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Michigan Car Accident Lawyer

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There are hundreds of millions of motor vehicles on the roads in the United States. There are also millions of motor vehicle accidents each year in the United States. Those accidents result in millions of injuries, as well as approximately 40,000 deaths. In Michigan, reports for annual number of accidents is over 500,000.

As a result of automobile accidents, approximately 10 percent of all people involved end up disabled. In addition, collisions that occur at speeds as low as five miles per hour can result in serious injury, particularly to the neck or spine.

The leading causes of traffic accidents include driver inattention, driver fatigue, aggressive driving, drunk driving, speeding, and poor weather conditions. With statistics regarding auto accidents and knowledge about how accidents can occur, there is need for concern. Regardless of how cautious a driver is, he or she may still end up in a traffic accident, particularly as the result of other drivers' negligence.

The leading cause of traffic accidents in the United States, accounting for approximately 80 percent of accidents and 65 percent of near accidents, is driver inattention. Driver inattention encompasses text messaging, talking or dialing cell phones, reading, applying makeup, reaching for something in the car, eating and drinking, or turning one's attention to something happening outside of the car. The remainder of accidents can occur from other acts of driver negligence such as aggressive and driver fatigue, as well as from illegal driving incidents such driving drunk or speeding. Poor weather conditions, while not in a driver's control, can be a contributing factor to accidents as well, especially if driver's fail to exercise caution when driving in unsafe weather.

Involvement in a motor vehicle accident can have minimal effects or very devastating effects. When you are involved in an accident, a number of people are involved, from people in other cars, to the police, to insurance agents. There are also a number of factors that will need to be considered at the time of an accident that may be helpful should you have trouble with an insurance claim or become involved with legal issues surrounding the accident.

If you are involved in an accident, there are a number of recommended steps you should take to assist you with the legal process in the event it is necessary. These include:

Remaining calm following the accident.
Exchanging documents (only license, registration, and motor vehicle identification card) with other drivers.
Do not discuss details of the accident with anyone at the scene but the police.
Obtaining ownership statistics from the other driver/person involved in the accident.
Obtaining information from witnesses of the accident.
Diagramming the scene, making sure to include important information such as street names, intersections, and traffic signals/signs.

Following these steps will help you through when you speak with your insurance agency and a lawyer, should you need one.

Michigan is a no fault state, which means that an insurance company will typically pay for most of the economic losses suffered as the result of a motor vehicle accident, regardless of who is at fault. In addition, Michigan motor vehicle accident laws require (with a number of governing and guiding factors) that medical coverage continues for life, or for the length of time medical treatment is needed following an accident. The No Fault Law also allows for individuals injured in traffic accidents to receive 85 percent of his or her lost wages for a maximum of three years if a doctor determines that injuries were sustained as the result of a motor vehicle accident.

There are a number of other aspects that Michigan No Fault Law covers in the event of a motor vehicle accident. It is strongly recommended, if you were in an accident, that you speak with a Michigan attorney. He or she will work to determine who is at fault for an accident and how your claim should be made and processed. Your lawyer will guide you through the legal process and help to ensure you receive the benefits you may be entitled to.