When To Hire An Injury Lawyer

What Is Auto Negligence Law?

Auto negligence law governs how liability and compensation are determined after a car crash. If another driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

These cases typically fall under personal injury law and involve negligence claims, which require proving:
✅ The other driver owed you a duty of care (e.g., following traffic laws).
✅ They breached that duty (e.g., reckless driving, DUI, texting while driving).
✅ Their negligence directly caused your injuries.
✅ You suffered damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering).

When to Hire an Auto Accident Lawyer?

You should consult a lawyer if:

✔ You suffered serious injuries (broken bones, head trauma, spinal injuries).
✔ The insurance company denies or undervalues your claim.
✔ The accident involved a hit-and-run, uninsured driver, or multiple parties.
✔ You face medical bills, lost wages, or long-term disability.

Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis (you don’t pay unless you win).

The amount you can recover depends on:

Medical expenses (hospital bills, physical therapy, medications).
Lost income (time off work or reduced earning capacity).
Pain and suffering (emotional distress, reduced quality of life).
Property damage (repair or replacement of your vehicle).

Contact us for a free consultation today.

Spring Driving in Michigan and Repairing Damage

Spring Driving in Michigan: Navigating the Roads Under No-Fault Insurance Law

As winter's grip loosens and Michigan transitions into spring, drivers face unique challenges on the roads. Melting snow can lead to wet, slippery conditions, and the emergence of potholes can make driving more hazardous. Understanding how Michigan's no-fault insurance law applies during this season is crucial for all motorists.

Understanding Michigan's No-Fault Insurance Law

Michigan operates under a no-fault auto insurance system. This means that after an accident, your own insurance policy covers your medical expenses and certain other losses, regardless of who was at fault.

Tips for Safe Spring Driving

• Stay Alert: Be vigilant for potholes and avoid swerving suddenly to miss them, which can cause accidents.

• Maintain Safe Speeds: Wet roads can reduce traction; adjust your speed accordingly.

• Watch for Animals: Especially during dawn and dusk, when wildlife is most active.

• Observe Construction Signs: Follow posted speed limits and be prepared for sudden stops in work zones.

Under Michigan's no-fault system:

• Vehicle Damage from Potholes: Repairs for damage caused by potholes are typically covered under collision coverage, which is optional. Without this coverage, you may be responsible for repair costs.

• Accidents Involving Wildlife: Collisions with animals are usually covered under comprehensive coverage, another optional policy component.

• Construction Zone Accidents: If you're involved in an accident in a construction zone, your PIP coverage will handle your medical expenses, but vehicle damages will depend on your policy's collision coverage..

By staying informed about Michigan's no-fault insurance laws and adjusting your driving habits for spring conditions, you can navigate the roads safely and ensure you're adequately protected.

What Will An Insurance Company Pay For A Totaled Car

In Michigan, a car is considered a total loss, or "totaled," when the cost of repairs plus the salvage value equals or exceeds a percentage of the vehicle's actual cash value (ACV). In Michigan, this threshold is typically set at 75% of the vehicle's ACV.

Whether you were hit by an uninsured driver or not, getting full value for your car from your insurance company is a challenge. Often insurance companies will ignore you or low-ball you and ask you to take a payoff that is too low. We regularly assist clients in getting maximum value for a totalled vehicle.

Additionally, an at-fault driver’s insurance company may also have to pay up to $3,000 under the mini-tort law to compensate you for the loss of your vehicle or property.

To discuss your specific situation, contact our attorneys at 231-486-6556 today.

Tips for Winter Driving

Winter in Michigan brings picturesque views and outdoor activities, but it also ushers in challenging driving conditions. With icy roads, snow-covered highways, and freezing temperatures, the risk of car accidents increases and everyone should be prepared as a driver.

Understanding Michigan Car Accident Laws in Winter:

a. No-Fault Insurance: Michigan operates on a no-fault insurance system, which means each driver's insurance covers their own medical expenses, regardless of fault.

b. Winter Road Conditions: Drivers are expected to adjust their driving to accommodate winter weather conditions, and negligence in doing so may result in liability.

Tips for Preventing Winter Car Accidents in Michigan:

a. Slow Down: Reduced speeds provide more time to react to unexpected hazards and improve traction on slippery roads.

b. Maintain Safe Following Distances: Increase the distance between your vehicle and the one in front to allow for additional braking time.

c. Winter Tires: Consider investing in winter tires designed for cold weather conditions, providing better traction on snow and ice.

d. Brake Carefully: Apply brakes gently to avoid skidding, especially when approaching intersections or making turns.

e. Clear Snow and Ice: Remove all snow and ice from your vehicle before driving to ensure visibility and prevent hazards for other drivers.

