Michigan Car Accident Attorney

Top-Rated Michigan Car Accident Lawyers

car accident attorneys michigan

If you or a loved one were injured in a motor vehicle accident in Michigan, the experienced car accident lawyers at Lipton Law can help protect your rights and pursue full compensation for your losses. Our legal team is prepared to handle every detail of your claim, from investigating the crash to negotiating with insurance companies and opposing counsel on your behalf.

We believe in building lasting relationships with our clients, offering continued support and trusted legal guidance even after your case is resolved. Whether you have questions about your claim, future medical care, or additional legal concerns, you can count on us to be there when you need us.

To speak directly with one of our compassionate and qualified auto accident attorneys at Lipton Law, call our Southfield, MI law office at (248) 557-1688 or fill out our online consultation form to schedule a free case review today.

Why Do I Need a Michigan Car Accident Lawyer?

Following an accident, you may be uncertain if you want to seek legal help. Is it worth getting an attorney for a car accident in Michigan? Generally speaking, yes, it is advisable to hire a car accident attorney. Securing compensation from your insurance or from at-fault drivers can be a complex and difficult process. Additionally, due to the complications of the state’s No-Fault insurance rule, the uninformed may fall into several traps. Without a knowledgeable Michigan car accident attorney on your side, it is much more difficult to secure the compensation you need to pay for damages, medical bills, recoup lost wages, and more.

Benefits of Hiring Michigan Car Accident Attorneys

Working with an experienced Michigan car accident attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. Here are the key benefits:

Your attorney will help you file your insurance claim within the required one-year deadline and make sure you don’t lose your right to No-Fault benefits under the state’s strict “one-year back” rule.

Lawyers understand the tactics insurance adjusters use and can prevent you from unknowingly signing releases or documents that waive your right to future compensation.

Accidents involving uninsured or hit-and-run drivers can make the claims process more challenging. A lawyer can identify additional sources of recovery and guide you through these difficult cases.

An attorney will review your policy to identify all possible benefits you’re entitled to and ensure that insurance companies pay fairly for your medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.

Missing filing deadlines or required documentation can lead to denied claims. Your lawyer ensures all paperwork is completed accurately and submitted on time.

If an insurance company refuses to pay, your attorney can pursue a Michigan car accident lawsuit to recover damages from the at-fault driver and hold negligent parties accountable.

Your legal team manages every detail of your case—communications, negotiations, and paperwork—so you can focus on healing while knowing your rights are protected.

Lipton Law’s Michigan car accident lawyers handle every case with care and precision, ensuring you receive the compensation and peace of mind you deserve.

MI motor vehicle accident lawyer

How Much Does a Michigan Car Accident Case Cost?

The cost of a car accident case in Michigan can vary significantly depending on multiple factors. Longer or more complex cases often cost more. The severity of the injuries involved can also seriously impact the settlement amount, which in turn can impact the cost.

At Lipton Law, we believe that cost should never stand in the way of justice. That’s why our Michigan car accident lawyers handle all cases on a contingency fee basis.

This means you pay nothing upfront—no retainers, hourly rates, or out-of-pocket expenses while your case is pending. Our fee is collected only if we recover compensation on your behalf, whether through a settlement or a jury verdict. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.

This arrangement allows our clients to pursue their claims with confidence, knowing their attorney is fully invested in achieving the best possible result. It also ensures that quality legal representation is accessible to anyone injured in a Michigan auto accident, regardless of financial circumstances.

To learn more about how our contingency fees work and what percentage may apply to your case, contact an experienced Southfield, MI personal injury attorney at Lipton Law today for a free consultation.

How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?

The value of car accident cases varies depending on the unique facts of each situation, including the extent of your injuries, the level of fault involved, and the available insurance coverage. An experienced car accident lawyer can evaluate the details of your case and help determine a fair settlement amount based on Michigan law.

Under Michigan’s No-Fault system, you may be entitled to compensation from your auto insurance company as well as the at-fault driver’s insurer. Compensation typically covers two main types of damages:

  • Economic Damages: These are financial losses that can be clearly calculated. Examples include medical expenses, hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, property damage, and lost income due to time away from work.
  • Non-economic Damages: These refer to losses that do not have a direct dollar amount, such as physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.

Because an insurance adjuster will almost always undervalue your claim, it’s important to have a law firm that understands how to assess both short- and long-term damages. At Lipton Law, our qualified car accident lawyers in Michigan work tirelessly to ensure car accident victims receive the full compensation they deserve for the harm they’ve endured.

