Rochester Hills Car Accident Lawyer

The Rochester Hills car accident attorneys at Sommers Schwartz, P.C., are dedicated to advocating for victims and their families. If you or someone in your family was recently seriously hurt in a car accident, take a few minutes to learn more about your rights and what you need to do to pursue compensation.

Michigan Car Accident Statistics

The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning and the U.S. Department of Transportation collaborate to compile Michigan traffic crash data. The most recent reports reveal a mixed picture of traffic safety in the state:

• Of the 10,037,261 people living in Michigan in 2023, one out of every 9,166 died in a traffic crash, and one out of every 141 was injured. For each person killed, 65 were wounded.
• Motor vehicle crashes account for 18.8% of all accidental deaths in Michigan.
• There were 287,953 reported motor vehicle traffic crashes in Michigan during 2023, a 1.8% decrease from 2022.
• Fewer people died in Michigan traffic accidents in 2023, but more were injured. Deaths decreased 2.5%, falling to 1,095 total fatalities, while injuries increased by 1.1% (71,085 people injured).
• The comprehensive costs of Michigan traffic crashes were approximately $36,584,295,000. If these costs were distributed evenly across the state’s population, accidents would cost each Michigan resident $3,645.

There were 1,021 fatal crashes on Michigan roadways in 2023.

• The 2023 fatality rate decreased to 1.11 deaths per 100 million miles of travel (down from 2022’s fatality rate of 1.17). However, it is still higher than the average of 1.06 over the ten years from 2014 to 2023.
• Crashes involving only one vehicle accounted for 476 (46.6%) fatal crashes.
• Of the 1,660 drivers involved in fatal crashes, 136 (8.2%) were under 21, and 268 (16.1%) were under 25.

Bicyclists and pedestrians are especially vulnerable.

• In 2023, 183 pedestrians died in Michigan traffic accidents, an increase of 10 deaths from 2022
• Children accounted for 7.7% of pedestrian fatalities (victims under 21), while 7.1% were 75 and older.
• For each pedestrian killed, there were 10 pedestrians injured.
• Bicyclist deaths decreased slightly, from 36 in 2022 to 24 in 2023.
• The youngest bicycle fatality was age 19. Riders under 21 accounted for 4.2% of bicycle deaths.

These harrowing statistics highlight the importance of contacting a Rochester Hills car accident lawyer to discuss your rights and options after an accident.

Common Causes of Michigan Car Accidents

The attorneys at Sommers Schwartz, P.C., have years of experience handling car accidents in Rochester Hills. We have observed firsthand the devastating impact car accidents have on victims and their families. Certain high-risk behaviors significantly contribute to the continuing scourge of traffic accidents and deaths in Michigan. Understanding these factors is crucial for prevention and advocacy.

Alcohol-Involved Fatalities

Driving under the influence remains a significant threat to road safety, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement and awareness campaigns to deter impaired driving. In 2023, 26.6% of fatal crashes involved at least one drinking operator, bicyclist, or pedestrian.

Seatbelt Usage

Safety advocates have implored motorists to use seatbelts, yet there has been an increase in fatalities among passenger vehicle occupants not wearing seatbelts. Statistics from 2023 showed that while more than 98% of crash victims were wearing seatbelts, only 58% of those killed were using their safety restraints. This statistic underlines the critical need for continuous education on seatbelt safety and the enforcement of seatbelt laws to protect all vehicle occupants.

Speeding-Related Fatalities

Efforts to curb speeding through enhanced law enforcement, speed limit regulation, and public education campaigns are essential to saving lives. Excessive speed was the primary “hazardous action” that caused 11.7% of fatal crashes on Michigan roads in 2023.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving fatalities continue to rise, indicating an ongoing trend of driver inattention. As digital devices become more widespread and necessary to vehicle operational systems, it is imperative to advocate for stricter distracted driving laws and promote awareness of the importance of focused driving.

Who Can I Sue After a Rochester Hills Car Accident?

