Have you been in a car accident in Troy, Michigan, that left you with painful injuries and a pile of unanticipated bills? Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be tough, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Atnip & Associates, PLLC is here to offer you the help you need. We have a strong background in dealing with accident claims and are committed to helping you. Our team works tirelessly to guide you through the legal process and demand the compensation and accountability you deserve.
With Atnip & Associates, PLLC, you’ll find support and understanding every step of the way. Reach out to us today for a free consultation. Let our Troy, Michigan, car crash lawyers take on your legal burdens so you can focus on moving forward.
Types of Car Accident Cases We Can Handle
At Atnip & Associates, PLLC, our car accident attorneys in Troy, Michigan, have the resources and experience to handle injury cases involving all types of accidents, including the following:
Head-on collisions occur when the front ends of two vehicles hit each other. This usually happens when a driver crosses into oncoming traffic, often due to distraction, fatigue, or impairment. The force of head-on collisions is significant, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities.
This type of accident occurs when one vehicle hits the back end of another. Many rear-end collisions happen because the rear driver is not paying attention or is following too closely and can’t stop in time. These accidents can cause serious injuries, especially if the vehicles are moving at high speeds.
T-bone or side-impact crashes occur when the front of one vehicle hits the side of another. These typically happen at intersections, often as a result of one driver failing to yield or running a red light. T-bone accidents can be extremely dangerous due to the limited protection on the sides of vehicles.
Sideswipe accidents happen when the sides of two vehicles collide or scrape against each other. This often occurs when one driver tries to change lanes without noticing a car in the adjacent lane. Sideswipe crashes can lead to more serious collisions, especially if a driver loses control after the initial impact.
These accidents involve multiple vehicles and often occur on highways or in areas with heavy traffic. Many multi-vehicle pile-ups start with a single collision that triggers a chain reaction of crashes. The resulting injuries can range from minor to fatal, depending on the severity of the pile-up.
Rollover accidents involve a vehicle flipping over onto its side or roof. This can result from a variety of factors, such as sharp turns at high speeds, collisions, or hitting roadside objects. Rollover accidents are particularly hazardous because they can result in occupants getting ejected from the vehicle.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Michigan
If you got hurt in a Michigan car accident and need to file an injury claim, it’s important to understand the factors that led to the collision. Here are some possible causes:
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is one of the top causes of car accidents. It involves any activity that diverts attention from driving, such as talking or texting on the phone. When motorists are not fully focused, their reaction time slows, increasing the likelihood of crashing.
- Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol is another significant cause of car wrecks. Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times, making it dangerous for the driver and others on the road. Drunk driving accidents often result in serious injuries or fatalities.
- Speeding: Speeding is also a common cause of car accidents. Driving above the speed limit or too fast for road conditions reduces the ability to react to sudden changes or road hazards. High-speed collisions often result in more severe injuries due to the increased force of impact.
- Reckless Driving: Reckless driving involves a variety of dangerous driving behaviors, such as driving aggressively, changing lanes abruptly, and not obeying traffic signals. This kind of driving puts everyone at risk and often leads to collisions that could have been avoided.
- Poor Road Conditions: When roads are in bad condition, drivers face increased risks of losing control of their vehicles. Driving on such roads requires extra caution, but accidents can still occur due to the unpredictability and severity of the conditions.
- Mechanical Failures: Sometimes, car accidents occur due to mechanical failures. This can include brake failure, tire blowouts, or engine problems. Regular vehicle maintenance can prevent many of these issues, but some mechanical failures result from design or manufacturing defects.
How Do I Get Compensation After an Auto Accident in Michigan?
Michigan’s no-fault system for car accidents means that your own insurance company pays for your medical costs after an accident, regardless of who caused it. This system aims to streamline the process of getting compensation after an accident. For medical expenses, the personal injury protection (PIP) coverage under your no-fault policy covers your medical bills. This can include hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and even some lost wages due to injury.
When it comes to property damage, the process differs slightly. Michigan’s no-fault system includes property protection insurance (PPI), which covers damage your car does to other people’s property, including legally parked cars. It does not cover damage done to cars in other scenarios. For damage to your own vehicle, you can use your own collision coverage if you have it. If another driver is mostly at fault and you do not have collision coverage, their no-fault policy should pay up to $3,000 for property damage.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Crash Lawsuit in Michigan?
You have one year from the date of the car accident to pursue compensation through your own no-fault policy. If you must file an injury lawsuit to get the compensation you need from an at-fault driver, you have three years from the date of the accident to do so. If you wait too long and miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue. This means you won’t be able to get compensation through the court system for the harm you suffered in the accident.
Prompt legal action is essential after a crash, not just because of this deadline but also so that evidence remains fresh and witnesses’ memories are clear. You should contact an auto accident lawyer as soon as possible so they have time to gather evidence, draft paperwork, and build a strong case on your behalf.
How a Car Collision Lawyer Can Help
In the complex aftermath of a car accident in Michigan, having a personal injury lawyer by your side can make a significant difference. Here are ways an attorney can help with your car accident claim:
- Identifying potential sources of compensation for your losses
- Calculating a fair settlement based on your injuries and financial losses
- Gathering and analyzing police reports and accident scene photos
- Interviewing witnesses to obtain their statements
- Consulting medical professionals to understand the extent of your injuries
- Reviewing your medical records to establish the impact of the accident
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Filing all necessary paperwork within the required deadlines
- Challenging lowball offers or denials by insurance companies
- Representing you in court if your case goes to trial
Contact a Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney Today
If you have suffered injuries in a car accident, Atnip & Associates, PLLC, is here to help you. We offer clear, straightforward legal assistance and are committed to getting you the compensation you are due. Contact us today for a free consultation. Let our car crash attorneys manage all the legal details while you focus on getting better.
