’re entitled to, especially if your injuries are severe or liability is contested.
Car Accident Laws & Insurance Coverage in Michigan
Michigan uses a no-fault insurance system that requires each driver to make a claim through their own policy in case of an accident, regardless of who was at fault. This system is designed to streamline the claims process, but it can limit your right to sue.
Here’s what you should know about Michigan’s no-fault insurance system and how it can affect your right to compensation after a car accident.
No-Fault Insurance & Personal Injury Protection
Drivers in Michigan are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage and property protection insurance (PPI) in addition to standard liability insurance. Drivers typically select tiered coverage limits based on their budget and risk tolerance. Unfortunately, medical bills can add up quickly, which can max out your insurance benefits. While PIP reimburses you for up to 85% of your gross weekly wages if you’re unable to work, coverage is limited to 3 years, which may not be enough if you’re left with a permanent disability.
Filing an At-Fault Claim for Severe Injuries
While litigation is generally prohibited for car accident claims, Michigan has certain exemptions for severe injuries or property damage that’s not covered by other insurance policies. You may file a lawsuit against the other driver if the accident exhausts your PIP benefits or results in fatal injuries or a serious impairment. Filing an at-fault claim allows you to recover non-economic damages for pain and suffering. It can also cover medical bills or lost wages exceeding your PIP benefits. Additionally, Michigan has a mini-tort law that allows drivers to recover up to $3,000 for vehicle damage and repairs not covered by their insurance.
Types of Compensation You Can Recover After a Car Accident
Car accidents can result in wide-ranging consequences that affect your health, your ability to pay your bills, and your ability to live and enjoy life. Whether you go through the insurance system or file a personal injury claim, you have a right to be reimbursed for all the damages you have experienced. We have helped car crash victims recover compensation for the following losses.
Medical Expenses
You may be entitled to compensation for past and future medical expenses related to the accident. Ongoing treatment is especially important for injuries like whiplash and broken bones that can affect your mobility and range of motion if left untreated.
Lost Wages
Auto insurance pays for up to 3 years of partial lost wages if you’re unable to work. If your injuries are permanent, this may not be enough. Filing an at-fault claim allows you to recover additional compensation. However, certain time limits apply. The sooner you seek legal help, the better.
Pain and Suffering
If you’ve been affected by emotional distress or mental anguish, this can be included in a personal injury claim. The amount of compensation owed can vary greatly depending on the severity of the injury, the duration of your recovery, and the circumstances surrounding the car accident.
How Much Is Your Car Accident Case Worth?
There’s no fixed value for car accident cases. Each claim is different. The value of your settlement is typically based on the following factors.
- The severity of your injuries
- The total cost of medical care
- Your average weekly wages
- Long-term health effects
- Insurance coverage limits
An auto accident attorney in Grand Rapids can estimate the value of your claim by calculating the damages you’ve suffered. Speak to a member of our team for free to learn what your case could be worth.
Car Accident Claims & Michigan’s Modified Comparative Negligence Law
What Is Modified Comparative Negligence?
If you’re filing a third-party liability claim, you need to understand Michigan’s negligence laws and be able to prove that the other driver was at fault. Modified comparative negligence is a legal principle which reduces a plaintiff’s compensation based on their own contribution (or fault) in the accident.
If you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, the compensation you can receive for the damages you suffered will be reduced by the percentage of fault you are determined to have. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the crash, the compensation you receive will be 20% less than the total damages you suffered.
Michigan’s 50% Rule: In Michigan, if you are found to be more than 50% (51% or greater) at fault for the accident, you cannot recover any non-economic damages. You may still be able to recover partial compensation for economic losses like medical bills, property damage, etc.
The Importance of Evidence in Michigan’s Modified Comparative Negligence System
All fault must be determined through evidence. Pictures, videos, witness statements, police reports, medical records, etc. can all serve as evidence to establish liability and allocate compensation across involved parties.
An experienced Grand Rapids car accident lawyer will be well-equipped to investigate your accident, collect and organize evidence, and build you the strongest case possible in order to maximize your chances of full compensation. Contact us today for a free case review to get started–you don’t owe us anything until we secure compensation for you.
Why Choose Barrix Law Firm for Your Car Accident Case?
Barrix Law is a locally owned and operated personal injury law firm in Grand Rapids with decades of legal experience. We make it easy to get in touch with a Grand Rapids car accident lawyer who can provide personalized advice and help with your case. Our goal is to get maximum compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, wage loss, medical bills, and more. Here’s what sets us apart from other car accident attorneys:
- More than 30 years of legal experience
- Local offices and staff
- Clear communication
- Aggressive representation
- Strong negotiation strategies
- Trial and litigation experience
- Free in-depth consultations
- No upfront legal fees
- Over 100 5-star reviews
How a Grand Rapids Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you were hurt in a car or truck accident, an auto accident lawyer in Grand Rapids can protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Our team will handle communications with the insurance companies, so you don’t have to deal with them alone. Here’s how we can help:
- Navigating the state’s insurance system and comparative negligence laws
- Investigating the cause of the accident and gathering evidence
- Communicating with the insurance company and claims adjuster
- Negotiating with the insurance company to secure a favorable settlement
- Working with hospitals and medical providers to settle unpaid bills
- Explaining your rights and determining the best course of action
- Filing a third-party liability claim, if needed
Grand Rapids Car Accident FAQs
If you’re going through insurance, you have 1 year to file a claim for initial PIP coverage or unpaid PIP benefits. If you’re filing a third-party lawsuit for severe injuries, you have 3 years from the date of the accident or wrongful death.
No, you do not have to accept an insurance settlement for PIP benefits. Your attorney must advise you of all offers that you receive, but you don’t have to accept if the offer is unfair or if you aren’t fully recovered. Even if the insurer says the offer is “final,” you have a right to negotiate, appeal, or sue.
If you were injured while riding with another driver, you’ll still need to go through your own PIP insurance to claim benefits. You may also be able to access benefits through a spouse, resident relative, or the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan. It’s possible to file a third-party claim against the at-fault driver if your injuries were severe. Different coverage may be available if you were riding in an Uber or Lyft. Speak to a Grand Rapids car accident attorney to determine all available options in your case.
Governor Whitmer passed several auto insurance reforms in 2019. These laws went into effect in June 2020. Public Acts 21 and 22 of 2019 introduced new tiered coverage limits for PIP, rather than requiring all drivers to carry unlimited benefits. It also introduced higher residual bodily injury liability limits of $250,000 per person or $500,000 per accident in case you injure another driver.
Contact a Grand Rapids Auto Accident Attorney Today
If you were injured in a car accident, don’t wait to get the help you need. Time to file a no-fault insurance claim or an at-fault claim against the other driver is limited. Working with an experienced Grand Rapids car accident attorney is a smart way to protect your rights, maximize your compensation, and get the support you need to heal from your injuries. We’re ready to hear your story. Schedule your free consultation today to take the first step toward recovery.
