Michigan Car Accident Attorneys
Metro Detroit Auto Injury Lawyers
Car accidents happen in an instant and even the most careful driver on the road can end up being seriously injured because of the negligence of another driver. In far too many cases, those injuries can have effects that significantly impact their quality of life, including paralysis, loss of limbs, or brain damage.
Michigan Auto Accident Statistics
Every year, millions of people all over the country are injured in car accidents, but car culture is particularly strong in Michigan. There are over 3 million registered vehicles in Southeast Michigan alone, and the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning estimates that one traffic crash occurs every 1 minute and 41 seconds throughout the state. In 2023, Michigan car accidents resulted in 1,095 fatalities and 71,085 injuries.
Common Causes of Auto Accidents
Car accidents are caused by many different factors, including distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, generally reckless behavior, driver inexperience, drowsy driving, and failing to follow the rules of the road. Regardless of what caused your accident, you need an experienced car accident lawyer on your side who can fight for what’s best for you.
Auto Accident Injury Services
At Scott Goodwin Law P.C., we’ve helped thousands of Michigan car accident victims just like you get the compensation they need. We’re not afraid to go up against big insurance companies who only care about paying out as little as possible, not doing what’s best for you. Contact Scott Goodwin Law today for help with your case. There won’t be any fees unless you win, so don’t worry that you can’t afford high quality legal representation.
Michigan Car Accident Settlements
- $1.4 Million Uninsured Motorist Car Accident Settlement: Scott Goodwin Law P.C. won a $1.4 million settlement in an uninsured motorist car accident case.
- $1.4 Million Settlement for Pedestrian Accident With Detroit Bus: When a pedestrian was hit by a City of Detroit bus, Scott Goodwin Law P.C. fought for the victim to win a $1.4 million settlement.
- $985,000 Settlement Award for Injured Rear Seat Passenger: A rear seat passenger who was ejected from the vehicle during a car crash was awarded a $985,000 settlement.
- $800,000 Settlement Award for Car Accident Head Injury: For car accident victim who sustained a closed head injury, they were awarded an $800,000 settlement.
- $625,000 School Bus Accident Settlement: Following an accident involving a school bus, Scott Goodwin Law P.C. fought for a $625,000 settlement against the bus driver and the school district.
- $470,000 Head-On Car Crash Settlement: This case involved a victim who had sustained bone fractures, a left knee meniscus tear requiring arthroscopic surgery, and PTSD.
- $700,000 Settlement for Career-Ending Car Accident Injuries: When an aspiring state trooper sustained spinal injuries that prevented him from pursuing his career, he was awarded a $700,000 settlement.
Michigan Car Accident Information & Resources
Statistics
- According to the National Safety Council, auto accidents resulted in 5,200,000 injuries nationwide in 2022
- There are thousands of car accidents each day in North America, amounting to an average of nearly 1 accident every minute of every day.
- These crashes can result in approximately $433 billion of damage per year.
See Our Infographics
What To Do After An Auto Accident –Goodwin’s 5 Steps
Every two seconds someone is injured or disabled in an automobile accident. Throughout our lifetimes many of us will be involved in a traffic accident, and what we do immediately afterwards can affect the outcome of a personal injury case. If you happen to be involved in a serious traffic accident in Michigan, take these five steps to protect your rights and ensure you receive the full compensation entitled to you by law:
Call the police or dial 911
Take an account of any injuries and call for help. Let the dispatcher know of your location and if anyone has been harmed. In most cases a police officer will be sent to the scene. Try not to move your vehicle until the police have arrived. It is essential that you obtain a police report, as it is highly unlikely your insurance company will assist you with any claims if a report has not been filed.
Speak to witnesses
Keep conversation minimal and do not admit fault. Even an “I’m sorry” can be construed as something it is not. Avoid apologies and admissions of fault until all of the facts have been gathered. Talk to anyone who may have seen the accident and collect their contact information.
Take photographs
Use your cellphone or a digital camera to take photographs of the automobiles involved in the accident, any damage to your vehicle, skid marks, traffic signals and signs, and any intersections. These can be helpful depictions when filing your claim later.
Contact your insurance agent
Let your insurance company know that you were involved in an accident. Even if the accident occurred after business hours, leave a message. Do not be bullied and do not sign anything before speaking to an attorney. Any time wasted can affect your ability to get the justice you deserve.
Contact a licensed Michigan attorney
Don’t leave anything to chance! Let an experienced Michigan car accident lawyer assist you through the complex legal process. Contact Scott Goodwin Law P.C. anytime, 24 hours a day. If you are affected by an automobile accident, our attorneys are available to support you and to ensure you receive the full care and compensation you deserve.
Car Accident FAQ
Why Do You Need a Lawyer After A Car Accident?
Many drivers, even after experiencing a car accident, believe that they may not need a lawyer under certain circumstances. However, the opposite is true – after every auto accident, by hiring an auto accident lawyer, you can better defend your rights and seek the compensation you deserve after a car accident. Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, contacting an auto accident attorney can help you handle the complicated legal system – and the other insurance companies trying to fight your claim.
When Should You Contact A Lawyer After A Car Accident?
Car accident lawyers are an important step of the process, but they should not be contacted until you have all your needed information in order. Make sure to have contacted the police to file a report, and then contacted your insurance company first before seeking the services of a Michigan auto accident attorney to start fighting for your fair compensation.
How Do You Report A Car Accident?
After any car accident, the first thing you need to do is contact the local police. No matter how serious or minor the accident may be, contacting the police will create a record of the events leading to the accident that can play into your settlement later. The local officers will help walk you through the steps of reporting your accident, and can help gather witness statements and other needed information.
What Can You Sue For In A Car Accident?
Financial compensation from an auto accident can take many forms, including:
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Pain and Suffering – a financial amount equivalent to the severity of your injuries
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Medical Expenses – the amount of financial cost your injuries accrued
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Property Damage – any damage befalling your car or other property during a car accident
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Lost Wages – financial damage suffered during recovery from an accident, while you are unable to work
These, and many others, may be part of your settlement depending on the circumstances of your specific accident.
What Do I Do If Someone Else Driving My Car Gets Into An Accident?
If someone else is borrowing your car and gets into an accident that they are not at-fault for, the same methods still apply. Whoever borrowed your car should contact the police right away to file a police report. After that, you’ll need to contact your own insurance provider to continue the process like normal. It’s important to remember that car insurance follows the vehicle, not the driver, meaning your own insurance should be notified of the accident, not that of the driver.