Detroit Car Accident Attorneys

Motor Vehicle Accidents in Detroit

Thank you for visiting My Detroit Motor Vehicle Accidents Attorney. We will attempt to give you as much information about Motor Vehicle Accidents in Detroit as possible on this site. Additionally, you can visit our “Why hire us” page to see what separates us from the other Motor Vehicle Accident lawyers in and around Detroit.

If you have been involved in an automobile accident and have sustained injuries, call us at the Motor Vehicle Accident Law Offices of “insert attorney name” in Detroit. We have the experience you need to recover your expenses and damages.

Detroit Car Accident Overview

After an auto accident in Detroit, you can file for recovery:
- Mini Tort against other driver – vehicle damage – up to $500 for auto repairs
- Michigan No Fault PIP insurance benefits

Most automobile accidents are caused by:
- Driver negligence
- Speeding
- Not signaling when changing lanes or making a turn
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Tired or sick
- Mechanical defects
- Road conditions – construction, potholes, obstacles
- Weather conditions – rain, ice, fog

Types of auto accident injuries:
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord/head/brain injuries
- Broken bones

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics:
- In the United States millions of people are injured in automobile accidents each year.
- Automobile accidents are the #1 cause of injury for people under 35.
- An accident occurs every 10 seconds.

Insurance Laws

Michigan No-Fault Laws
Does not require drivers to carry uninsured or underinsured coverage.
- Must file with insurance company – with 12 months of accident date
  - Mandatory coverage for personal injury, property damages (buildings, fences, road signs)
  - Residual liability coverage – death and injury
  - Michigan does not require collision insurance
    - If you are less than 50% responsible for the car accident, you can recover expenses to repair your vehicle – the mini tort.

You are entitled to recover expenses for:
- Medical Expense Provision – lifetime benefit
- Wages lost – reimbursed for 85% - paid up to 3 years of accident date
- Transportation – mileage to doctor’s office, bus, taxi
- Replacement Services Provision – receive up to $20 a day for help needed due to injuries – paid up to 3 years of accident date

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance
- Detroit law requires motorists to have the minimum liability insurance:
  - $20,000 – 1 individual – bodily injury or death
  - $40,000 – more than 1 individual – bodily injury or death
  - $10,000 – property damage

Uninsured Insurance
- Provides reimbursement when an at-fault driver does not carry liability insurance.
- Must prove that the other driver was at-fault.
- You will receive reimbursement from your own insurance company.

Underinsured Insurance
- Provides reimbursement when an at-fault driver does not have enough liability insurance.
- Must receive the full policy limit from other driver before collecting from your own policy.
- You will receive reimbursement from your own insurance company.

Michigan Law – Special Relationship
- An insurance agent must advise client of all types of insurance coverage.
- Special Relationship is formed when:
  - The agent misrepresents extent of coverage offered
  - You make an unclear request – needs clarification
  - The agent gives you advise that is not accurate

Automobile accident checklist

Call the police – wait for them to arrive.
If someone is injured, call an ambulance.
Do not settle with the other party or their insurance company.
Exchange information with the other driver:
- Name
- Address
- Telephone number
- Driver’s license
- Registration number
- Insurance company name and policy number
Get names and phone numbers of any passengers or witnesses.
Keep a camera, pad and pencil in your car – take photos of your injuries, car damages, surrounding area.
Call insurance company with detailed report.
See a doctor even if you have no visible bruises.
Get a copy of police report.
Contact one of our attorneys.

Personal Injury or Tort Law

You are physically injured due to the negligence of another driver – negligence tort.
Damages will be paid to you by the insurance company or by filing a lawsuit.
Tort law requires you to prove:
- A legal duty between you and the at-fault driver
- A breach of that duty
- Damages have occurred due to that breach
What to do if you are a victim of personal injury:
- See a doctor
- Give a detailed report to your insurance company
- Contact one of our attorneys
There is a statute of limitations to file a lawsuit.
- An exception to this rule is for children
  - The period of time doesn’t start until the child turns 18

Wrongful Death

The death of a loved one due to the negligent actions of another driver.
A wrongful death is handled in a civil case – not a criminal case.
Family members must prove that the defendant’s negligent actions caused the death.
- Can file be compensated for damages:
  - Medical bills
  - Funeral expenses
  - Pain and suffering
  - Lost wages, benefits – in the future
  - Loss of companionship – emotional pain
  - Punitive damages – punishment for the driver who caused the death

Conclusion
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motor vehicle accident, it can change your life. We are experts in Michigan Motor Vehicle law and we will work with you every step of the way so you can recover any and all expenses that you incurred. Contact one of our attorneys at the Motor Vehicle Accident Law Offices of “insert attorney name” in Detroit.