An accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. You may suddenly find yourself with severe injuries. As you struggle with a difficult physical and emotional recovery, you may be out of work and unable to earn a living. As a result, you may be facing a mountain of medical bills and other living expenses.
Were your accidents and injuries caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness? If so, you can hold those at-fault parties accountable for your damages. The financial compensation you receive could cover your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
However, pursuing financial justice is often a difficult task for injured people. Fortunately, our compassionate and experienced Detroit personal injury lawyers can stand by your side. Contact Christensen Law today and schedule a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options and how our firm can fight for you and your family. There is no fee unless we win your case.
How Can Our Personal Injury Attorneys in Detroit Help You?
The Christensen Law team protects your rights and safeguards your financial future. We have served injury victims across Michigan since 1991, so we understand the fears, worries, and anxieties that come with pursuing financial compensation. That is why we strive to be a listening ear and a powerful advocate and legal ally.
Our lawyers and staff truly care about securing the resources you need to get back on your feet, and we will do what it takes to represent you in your time of need. That means we prepare every case as though we’re headed to trial and will tirelessly seek the maximum possible recovery.
If you believe you have a personal injury claim, a Detroit personal injury attorney from Christensen Law can help you by:
- Thoroughly investigating the facts and circumstances of your accident to secure evidence, including witness statements, photographs, available video or surveillance footage, and more
- Identifying at-fault parties and sources of compensation (such as insurance coverage)
- Working with engineering, medical, and financial experts to build your case
- Keeping you informed of developments at every stage of your claim and advising you on the best paths forward
- Negotiating with insurers and at-fault parties to try to arrive at a settlement that provides you with full and fair compensation
- Preparing to take your claim to court and representing you at trial if necessary
Every personal injury case is different, but one thing is always the same: Christensen Law will fight for the best possible outcome. We have obtained millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our injured clients, and we are ready to put our skills and experience to work for you.
Do Your Injuries Warrant a Michigan Personal Injury Case?
You may have a viable personal injury claim if you suffered injuries in an accident caused by the recklessness, negligence, or wrongful behavior of another party. Our firm has handled thousands of claims, hundreds of trials, and secured innumerable victories for those harmed by others’ mistakes. We can do the same for you or your hurt loved one. Types of personal injury cases our team has handled include:
- Car accidents – Car accidents are an all-too-common occurrence on Detroit’s roads. In fact, the Michigan State Police report that more than 16,600 injuries and 219 fatalities resulted from traffic accidents in Wayne County in 2021. Unfortunately, Michigan’s no-fault insurance system can make it difficult to obtain compensation for your injuries. Luckily, we are well-versed in the complexities and changes under the state’s new auto insurance law. We can assist with collisions occurring on Ford Road, Southfield Freeway, or anywhere else in Detroit.
- Truck accidents – Truck accidents leave victims with serious, life-altering injuries. You deserve to hold negligent truck drivers and trucking companies accountable for your injuries and damages. Christensen Law has a proven track record of success in helping clients recover after commercial vehicle accidents. In fact, we have secured the largest jury verdict in history for a trucking accident on a Michigan road.
- Motorcycle accidents – Motorcycle accidents pose a serious risk of catastrophic injuries for motorcycle riders. Our attorneys are experienced riders themselves and will fight back against efforts to shift blame for a motorcycle accident onto you or your loved one. We will help you obtain the financial recovery you need and deserve.
- Pedestrian accidents – Unfortunately, some drivers fail to operate their vehicles with extra care in areas that pedestrians use. If you have sustained injuries in a pedestrian accident, our Detroit lawyers will make sure that you obtain the financial resources you need for your recovery.
- Bicycle accidents – Bicyclists know all too well that many drivers fail to share the roads with them. Christensen Law can help you hold negligent drivers accountable when they strike you and cause severe injuries.
- Wrongful death – If you and your family have lost a loved one due to the acts or omissions of another party, we stand ready to help. We will fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves.
