Injuries sustained in a car accident can result in victims requiring surgery, ongoing medical care, and other health-related treatment. As a result, the medical bills and other costs associated with these services can create a significant financial burden for many families.
At Jay Trucks and Associates, we have been advocates for auto accident victims in Clare and throughout Michigan for more than 30 years. Hire a Clare car accident lawyer.
… Wonderful people with top quality representation. I am truly blessed to have found this firm…
– Tim Hastings
Our licensed auto accident attorneys have recovered more than $500 million in compensation for our clients, including a $2 million settlement for a victim of a serious car crash who suffered catastrophic injuries and a $600,000 recovery for a passenger injured in a rental car.
If you have sustained injuries in a Clare car accident, we encourage you to contact an experienced Clare car accident attorney at Jay Trucks and Associates. We want to discuss your potential auto accident claim and how we may be able to help. We offer a free initial consultation and require no upfront fees for our services. You pay us nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Schedule a free legal consultation: (800) 762-8623
Am I Eligible to File a Michigan Car Crash Claim?
During your free car accident consultation, we can review your specific situation and answer this question and any other legal questions you may have.
At Jay Trucks and Associates, these are some of the details our Michigan car accident lawyer may want to review during your consultation:
- The extent and severity of your injuries
- Doctor’s notes
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Your account of the accident
- The accident report
- Pictures of your injuries and/or the accident scene
- Type and severity of vehicle damage
Once we understand more about your car accident, we can determine whether you may be eligible to pursue compensation and discuss the legal options that may apply.
Complete our Case Evaluation form today.
What is the Value of My Case?
There are many factors to consider to fully understand the value of a car crash, including:
- Whether you missed work as the result of injuries sustained in your car accident
- The types of coverage or policy limits of the at-fault driver or the vehicle owner if you were a passenger or driving someone else’s car when the car accident occurred
- Other optional coverage that may apply, such as uninsured or underinsured motorist protection (UM/UIM)
- Whether you or other injured victims may suffer severe or permanent limitations due to the vehicle accident, such as a traumatic brain injury
- The type and degree of pain and suffering you are experiencing because of the accident
At Jay Trucks and Associates, we are prepared to discuss your potential car accident claim during a free consultation. Our experienced car accident lawyers understand how to calculate the value of Michigan car accident claims. We are prepared to help you pursue the maximum compensation for your damages if we find you have a valid personal injury claim.
Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer
While we cannot guarantee any specific outcome, our experienced attorneys know how to handle car accident claims, and we can manage each step of the legal process, which may include:
- Investigating the car accident
- Obtaining video footage
- Getting eyewitnesses statements
- Negotiating with insurance adjusters for fair financial compensation
- Consulting medical experts to determine the extent of your injuries and the projected length of your recovery
- Using technology to reconstruct the car crash, when necessary
Car accident victims who choose to hire a lawyer typically recover more financial compensation for their damages than those who attempt to deal with the insurance company on their own.
Visit our testimonials page to find out what our satisfied clients have to say about our services. One client said “I was lost and didn’t have a clue what to do. My case was falling apart. Jay Trucks rescued me and helped me with everything I needed.”
No Upfront Fees. Ph: (800) 762-8623
Michigan No-Fault Car Insurance
Michigan is one of a handful of states with a no-fault car insurance system. That means drivers injured in an auto accident in Michigan usually seek compensation from their own insurance company, no matter who was at fault for the accident.
Motorists cannot get a license plate for their vehicle without proof of insurance. It is also against Michigan law to drive a car that is not insured or for you to allow another person to drive your vehicle if you have not yet purchased the required coverage. Penalties for violating the law may include having your license plate canceled, along with substantial fines and potentially some jail time.
Michigan drivers should be aware that a new No-Fault Auto Insurance Reform Bill was recently signed into law and took effect on July 1, 2020. This law introduces significant changes to liability limits and PIP coverage options.
No-fault insurance has three parts:
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
For claims filed before July 2020, PIP pays all reasonably necessary medical expenses and there is no maximum limit to the coverage provided, no matter who was at fault in the accident. PIP may also pay as much as 85 percent of the income you would have earned had you not been hurt. You have this lost-wages benefit for up to three years. Policyholders are also entitled to up to $20 per day in compensation for household services the injured person can no longer perform, such as housekeeping and yard work.
As of July 1, 2020, new options for reduced PIP coverage went into effect, including the ability to opt out of PIP coverage altogether if you have a qualifying health insurance plan. Drivers can choose between unlimited PIP coverage, $250,000, $500,000, or $50,000 for Medicaid enrollees.
It is important to note that the deadline for filing a no-fault insurance claim is one year from the date of the car accident. If you miss your filing deadline, you could be denied the opportunity to obtain any benefits.
Property Protection Insurance (PPI)
PPI provides up to $1 million for damage to the property of another individual or business, including a properly parked vehicle. It does not cover any other type of property damage, including damage to the other vehicle in an accident.