The following are all examples of what determines the car accident settlement value:

While Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance will cover a portion of your medical costs following a car accident, the coverage amount is limited, and serious injuries may require ongoing care that exceeds your PIP limits. When this occurs, you may pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver or their own auto insurance company through a personal injury lawsuit.

  • Recoverable medical expenses may include:
  • Hospital stays, emergency room visits, and surgeries
  • Doctor’s appointments and follow-up care
  • Prescription medications and medical devices
  • Physical or occupational therapy
  • Diagnostic tests such as MRIs or X-rays
  • Long-term rehabilitation or home health care

To strengthen your claim, it’s important to document every expense. Keep all receipts, medical records, and doctor’s notes that show the extent of your injuries and treatments. This documentation helps ensure your auto accident attorney can pursue full reimbursement for your medical costs.

After a serious car accident, many victims are unable to work for weeks or even months while recovering. Michigan’s No-Fault insurance covers lost wages for up to three years, but these benefits are capped and may not fully replace your income. If your losses exceed this limit, you may file a claim against the negligent driver to recover the remaining wages.

For example, if your job involves physical labor and a back injury prevents you from lifting or standing for long periods, you can claim compensation for your missed pay. To do this, you must provide clear proof of your income, such as pay stubs, tax returns, or employer statements.

If you are self-employed, you can present invoices, contracts, or profit-and-loss statements to show what you would have earned during your recovery period. An experienced attorney can help calculate these losses accurately to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Sometimes, car accidents cause lasting injuries that impact victims’ ability to work in the future. This is referred to as lost earning capacity or lost earning potential. Even if you are able to return to work, you may no longer perform the same duties or earn the same income you did before the accident.

Proving this type of loss can be challenging. You’ll need to show how your injuries limit your ability to earn by providing documentation such as:

  • Paychecks or tax returns from before and after the accident
  • Medical reports describing your long-term limitations
  • Expert testimony from economists or vocational specialists who can explain the impact of your injuries on future earning ability

Because these cases require detailed evidence and professional analysis, it’s best to work with experienced Michigan car accident lawyers who can present a strong argument for your long-term financial losses.

Being in a car crash is a very personal experience. One person’s reaction to such an accident may significantly differ from another person’s reaction to a similar accident. Although the level of pain a victim feels, as well as the emotional suffering they go through, can be difficult to define, victims are entitled to compensation for pain and suffering.

These non-economic damages vary widely depending on the severity of the injury. Serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, or severe burns typically justify higher compensation. Chronic pain or psychological trauma, such as anxiety or depression, can also be considered in a pain and suffering claim.

  • Evidence that can help prove these damages includes:
  • Medical records documenting ongoing pain or emotional symptoms
  • Prescriptions for pain medication or therapy
  • Personal journals describing your daily challenges
  • Testimony from family members, friends, or coworkers about changes in your quality of life

Because pain and suffering damages are subjective and harder to quantify, having a skilled attorney who understands how to present this evidence under Michigan law can significantly strengthen your claim.

Southfield, MI car accident injury law firm

What Affects Michigan Car Accident Claims?

A variety of factors can affect a Michigan auto accident claim. An experienced Michigan car accident attorney can help you throughout the legal process of seeking compensation from at-fault parties. Below, we list exactly what courts consider when evaluating a car crash claim:

Can you get compensation if the accident was your fault? Yes, you can. Michigan follows a comparative negligence system, meaning your personal injury claim compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault in the accident. 

For example, if you were found 20% responsible for the crash, your total recovery would be reduced by that same percentage. However, even if you share some fault, you may still pursue damages for your losses. An attorney can help establish liability through evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction.

Eyewitness testimony plays a significant role in clarifying how an accident occurred. However, inconsistent accounts can complicate the determination of fault. Statements from drivers, passengers, or bystanders can either strengthen or weaken your case depending on how closely they align with the available evidence. A skilled lawyer will know how to collect, analyze, and present these statements effectively.

The severity and nature of your injuries directly affect your compensation. Severe or long-term injuries typically result in higher settlements because they require extensive medical care and can significantly impact your ability to work or enjoy life. 

Catastrophic injuries, such as brain injuries, spinal damage, or multiple fractures, can lead to lifelong expenses and greater non-economic damages. Read about the top 9 worst car crash injuries to learn more about the types of injuries Lipton Law’s attorneys can help you recover damages for.