- Slip and fall – Property and business owners owe a duty to ensure their premises are free of dangerous hazards. Christensen Law can help you recover compensation if a property owner’s negligence led to your serious slip and fall injuries.
- Construction accidents – Construction sites are among the most dangerous workplaces. Whether you are a construction worker injured on the job or a passerby injured at a construction site, Christensen Law can help you secure financial compensation.
- Premises liability – Property owners have a legal obligation to take care of hazards that could harm visitors. We can hold owners liable if you or your loved one sustained injuries because of a broken stair, a slick surface, or any number of other negligent property conditions.
How Is a Wrongful Death Case Paid Out in Ann Arbor, MI?
We want all those who contributed to your accident to pay their fair share of the damages. Our lawyers will investigate and determine all those who may be at fault for your personal injury and can seek compensation from multiple parties if warranted. Depending on the type of incident that caused your injury, liable parties may include:
- A motor vehicle driver
- A commercial driver or their employer (i.e., a trucking company, restaurant, or delivery service)
- A government or private property owner
- A landlord or property manager
- A product manufacturer
- A nonsubscriber employer
Damages Your Detroit Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You Recover
If you suffered an injury during an accident that was not your fault, you should not have to pay for the resulting financial damages. Our attorneys will fight to ensure you and your loved ones are not left struggling to shoulder expensive medical costs and other losses. We will spare no resources or effort when it comes to securing awards, including taking legal action when necessary.
In general, personal injury compensation for an accident in Michigan may include:
- Past and future medical costs, including hospital stays, doctor’s office visits, surgeries, physical or occupational therapy, prescription medications, and mobility and medical equipment
- Long-term care expenses, if your injuries make you partially or fully disabled, including long-term nursing services and life care costs
- Lost wages for the time you missed from work, including benefits, bonuses, tips, and other earnings
- Lost earning potential if your injuries prevent you from earning the same level of income you earned before your injury
- Lost enjoyment or diminished quality of life
- Pain and suffering including physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress
- Wrongful death losses, including medical bills, funeral and burial expenses, the deceased’s conscious pain and suffering, and loss of the deceased’s support, services, companionship, care, and consortium
Our Detroit Personal Injury Lawyers Make Our Services Affordable and Accessible
We know your accident has already turned your life upside down. The last thing we want is for the cost of representation to add to your stress or stand in the way of justice. Therefore, our legal team handles all personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront fees. Instead, we take a percentage from your case winnings. You owe us nothing unless and until we obtain compensation for you.
When you schedule a free consultation with one of our Detroit personal injury attorneys, you can rest assured that we’re listening to your concerns and figuring out the best way we can help you. We know that this is a challenging time, but know that we’re ready to tell your story and get you the compensation you need. There is no risk or obligation, so reach out to us as soon as possible.
We Have Achieved Multi-Million Dollar Case Results for Detroit Residents
Every injury case is different, and the value of your settlement or verdict will depend on factors unique to you, your accident, and your injuries. Our goal is to identify and secure every cent owed to you for your injuries and losses. We have achieved significant results for injured parties just like you, including the following:
- $9.5 million for a motorcycle crash
- $3.2 million for a head-on collision
- $3.2 million for a motorcycle crash
- $2 million for a bicycle accident
- $1.25 million for a motorcycle wreck
- $1.2 million for a pedestrian accident
- $4.6 million for a car accident
Our team is proud of the work we’ve done to help families fight for the compensation they need. We believe that when we listen to our clients and work to protect their future, we’re able to help them win and get back to their lives.
Time Limit for Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Michigan
If you have a personal injury claim in Detroit, you have limited time to file a lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. Under Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.5805, you must file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit within three years from your injury or your loved one’s death.
However, certain circumstances may extend, or toll, the deadline. For instance, the time limit can be extended if the injured party is a minor. You may have less time if your claim is against a government entity. In general, if you don’t file your lawsuit before time expires, the court can permanently dismiss your lawsuit.
An expired statute can also reduce your insurance bargaining power and hurt your chances of a successful settlement. To protect the value of your personal injury claim, it’s best to reach out to our team as soon as possible to learn more about your rights.
