Car Accident Lawyers in Detroit

Getting into a car accident on Detroit’s busy streets and interstate highways can result in catastrophic injuries or death. In 2020, traffic accidents were reported every 2 minutes and 9 seconds in Michigan. Unfortunately, Wayne County had the highest fatal crash rate that year.

Michigan is a no-fault state, so you need to file a claim for injury compensation with your insurance company. If you have incurred expenses beyond your insurance policy’s limits from medical bills and cannot work, you may need to file a lawsuit for damages.

To file legal claims for compensation, seek representation from the personal injury law firm of Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. Our auto accident attorneys have extensive experience litigating and winning cases for our clients, so they get the compensation they deserve for their car accident injuries.

Our knowledgeable accident lawyers can give you legal advice on your insurance coverage and walk you through the legal process of filing a claim with your insurance company. We can also help you file an auto accident settlement against the at-fault driver for excessive medical bills and loss of wages.

How Do Michigan’s PIP Benefits and Medical Coverage Work?

Michigan no-fault law took effect in 1973 to streamline the claims process for auto accident victims and ensure all drivers on Michigan’s roads have some level of injury protection. However, the no-fault system has its downsides, such as higher insurance premiums for Michigan drivers.

According to the Insurance Alliance of Michigan (IAM), rising auto maintenance and health care costs drove the increase in auto insurance rates in Michigan. In 2020, Michigan’s no-fault laws were reformed to make buying unlimited Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage optional.

Depending on the level of no-fault PIP benefits in your automobile insurance policy, you may be eligible for PIP benefits that cover accident-related medical expenses. Your policy may have one of the following benefits:

• A cap of $50,000 on accident-related medical expenses for Medicaid-eligible drivers
• $250,000 cap in medical expenses related to an accident
• $500,000 cap in medical expenses related to an accident
• Unlimited or no-dollar limit for accident-related medical expenses
• No-fault PIP medical coverage is optional for Medicare-eligible drivers

The insurance companies must reduce PIP premiums and guarantee they remain low for eight years. This reduction applies only to the Personal Injury Protection premiums. The no-fault law also has the following savings for insurance policies:

• 45% savings for drivers with a $50,000 PIP cap
• 35% savings for drivers with a $250,000 PIP cap
• 20% savings for drivers with a $500,000 PIP cap
• 10% percent savings for drivers with unlimited benefits

Opting out of PIP benefits can save you 100% of your money. People with Medicare or a qualified health insurance plan can opt out.

What are the Other No-Fault Law PIP Benefits?

Michigan no-fault insurance law provides four types of no-fault personal protection insurance (PIP) benefits in motor vehicle accidents that result in bodily injury or death.

The facts of your personal injury claim and the extent of your damages determine whether you are eligible for these benefits. Here are the four categories of no-fault PIP benefits.

Allowable expense benefits

Insurance companies are required to cover allowable expense benefits. They cover all reasonable charges for the products, services, and accommodations for medical care, recovery, and rehabilitation.

There are several benefits available, including in-home attendant care, barrier-free housing, physical therapy, special transportation and medical mileage, and the services of an independent case manager.

Replacement service expenses

As part of Michigan’s no-fault law, you may receive up to $20 per day for expenses related to having others do reasonably necessary tasks that you cannot perform yourself due to injury. This benefit applies primarily to household services like housekeeping, lawn care, and snow removal.

Survivor’s loss benefits

Surviving loss benefits are payable for three years and have the same maximum limit as a work loss benefit. They are comprised of the deceased person’s after-tax income, the value of fringe benefits lost, and replacement service costs incurred as a result of their passing.

These benefits are available to the deceased person’s family members of any state resident in an accident, including motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and pedestrian accidents.

Work loss benefits

The no-fault law also covers up to 85% of lost wages over three years. There is a maximum monthly amount of job loss benefit, which is modified every October to keep pace with the cost of living. The law also provides wage loss benefits to those considered temporarily unemployed from full-time employment at the time of the injury.