Michigan's Winter Driving Laws:

a. Headlights On: Michigan law requires drivers to turn on their headlights when visibility is reduced to 500 feet or less.

b. Snow Removal: Failing to clear accumulated snow and ice from your vehicle's roof, hood, and windows can result in fines.

What to Do in Case of an Accident:

a. Safety First: Ensure the safety of all involved parties. Move to a safe location and turn on hazard lights.

b. Contact Authorities: Report the accident to the police and seek medical attention for any injuries.

c. Document the Scene: Exchange insurance information with other drivers, take photos of the scene, and gather witness contact details.

d. Notify Your Insurance: Inform your insurance company about the accident promptly and provide accurate information.

By staying informed about Michigan's winter driving regulations, you can navigate the winter months with confidence and reduce the risk of accidents on the icy roads. Stay safe, stay cautious, and enjoy the beauty of Michigan's winter responsibly.

New Distracted Driving Law Begins June 30

Starting June 30, 2023, Michigan will no longer permit using cell phones while driving except in emergency situations. Drivers should expect aggressive enforcement once the law begins. Drivers will also be barred from taking photos or vidoes, using social media, or holding phones while making a phone call.

Thousands of deaths occur due to distracted driving each year and many more accidents most likely go unreported due to the difficulty in retrieving cellular phone use.

https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/hands-free-distracted-driving-law-takes-effect-june-30-michigan

What to do if hit by uninsured driver?

A recent study of Michigan driver’s found that 25.5% of Michigan drivers were uninsured, the second highest percentage in the country. So, how do you protect yourself when hit by an uninsured driver?

1. Call the police. Uninsured drivers have little incentive to stop or give correct information since it is against the law to driver without insurance.

2. Look for witnesses. Get the names and phone numbers of witnesses who may be able to assist you with identifying the driver.

3. Don’t accept money from the uninsured driver.

4. Report your accident to your insurance company. You can collect No-Fault benefits and often pain and suffering damages from your own insurance company even if the other driver is uninsured. Your policy should have limits of what you may collect in certain instances and we suggest you have at least $500,000 in uninsured/undersinured motorist benefits.

   For further information, please call our attorneys at 231-486-6556.

Court Rules No-Fault Benefits Time Extended

If your insurance company has failed to pay you No-Fault benefits as a result of a car or truck accident, you should be aware of the new law that may allow you additional time to file a lawsuit against the insurance company for wrongfully withheld medical and other benefits.

While you generally have one year to file a lawsuit to recover No-Fault first-party benefits, the Michigan Court of Appeals recently ruled that an insurance company must formally deny the request for benefits in order for the time to file a lawsuit continues to accrue.

If you have been injured in a car or truck accident, please contact our attorneys for a free consultation at 231-486-6556.

Supreme Court Rules to Help Those Injured

The Michigan Supreme Court issued a significant ruling to help those injured in an auto accident recently. The Court concluded that the No-Fault fee schedule and 56-hours-per week limitation on in-home, family provided attendant care did not apply retroactively.

The Court additionally ruled that the Legislature could not retroactively change the benefits to those injured before the new law's effective date.

This is the right decision to protect those who paid for and should receive No-Fault insurance benefits.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an auto accident and would like a free consultation, please call us at 231-486-6556.

Is Your Trustee Giving You Information You Deserve

What if I ask for information from a trustee and they don’t give it to me?

The Michigan Trust Code requires trustees to provide information regarding the trust early and as often as trust beneficiaries reasonably request it. Trustees must notify Michigan trust beneficiaries within 63 days of becoming trustee and when a trust becomes irrevocable. The beneficiaries also are entitled to make reasonable requests for information regarding the trust, the trustee’s actions, and the trust assets. If the trustee ignores you or only provides limited information, it may be best to contact an attorney to discuss why they may not be providing information and what you can do about it. Contact Matt Hanley at 231-486-6556 to discuss your trust case today.

Attendant Care After A Car Accident

If you’ve been injured in a car or motorcycle accident, you may need in-home care for your activities of daily living from a trusted friend or relative. Insurance companies don’t often tell you this benefit is available or provide you with directions on how to claim this benefit. We regularly sue insurance companies for failure to pay these and other No-Fault benefits. If you have been injured in a Michigan car accident, call our attorneys for a free consultation at 231-486-6556.