Our Car Accident Attorneys Have a 99 Percent Success Rate
Our car accident attorneys in Commerce Township know what you are going through. A serious accident can lead to catastrophic injuries that change your life, and not for the better. We know the nerve-wracking financial costs of these injuries and what they can do to your stress levels. We also know how auto insurance companies may fight your claim even when they know you are owed compensation.
Michigan is a no-fault state, meaning you first file your claim with your own car insurance company instead of the other driver’s insurance carrier. That should be easy, right? Sadly, it is rarely easy.
When you suffer extensive or catastrophic injuries, you could deal with an insurance company that wants to refuse compensation. You are owed compensation when the insurance company wrongfully denies a claim.
Goodman Acker is not like every other personal injury firm in the area. Our diverse team of highly experienced car accident attorneys treats each client like family. We have represented Commerce Township injury victims for decades, and we know how to help.
Why Choose Goodman Acker?
Here are just a few of the reasons you should choose our dedicated attorneys to represent you:
- Our firm has a success rate of 99% for cases we conclude.
- Our attorneys have over 150 years of combined legal experience.
- Our office is open 24/7 for client emergencies.
- We are routinely featured by newsgroups, like Fox 17 News and Local 4 Detroit.
- Attorney Barry J. Goodman has a passion for and an incredible success rate for his clients.
- We offer free initial consultations to get you started.
- We have won millions of dollars for our clients.
- We truly treat our clients like family, and their testimonials show that.
Our stellar reputation is backed by recognition and awards, like an AV Martindale-Hubbell Rating, inclusion on the Super Lawyers list, and a spot on the list of Top 100 Trial Lawyers.
What is No-Fault Liability in Michigan?
Our Commerce Township Car Accident Lawyers Explain No-Fault Liability
Most other states follow a fault liability system. This is the one most people think of, where the person who caused the accident is financially responsible for the injuries they cause. In July of 2020, Michigan decided to join a few other states and adopt a no-fault liability system for automobile accidents. All claims are now handled through personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, rather than former insurance models. What this means for you is that every accident claim is filed with your insurer — even when someone else was responsible for the accident.
Many law firms have failed to keep up with these changes to the law and adapt accordingly. Goodman Acker is ready to handle a no-fault liability car accident case and help you win compensation.
Which is Better: Fault or No-Fault Liability?
Proponents of the no-fault liability system argue it is better. When there is no need to prove liability, the claims process should not have to involve negotiations with other parties. The trick is the policyholder is often still required to prove their case. Coverage cannot be guaranteed because insurance companies will attempt to deny coverage or reduce what you are owed. They are focused on profits more than they are on their responsibilities toward you. Commerce Township car accident victims see this all the time and need competent legal help when it happens.
Insurance companies may try to deny coverage by apportioning blame to the car accident victim. Michigan still follows a modified comparative negligence system. If the insurance company argues you were 51% at fault or more, they may attempt to deny you coverage. For anything 50% or less, the insurance company could attempt to reduce your compensation by that amount.
For example, if your insurance company accuses you of being 40% at fault for the collision, your coverage can be reduced by 40%.
Can I Still Sue an At-Fault Driver?
Under Michigan’s no-fault law, car accident claims against an at-fault party are now rare. When negotiated by a skilled Commerce Township car accident lawyer, auto insurance companies should adequately compensate you for:
- Property damages
- Medical bills
- Lost wages.
Your auto insurance company, however, is not going to pay you for claimed excess economic damages, such as future or ongoing medical treatment, loss of earned income, or non-economic damages like pain and suffering. In situations where you have a valid claim for these damages, you are allowed to sue the at-fault party.
The Michigan no-fault system can be confusing, but we can help. Our firm offers a free, no-obligation consultation. Even better, you will not pay anything unless we win.
Injuries that May Affect Commerce Township Victims
Under the no-fault system, those with existing health conditions often face the most challenges. The injury may have exacerbated the injury, but the car insurance company may try to deny full compensation for this injury. The same is true in situations with delayed symptoms. Delayed onset is common with serious injuries from car accidents, but car insurance companies purposefully pretend that your injuries might be from something else.
Insurers will also not compensate accident victims for emotional distress or pain and suffering caused by injuries such as:
- Nerve damage resulting in a loss of sensation
- Spinal cord injury
- Spinal cord damage resulting in paralysis
- Disfigurement and severe scarring
- Traumatic brain injury.
At Goodman Acker, we are committed to clients just like you. We will not settle a case unless it is in your best interests. We will take on challenging cases and pursue compensation for you.
Commerce Township Car Accident FAQs
Our Commerce Township Car Accident Attorneys Answers Your Common Questions
Car accident claims can be confusing, especially because of Michigan’s no-fault system. We are here to help answer a few of the most common questions we get from prospective clients.
What steps should I take after a car accident?
After your accident, there are a few things you can do to help your car accident case:
- Check for Injuries: After your car accident, check yourself and the passengers in the vehicle for any injuries. After that, check on any other people in other vehicles that were involved in the accident.
- Ensure Your Safety: If possible and safe to do so, move your car to a safer location off the road. If you cannot, simply stay where you are and await emergency personnel.
- Call 911: Contact the police so that a report can be created and report any known or potential injuries.
- Exchange Information: If you are able to do so, exchange insurance information with other parties to the accident.
- Gather Evidence: Take pictures of injuries and property damage you have suffered and get contact information for any witnesses. Keep all of your medical records and any other information you think might be relevant to your case.
After these steps, you should request an Application for No-Fault Insurance Benefits from your insurance agent. You should then schedule a consultation with Goodman Acker. We will discuss your rights in our free initial consultation.
How long do I have to file my Commerce Township car accident claim?
In Michigan, you only have one year to file a car accident claim with your insurance company. In cases where a personal injury lawsuit is appropriate, you may have three years from the date of the accident to file your claim.
Are other motor vehicle accidents included in the no-fault law?
Any accident that involves an automobile will fall under Michigan’s No-Fault law. Whether you were involved in a motorcycle accident, truck accident, or other motor vehicle accident, you likely have to file an insurance claim with the help of your Commerce Township car accident attorney.
How can a Commerce Township car accident lawyer help me?
Our team of car accident attorneys in Commerce Township knows the policies and laws surrounding car collisions in Michigan. To help you win compensation in your case, we will:
- Gather accident reports, witness statements, police investigation details, and much more
- Analyze your medical records and submit your claims for medical bills
- Negotiate and communicate with your insurance adjuster on your behalf
- Keep you informed and give ongoing device until the conclusion of the case
- Earn you the best possible settlement for your pain and suffering.
Consult Our Trusted Commerce Township Car Accident Lawyers Right Away
After a car accident, reach out to Goodman Acker. Our team of dedicated Commerce Township car accident lawyers provides clients like you with the best possible representation. We will work hard to achieve the results you deserve.
LEGALLY REVIEWED BY BARRY J. GOODMAN
Barry J. Goodman has devoted his professional life to keeping courthouse doors open for victims seeking justice. Always a tireless advocate for his own clients, Goodman sees his responsibility as a Detroit personal injury attorney in a broader sense as well. [ Attorney Bio ]
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