The injuries and losses caused by an auto accident can threaten your finances and future well-being. Get the compensation you deserve by working with a top-rated Detroit car accident trial attorney.
The losses, damages, and injuries that follow a serious car accident can create endless problems for your life. And Michigan’s no-fault insurance laws don’t always help matters. It’s not easy to know what to do after an accident in Detroit, but pursuing full compensation for what you’ve been through is important. Recovery requires money, but seeking compensation presents its own set of challenges.
Getting compensated will likely mean dealing with an insurance company or an opposing attorney. And neither of these parties will have your best interests in mind or listen to what you have to say. Even your own no-fault insurer will prioritize your well-being after their profit margins. However, you can take these challenges on and come out on top by working with a Detroit car accident lawyer from Christensen Law.
Our personal injury attorneys are here to empower you with the sound legal advice you need to make informed choices and recover the full cost of your damages and losses. When you call us at 248-900-9000, our team will listen to your story and help you explore your options.
We Will Identify All of Your Car Accident Damages and Fight for Fair Recovery
Insurers have a habit of “overlooking” certain damages when making settlement offers for car accidents. You can count on the first offer to only cover your most glaring and current losses. Future needs and lost quality of life are often not accounted for.
By working with an auto accident lawyer from our firm, you can ensure that all of your expenses and non-economic damages are assessed and included in your final offer. We’ll also make certain that you receive funds to cover any future needs, as well.
These are just a few examples of damages that might apply to your case:
- Current and future health expenses, including emergency transportation and treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care services
- Lost wages, income, and earning potential
- Travel costs and caretaker wages
- Pain and suffering
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and emotional distress
- Wrongful death compensation
We don’t believe in settling for the bare minimum. We prepare for every case as though it will see the inside of a courtroom, which means we come prepared to win. Your expenses, losses, and emotional and physical injuries can affect you for years, so it’s crucial that we secure fair compensation for you and your family.
Assessing Your Injuries and Losses After a Detroit Car Accident
One of our most important jobs is assessing the value of your car wreck claim. We will give you our full attention and focus as we listen to your account of your crash and how it has affected your finances, ability to work, and day-to-day life. We will use this information to understand how much compensation will cover your losses before ever accepting a settlement offer.
The type and extent of your car accident injuries will be key factors in this process. Your doctor’s input will help determine what medical care your recovery will require and how long it will take. We can work with healthcare providers, economists, vocational specialists, and life care planners to understand the current and future economic impact of your collision so we can seek the resources you need now and down the line.
We Have Secured Millions for Car Accident Victims Across Michigan
We want to ensure you and your family do not pay out-of-pocket for your Detroit car accident damages, especially if your collision was the fault of a negligent driver or another at-fault party. Our team works tirelessly to protect clients’ financial stability, and we have a proven track record of success.
Our recent motor vehicle accident case results include:
- $4.6 million for an automobile collision
- $9.5 million and $3.2 million for two separate motorcycle accidents
- $17.8 million for a large truck accident
- $3.2 million for the victim of a head-on collision
- $2 million for a car wreck
- $2 million for a collision involving a car and a bicycle
Our lawyers and staff will do whatever it takes to get the awards you deserve, so we prepare each case as though it will go to trial. We will not accept a settlement that is less than you need to reach a quick resolution or avoid legal action. Instead, our goal is to minimize the financial impact of your car accident and secure your financial future.
We Are Compassionate Seekers of Justice
Our founding partner, Trial Attorney David E. Christensen, intimately understands the challenges, anxiety, and turmoil accident victims face. Since losing his father to an auto accident injury shortly after completing law school, he has made it his mission to help those who have had their world turned upside down by injuries and loss.
Our firm strives to make everyone who comes to us for help comfortable from day one. We aim to be a listening ear as we stand up for you, championing your rights and relentlessly seeking the compensation owed. Just read what those who have worked with our firm have to say:
“Thank you so much for all of your hard work. We appreciate the kindness that we were shown by everyone at the law firm and everything our attorneys did to help us after our car accident to get our case resolved.” -Teresa B.
To further assist our clients during an already difficult time, we take cases on contingency. We charge nothing upfront or out of pocket and only collect a fee if and when we obtain compensation for you. You may have everything to gain and nothing to lose by letting our Detroit car accident attorneys put their case experience and knowledge to work for you.