Regardless of whether you believe you have suffered injuries, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible following an accident. This is important because you may not feel potentially deadly injuries after a car accident. Medical exams may reveal injuries you might otherwise be unaware of until they worsen. Prompt treatment not only protects your health but also establishes a clear link between the accident and your injuries. Delays in seeking care can make it harder to prove causation and may reduce your potential compensation.

Injuries that lead to disability or disfigurement often warrant higher compensation due to the drastic impact they can have on a person’s life. Even temporary impairments that limit your ability to work or participate in daily activities may increase the value of your claim. Lipton Law’s catastrophic injury attorneys in Michigan can help you document and present these long-term effects.

Accurate documentation of all medical expenses is critical to your claim. This includes hospital stays, surgeries, medications, therapy, and assistive devices. Your Michigan car accident lawyer will review your medical records and bills to calculate the full extent of your financial losses. Missing receipts or incomplete records can weaken your claim, so it’s important to keep detailed documentation of every expense.

Auto accident injuries may prevent you from returning to work, either temporarily or permanently. You can seek compensation for the time you had to take off to recover. If you have to switch jobs due to your injuries, you may qualify for compensation to cover a discrepancy in pay between your old position and your new position. Proof such as pay stubs, tax returns, or employer statements will be required to support these damages.

Sometimes, the fault lies not with the individual operating the car, but with a malfunctioning part within the car itself. In these cases, the manufacturer, supplier, or dealership may be held liable under Michigan product liability law. Faulty brakes, steering systems, airbags, or tires can all contribute to severe crashes. Your attorney can investigate whether a mechanical failure played a role and pursue compensation from the responsible company.

car accident lawyers in southfield, michigan

What Should I Expect in a Michigan Car Accident Settlement?

Filing a lawsuit after a car accident can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already coping with injuries, medical bills, and insurance challenges. A Michigan personal injury attorney can provide the guidance and representation you need to move forward confidently.

At Lipton Law, our attorneys handle every stage of the legal process, from gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies to representing clients in court when necessary. We take the time to explain your rights, answer your questions, and prepare you for what to expect during your car accident settlement. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible while pursuing the full compensation you deserve.

A car accident settlement is an agreement made between the parties involved in a crash to resolve the matter without going to court. In most cases, the at-fault driver or their insurance company agrees to pay a negotiated amount of money to the car accident victim in exchange for releasing any further legal claims.

For auto accident victims, settlements provide a faster, less stressful way to recover compensation for car accident injuries, property damage, and other losses. The amount of compensation depends on several factors, including medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.

In cases involving fatal car accidents, settlements may also include wrongful death compensation for surviving family members. Additionally, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage under Michigan’s No-Fault insurance system may cover certain medical expenses and lost wages before or during the settlement process.

An experienced attorney can help ensure a settlement fully reflects your damages and protects your rights throughout negotiations, helping you secure fair compensation for your recovery.

When an injured person files a lawsuit against an at-fault driver, the goal is often to reach a fair settlement before the case goes to trial. Under Michigan law, this process allows both parties to avoid the time and expense of courtroom litigation while still achieving a fair resolution.

After your auto accident lawyer files your claim, both sides exchange evidence—such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements—to establish liability and damages. The attorneys then negotiate with each other and the insurance company to determine a reasonable settlement amount.

An insurance adjuster may reach out immediately after the accident to offer a quick payout. However, these early offers are usually much lower than what your claim is truly worth. Having an experienced attorney handle communications ensures you don’t accept an unfair settlement or sign away your rights too soon.

The settlement process can sometimes wrap up in a single day of negotiations, but more complex cases involving serious injuries or disputed liability may take weeks or even months. With strong legal representation, you can be confident that your rights and best interests are protected at every stage of the process.

A car accident settlement agreement is a formal document that outlines the terms both parties have agreed to in order to resolve the case. It typically includes:

  • The settlement amount and payment schedule – how much compensation will be paid and when.
  • Rights being waived – what legal claims the car accident victim gives up in exchange for receiving payment.
  • Additional actions or conditions – any other terms both sides must fulfill as part of the agreement.

Once signed, settlement agreements are legally binding and irreversible. This means that after accepting payment, the case is officially closed, and you cannot pursue further compensation later—even if the amount doesn’t fully cover your No-Fault benefits, ongoing medical care, or pain and suffering damages.

Because of this finality, it’s crucial to work with a skilled automobile accident attorney who can accurately evaluate your losses and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. Your lawyer will consider medical expenses, lost wages, long-term treatment needs, and emotional distress when determining an appropriate settlement amount.

