Dealing with an automobile accident can be a frustrating experience. Having the right attorney by your side can help get you compensation and let you concentrate on getting well.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has released its early estimate of traffic fatalities for 2021. NHTSA projects an estimated 42,915 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes last year. This represents a 10.5% increase from the 38,824 fatalities in 2020. The latest projection is the most fatalities since 2005 and the largest annual percentage increase in the Fatality Analysis Reporting System’s history. Each of these numbers tragically represents a lost life and the family left behind.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the high number of car accidents in Wyoming, MI. The state has a large population, which means there are a lot of people driving on the highways. These roads are crowded and, during poor weather conditions, can be difficult to navigate. In addition, the weather in Wyoming can be very unpredictable, and winter weather can make driving conditions very treacherous.
There are several different types of car accidents that can occur in Wyoming. However, some are more common than others. Here are the five most common car accidents that occur in Wyoming:
- Rear-end collisions. These types of accidents often occur when one driver is following another too closely and fails to brake in time to avoid hitting the car in front of them.
- Side-impact collisions. These accidents often occur at intersections when one car collides with the side of another.
- Head-on collisions. These accidents can be particularly serious and often occur when one driver crosses the center line into oncoming traffic.
- Rollover accidents. These accidents often occur when a driver loses control of their vehicle, causing it to roll over.
- Single-car accidents. These accidents can occur for a number of reasons, such as losing control of the vehicle or hitting a fixed object.
Our Wyoming, MI, car accident lawyers have seen time and time again how car accidents are challenging and frustrating to our clients. The process to recover compensation for property damage and medical bills, however, doesn’t have to be nerve-wracking. In Michigan, as a no-fault state, you first file a claim with your own auto insurance company and not the other driver’s insurance carrier.
When damages are minimal and injuries are minor, the process tends to go smoothly if you know what you are doing. However, when injuries are more significant or materialize days or weeks after the accident, your insurance company may try to deny or reduce coverage. This tends to be a problem, and to ensure you get the compensation owed to you, a Wyoming car accident attorney is your best option.
Why Choose Us?
At Goodman Acker, we are not just any personal injury law firm in Wyoming. Our diverse team of knowledgeable car accident attorneys treat each client as though they are family. We have been representing our community members in Wyoming for decades, so, in many ways, you are our family.
But there’s more to know about us that distinguishes our car accident attorneys in Wyoming, MI, from the rest.
- We have 150+ years of combined legal experience.
- We have a success rate of 99% for cases we conclude.
- We are routinely featured by newsgroups, like Fox 17 News and Local 4 Detroit.
- We are available 24/7 for client emergencies.
- We have won millions of dollars for our clients.
- We offer free initial consultations to get you started.
- We treat our clients like family, and their testimonials reflect that.
Our reputation is backed by awards and recognition, like inclusion on the Super Lawyers list, an AV Martindale-Hubbell Rating, and a spot on the list of Top 100 Trial Lawyers.
Understanding No-Fault Liability for Car Accidents in Wyoming
Our Wyoming Car Accident Lawyers Explain What’s at Stake
Unlike most states, which follow the theory of fault liability, Michigan has joined a handful of states that adhere to the theory of no-fault liability for automobile accidents. Claims are handled through personal injury protection (PIP). In simple terms, this means you file an insurance claim with your own auto insurer––even if you were not at fault for the accident.
Is No-Fault Liability in Michigan Better than Fault Liability?
It would seem on the face of it that no-fault liability is better. Without the need to prove liability, the claims process often does not involve negotiation with the other parties. However, the policyholder may still have to prove their case. Coverage is not guaranteed, and insurance companies prioritize profit regardless of whether someone else is at fault. As such, they may still try to deny or reduce benefits to injured parties in Wyoming.
Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence policy. This policy holds that if you contributed to an accident and were 51% or more at fault, you won’t recover anything. If you were at fault for anything under 51 percent, you can recover, but the value of compensation will be reduced accordingly.
For example, if your auto insurer accuses you of being 25% at fault for the collision, your compensation can be reduced by 25%.
To ensure you get that compensation, you need experienced Wyoming car accident attorneys with a 99% success rate and 150+ years of experience from which to draw insight. Call us at 248-286-8100 for your free consultation.
Can an Auto Accident Victim in Wyoming Still Sue the At-Fault Driver?
Under Michigan’s no-fault policy, lawsuits against the at-fault party are rare. If negotiated by a talented Wyoming car accident lawyer, auto insurance companies will adequately compensate their own insureds for:
- Property damage
- Medical bills
- Lost wages.
Your auto insurance company, however, will not pay you for excess economic damages (e.g., loss of earned income, future or ongoing medical treatment, etc.) or non-economic damages for pain and suffering. When you have a valid claim for these damages, you can sue the at-fault party.
So, if you have been in a car collision and were injured, it is in your best interests to, at a minimum, speak with us. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation. Plus, you don’t pay anything unless we win.
Wyoming, MI, Car Accident FAQs
Car insurance claims in Wyoming can be tricky and confusing, especially since the no-fault policy is rather new in Michigan. Here, we try to answer some of the most common questions we get daily about car accident claims.
What Should I Do after a Car Accident in Michigan?
There are several things you should do if you’re in a car accident.
- Injury Check. After an accident occurs, check yourself and others in the vehicle for injuries. Next, check others in any vehicle or surrounding area that also may have been involved in the accident.
- Safety. If you can do so, move your vehicle to a safer location off the road. If you are unable to do so, remain where you are until emergency personnel arrives.
- Call 911. Contact the police so that a report can be created.
- Exchange information. If you can, exchange information (e.g., driver’s license and license plate numbers) with anyone else involved in the accident.
- Gather evidence. If you can, take pictures of the vehicles, the scene, weather conditions, road conditions, etc. If relevant, obtain contact information for any witnesses.
After the accident, but once the immediate steps are taken, you should request an Application for No-Fault Insurance Benefits from your insurance agent and schedule a consultation with Goodman Acker. Via a free initial consultation, we will discuss the specifics of your auto accident and make sure you know your rights.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Wyoming?
In Michigan, you have one year to file a claim with your insurance company. In some cases, you may have three years for a personal injury lawsuit stemming from the car accident.
How is a Car Accident Settlement Amount Determined in Michigan?
Several factors are taken into consideration when determining a settlement for a Wyoming car accident personal injury claim. There is no single answer or set formula to determine the amount. Some factors include:
- Missed work
- Medical costs
- Other related medical costs, like transportation to and from appointments
- Contributory negligence
- Extent of injuries.
For a personalized answer, contact our Wyoming car accident attorneys at Goodman Acker.
How Can a Wyoming Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?
Our team of car accident attorneys in Wyoming understands the laws and policies surrounding auto collisions in Michigan. We will take the following steps, at a minimum, to maximize your chances of receiving fair and adequate compensation:
- We will gather witness statements, accident reports, and, among other evidence, the investigation file from the police.
- We will gather and review your medical records and submit your claims for medical bills.
- We will communicate and negotiate with your automobile insurance adjuster for you.
- We will keep you informed and provide ongoing advice until your claim is satisfied.
- We will get you the best possible settlement for your pain and suffering.
With over 150 years of combined experience, you can rest assured that we will give 100% of our skills and resources to ensure that you get the maximum of what the law allows.
Contact Our Trusted Wyoming, MI, Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, reach out to Goodman Acker today. Our team of experienced Wyoming, MI car accident lawyers provides clients with the representation and results they deserve. Our focus is always on representing your best interests and getting you the best settlement.
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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