Dealing With No-Fault Car Accident Insurance
Because Michigan is a no-fault state for auto insurance, you must file a claim against your own insurance policy before seeking compensation from an at-fault party. Even then, your injuries have to meet certain thresholds before you can file a personal injury claim.
The good thing about no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) plans is that they allow you to start collecting without worrying about who was at fault for the crash. But this doesn’t mean you’ll receive the full car accident compensation you’re entitled to.
Whether you have a fairly comprehensive PIP plan or only have the minimum personal liability/personal damages (PLPD) plan, the insurer will likely pay you the bare minimum they believe they can get away with. Your Detroit auto accident attorney will handle these negotiations so you aren’t treated this way.
When Can You Pursue an Auto Accident Lawsuit in Michigan?
In other car crash cases, you can seek compensation beyond what your PIP offers. For example, you can seek compensation from the at-fault party in these scenarios in Detroit:
- You’re seeking damages on behalf of a family member who died in the crash.
- Your injuries have impaired bodily function.
- Your injuries have resulted in permanent disfigurement.
- The other driver is from out of state and not insured in Michigan.
Changes To The No-Fault Law
On July 2, 2020 there were some major changes to the no-fault law that may impact your case. Read more here 2020 No-Fault Law Changes.
How Long Do You Have to Pursue a Claim?
You should file claims with your insurer or against an at-fault party as soon as possible. However, we know that acting quickly may seem daunting while recovering from an injury. Let our attorneys take the pressure off your shoulders. We can investigate your accident, build your claim, and prepare and file the needed paperwork in a timely fashion, freeing you to focus on your health or injured loved one.
In addition, our attorneys will work through your claim and attempt to secure a fair settlement before the statute of limitations expires and you can no longer take legal action. According to Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.5805, you have three years from your accident or your loved one’s passing to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
With representation from our lawyers, you do not have to deal with managing your case alone. We will handle the details and make sure your side of the story is heard. We know how challenging it can be to deal with insurers while recovering, so let us protect your right to compensation.
Determining Who Caused Your Detroit Car Accident
If you qualify to file a wrongful death or personal injury claim, our Detroit accident lawyers will identify everyone at fault. We will also identify the cause of the crash and collect evidence to support your claim, including eyewitness accounts, available surveillance or dashcam video, and police reports. Following are examples of negligence that may warrant a claim:
Your car accident attorney in Detroit will identify the cause of the crash, who was responsible, and what evidence will support your claim. Listed below are some of the factors that will require attention:
- Distracted driving, such as cell phone use and eating while behind the wheel
- Intoxication, whether from drinking alcohol or using drugs
- Reckless driving, such as speeding and not staying in the lane
- Road defects, such as potholes and steep shoulder drop-offs
Trying to get proof and argue about liability alone can be difficult. Many car accident victims are exhausted and overwhelmed and don’t have the resources to fight for what they are owed. If you have Christensen Law on your side, you don’t have to worry about missing valuable compensation. Our lawyers know what it takes to succeed, and we won’t stop until you get what you need.
Car Accident FAQ
At Christensen Law, we ensure that every victim we work with knows their legal rights and options for pursuing justice. We want to make certain that you get answers to all of your questions. That’s why we’ve addressed a few common concerns below. If you don’t see your question, please contact us to speak with a Detroit car accident lawyer.
Car Accidents
Can my PIP policy cover anyone else involved in the car accident?
Yes. While most people think of their PIP policy in terms of how it applies to them, it can compensate others, as well. Your PIP benefits will also extend to your family members, pedestrians, passengers, and motorcycle riders.
Will I have to go to court for a car accident in Detroit?
Maybe not. The insurer or at-fault party may make a settlement offer that accounts for all of your losses and injuries. Court is only necessary when the other side will not make a fair offer.
Am I automatically at fault if my car was the only one involved in the accident?
No. External parties can easily be negligent and cause a wreck. For instance, a pedestrian could be at fault for walking in front of you outside of a crosswalk. Also, a government agency can be responsible when a lack of proper upkeep caused poor road conditions.
Contact a Detroit Auto Accident Attorney
You don’t have to deal with a car crash alone. Christensen Law is here to make certain that you don’t become an insurer’s next victim. We can help you determine who was at fault, prove your claim, and obtain the full compensation you deserve.
To meet with our experienced car accident lawyers, just call (313) 217-3000 or complete the contact form to schedule a free consultation.