Additional Deadlines
In addition to the statute of limitations, if you have a personal injury claim against the government you must provide the government with notice of your claim before you can even file a lawsuit. This notice period is typically much shorter than the statute of limitations. The notice period may be as short as several weeks to several months, depending on the government department that harmed you. A personal injury lawyer in Detroit can help you determine if the government was at fault for your injuries and, if so, what the appropriate notice period is.
If your personal injury claim is against a private party, you are not required to give the party notice of your claim before filing a lawsuit. However, it is always best to consult with an attorney before taking any legal action. A personal injury lawyer can evaluate your claim and help you understand the best way to proceed. The insurance company will likely have their own lawyers working on the case and it is important that you level the playing field by having an experienced attorney of your own. If you wait too long to hire a personal injury attorney, you may waive your right to recovery altogether.
If you have suffered injuries in an accident, it is important to speak to our personal injury lawyers as soon as possible to ensure your claim gets filed within the applicable time limits. Christensen Law has experience handling all types of personal injury claims, including car accidents, and slip and fall accidents. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
What to Do After an Accident to Protect the Value of Your Michigan Personal Injury Claim
If you have been the victim of an accident in Detroit, be sure to take these steps after your accident. Doing so can help us protect your rights when seeking compensation for your injuries and damages:
- Report your accident and injuries. Report your accident to the police if you’ve suffered a motor vehicle accident. Notify a property or store owner if your injuries occurred on their property.
- Get contact and insurance information. With that information, you and our injury attorneys will know who to contact when we seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
- Document the accident scene and your visible injuries. If possible, take photographs or videos of the accident scene and any visible injuries you suffered. If you could not do this at the time of your accident, our team can take care of it for you.
- Follow up with your doctor or another medical provider. The shock of an accident may prevent you from realizing the extent of your injuries. A doctor or other health care provider can identify those injuries during an examination. Promptly identifying all of your injuries will allow you to build a stronger claim for compensation and create a medical record.
- Speak to a knowledgeable personal injury attorney. A Detroit personal injury lawyer at Christensen Law can advise you of your legal rights and options. We can begin the process of pursuing a claim for compensation. Do not delay! If you do, you may end up losing out on important rights or full compensation.
Our personal injury lawyers will protect your rights after an accident. We will guide you through the process and be by your side every step of the way.
Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries in a Personal Injury Claim
Common kinds of catastrophic injuries that our Detroit personal injury lawyers seek compensation for include:
- Loss of hearing or vision
- Facial injuries
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
- Severe lacerations
- Fractures
- Amputations
- Burns
- Electrocution injuries
- Internal organ injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Head trauma
Personal injury cases involving catastrophic injuries require experienced and knowledgeable legal representation. We understand the challenges you and your family face, and we will fight for the full and fair recovery you deserve.
Detroit Personal Injury FAQs
If you have a personal injury case in Detroit, you may have questions. Our team can help and address your concerns. Following are answers to common questions that our personal injury lawyers often hear.
Personal Injury
Can I still get compensation if I was partially at fault for my accident and injuries?
Yes. Michigan law follows a modified comparative negligence rule. That rule allows an injury victim to recover compensation for pain and suffering damages as long as his or her share of the fault does not exceed 50 percent. If the victim shares in the fault for the accident, the compensation will be reduced by the percentage of his or her fault. If the victim was 20 percent at fault for the accident and was awarded $100,000 at trial, the total the victim will receive is $80,000.
How long does it take to get compensation in a personal injury case?
The length of any personal injury case depends on multiple factors, including the severity of your injuries, the amount of your damages, and whether fault can be clearly established for your accident and injuries. If liability isn’t at issue and damages can be easily established, it may be possible to negotiate a settlement in as little as a few months. However, if the other party contests liability or damages or if you have ongoing treatment, it can take longer to reach a settlement. If it becomes necessary to take your case to court, it can take up to two years to reach a verdict at trial.