How much should you agree to for a settlement amount? What are the typical car accident settlement amounts with injury? For answers to these questions and more, speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer at Lipton Law. Our Michigan-based law firm can help you understand typical settlement ranges and ensure your agreement truly reflects your financial and emotional recovery needs.

Southfield, Michigan Car Accident Attorney

Common Types of Michigan Car Accident Claims We Handle

The type of car accident you’re involved in determines what kind of claim you may file and who can be held responsible. Depending on liability, your accident claim may include one or more of the following:

The most common type of car accident lawsuit in Michigan involves a personal injury claim against a negligent driver. Collisions may result from distractions, fatigue, speeding, or reckless driving. Under Michigan’s hit-and-run laws, drivers who flee the scene face severe penalties. In larger crashes, more than one motorist may share legal responsibility.

Our personal injury attorneys work to prove that the defendant’s negligence directly caused your accident and resulting injuries.

A dram shop claim seeks to hold a third party (typically a bar or restaurant) responsible for serving alcohol to someone who later causes a crash due to intoxication. Michigan Dram Shop Laws allow victims to sue a business if it serves alcohol to:

  1. A minor, who then causes injury or an accident, or
  2. A visibly intoxicated person, who later harms others.

These cases are limited to specific situations, and proving liability can be complex. An experienced car accident lawyer at Lipton Law can help determine whether a business can be held accountable for contributing to the accident.

Even if the other driver is uninsured, Michigan’s No-Fault insurance provides compensation for certain losses. Having Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage can further protect you by allowing you to recover additional compensation through your own policy.

However, if your damages exceed policy limits, the lack of insurance from the at-fault driver may create challenges. An experienced attorney can help you explore your options for obtaining full compensation after a serious accident.

Some accidents stem from vehicle defects rather than driver error. These may include design flaws, manufacturing errors, or a failure to provide proper safety warnings. In such cases, your lawyer may recommend pursuing a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor.

Depending on your situation, you may join a mass tort or class action lawsuit to recover damages. A knowledgeable Michigan defective product lawyer from our team can help you determine the best approach for your case.

Accidents caused by poor road design or maintenance can be the responsibility of local city or county government entities. To prove liability, your lawyer must show that the government was aware of the danger or should have been aware of the danger caused by road conditions. It’s important to note, however, that there are several unique laws and restrictions when it comes to suing the U.S. government for damages. Lipton Law’s dangerous road accident attorneys in Michigan provide crucial insight into pursuing claims against government entities.

It’s not common for medical misconduct to play a role in a vehicle accident case, but it does happen sometimes. Medical professionals and facilities may be held accountable if their negligence, such as improper medication, misdiagnosis, or failure to warn about impairing side effects, leads to a crash.

Additionally, if you received negligent treatment for your accident-related injuries, you may have grounds for a malpractice claim. Contact Lipton Law’s Michigan medical malpractice lawyers if you suspect substandard medical care contributed to your injury or recovery complications.

Families who lose a loved one in a fatal car accident may file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. These claims frequently arise from severe collisions such as rollover or T-bone accidents. Compensation can help cover funeral expenses, lost income, and the emotional toll of losing a family member. If you have lost someone in a Michigan car accident, our Michigan wrongful death attorneys at Lipton Law can help you pursue justice and financial recovery.

Southfield, MI car accident lawyers

Michigan Car Accident Lawyer FAQs

Across Michigan, auto accidents are frequently caused by careless, reckless, or intentional driver behavior. Winter conditions often lead to crashes when drivers travel too fast for icy or snow-covered roads, while summer and holiday seasons see increased collisions due to impaired or distracted driving. In some cases, accidents result from vehicle malfunctions or the failure of local or state authorities to properly maintain roads.

Below is a list of some of the most common causes of car accidents in Michigan:

  • Speeding or driving too fast for weather conditions
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Distracted driving (texting, eating, or using a phone)
  • Young or inexperienced drivers
  • Fatigue or drowsy driving
  • Failing to yield the right of way
  • Defective vehicle parts or manufacturing errors
  • Collisions with animals on the road
  • Unsafe lane changes or failure to use turn signals
  • Improper or illegal turns
  • Driving the wrong way on a roadway
  • Mechanical failures or stalling vehicles
  • Hazardous weather or poorly maintained roadways

Understanding what caused your accident is critical for proving liability and securing fair compensation. For official Michigan car accident statistics and current data on traffic crashes, visit the Michigan State Police website.

