A serious car accident in Detroit can create endless problems in your life. Michigan’s No-Fault insurance laws do not always help. Recovery takes money, but seeking compensation presents its own set of challenges. You will have to deal with multiple insurance companies and an opposing lawyer, and none of these parties will have your best interests at heart or listen to you.
Our Detroit personal injury lawyers are here to empower you with sound legal advice that allows you to make informed choices and recover the full cost of your damages and losses. When you call us or fill out our online contact form, Christensen Law will listen to your story and help you explore your options. Get a free consultation today.
Our Car Accident Attorneys in Detroit 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 the Detroit car accident lawyers from our firm, you can ensure that all of your expenses and non-economic damages are assessed and included in your final offer. We will also make certain that you receive funds to cover any future needs as well.
Types of Damages We Pursue for Auto Accident Survivors
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 do not believe in settling for the bare minimum. Our Detroit personal injury attorneys 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 is 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 you need to cover your losses before helping you decide whether to accept a settlement offer.
The type and extent of your car accident injuries will be key factors in this process. Our car accident lawyers in Detroit will seek evidence from sources like the following:
- 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.
- Your own testimony and recollections will tell us a lot about how the traffic accident has affected your life. Christensen Law views listening to client testimony as one of our most crucial tasks.
Our Car Accident Law Firm Has Secured Millions for Injury Victims Across Michigan
Our accident injury law firm wants to ensure you and your family do not pay out-of-pocket for your Detroit car crash damages, especially if your collision was the fault of a negligent driver or another at-fault party. Our legal team works tirelessly to protect our clients’ financial stability, and we have a proven track record of success.
Some of our most notable motor vehicle accident case results in Michigan include:
- $17.8 million for catastrophic injuries resulting from a distracted driving accident
- $4.2 million for a brain injury caused by a T-bone accident
- $3.2 million for a fatality and severe injuries caused by a head-on collision
- $2 million for brain injury and whiplash inflicted by a rear-end accident
Christensen Law Puts Our Accident Injury Clients First
Our lawyers and staff will do everything possible to get the awards you deserve, so we prepare each case as though it will go to trial. We will not accept an accident settlement that is less than you need just 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.
Call Christensen Law today to get a free case review from a member of our team.
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 that accident victims face. He has made it his mission to help those who have had their world turned upside down by injuries and loss.
Our Detroit law 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:
- “Working with Christensen made an unfortunate experience less daunting. They explained every step. There were no questions left unanswered. I appreciate the team and all of their hard work.” – Kenicia Strong
- “From the moment I reached out to them for legal assistance, I was impressed by their expertise and willingness to help. I highly recommend Christensen Law to anyone seeking legal representation.” – Michelle Thomas
Our Detroit Clients Pay Nothing Up Front
To further assist our clients during an already difficult time, we take cases on contingency. We charge nothing up front 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 personal injury attorneys put our case experience and knowledge to work for you.
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. According to Michigan Comp. Laws Ann. § 600.5805, you have three years from your accident or your loved one’s passing to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
We know that acting quickly may seem daunting while recovering from an injury. Let Christensen Law take the pressure off your shoulders. Our auto accident lawyers in Detroit can:
- Investigate your accident
- Build your claim
- Prepare and file the needed paperwork in a timely fashion, freeing you to focus on your health or injured loved one
- Work through your claim and attempt to secure fair compensation before the statute of limitations expires and you can no longer take legal action
Hiring Our Car Accident Injury Law Firm Gives You Peace of Mind
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.
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 with your own insurance policy before seeking compensation from an at-fault party.
No-Fault personal injury protection (PIP) plans allow you to start collecting damages without worrying about who was at fault for the crash. However, this does not mean you will receive the full car accident compensation you are entitled to.
Our Car Accident Lawyers in Detroit Can Deal with the Insurance Companies
Whether you have a fairly comprehensive PIP plan or only have the minimum required by state law, the insurer will likely pay you the bare minimum they believe they can get away with. The Detroit auto accident attorneys at Christensen Law will handle these negotiations so you are not treated this way.
When Can You Pursue a Car Accident Lawsuit in Michigan?
In some car crash cases, you can seek compensation beyond what your PIP offers. For example, you can seek compensation from the negligent party if your case meets these criteria:
- The at-fault party owed you a duty of care. In car wreck cases, this often refers to the responsibility all drivers have to obey traffic laws.
- The at-fault party did not fulfill their duty of care. Perhaps they were speeding down I-75 or ran through a stop sign at a corner by your house.
- The at-fault party’s failure directly contributed to your accident.
- The accident directly contributed to your injuries and losses.
Changes to Michigan’s No-Fault Law That Can Affect Your Detroit Car Accident Claim
In July 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 PIP benefits, tort liability, and medical coverage.