Will I need to go to court?
Having to go to court can seem daunting to people who don’t have experiences with the justice system. The reality is that most personal injury cases settle long before the case goes to trial. Most personal injury claims are resolved through a negotiated settlement. In a settlement, the injured party accepts a sum of money as compensation for his or her injuries and damage. The other party is released from any legal claim arising from those injuries and damages. A settlement allows both parties to avoid the expense, time and uncertainty of a trial.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Michigan?
Michigan has a three-year statute of limitations on most personal injury claims. This time limit begins on the date you were injured. If you file your claim after the time limit has passed, your case will be dismissed.
Can I sue the state government for causing my personal injury?
Yes. You can seek compensation from the government for causing an accident. Michigan has special procedures and reduced time limits that must be observed. You must file notice of your injury claim against a state agency within 120 days after the accident if the accident involved bad highway upkeep or a public building.
Can I seek compensation if my family member died due to a personal injury?
Michigan allows certain relatives of a deceased victim to file what is called a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim is much like a personal injury one. It allows you to seek damages on behalf of your deceased loved one, as well as for the loss your family has suffered.
When it Might Be a Good Idea to Get a Consultation With a Detroit Personal Injury Lawyer
You may be wondering if you need a lawyer or if you’re required to hire one. In Michigan, you have the legal right to represent yourself in a claim. However, there are some situations that can make claims complex. In these cases, you may want to get a consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Detroit to get advice about your case:
- Disputed liability: When there is disagreement over who is at fault for the accident or incident that led to the injuries, the case can become more complex. This can involve conflicting witness statements, unclear evidence, or multiple parties who may share responsibility for the damages.
- Severity of injuries: Cases involving severe or catastrophic injuries, such as brain trauma, spinal cord damage, or permanent disability, can be more complex due to the extensive medical treatment required and the long-term impact on the victim’s life. These cases often involve higher damages and require more detailed evidence and expert testimony to prove the extent of the injuries and their consequences.
- Pre-existing conditions: If the victim had pre-existing medical conditions or injuries prior to the accident, it can be challenging to determine the extent to which the accident exacerbated or caused new injuries. The insurance company may argue that the pre-existing conditions are responsible for the victim’s current state, making it more difficult to secure fair compensation.
- Multiple parties involved: When there are multiple parties involved in the accident or incident, such as in a multi-vehicle car crash or a construction site accident, determining liability and apportioning fault can become more complex. Each party may have their own insurance company and legal representation, leading to a more complicated negotiation and settlement process.
- Insurance company tactics: Insurance companies often employ various tactics to minimize the amount they have to pay out on personal injury claims. They may dispute the severity of the injuries, argue that the victim was partially at fault, or offer low initial settlement amounts. Dealing with these tactics can make the claims process more complex and time-consuming.
- Lack of evidence: If there is insufficient evidence to support the victim’s claim, such as a lack of witnesses or unclear medical documentation, it can be more challenging to prove liability and damages. This can make the case more complex and may require additional investigation and expert analysis.
- Legal issues: Complex legal issues, such as questions of jurisdiction, statutes of limitations, or the applicability of certain laws or regulations, can add layers of complexity to a personal injury claim. Navigating these legal issues may require specialized knowledge and experience.
To effectively handle complex personal injury claims in Detroit, it’s essential to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who has the knowledge, resources, and skills to navigate these challenges.
Get Help from a Detroit Personal Injury Lawyer Now!
No one should have to suffer the financial burden of an accident caused by someone else’s negligence. If you or a loved one were hurt through no fault of your own, you deserve compensation from those who caused your accident and injuries. Our personal injury lawyers in Detroit can help you pursue maximum compensation for your damages.
Our experienced, knowledgeable, and compassionate lawyers will navigate the insurance or legal process and protect your rights. We will hold wrongful parties accountable and not rest until we ensure your financial stability.
Contact us or call us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. You will learn more about your legal rights and your options for pursuing compensation for your injuries and damages. Connect with a lawyer near you.