A personal injury attorney at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. in Michigan can help you with your legal claim. Because no-fault insurance gives you benefits, weighing your options is essential.

You can talk to your lawyer about the financial compensation available under Michigan’s no-fault insurance and see which benefits are right for you. An experienced motor vehicle accident lawyer at our law firm can assist you in gathering the necessary information to file a claim with the insurance company.

You have one year from the date of your claim to file a lawsuit against your insurance company if your PIP benefits are not paid and overdue.

How Can I Receive Financial Compensation for My Auto Accident in Detroit, Michigan?

Your insurance policy may not cover all your expenses, including medical bills. If you are seriously injured in a car accident, you may be eligible to sue the at-fault driver for additional pay and medical benefits.

This is possible if:

• The amount of medical expenses resulting from your accident exceeds the maximum amount of no-fault PIP benefits covered by your policy.
• The income you have lost by being unable to work exceeds the 3-year limit and monthly wage loss benefit limitations under the no-fault law.

What factors go into an auto accident settlement?

Considering that every car accident is unique, some of the following factors apply to your financial losses:

• Loss of income or wages
• Temporary or permanent disability for severe injuries such as spinal cord injuries or a traumatic brain injury
• Temporary or permanent disfigurement if you suffered scarring from your accident
• Other non-economic damages such as emotional distress, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and loss of enjoyment of life

Our Verdicts

Our track record of successful verdicts speaks for itself. To get an idea of what your case could be worth, take a look at some of our past settlements:

• $1.3 million for a family in Marlette, Michigan, whose son was killed in a semi-truck accident.
• $400,000 to a paraplegic Monroe woman, injured in an auto accident. She took home no-fault benefits and purchased a new home and attendant care.
• $80,000 to a Bay City grandmother who suffered a broken leg in an auto accident.

Each accident case is unique, so schedule your initial free consultation today. Our personal injury attorneys can review the details of your case to give you an accurate estimate of the damages you can seek.

What Can a Detroit Car Accident Lawyer Do for You?

Dealing with insurance companies and the at-fault party can be complex. You can meet with one of our experienced car accident attorneys in an initial no-obligation consultation and find out what you can do to get a fair settlement for your injuries.

Understand your legal rights

If you don’t have no-fault insurance and a passenger is injured during a car crash, you can still be covered by the PIP plan used by a family member. Our personal injury lawyers can help you understand your rights in various situations. We can explain what to do if a passenger is injured while you are driving or if there is property damage to a rental car.

We can help you file a no-fault benefits application and negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf. If needed, we can file a lawsuit against the negligent driver for financial compensation beyond your medical expenses and loss of wages.

Investigate and gather evidence from your car accident

If there is video or pictures from the accident scene, your lawyer can examine them to determine the extent of the damage. They can collect additional evidence to identify the at-fault party, including witness testimonies and surveillance footage.

Your lawyer can also review the police report to get a clearer picture of your accident. All this information provides evidence to support your insurance claim and negotiate an auto accident settlement.

Calculate economic and non-economic damages from your car accidents

Paying medical bills and repairing property damage to your car can add up. If you suffer severe injuries, you may have grounds to seek pain and suffering compensation. To be awarded restitution for pain and suffering, you need extensive medical records detailing your injuries and treatment to make your case.

Having a legal team backing you is essential to estimating the damages you are due for your financial and emotional hardships. To recover any damages, you must show the other party was at least 50% at fault for the accident. Our skilled auto accident lawyers at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. can represent you if the other party’s insurance adjuster fights your accident claim.

File a lawsuit on your behalf

If your lawyer decides you have a valid legal claim, they can take you through the lawsuit process. This begins with filing a petition, exchanging information with the other party, negotiating a settlement, and possibly going to trial if needed. You can rely on your lawyer for their legal knowledge and guidance throughout the filing process.

Get Legal Representation from Auto Accident Lawyers in Detroit, Michigan

If you or a family member has been involved in an auto accident with a negligent driver, you need a personal injury lawyer on your case. The law office of Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. can help you receive your car accident compensation and guide you through the legal process.

