Car Accident Lawyer in Holland, MI
If you were hurt in a car accident in Holland, Macatawa, Saugatuck, or another community in Michigan’s Lakeshore region, seek legal advice from an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Even a seemingly minor collision can leave you with mounting medical bills, lost income, and long-term pain.
You don’t have to navigate the legal and insurance challenges alone. Barrix Law Firm is here to help. Get in touch to schedule your free case review.
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With Legal Help, You’re Not Alone After a Crash
Every year, thousands of Michigan drivers are involved in car accidents. Across the state, over 288,800 traffic crashes are reported annually, resulting in over 50,000 injury accidents and 1,000 fatalities. In Holland and surrounding parts of Ottawa County, crashes range from minor fender‑benders to severe head-on collisions and angle accidents that cause debilitating injuries.
Local data shows that Holland has had multiple fatal crashes in recent years, with 17 fatal accidents reported in Ottawa County in 2024. If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, you need an experienced advocate like Jason Barrix who understands Michigan’s no‑fault insurance system and knows how to hold negligent drivers and their insurers accountable.
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How We Can Help After a Car Crash
A car accident is more than just stressful and inconvenient. It can lead to complex insurance and legal issues. This is especially true with Michigan’s no-fault claim system that requires you to go through your own insurance first if you’re injured.
Whether you were injured or suffered property damage, we can help you seek compensation for all your losses. We handle the legal burdens so that you can focus on your recovery. Our team can help you build a strong case by:
- Gathering evidence, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements
- Assessing your damages, including past and future medical care
- Negotiating with insurance companies that may try to minimize your injuries
- Filing a lawsuit if needed to pursue full compensation
- Protecting your rights at every stage of the process to help ensure you’re treated fairly
Insurance Claim vs. Lawsuit
In Michigan’s no‑fault system, your own auto insurance pays for your medical expenses up to the limits of your personal injury protection (PIP) policy. This is true regardless of who caused the crash.
If your injuries exceed these limits or you meet the severe injury threshold, you may be able to access residual liability coverage through the at-fault driver or file a lawsuit seeking non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Available options depend on the extent of your medical bills, the severity of your injuries, and whether the insurance company offers a fair settlement.
What Compensation Is Available?
After a Michigan auto accident, the following compensation may be available through various coverage sources:
- Past and future medical bills (PIP or residual liability)
- Lost income and diminished earning potential
- Property damage (via your policy, mini-tort, or liability claim)
- Pain and suffering and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
In Michigan, PIP is your first source of coverage for crash-related expenses. It typically pays for:
- Medical care up to policy limits
- Lost wages (up to 85% of income for up to 3 years)
- Household replacement services (up to $20 per day)
- Personal or attendant care
Residual Liability
If your losses exceed your PIP coverage or if you suffer a serious impairment of body function, you may file a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. This allows you to seek compensation for:
- Excess medical bills or wage loss
- Pain and suffering
- Other non-economic damages
Mini-Tort
You may also recover up to $3,000 under Michigan’s mini-tort law to cover out-of-pocket repair costs, including your collision deductible. This applies only if the other driver was more than 50% at fault.
At-Fault Claim
To pursue non-economic damages like pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life, your injury must meet the serious injury threshold defined under Michigan’s no-fault law.
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Most Common Types of Accidents in Holland
Car crashes vary widely depending on the position of the vehicles, the location of the crash, and the force of impact. No matter how your car, truck, or motorcycle accident occurred, we know how to investigate fault and pursue a full financial recovery. Here are some of the most common accident types we see in Holland and West Michigan.
- Rear‑end collisions
- Side impact (T‑bone) crashes
- Head‑on collisions
- Same-direction sideswipes
- Intersection accidents
- Distracted driving crashes
- Speed‑related and reckless driving accidents
- Impaired driving collisions
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
Top Causes of Michigan Car Accidents
Driver error is one of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents statewide. Michigan also has a high rate of deer-involved collisions and wintertime accidents caused by excessive speed combined with slick roads. Common accident causes include:
- Distracted driving and cellphone use
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Improper lane changes
- Tailgating and aggressive driving
- Adverse weather conditions like snow or rain
Knowing what caused your crash helps to determine liability. This information can make your case stronger and help to show who was at fault, which is especially important if the other side is trying to blame you for the accident.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Holland, MI
Car accidents can leave you shaken, confused, and unsure of what to do. Fortunately, you can take steps to protect your health and legal rights before you leave the scene. Having a solid game plan can reduce stress and preserve evidence that supports your claim. If you’re involved in a crash in Holland, take the following steps:
- Call 911 if anyone is injured or the damage is significant.
- Report the crash to the Holland Department of Public Safety or Ottawa County Sheriff.
