Motor Vehicle Accidents

Should I Hire an Attorney for a Car Accident? | Personal Injury Lawyers Ann Arbor

Motor vehicle accident victims are often left to deal with serious injuries and unpaid medical bills after a personal injury accident.

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Motor vehicle accident victims are often left to deal with serious injuries and unpaid medical bills after a personal injury accident. Insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind when handling such claims.

If you or a family member are seriously injured in a car or truck accident, it is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to learn your legal rights. Initial consultations are normally free.

IMMEDIATE STEPS TO TAKE AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT

• Call 911 – Call 911 and report your accident, which helps both police officials and emergency medical personnel get to the scene of the accident.

• Evidence – Preserving evidence can be done easily with smartphones. Take photographs of license plates, vehicle damage, scene evidence, intersections, and any other important information that could help you establish fault.

• Contact a Lawyer – Insurance companies will seek to reduce their financial exposure by offering accident victims a low settlement offer. An investigator may also attempt to get a recorded statement from you, which could be detrimental to your claim, and it is recommended you avoid giving a recorded statement without legal representation.

WHAT IS THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS?

In the State of Michigan, car accident victims have three years from the date of the accident to file an auto negligence lawsuit. A claim for no-fault benefits must be filed within one year of the accident, or your claim for medical and wage benefits may be forever barred. The one-year-back rule may be tolled in some circumstances under Michigan Law. MCL 500.3145. There are also mandatory notice provisions that may apply when dealing with governmental defendants in negligence cases.

WHEN TO CALL A LAWYER AFTER YOU ARE IN A CAR ACCIDENT

Not everyone who has been involved in a car accident will need to seek legal representation. If you suffered minor injuries in an accident, you probably do not need to retain an attorney. However, if your accident was severe or complex, then it is necessary to call a lawyer as soon as possible, so they can preserve evidence that may be lost or obtain witness statements immediately.

Any accident that causes significant injury to you or someone else
Any accident where fault is not clearly established
Any crash involving an underinsured or uninsured driver
Anytime insurance companies contact you to make an unsolicited settlement offer

REASONS TO RETAIN A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY

• Taking on the Insurance Company – Your lawyer should ensure that the insurance company treats you or family members fairly.

• Filing Necessary Paperwork – Filing a car accident claim or a personal injury lawsuit involves complicated paperwork and forms. These forms must be filed properly and on time to ensure that you obtain a favorable outcome.

• Not Missing Deadlines – A car accident attorney will make certain that you do not miss any critical deadlines, such as the statute of limitations, or mandatory notice filing dates that are frequently required to be filed before a lawsuit is pursued.

• Increased Compensation – Those who call a lawyer receive more compensation than those who do not.

• Contingency Fees – Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency basis. This means that you owe them nothing unless they win or settle your case.

• Preserving Evidence – Attorneys have extensive experience investigating car accidents. They can preserve black box evidence if hired quickly after the accident because this data can be downloaded by forensic experts. If not requested immediately after an accident, it will likely be destroyed.

Logeman, Iafrate & Logeman, P.C., Personal Injury Attorneys in Ann Arbor have been helping seriously injured accident victims throughout Michigan recover the compensation they need and deserve for over 45 years. Our commitment to service is absolute, and we welcome the opportunity to fight for your rights. If you need advice or help with your personal injury claim, please contact us at 866-992-0200 toll free, for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident?

Not necessarily. If you suffered only minor injuries with minimal medical treatment and the fault is clearly established, you may be able to handle the claim yourself. However, if there are any complications—disputed fault, significant injuries, or insurance company pressure—consulting with an attorney is advisable. Initial consultations are typically free.

How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Michigan?

In Michigan, you have three years from the date of the accident to file an auto negligence lawsuit. However, claims for no-fault benefits must be filed within one year of the accident, or you may lose your right to medical and wage benefits. There are exceptions under Michigan Law (MCL 500.3145), so it's important to consult with an attorney promptly.

What should I do immediately after a car accident?

First, call 911 to report the accident and get emergency help if needed. Second, preserve evidence by taking photos of vehicle damage, license plates, the accident scene, and any visible injuries. Third, avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without legal representation. Finally, contact an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

How much does it cost to hire a car accident attorney?

Most car accident attorneys, including those at Logeman & Iafrate, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront and owe no attorney fees unless we win or settle your case. We only get paid when you receive compensation, making quality legal representation accessible regardless of your financial situation.

Will I receive more compensation if I hire an attorney?

Yes, studies consistently show that accident victims who retain legal representation receive significantly more compensation than those who handle claims on their own. An experienced attorney knows how to properly value your claim, negotiate with insurance companies, preserve critical evidence, and take your case to trial if necessary to secure the full compensation you deserve.

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Adrienne Logeman is an exceptional auto injury attorney. Adrienne put me at ease and explained every step of the process. She was composed, professional, polite and extremely competent. The jury returned a unanimous verdict in our favor. I could not have asked for better representation and care. I am very thankful for her. An incredible experience.

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Jim Iafrate and his staff are wonderful to work with, professional, compassionate, and do everything in their power when working on your case. I was always part of the process as communication was timely. Additionally, they know the law and will not be bullied by big insurance companies.

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Jim was always available when we needed him to answer questions!

Jim handled our case resulting from a very bad automobile accident. Both my husband and I were injured. He is very personable and efficient. He came to our home to get the details of the accident and continued to provide excellent handling of our case to the end when he reached an excellent settlement for us. We feel we became friends during this whole process.

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I’m so grateful to Logeman & lafrate for taking care of my legal needs for my case. The entire staff are exceptional, professional, communicate well during the entire process.

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By far the best lawyer I’ve ever had!

I had the pleasure of Jim Iafrate representing me. He was professional, had excellent communication skills and is trustworthy. He always kept me up-to date, was responsive and worked diligently. His abilities enabled us to settled my case in a timely manor. Thanks for your hard work Jim!

Lana D.

I can not say enough about this firm they continue to advocate for me!

I was in 2 different catastrophic car accidents. Jim Iafrate has been my attorney for many years. I can say that without a doubt he is the best attorney in this field. Jim and his staff are professional and compassionate. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a attorney that has been in a car accident. Jim will go above and beyond for his clients.

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The attorneys at Logeman,Iafrate and Logeman were absolutely fantastic and professional in handling our case from a severe automobile accident . They provided constant support and guidance in making sure all of our medical needs were met. The staff at this firm was so helpful in all aspects of the case and subsequent trial and settlement.

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