Our contingency fee basis means we only get paid if we win your case, so there is no financial risk to you to get started. Call our law firm today at 866-MICH-LAW and schedule your no-obligation, free case evaluation.

More Car Accident Lawyer Detroit FAQs

How much does a car accident lawyer in Detroit cost?

The cost of a car accident lawyer in Detroit can vary depending on their fee structure. Some lawyers work with clients on an hourly fee basis. Other attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they receive payment only if and when they settle your case.

The auto accident attorneys at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. understand that clients may have financial concerns after an accident. We handle all cases on a contingency basis, eliminating the need for upfront payment.

Is getting a Detroit car accident lawyer worth it?

Yes, a car accident attorney can streamline the claims process and increase your chances of a favorable settlement. Our attorneys at Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. can help you gather strong evidence to support your claim and negotiate with insurers to protect your interests throughout the settlement process.

Do I need to get an attorney for a crash that isn’t my fault?

Even when an accident wasn’t your fault, an attorney can support you in dealing with insurance companies to receive PIP benefits or file a third-party claim. At Cochran, Kroll, & Associate, P.C., we will help you file a PIP claim, interview witnesses, and build a strong case. We can use this evidence to help you navigate the state’s modified comparative negligence laws to prove the other party’s liability.

How long does a settlement take after a crash?

Michigan law requires insurance companies to settle personal injury protection (PIP) claims within 30 days. Most settlement claims with straightforward liability are received a few weeks to months after the accident. Our attorneys at Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. can guide you through the claims process and help you understand your settlement timeline based on your specific case.

Am I automatically at fault if my car was the only one involved in the accident?

No, you are not automatically at fault if your car was the only one involved in the accident. For instance, the government entity responsible for the roads may be liable if a lack of signage or damaged road surfaces causes your accident. Our attorneys can help you file a Notice of Claim and establish the government agency’s negligence in causing your accident.

Can my PIP policy cover anyone else involved in the car accident?

PIP insurance covers other people injured in the accident, including household members, passengers in your vehicle, and pedestrians. If a motorcyclist is injured in an accident with your car, your PIP policy will extend coverage up to the policy limit.

Will I have to go to court for a car accident in Detroit?

If an insurer refuses to pay a fair settlement, you may need to take your case to court. A car accident lawyer in Detroit with Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. can provide guidance, negotiate with your insurer, and represent your interests in court.

Do I have to accept a settlement from my insurance company?

No, you don’t have to take the first settlement offer from your insurance company. Insurers often make a lowball initial offer, hoping you’ll settle for less than you deserve. Consult with a skilled attorney from Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. to determine the value of your claim and negotiate with insurers until they pay what you’re owed.

What if my insurance company refuses to settle fairly with me?

If your lawyer and the auto insurance provider can’t settle, you may file a lawsuit, initiating litigation. Your attorney may try to resolve negotiations during pretrial procedures like case evaluation, mediation, or arbitration. If the insurer still doesn’t settle, your lawyer can proceed to trial and advocate on your behalf in court to pursue your settlement.

I was in a car accident, but my injuries don’t feel severe enough to go to a hospital. Should I still go?

You should visit your primary care provider even when your injuries seem minor. Some injuries, such as a TBI or internal bleeding, are not immediately apparent and can worsen with time. Seeing a doctor will provide records, such as prescriptions and physical therapy, that your attorney can use to calculate the value of your claim and seek compensation.

I felt fine after my accident, but now I’m hurt. What happened?

It is common to experience delayed symptoms after a car accident, such as whiplash, even if you initially felt fine. While the adrenaline and shock immediately following the accident may mask the pain, it is not unusual for symptoms to manifest hours or days later. Always seek medical attention to diagnose and treat any underlying injuries after a crash.

Do I have to gather my evidence on my own?

Getting a better settlement doesn’t require you to collect evidence on your own. Your car accident lawyer in Detroit can request your hospital records and the police report and retrieve footage from surveillance cameras around the accident site to help you win your case.

Area Served