Experienced Representation For Car Accident Cases In Ann Arbor
Last updated on January 30, 2025
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, the road to recovery often includes navigating the complex legal landscape of personal injury claims. At Logeman & Iafrate, P.C., we understand the emotional and financial toll a car accident can take on individuals and families. With over 60 years of combined experience, our team is committed to guiding you through every step of this challenging time.
Located in Ann Arbor and serving the entire state of Michigan, Logeman & Iafrate, P.C., is renowned for its dedication to clients who face difficult legal battles. We offer free consultations and operate on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we recover damages for you. Our firm stands out for our willingness to tackle cases that other lawyers might deem unwinnable and our readiness to go to trial to ensure our clients receive the compensation they need and deserve.
Whether you’re dealing with insurance negotiations or you need aggressive representation in court, we are here to support you. We ensure that your rights are protected and that you understand your legal options, so you can focus on your recovery and future.
Understanding Car Accident Claims In Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, a bustling university city, experiences a diverse range of traffic patterns and consequently, various types of car accidents. Understanding the common causes of these incidents is essential for both prevention and effective legal response when accidents occur.
Car accidents in Ann Arbor are frequently attributed to several key factors:
- High traffic volumes: With the University of Michigan located at its heart, Ann Arbor sees significant pedestrian and vehicular traffic, especially during university events and rush hours, increasing the likelihood of collisions.
- Distracted driving: This remains a leading cause of car accidents, with drivers often distracted by mobile devices, in-car technologies, or other passengers.
- Speeding: Exceeding speed limits or driving too fast for conditions is a common cause of accidents, contributing to both the occurrence and severity of collisions.
- Weather conditions: Michigan’s severe winter weather, including snow and ice, often leads to slippery roads, reducing traction and increasing accident risks.
- Driving under the influence: Incidents involving alcohol or drugs continue to be a significant concern, impairing driver judgment and reaction times.
In Ann Arbor, navigating the aftermath of a car accident involves dealing with Michigan’s no-fault insurance system, which requires all drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. This system ensures that medical expenses are covered regardless of who is at fault. However, for damages not covered by insurance, or in cases of severe injury, additional legal action may be necessary.
Providing The Legal Help And Guidance You Need
A victim who has suffered a serious injury in an auto accident will often have medical expenses, lost wages, and life-care needs that quickly outstrip the benefits of one motor vehicle insurance policy. Even when the policy benefits are adequate to cover the person’ losses, an insurance company will commonly deny or undervalue a legitimate claim for medical expenses and lost wages or take advantage of a family’ confusion and grief following a fatal car accident.
It is extremely important to have an experienced lawyer review any injury claim resulting from a car crash. This should be done as soon as possible after the accident in order to preserve evidence. In many cases, it is critical to download the data from the crash data recorders (CDR) in order to determine who was at fault for the accident. As soon as you retain our law firm to handle your case, our lawyers will start an investigation into the facts surrounding your car accident, identify sources of compensation for your loss, enlist medical and economic experts to calculate the full value of your loss and present a compelling argument to an insurance adjuster or jury.
Our firm is a leader in Michigan no-fault insurance law, and will, at no charge, fill out and file your claim for benefits under a no-fault insurance policy. Even if you do not have coverage yourself, our attorneys may identify another policy that provides coverage for injuries suffered in a car accident. Time is critical – do this as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident involves a series of legal steps and decisions that can significantly impact the outcome of your case. To assist you in understanding this complex process, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive at our firm.
What happens if I don’t report an accident to the police or my insurance provider?
Failing to report a car accident to the police or your insurance provider can have serious consequences. Legally, you are required to report any accident involving significant property damage, injuries, or death. Not reporting the accident can lead to complications with your insurance company, potentially resulting in a denial of coverage for the incident. Additionally, if the other party involved in the accident decides to file a claim or a lawsuit, not having an official report could weaken your legal position. It is always best to report an accident immediately to ensure that all details are documented officially, which helps protect your rights and supports any future claims.
How long does it take to settle a car accident lawsuit?
The time it takes to settle a car accident lawsuit can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case, the clarity of fault, the severity of injuries and the willingness of parties to negotiate. Simple cases where fault is clear and damages are minor might settle in a few months. However, if the case involves severe injuries, disputes over fault, or multiple parties, it could take years to reach a settlement. Throughout the negotiation process, having a skilled attorney can help expedite the proceedings and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your losses.
What can I receive compensation for in a car accident lawsuit?
In a car accident lawsuit, you can obtain compensation for various types of damages depending on your circumstances and the specific of your case. You may obtain economic damages such as compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and loss of future earning capacity, as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, disability and loss of quality of life.
What is personal injury protection insurance and how does it relate to auto insurance?
Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance is a component of auto insurance that covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs, regardless of who is at fault in an accident. This coverage is mandatory in some states, including Michigan. PIP insurance is designed to ensure that anyone injured in a car accident receives immediate medical treatment without the need to establish fault, which can often delay the process of reimbursement. In Michigan, PIP insurance can also cover other expenses such as long-term rehabilitation and the costs associated with necessary changes to a home to accommodate a disability caused by the accident.
How is “fault” determined in a Michigan car accident?
In Michigan, fault in a car accident is determined based on the state’s no-fault insurance system and the details of the accident. Under this system, each driver’s insurance covers their damages, regardless of who caused the accident. However, determining fault is still important for cases where damages exceed PIP coverage limits, or in seeking compensation for pain and suffering. Fault is assessed by examining evidence from the accident scene, witness statements, police reports and sometimes expert testimonies. Insurance adjusters and lawyers play crucial roles in analyzing this data to determine the degree of fault attributable to each party involved in the accident.
How long after a car accident do I have to file a lawsuit in Michigan?
In Michigan, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit regarding a car accident is generally three years from the date of the accident for personal injury claims, and three years for property damage claims. This means you must file a lawsuit within this timeframe, or you may be barred from recovering any compensation for your injuries or damages. It is crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident to ensure that your legal rights are preserved and your case is filed within the required limits.
Call For A Free Consultation With An Experienced Vehicle Accident Attorney
Our lawyers help clients in Ann Arbor, Detroit and throughout Michigan with injury claims resulting from car wrecks and other accidents. Please feel free to contact the firm at any time for advice or for help with your auto accident injury claim. You can reach us by calling 734-228-4339 or by filling out our online contact form.