Detroit Car Accident Lawyer

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.

A serious car accident can create endless problems in your life. And Michigan’s no-fault insurance laws don’t always help. Recovery takes money, but seeking compensation presents its own set of challenges. You will have to deal with an insurance company or an opposing attorney, and neither of these parties will have your best interests at heart or listen to you. 

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 Detroit 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 (313) 217-3000  or fill out our online contact form, our Michigan car accident team will listen to your story and help you explore your options.

Our Detroit Car Accident Lawyers Will Fight for Your 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.

Our Car Accident Lawyers Have Secured Millions for Injury 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.

Our Car Accident Lawyers in Detroit 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 in a Detroit Car Accident Claim

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 a Car 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 Michigan’s No-Fault Law That Can Affect Your Detroit Car Accident Claim

On July 2, 2020, Michigan implemented significant changes to its no-fault auto insurance law, which can have a substantial impact on Detroit car accident claims. These changes affect various aspects of the claims process, including personal injury protection (PIP) benefits, tort liability, and medical coverage. It’s essential for Detroit residents to understand these changes and how they may influence their ability to seek compensation after a car accident.

Levels of PIP Coverage

One of the most notable changes is the introduction of different levels of PIP coverage. Before the reform, all Michigan drivers were required to carry unlimited lifetime PIP benefits. Now, drivers can choose from six levels of PIP coverage, ranging from unlimited to opting out entirely if they have qualifying health insurance. This change allows drivers to potentially lower their insurance premiums but may also limit the benefits available to them if they are injured in an accident.

Fee Schedule for Medical Services

The new law also introduces a fee schedule for medical services related to auto accident injuries. This means that medical providers will be limited in the amount they can charge for certain services, which could potentially impact the quality or availability of care for injured victims. Additionally, family-provided attendant care is now limited to 56 hours per week, which may create hardships for families caring for severely injured loved ones.

Note: These changes only apply to accidents that occurred on or after July 2, 2020. Claims for accidents that happened before this date will still be subject to the previous no-fault rules.

Given the complexity of these changes and their potential impact on Detroit car accident claims, you may want to consult with a Detroit auto accident attorney. We can help victims understand their rights under the new law, navigate the claims process, and fight for compensation.

How Long Do You Have to Pursue a Detroit Car Accident 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.

Getting Compensation in a Detroit Car Accident Claim When Shared Fault Is Involved

Throughout Michigan, you may still be able to obtain compensation for your injuries and damages, even if you are partly at fault for the car accident. This is because Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence rule when determining liability and awarding damages in car accident cases.

Under Michigan’s modified comparative negligence system, fault is apportioned among the parties involved in the accident based on their respective degrees of negligence. If you are found to be partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. However, if you are determined to be more than 50% at fault for the accident, you will be barred from recovering certain kinds of compensation from the other party.

To determine your eligibility for compensation and navigate the complex legal system, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Detroit car accident attorney. They can help you gather evidence, build a strong case, and negotiate with insurance companies to seek the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and damages, even if you are partially at fault for the accident.

Monetary Compensation for a Rollover Wreck in Detroit

A vehicle collision in which one of the involved vehicles overturns is called a rollover. These types of crashes are considered more dangerous than most any other type of auto wreck because they result in greater injury and a higher risk of death for victims.

Why? Because a vehicle flipping onto its top is likely to result in serious head trauma for those inside. And there’s a very real, very deadly possibility that occupants will be ejected from the vehicle.

Your Detroit rollover wreck has likely caused you to sustain serious injuries, resulting in extensive damages that can be financially crippling. These include medical expenses, missed wages, physical therapy, and caregiving costs. You can recover all of these losses if you work with a knowledgeable, experienced rollover collision attorney.

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.

