Car Accident Injury Lawyers Ann Arbor

Car accidents change lives in seconds. You're left with injuries, mounting medical bills, and an insurance system that feels impossible to navigate. At Logeman & Iafrate, P.C., our Ann Arbor car accident injury attorneys have spent more than 45 years fighting for accident victims throughout Michigan. We understand both the physical trauma and the legal complexities that follow a serious crash.

Common Car Accident Injuries in Ann Arbor

The roads around Ann Arbor—from Stadium Boulevard to I-94 and US-23—see thousands of crashes each year. The injuries vary widely, but the most serious often include:

• Traumatic brain injuries and concussions. Even mild traumatic brain injury can cause memory loss, inability to concentrate, personality changes, and depression. Emergency room doctors often miss these injuries while focusing on more obvious trauma.
• Spinal cord injuries. Damage to the spine can cause chronic pain, paralysis, herniated discs, and permanent disability requiring lifetime care.
• Broken bones and fractures. From simple breaks to compound fractures requiring surgery, these injuries mean time away from work and months of rehabilitation.
• Soft tissue injuries. Whiplash, torn ligaments, and muscle damage may not show up immediately but can cause lasting pain and require extensive physical therapy.
• Internal injuries. Damage to organs, internal bleeding, and abdominal trauma can be life-threatening and require immediate emergency treatment.
• Psychological trauma. Many accident victims develop PTSD, anxiety around driving, and emotional distress that affects their quality of life.

Understanding Michigan's No-Fault System for Injury Claims

Michigan's no-fault auto insurance system is unique and often confusing. After an accident, you typically file a claim with your own insurance company for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits—regardless of who caused the crash. These benefits can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs.

However, the 2019-2020 no-fault reforms changed the landscape significantly. Depending on your coverage level, your PIP medical benefits may be capped at $50,000, $250,000, $500,000, or remain unlimited. Understanding your coverage before an accident occurs is critical. Many Ann Arbor residents opted for lower coverage limits to save on premiums, only to discover their medical expenses far exceed their policy caps.

Meeting the Serious Impairment Threshold

Michigan law allows you to pursue a third-party lawsuit against the negligent driver if your injuries meet the "serious impairment of body function" threshold. This requires showing an objectively manifested impairment of an important body function that affects your general ability to lead your normal life.

Successfully meeting this threshold allows you to recover compensation for pain and suffering, excess medical expenses, and other damages not covered by no-fault benefits. Our attorneys have extensive experience proving threshold injuries. We document how your injuries have changed your daily activities—whether you can no longer play with your children, perform your job duties, or enjoy the hobbies that once defined your life.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

In an Ann Arbor car accident injury case, you may be entitled to:

• No-fault PIP benefits for medical expenses, wage loss (up to 85% of gross income), and replacement services for household tasks you can no longer perform
• Pain and suffering compensation in third-party claims when you meet Michigan's threshold
• Excess economic damages beyond PIP limits, including future medical care and lost earning capacity
• Mini-tort claims for vehicle damage up to $3,000

Every car accident case is different. The experienced attorneys at Logeman & Iafrate, P.C. will evaluate your situation, explain your options, and fight to pursue the full compensation you're owed.

Fighting Insurance Company Denials

Insurance companies routinely deny legitimate claims. They argue that injuries stem from unrelated conditions, that treatment is unnecessary, or that coverage doesn't apply. We've heard every excuse—and we've beaten them.

Our verdicts and settlements include a $2 million settlement for a traumatic brain injury victim whose insurer denied all benefits, and jury awards against major carriers including Allstate, State Farm, Farmers, and Auto-Owners when they refused to pay for the care our clients needed.

Why Choose Our Ann Arbor Firm?

Many personal injury firms settle quickly to avoid the work of trial preparation. We take a different approach. Our verdicts and settlements reflect decades of fighting for injured clients throughout Washtenaw County and across Michigan. When insurance companies see our name on a case, they know we're prepared to go the distance.

We offer free consultations and operate on a contingency-fee basis—we don't get paid unless we win your case. That means you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal battles.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is decided on its own facts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Injuries in Ann Arbor

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Ann Arbor?

First, ensure everyone's safety and call 911 if there are injuries. Move to a safe location if possible, exchange insurance and contact information with other drivers, and document the scene with photos. Report the accident to police and notify your own insurance company within one year to preserve your PIP benefits. Avoid admitting fault or making recorded statements to other insurers without legal counsel. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine—some injuries don't appear immediately.

Can I sue the at-fault driver after a Michigan car accident?

Yes, but only if your injuries meet the "serious impairment of body function" threshold—an objectively manifested impairment of an important body function that affects your general ability to lead your normal life. If you meet this threshold, you can pursue compensation for pain and suffering, excess medical expenses, and damages beyond your PIP coverage. Our Ann Arbor attorneys have extensive experience proving threshold injuries and maximizing third-party recoveries.

What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?

If you're hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver in Ann Arbor, you may be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage is optional in Michigan but can protect you when the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage. Our attorneys can evaluate all available insurance policies and pursue every avenue for recovery.

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

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Michigan is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, you must file your no-fault PIP claim within one year of the accident to preserve your benefits. Different deadlines may apply depending on your specific situation. Consulting an attorney promptly ensures you don't lose your right to compensation.

What if my injuries didn't appear until days or weeks after the accident?

Many serious injuries—including concussions, soft tissue damage, and internal injuries—don't manifest immediately. Michigan law recognizes delayed injury symptoms. It's critical to see a doctor as soon as symptoms appear and report them to your insurance company. Documentation from medical professionals linking your symptoms to the accident is essential. Our attorneys work with medical experts to establish this connection.