As our country’s roads get more congested, they also get more dangerous. Each year, 2.5 million or more Americans end up in emergency rooms as a result of injuries received in a motor vehicle accident. The costs are, of course, more than the physical injuries received. Each emergency room visit costs an average of about $3,300, and if hospitalized, the cost to the victim can be around $57,000 over the person’s lifetime. There are also the costs to society, with billions every year in disability payments and lost working days.
If you have been injured in an accident in Michigan, then you will possibly need the services of a competent personal injury lawyer. Cochran, Kroll & Associates are among the leading Michigan car accident lawyers and can represent victims of car accidents, trucking accidents, and motorcycle accidents.
Michigan State Laws require that all motor vehicle users (motorcycles are not viewed as a motor vehicle under these laws) carry no-fault insurance. What this usually means is that your insurance policy offers no-fault benefits that include covering any lost wages, property and vehicle damage, and any medical expenses.
However, there are some circumstances where more than 50% of fault can be assigned, for example, where one driver was under the influence of drink or drugs, or where it can be shown that they broke traffic laws. And although the no-fault law normally protects you from being sued, there are some exceptions. You can still be sued if you are found to have been at fault and the accident resulted in wrongful death, disfigurement, or serious injury. You can also be sued if the other party is not a Michigan resident and their vehicle is registered in another state or if the accident occurs outside Michigan.
In some circumstances, you may be able to pursue a third-party liability claim for noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering.
While you would expect that your no-fault insurance coverage would automatically cover all your expenses, the reality is that insurance companies are notoriously difficult to work with when filing claims. Your insurance adjuster may very well make a low settlement offer that does not cover all your medical bills or other costs. Having an experienced law firm representing you means that we can negotiate with the company to pressure them into making a more reasonable offer. Your lawyer will also advise on when filing a claim is advisable and ensure that you file within the statute of limitations which is three years from the date of the accident in Michigan.
If you have been involved in a car accident in Michigan, then you need the services of a leading accident law firm such as Cochran, Kroll & Associates. With the very best legal advice and representation available, we can help ensure a positive outcome. We offer an initial free consultation which you can book today by calling us at (866)-779-7331.