If You Want to Protect the Value of Your Detroit Car Accident Claim, Take These Steps

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. To have the best possible chance of recovering the full value of your damages, take these steps to protect your claim:

Accident victims who want to protect the value of their injury claim should take several important steps to ensure that they have the best possible chance of securing fair compensation for their losses. Here are some key actions to consider:

• Seek medical attention: The first priority after an accident should be the victim’s health and well-being. Seeking prompt medical attention not only ensures that injuries are properly diagnosed and treated but also creates a record of the injuries sustained in the accident. This documentation can be crucial evidence in supporting the value of the injury claim.
• Follow medical advice: Accident victims should follow their doctor’s recommendations for treatment, medication, and rehabilitation. Failing to adhere to medical advice may give the insurance company grounds to argue that the victim’s injuries are not as severe as claimed or that they have failed to mitigate their damages.
• Document the accident: Gather as much evidence as possible from the accident scene, including photos of the damage to vehicles, visible injuries, and the surrounding area. Obtain contact information for any witnesses who may be able to provide testimony supporting the victim’s account of the accident.
• Keep detailed records: Maintain a clear record of all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, prescription costs, travel expenses for medical appointments, and any other out-of-pocket costs. Also, keep a journal documenting the impact of the injuries on daily life, including pain levels, emotional distress, and limitations on activities.
• Be cautious when communicating with insurance companies: Insurance adjusters may try to obtain statements or information that can be used to minimize the value of the claim. Accident victims should be careful about what they say to insurance representatives and should consider consulting with an attorney before providing any recorded statements or signing any documents.
• Preserve evidence: Maintain any physical evidence related to the accident, such as damaged clothing or equipment. Do not have the vehicle repaired until it has been thoroughly inspected and documented, as it may provide crucial evidence for the claim.

By taking these steps and being proactive in protecting their rights, accident victims can help ensure that the value of their injury claim is preserved and that they have the best possible chance of securing the compensation they deserve for their physical, emotional, and financial losses.

One of the Biggest Mistakes You Can Make in a Detroit Car Accident Claim: Talking About it on Social Media

Posting a picture of an injury on social media with a caption that says something like, “I’m so clumsy!” may seem harmless, but if you’re involved in a personal injury claim, it could also be taken as an admission of fault. The truth is, there are no harmless posts where your accident is concerned.

Talking about a car accident on social media is one of the biggest mistakes you can make in a civil claim because it can significantly undermine your case and reduce the value of your potential settlement. Here’s why:

• Contradicting official statements: If you discuss the accident on social media, you may inadvertently make statements that contradict what you have told the police, insurance companies, or medical professionals. These inconsistencies can be used to call your credibility into question and weaken your claim.
• Misinterpretation of posts: Insurance adjusters and opposing attorneys may take your social media posts out of context or misinterpret them in a way that damages your case. For example, a lighthearted post about a weekend outing could be used to argue that your injuries are not as severe as claimed or that you have recovered more quickly than you assert.
• Admissions of fault: In the aftermath of an accident, you may feel compelled to apologize or express remorse on social media, even if the accident was not your fault. These statements can be construed as admissions of guilt and used against you in settlement negotiations or court proceedings.
• Revealing too much information: By sharing details about the accident, your injuries, or your recovery process on social media, you may inadvertently provide the insurance company with information that they can use to minimize the value of your claim or argue that your injuries were pre-existing.
• Portraying an inconsistent image: If your social media posts depict you engaging in activities that seem inconsistent with the severity of your claimed injuries, the insurance company may use this information to argue that you are exaggerating your damages or that your injuries are not as extensive as you assert.
• Jeopardizing privacy: Once you post information about your accident on social media, it can be difficult to control who sees it or how it is used. Even if you have privacy settings in place, the information may still be accessible to insurance companies, opposing attorneys, or others who could use it against you in your claim.

To protect the value of your car accident claim, it is generally best to avoid discussing the accident, your injuries, or your legal case on any social media platform. If you have already made posts related to the accident, consider removing them and refraining from making any further posts until your case is resolved.

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.