- Exchange info with other driver(s), such as name, phone number, and insurance.
- Document injuries, property damage, and weather with photos and videos.
- Approach bystanders and witnesses to get their contact information.
- Seek medical attention right away to document your injuries, even if they’re minor.
- Contact Barrix Law Firm before making a recorded statement or accepting a settlement offer.
How Is Liability Determined After a Car Accident?
After a car accident, liability is established by reviewing the evidence to determine if one or more drivers caused the accident. Courts and insurers may use the following sources to decide who is responsible and assign their level of fault.
- Police accident reports
- Witness testimony
- Vehicle damage patterns
- Traffic laws and violations
- Photo/video evidence
- Accident reconstruction
- Electronic evidence
- Expert witnesses
What to Expect During the Claims Process
After a serious car or truck accident in Holland, MI, understanding the claims process can help reduce stress and uncertainty. At Barrix Law Firm, we’ll make sure you know what’s happening at every stage of your case. Here’s what you can expect.
1. Free Initial Consultation
If you aren’t sure where to start, the best thing you can do is schedule a free initial consultation with a Holland car accident lawyer. This helps you understand your rights and legal options, as well as what types of compensation you may be entitled to. When you choose Barrix Law Firm, there’s no upfront cost to get started.
2. Investigation and Evidence Collection
Once you sign our contingency fee agreement, we’ll get to work investigating the case and collecting evidence. We gather police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, accident reconstruction reports, and medical records. These items document the injuries and expenses you have faced.
3. Filing Insurance Claims
Once all parties and relevant insurance policies have been identified, we can help you initiate a claim, which triggers the insurer to investigate the accident. This process is similar whether you’re filing a no-fault claim through your own PIP insurance or seeking liability coverage from the at-fault driver or a commercial trucking company.
4. Demand Letter
Once your condition stabilizes and we understand the full extent of your damages, we’ll send a demand letter to the insurance company documenting your damages. This letter outlines your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and a specific dollar amount we’re seeking. Sending a demand letter jumpstarts the negotiation process.
5. Settlement Negotiations
Insurers often respond with a low initial settlement offer. They may pressure you to accept it quickly to resolve the case. Working with an attorney is critical at this stage to ensure that the settlement offer reimburses you in full. If the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, we’re prepared to escalate your case.
6. Filing a Lawsuit and Litigation (if necessary)
When settlement isn’t possible, we can help you file a personal injury lawsuit in Holland by filing a complaint with the appropriate court. This begins the litigation process, which includes discovery, depositions, and eventually a trial. The majority of cases settle before reaching court, but we’re always ready for litigation if needed.
Speak to a Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured, don’t wait to seek legal help. Time is one of your most valuable resources when it comes to building a strong personal injury case. Contact Barrix Law Firm today to schedule a free, no‑obligation case review with an experienced car accident lawyer. We’re ready to listen to your side of the story. Let us go to work for you.
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Holland Car Accident FAQs
Do I Have a Case if I Was Partially at Fault?
Yes, you can still recover compensation if you’re partially at fault. Michigan is a modified comparative fault state. This means that compensation for economic and non-economic damages can be reduced by your level of responsibility. If you are more than 50% at fault, you are not entitled to non-economic damages for pain and suffering. But you can still receive reduced compensation for economic damages like medical bills and lost wages.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire Barrix Law Firm?
Like most personal injury attorneys, we work on a contingency basis. This means that you don’t pay us anything unless we recover compensation for you. Any legal fees and case costs will be deducted from the settlement or jury award. We’ll explain our fees in detail during your free consultation.
How Long Will My Car Accident Case Take?
Timelines vary widely. It depends on the severity of your injuries, the length of your recovery, and whether there are any disputes about who caused the accident. Simple claims often resolve in several months through negotiation. Cases that proceed to court may take a year or more to resolve. We can provide a general estimate of what to expect during your free case review.
Should I Talk to the Insurance Company?
You do not have to give a recorded statement to the insurance company or sign any paperwork. If you’re being pressured, simply state that you wish to speak to your attorney first. A Holland car accident lawyer can provide legal guidance to help you avoid potential mistakes and misunderstandings that could affect your right to compensation.
What if the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
If you were injured in a hit-and-run or harmed by an uninsured driver, you can still access benefits through your PIP insurance. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may also apply if the driver did not have sufficient liability insurance. If there are no sources of coverage, you may be able to file a claim through the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan to cover your medical bills and lost wages.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Michigan?
In Michigan, you generally have 3 years from the date of your accident to file a civil lawsuit for injuries or property damage. However, if you need to apply for PIP benefits, you have just 1 year to file a claim. Additionally, you should let your insurance company know about the accident as soon as possible to avoid delays and denials.
