Were you injured in a car accident and know you were not at fault? If so, you may have grounds for a legal claim. We encourage you to reach out to our car accident lawyers in Kalamazoo to assess your rights and seek compensation.
Since 1991, Christensen Law has been providing strong yet compassionate representation to the people of Michigan. To find out what our Kalamazoo personal injury lawyers can do for you, call us today and get a free case review.
Our Car Accident Attorneys Protect Kalamazoo Residents Like You
Some Kalamazoo County car accidents occur on a busy highway, like I-94 or US 131. Others happen only a few blocks from home. Either way, they are devastating: you now have to worry about recovering from your injuries and paying your medical bills.
Holding the person who hit you accountable can relieve some of your suffering. Our car accident law firm can help you do this by:
- Giving you plenty of time to tell us your story. We will listen attentively and sympathetically as you explain what happened.
- Gathering evidence against the at-fault party. Our team will prove that they, not you, displayed negligent behavior that caused the collision.
- Determining how much your case is worth. You are only allowed to sue over a car accident once, so our legal representatives will work hard to make sure that you ask for the right amount of financial compensation.
- Negotiate with the insurance companies. All too often, car insurers try to get out of paying fair damages. We know what tactics they are likely to try and will put all of our resources into pressuring them to offer the settlement you deserve.
- Preparing a team to go to trial, as necessary. While not every case goes to court, the attorneys at our office are always ready for this possibility.
When to Call Our Kalamazoo Car Accident Lawyers
In most situations, you have only three years to begin a legal action, per Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 600.5805. Christensen Law urges anyone who was in a car accident to protect their rights by:
- Getting medical attention right away. Not only will doing so protect your health, it will also create an official medical record that we can use to prove your case.
- Collecting any evidence that you can. This might include the contact information of the person who hit you and photos of the injuries you sustained.
- Speaking to our personal injury law firm. Only after taking care of your immediate needs, especially medical care, should you contact Christensen Law.
Working Within the Car Accident Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations for Michigan car accidents places a strict deadline on your right to damages. In other words, while you should prioritize receiving medical care, you should not delay receiving legal advice any longer than necessary.
Call Christensen Law today to find out more. We charge nothing for the initial consultation and will always keep your needs at top of mind as we pursue your case.
Our Clients Appreciate Our Legal Team’s Dedication
Our client testimonials show that we are completely committed to improving the lives of accident victims in Kalamazoo and throughout Michigan. As Justin Tatum explained:
“After my accident, I reached out to Christensen Law and was guided by attorney Thomas Economy through the process. He and his team made this entire process more manageable for me. I was able get a fair settlement and would refer them to anyone that has any legal troubles.”
Recoverable Damages in a Kalamazoo Car Accident Settlement
Our Kalamazoo car accident attorneys will help you get the right amount of money by looking at all the ways the accident affected your life. As we investigate your situation, we will consider the financial and non-financial effects of the accident.
Compensation for Money You Lost Because of the Car Crash
Financial damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages (this includes benefits and bonuses as well)
- Lost earning capacity
- Inability to return to your old job or to find any other position
- The cost of hiring others to help you with things you once did by yourself
Compensation for Bodily Injuries Caused by the Car Crash
Non-financial damages, or the physical and psychological toll of the collision, may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Reduced quality of life
- Disability
- Disfigurement and scar tissue
Compensation for Fatal Car Accidents in Kalamazoo County
If your loved one passed away from a catastrophic car crash injury, you can file a wrongful death claim. The motor vehicle accident lawyers at Christensen Law will fight hard for justice in your case, which might include damages such as:
- Funeral bills
- Other end-of-life expenses
- Loss of society or companionship
- Loss of financial support
What Caused Your Auto Accident in Kalamazoo?
If a negligent driver caused your car accident in Kalamazoo, you must determine why the driver caused the accident. It is possible that they were driving under the influence or were distracted. It is also possible they experienced a car malfunction, which would mean their car’s mechanic may be at fault for your damages.
Knowing who caused your accident and whom to sue as a result is key if you hope to receive the settlement you deserve for your suffering.
Evidence We Look for After Kalamazoo Motor Vehicle Crashes
Our Kalamazoo law firm will go to many different sources and even visit the accident scene as we build out your casefile. Helpful materials frequently include:
- Witnesses who saw your accident take place
- The police report filed with the Michigan State Police or the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office
- Photographs and video taken by you, witnesses, or news reporters
- Records of any prior traffic violations against the liable party (e.g., a drunk driving arrest against a negligent driver)
Did Multiple At-Fault Parties Cause Your Auto Accident?
Sometimes, you cannot pin fault on one person or party for your car crash. There are some situations where, for example, the actions of a distracted driver were exacerbated by an unsafe road that the local government should have repaired.
These types of cases are often more complex than others, but our Kalamazoo personal injury attorneys are up to the challenge.
Did You Share Fault in Your Kalamazoo Car Accident?
If you shared fault in your accident, the court will calculate your percentage of fault and include this in your claim. Under Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 600.2959, courts in this state use modified comparative negligence to determine fault in personal injury cases. In short:
- As long as you were less than 50 percent at fault for causing the accident, our Kalamazoo car crash attorneys can sue the defendant, and your percentage of fault will be deducted from your claim.
- For instance, if you are found to be 10 percent responsible for the accident, your total award will be reduced by 10 percent (e.g., if you asked for $100,000, you will only receive $90,000).
- If you are found to be 51 or more percent responsible for the accident, you cannot receive anything. Our law firm will fight hard to prevent this from happening.
Which Michigan Insurers Will Cover Your Motor Vehicle Accident?
The topic of car insurance in Michigan is often complicated. You may be able to recover some damages from your health insurance or your personal injury protection (PIP) policy before you file a lawsuit and try to get financial compensation from the negligent driver’s insurance.
No matter whose insurance company you file a claim with, you will likely run into obstacles.
Insurance Companies Do Not Want to Pay Kalamazoo Drivers
An insurance company’s main job is to make money—even if that money comes at your expense. Throughout our careers, our auto accident lawyers in Kalamazoo have seen insurers try many different tactics to avoid paying a fair settlement, including:
- Blaming car accident survivors for their own injuries, even if they were clearly not at fault
- Downplaying the severity of the victim’s injuries so they can get away with paying less
- Pushing victims to accept a fast settlement that does not truly reflect their losses
Let Us Protect You After a Kalamazoo Car Accident
As you drive down the road in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the last thing you expect is to get into a collision. Rarely are car accident victims able to predict the traumatic events ahead, but when an erratic driver speeds through the intersection or a local government fails to fill in a pothole, there is one thing you can depend on: Christensen Law’s dedication to safeguarding your rights.
Speaking with our Kalamazoo car accident lawyers can help you move forward with a lawsuit. Our staff will work as a team and with you to pursue the money your family needs.
Contact Our Kalamazoo Car Accident Attorneys to Begin
Speaking to a law firm that always puts your needs first can help you gain the confidence needed to file your claim. If you are ready to discuss your case with a Kalamazoo car accident lawyer from Christensen Law, call today for a free consultation with a member of our team.