Bodily Injury and Property Damage
Prior to July 2020, if you were found legally responsible for an accident, the minimum coverage was paid for the damages you caused. Previously, Michigan law required drivers to carry a minimum coverage amount of $20,000 per person and up to $40,000 per accident if more than one person was injured. An additional $10,000 was the minimum requirement for property damage coverage.
Under the no-fault car insurance reform law, liability limits increased significantly:
- Minimum bodily injury coverage per person will increase from $20,000 to $250,000
- Minimum bodily injury coverage per accident increases from $40,000 to $500,000
Unsure of the insurance coverage that may apply to your accident? Our Clare car accident lawyers have extensive knowledge of Michigan laws surrounding car accident cases.
What Happens if the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
Although it is illegal in Clare and throughout the state of Michigan, some drivers choose not to purchase the required insurance.
If an uninsured driver injured you in an accident, or you were injured by a driver who does not have enough coverage to pay for your damages, you may be able to file a claim for your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage is optional and is usually sold with limits of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per crash.
However, these types of claims are often more complicated, as certain requirements must be met before you can use this coverage. That is why it can be very helpful to have the assistance of a licensed car accident attorney.
Our knowledgeable Clare car accident lawyers welcome the opportunity to review the circumstances of your car accident to determine the insurance coverages that may apply.
Our firm is available to take your call 24/7:
(800) 762-8623
What Should You do if the Insurance Company Calls?
Injured victims may be surprised when they get a phone call from an insurance company. They are not calling to try to get you the financial compensation you need as quickly as possible. Insurance adjusters are trained to be friendly and find ways to reduce the value of your claim because their priority is to keep money in their employer’s pocket, not place it in yours.
Here are some of the tactics an insurance adjuster may use to devalue accident victims’ claims:
- Taking advantage by asking you for information while you are “off-guard” and still recovering from your car accident
- Misleading you by saying you must provide a recorded statement to ensure your auto accident claim is processed—or that it will make your claim get processed more quickly
- Offering you a settlement amount that they know to be far less than your claim is worth
- Using innocent statements that you may say in polite conversation, such as, “I’m feeling fine” to document that you are not injured badly—or at all
- Trying to get you to admit a degree of fault by asking you the same questions in different ways
It is important to note that you are not required to answer any questions from an insurance company or even speak with an insurance adjuster. Your car accident lawyer can handle all communications on your behalf to ensure the value of your claim is protected.
Can I File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident?
Under Michigan’s no-fault system, car crash victims cannot file a lawsuit unless the car accident fits one of four criteria:
- Crash victims were seriously injured, permanently disfigured, or killed in the accident
- The other driver was not a resident of the state and was driving a motor vehicle not registered in the state
- Crash victims were in an accident in another state
- You are 50 percent or more at fault for an accident that damages another person’s car and insurance does not cover these damages (the car accident lawsuit can be for a maximum of $1,000)
If you are unsure if your car accident fits one of these criteria, you can call our Clare car accident attorneys to discuss your case.
However, it is important to contact us as soon as possible because Michigan’s statute of limitations limits the amount of time to file car accident lawsuits. For any injury claim caused by a motor vehicle—including a car, motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian—you must file within three years of the date of the crash. If you wait to contact us, it may be harder for us to build a strong case, as car accident investigations take time.
What Damages Could I Be Entitled to After a Car Accident?
You may be eligible for many different types of damages if you are a victim of a car accident, including both economic and non-economic damages.
Here are some types of damages that can be claimed in Michigan, depending on the type and severity of your car accident case:
- Medical bills, such as for hospitalization, medication, rehabilitation, and physical therapy
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish, such as post-traumatic stress disorder
- Lost wages, including past and future income earnings
- Household services, including home care
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Lifestyle modifications, including alterations to a person’s home or vehicle needed due to their car accident injuries
There are a number of factors that are considered when determining the value of your automobile accident claim. Our Michigan car accident lawyers at Jay Trucks and Associates law firm are experienced in Michigan law and can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
What Should I do After a Car Accident?
You will likely feel overwhelmed or frightened immediately following a car crash, especially if you or a loved one suffered injuries. Injuries sustained in car crashes can be severe, and even ones that appear minor may actually cause long-term complications.
Whether the injuries you or your passengers suffered are minor or severe, if you’ve been in a Clare car accident, you will want to take some steps to protect yourself.
Call 911
Regardless of the severity of injuries caused by the accident, you will want to call the police and get them to the scene so you can file a police report.
Gather information from the other drivers
If possible, gather the following information from the other driver or drivers, such as:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Insurance policy number
If witnesses are on the scene, ask for their names and contact information.
Seek medical treatment
Don’t delay going to a doctor or emergency department to get medical attention for any injuries you suffer, regardless of how minor they may seem at the time. You want to have all doctor visits related to your accident documented in your medical records.
Document your injuries and the crash scene
Use your smartphone or cell phone camera to take photos of the crash scene, including damage to vehicles, road hazards, weather conditions, and injuries. Also document the time, date, and location of the accident.
Don’t take the blame
Even if you think you caused the accident or contributed to it in some way, do not admit blame or sign any documents at the scene, and definitely do not admit fault if you are later contacted by an insurance adjuster.
