Were you hurt in a collision with another vehicle? As the victim of the crash, you shouldn’t have to handle the legalities of your situation. Instead, why not let a car accident lawyer in Rothbury advocate for your rights and take legal action on your behalf?
At Shibley Law, our attorneys have over 75 years of combined experience. Founded in 2009, we have recovered millions in compensation for our clients. We care about the community we serve. After all, we live here. We work here.
As your personal injury lawyers in Rothbury, we can investigate the accident, communicate with insurers, collect relevant evidence, and fight for a fair outcome according to Michigan state laws.
Michigan’s No-Fault System Can Affect Your Claim
Michigan’s no-fault system is one of the first things an attorney will examine in a car accident case. PIP coverage is designed to pay allowable expenses connected with these matters after an automobile accident:
- Medical care
- Recovery
- Rehabilitation
Depending on the policy, PIP also provides benefits related to work loss and replacement. The amount of medical PIP coverage depends on the option selected under the policy. Michigan currently provides several PIP medical coverage choices. These range from unlimited coverage to specified dollar limits, with an opt-out option for those who meet statutory requirements.
That means two people involved in similar crashes can have different insurance questions depending on their circumstances. Rothbury car accident lawyers can review the policy and determine how its provisions apply to the accident.
This includes looking at whether medical bills are paid, work-loss benefits are provided, and replacement-service benefits are available.
For a free legal consultation with a car accident lawyer serving Rothbury, call (231) 725-8444
Serious Injuries Can Support a Separate Lawsuit
No-fault benefits are not necessarily the end of a car accident claim. Michigan law allows an injured person to pursue non-economic damages against an at-fault driver when the statutory requirements for tort liability are met.
Under Michigan’s auto insurance law, a person injured in a motor vehicle accident can pursue non-economic damages when the person has suffered death, serious impairment of body function, or permanent serious disfigurement.
The serious impairment standard is tied to the effect an injury has on a person’s life, which means the facts surrounding the injury matter. Under these circumstances, all of these details are important to your case:
- Medical records
- Treatment history
- Testimony about physical limitations
- Evidence concerning changes to everyday activities
This is one reason an insurance settlement offer should not be evaluated solely by looking at the dollar amount. A lawyer can examine what the offer actually accounts for, which losses are included, what claims are being released, and how the settlement could affect other benefits.
Rothbury Car Accident Lawyer Near Me (231) 725-8444
Fault Still Matters in Michigan Injury Cases
Michigan’s no-fault system does not mean fault is irrelevant. Fault can become important when pursuing a third-party claim for damages after a crash. Michigan’s comparative fault statute provides that a person’s damages are reduced in proportion to that person’s percentage of fault.
The statute also contains specific rules concerning non-economic damages when the injured person is more than 50% at fault. For an accident victim, allegations of shared fault can be frustrating, particularly when the collision already caused serious consequences.
Insurance companies and opposing parties could argue that the injured driver contributed to the crash or failed to take reasonable precautions. However, your Rothbury car accident lawyers can respond to those arguments with evidence like:
- Photographs
- Crash reports
- Witness accounts
- Vehicle damage
- Traffic-camera footage
- Surveillance footage
- Phone records when legally relevant
- Other documentation connected to the collision
The point is to use evidence to tell a coherent story about what happened and why another person’s conduct caused the crash.
Click to contact us today
Deadlines Will Affect Your Right to Seek Compensation
Personal injury claims are subject to statutes of limitation, and missing the applicable deadline can affect a person’s ability to bring a lawsuit. Michigan generally provides a three–year limitations period for actions seeking damages for injury to a person or property.
However, different rules and exceptions can apply depending on the circumstances and the type of claim. Insurance claims can also involve separate notice requirements and deadlines. That makes timing important even when a lawsuit is not immediately being considered.
Rothbury car accident attorneys can identify the deadlines that apply to your circumstances and take steps to preserve your claim. Getting legal guidance earlier also gives an attorney more opportunity to gather evidence while it is still available.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Call Shibley Law ASAP for Legal Representation From Our Car Accident Attorneys in Rothbury
At Shibley Law, our Rothbury car accident attorneys focus on personal injury cases and work directly with our clients throughout their entire legal process. As lawyers who are available 24/7, we will answer your calls and respond to your messages in a timely manner.
We’re also willing to meet you where you are, and you can talk directly to a car accident lawyer in Rothbury. We also understand that, as an accident victim, you likely want answers to your questions sooner rather than later, so we prioritize communication.
Our law firm offers free consultations and contingency–fee representation. As a result, people who have been injured are able to discuss their circumstances without worrying about their finances or needing to pay any upfront legal fees. Call us today to learn more.
Call or text (231) 725-8444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