It’s important to consult with a car accident lawyer for a multitude of reasons. After an auto accident, many victims suffer serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment. They might have costly car repair bills or need to replace their car entirely. When the expenses pile up, accident victims tend to get desperate and accept the first settlement they’re offered. 

However, the first settlement offer rarely covers all your expenses. Experienced car accident attorneys with Lipton Law can help your case in the following ways:

  • Fully investigating the car crash and comparing it to other car accidents that are similar
  • Determine who is at fault in a T-bone accident or other type of car accident
  • Determine and seek compensation from all responsible parties
  • Speak with adjusters about your insurance claim on your behalf
  • Estimate your future medical costs and recover compensation for them
  • Deal with hospitals, collections agents, and the defense attorney of the responsible party
  • Negotiate with the other party’s insurance company, as well as your own insurance company

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s normal to feel uncertain about your next steps. Taking the right actions immediately after the crash can protect both your health and your legal rights. Follow these steps before contacting your insurance company:

  1. Check for injuries.
    Assess yourself and others for any visible or potential injuries. Even if you feel fine, certain injuries may not appear right away.
  2. Seek medical attention.
    Call for emergency services if necessary or visit a doctor as soon as possible. Prompt treatment not only safeguards your health but also provides crucial medical documentation for your claim.
  3. Move to a safe location.
    If your vehicle is obstructing traffic or you’re in danger, move to a nearby safe area such as the shoulder of the road, but do not leave the accident scene. 
  4. Contact law enforcement.
    Report the accident and request an official police report. This document will serve as key evidence when filing your insurance claim or potential lawsuit.
  5. Exchange information.
    Collect contact, driver’s license, and insurance details from all parties involved. If there are witnesses, gather their contact information as well.
  6. Document the scene.
    Take photos and videos of the accident site, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Write down your recollection of events while the details are fresh.

Once you’ve completed these steps, contact your insurance company immediately to report the accident. You may also want to reach out to a Michigan car accident lawyer before giving any formal statements. The attorneys at Lipton Law can help you meet filing deadlines, protect your rights, and handle communication with the insurance company on your behalf.

Wondering when it’s too late to file an insurance claim under Michigan law? The time you have to file a claim after an automobile accident depends on the type of case and the parties involved. Generally, Michigan’s personal injury statute of limitations allows injured individuals to file car accident lawsuits within three years of the date of the accident. This deadline applies to claims for personal injuries, property damage, and wrongful death.

However, certain situations have shorter timelines. For example:

  • No-Fault insurance claims for medical treatment or lost wages must be filed within one year of the accident.
  • Claims against government entities may have even stricter notice requirements, often as short as 120 days.

Missing these deadlines can prevent you from recovering compensation, even if you have a valid claim. That’s why it’s essential to contact an experienced personal injury law firm as soon as possible after a crash.

At Lipton Law, our skilled auto accident attorneys help clients understand which deadlines apply, gather the necessary documentation, and file claims promptly to protect their rights.

Yes. Even a minor car crash can have serious consequences, so it’s always wise to consult with an attorney before filing a claim. You may still be entitled to compensation for medical bills, vehicle repairs, or lost income, even if the damage initially appears small.

Injuries such as whiplash, concussions, or soft tissue damage may not show symptoms right away but can lead to long-term medical issues. Additionally, personal injury claims can become complex due to complicated Michigan auto insurance policies and No-Fault laws, filing deadlines, and liability questions.

Working with experienced car accident lawyers ensures your claim is handled correctly and that you receive the full amount you’re entitled to under the law. Fortunately, our attorneys at Lipton Law have extensive experience representing Michigan drivers in all types of accidents—from minor collisions to severe crashes—and will provide the dedicated legal support you deserve.

Michigan Car Accident Attorney

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Top Michigan Car Accident Lawyer at Lipton Law Today

If you were involved in a car accident in Michigan, you deserve a legal team committed to protecting your rights and pursuing maximum compensation. At Lipton Law, our attorneys handle all types of Michigan car accident cases, from minor collisions to serious injury claims, and work tirelessly to hold the at-fault party accountable.

We offer free, no-obligation consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our goal is to manage every aspect of your car accident claim so you can focus on recovery while we focus on results.

To schedule your completely confidential and free consultation, call (248) 557-1688 or complete our online intake form today and let the experienced attorneys at Lipton Law help you move forward with the financial recovery you deserve.