Common Types of Car Accidents
It only takes one distracted, aggressive, or reckless moment to cause a car accident, and in spite of attempts to educate the driving community, accidents that could have been prevented still happen. Whether you were injured in a collision with one vehicle or involved in a multi-vehicle crash, we are prepared to help.
The most common types of car accidents we see are:
- Rear-end collisions
- Rollover accidents
- Multi-vehicle crashes
- Head-on collisions
- Sideswipes/T-bone accidents
- Drunk or distracted driving accidents
- High-speed crashes
- Left-turn accidents
If you suffered injuries in a motor vehicle accident caused by a negligent driver, we encourage you to call one of our Clare auto accident lawyers today. We understand Michigan’s complicated no-fault system and, if you have a case, are prepared to help you to recover the damages you incurred.
Being in a car accident can be frightening. Our team of experienced Clare car accident attorneys can help you through the difficult days, weeks, and months following an auto accident and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Zero upfront fees; FREE initial consultation:
Why do Accidents Happen?
Careless and distracted drivers are the leading cause of many car crashes. There are many examples of actions a negligent driver may take that may give a car accident victim the basis for pursuing personal injury compensation:
- Speeding
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Tailgating
- Driving while drowsy
- Changing lanes without checking blind spots
- Driving the wrong way
- Ignoring traffic signs or signals
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving (texting, eating or drinking, adjusting GPS or radio, etc.)
If you believe there was some form of negligence that contributed to your car accident, it is important to discuss the situation with a licensed legal professional. Our experienced car accident lawyers are ready to answer questions regarding your car accident case.
Common Injuries From Car Accidents
Although newer vehicles have more safety features, crashes involving these vehicles can still cause serious injuries. The extent of an injury often depends on the size of the vehicles involved and the speed they were traveling at impact.
Some of the most common and severe injuries experienced by drivers and passengers include:
- Deep cuts or gashes
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Fractured or amputated limbs
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Head injuries
The pain and suffering caused by these injuries can prevent you from returning to work, which can lead to lost wages. You will likely face mounting medical bills, especially if your health insurance benefits are subpar.
It can be overwhelming for victims to figure out how to navigate the legal system while recovering from serious and, in some cases, life-altering injuries or the emotional trauma of losing a loved one. That is why you should strongly consider hiring a car accident lawyer who will look out for your and your family’s best interests.
How Our Clare Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Car accidents are a stressful and devastating experience for many, and most injured victims do not have the legal knowledge or resources to aggressively investigate the crash or accurately assess the fair value of their damages. Additionally, Michigan’s no-fault statute is confusing, and many victims may not be fully aware of their rights under the law.
Our experienced legal team of auto accident attorneys have represented personal injury victims in Clare and throughout Michigan for decades, and we are dedicated to protecting our clients’ legal rights and advocating for their best interests. We want our clients to be able to focus on healing and getting back to their lives while we utilize our extensive resources and knowledge of the law to help obtain maximum compensation.
At Jay Trucks and Associates, we do not collect any upfront fees from our clients. Our initial legal consultation is free and places you under no obligation to pursue a claim. We only get paid if you do.
Jay Trucks and Associates. Ph: (800) 762-8623
Clare Car Accident Lawyer FAQs
Can you sue for a car accident in Michigan?
Yes, but only if you can show that another driver was at-fault for the crash. Some common causes of motor vehicle accidents include speeding, reckless or aggressive driving, tailgating, drowsy driving, changing lanes carelessly, driving the wrong way, ignoring traffic signs or signals, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or distracted driving.
Under Michigan’s no-fault system, the crash must meet certain criteria for victims to file a lawsuit, such as crash victims suffered serious injuries, were disfigured, or killed in the accident; the other driver was not a resident of Michigan and was driving a motor vehicle registered in another state; crash victims were in another state; or you are at least 50 percent at-fault for a car crash that damaged another person’s car, and these damages are not covered by insurance.
A car accident lawyer experienced in Michigan traffic laws can review your accident report and details of your motor vehicle accident to determine if you have an auto accident case.
How much can someone sue you for a car accident in Michigan?
There are several factors that determine the value of a Michigan car accident claim, depending upon the types of damage and severity of the injuries. Damages crash victims may be eligible for include medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and lost wages.
Who pays for damages in a car accident in Michigan?
The at-fault driver’s auto insurance carrier usually pays for pain and suffering damages caused by the auto accident. If these damages exceed the at-fault driver’s bodily injury liability coverage offered by their insurance company, then the at-fault driver may have to come up with the difference.
Is Michigan a no-fault state for car accidents?
Yes, Michigan is a no-fault state for car accidents. That means drivers injured in car accidents in Michigan usually seek compensation through their own car insurance company regardless of who the at-fault driver was.
Michigan law requires all drivers to have a minimum of car insurance coverage. If your car is not insured or you allow another person to drive your car and you have not already purchased the required coverage, you face penalties such as having your license plate canceled, being charged substantial fines, and potentially facing time in jail.