It is essential for Detroit residents to understand these changes and how they may influence their ability to seek compensation after a car accident. Our personal injury lawyers will explain everything in detail, including:
Levels of PIP Coverage Required by State Auto Insurance Laws
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, according to the State of Michigan, 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.
The 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.
How the Insurance Company May Challenge Your Personal Injury Claim
Even your own No-Fault insurer will prioritize their profit margins over your wellbeing. You can take these challenges on and come out on top by working with Christensen Law.
Given the complexity of the changes to state law and the insurer’s determination to save themselves money, you may want to consult with our Detroit auto accident attorneys. We help victims understand their rights under the new law, navigate the claims process, and fight for compensation.
Determining Who Caused Your Detroit Car Cras
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 from the Detroit Police Department. Following are examples of negligence that may warrant a claim:
- 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 correct 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 do not have the resources to fight for what they are owed. If you have Christensen Law on your side, you do not have to worry about missing valuable compensation. Our lawyers know what it takes to succeed, and we will not stop until you get what you need.
Getting Compensation in a Detroit Car Accident Claim When Shared Fault Is Involved
Even if you are partly at fault for the car accident, you may still be able to obtain financial compensation for your injuries and damages. This is because Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence rule, found at Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 600.2959, 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.
- 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.
Christensen Law Defends Your Right to Fair Compensation
To determine your eligibility for compensation and navigate the complex legal process, it is a good idea to consult with our Detroit car accident attorneys. We 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.
Wrongful Death and Detroit Car Accidents
According to the first page of a Michigan State Police (MSP) report, there were over 1,000 fatal traffic crashes in Michigan in 2023. Fatal car accidents may occur for any number of reasons, including if:
- The car rolls over: A vehicle flipping onto its top is likely to result in serious head trauma for those inside. There is also a very real, very deadly possibility that occupants will be ejected from the vehicle.
- The responsible driver was drunk: Alcohol was involved in over a quarter of all fatal collisions, per the MSP.
- The responsible driver was aggressive: Page 3 of the MSP’s report shows that a majority of deadly car accidents result from aggressive behaviors, which include speeding, failing to yield, or otherwise ignoring public safety.
If you lost someone in a car crash, please accept Christensen Law’s condolences for your loss. We can help you pursue justice by seeking a fair settlement for remaining medical expenses, funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. You can recover all of these losses if you work with our knowledgeable, compassionate wrongful death attorneys in Detroit.
Our Detroit Attorneys Can Answer Your Car Accident FAQs
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 is why we have addressed a few common concerns below. If you do not see your question, feel free to speak with your Detroit car accident lawyer at any time.
Can Your PIP Policy Cover Anyone Else Involved in the Car Accident?
You have the option of selecting a PIP plan that covers both yourself and others in your household. You will want to review both your own health insurance policy and your loved ones’ policies to help you select the PIP plan that is right for you.
Will You Have to Go to Court for a Car Accident in Detroit?
That depends on how the insurance companies respond to your case. If they are unwilling to negotiate, we can represent you at trial, but many cases do not get that far. Nevertheless, our accident injury attorneys act as though every case will go to trial. We are always prepared, no matter what happens.
Are You Automatically at Fault in a Single-Car Accident?
No. Our legal team will still need to investigate your accident to find out if a third party, such as a careless bicyclist or a negligent government agency, contributed to your crash.
If You Want to Protect the Value of Your Detroit Car Accident Claim, Take These Steps
It is not easy to know what to do after an accident in Detroit, but pursuing full compensation for what you have 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:
- Seek medical attention: The first priority after an accident should be the victim’s health and wellbeing. Seeking prompt attention not only ensures that injuries are properly diagnosed and treated but also creates a medical 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 adjusters 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 consider consulting with our crash attorneys 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 our personal injury law firm has thoroughly inspected and documented it, 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 insurance 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
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 is 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, Christensen Law advises that you 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.
Our Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers Will Spare No Resources for You
The injuries and losses caused by an auto accident can threaten your finances and future wellbeing. Get the compensation you deserve by working with our top-rated Detroit car accident trial attorneys.
Since 1991, our team has been helping Michiganders by providing timely, actionable legal advice. After your crash, we want to be one of the first people you talk to—after the police and your doctors—about what happened and what compensation you need to recover.
Contact Our Detroit Auto Accident Attorneys
You do not have to deal with a car crash alone. Christensen Law is here to make certain that you do not become an insurer’s next victim. Our Detroit car accident lawyers can help you determine who was at fault, prove your claim, and obtain the full compensation you deserve.
To meet with our dedicated car accident legal team, just call us to schedule a free consultation today. You pay nothing until we win.