You may be able to file a lawsuit if a Rochester Hills car accident caused serious injuries or killed a loved one. Determining who to sue is a crucial part of this process. Michigan’s legal framework offers multiple avenues for pursuing justice, focusing on negligence and liability. Our experienced attorneys help our clients identify all parties potentially responsible for the accident. These may include:

• An at-fault driver. Accidents involving severe injuries or death usually exceed the bounds of Michigan’s no-fault insurance system. You may be able to file a lawsuit against the driver who caused the accident, especially if they were drunk or under the influence of drugs.
• The vehicle’s owner. If the at-fault driver didn’t own the vehicle they were driving, you might be able to pursue compensation from the owner under certain conditions. For example, the owner may be liable if they willingly allowed an unfit person, such as a friend with a suspended license, to drive the vehicle.
• The driver’s employer. When a commercial vehicle is involved in an accident, an employer may be liable under the legal principle of “vicarious liability” if the driver was an employee doing their job.
• Vehicle or parts manufacturers. You may be able to sue a vehicle’s manufacturers, a parts supplier, or other commercial distributors under product liability laws if vehicle defects or malfunctioning parts cause an accident.
• Entities responsible for the roads. Local or state government entities might be liable if poor road conditions or inadequate signage contributed to the accident, but these cases are challenging. However, many roads, driveways, parking lots, and other surfaces are privately owned. You may be able to sue the organization responsible for keeping them safe and well-maintained for failing to do so.

Our Rochester Hills law firm ensures our clients understand every option available to pursue recovery. By identifying all potentially liable parties, we help our clients maximize the compensation they recover for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Pursuing legal action after a car accident is a strategic process. Our dedicated attorneys are here to guide you through it, offering personalized legal counsel tailored to your situation.

How Do Michigan’s Car Insurance Laws Impact Accident Claims?

Determining liability in Michigan car accidents involves navigating the state’s no-fault insurance system and identifying negligent parties whose actions contributed to the accident. At our Rochester Hills car accident law firm, we help accident victims and their loved ones every step of the way.

No-Fault Insurance

Michigan law requires drivers to carry personal insurance protection (PIP) coverage through their own car insurance provider. Since 2020, drivers can choose one of six coverage levels. If they are injured in a vehicle accident, they turn to their PIP coverage first. This coverage pays for or reimburses them for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages regardless of who caused an accident.

If an accident causes death, permanent severe disfigurement, the serious impairment of a body function, or long-term income loss, injury victims or surviving family members have more options. They may be able to pursue a lawsuit against the driver or other potentially liable parties, such as a driver’s employer or an establishment that served them alcohol.

Out-of-state drivers may not have PIP coverage. An experienced attorney can help you understand the options for pursuing compensation in your case.

Negligence and Comparative Fault

Michigan employs a comparative fault system. If you are partially at fault, you may still be able to recover compensation from other at-fault parties. The damages you can recover may be reduced proportionally to the amount you are at fault. However, if you are more than 50% at fault for an accident, you may not be able to recover anything.

Third-Party Claims

You may be able to file a claim against parties who weren’t directly involved in an accident. For example, imagine a driver ran a red light and collided with your vehicle because their brakes were defective. You may be able to sue the vehicle or brake manufacturer.

Multiple Party Accidents

In accidents involving multiple vehicles or parties, it’s crucial to determine each party’s degree of fault. Complex accidents often require a thorough investigation to allocate responsibility accurately. Multi-car pileups and truck accidents usually include many responsible parties and insurance companies.

The attorneys at Sommers Schwartz, P.C., investigate evidence from the accident scene, witness statements, police reports, and expert testimonies. We incorporate the facts with the law to build a compelling case for our clients. This approach helps us ensure victims receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses.

Recovering Compensation After a Car Accident

In Michigan, victims of car accidents have the right to seek compensation for various damages related to the collision. Understanding what types of damages are available is essential for a comprehensive claim. Our Rochester Hills law firm specializes in helping clients navigate these claims effectively.

Economic Damages

These are quantifiable financial losses resulting from the accident. Some examples include medical expenses for past and future treatment related to your injuries. They also may include lost wages for time off work due to the accident and diminished earning capacity for future earnings. Accident victims may also recover compensation for property damage, particularly the cost of repairing or replacing their vehicle and other personal property.

Non-Economic Damages

This category of damages claim compensates accident victims for non-monetary harm, including pain, suffering, physical discomfort, and emotional distress. “Loss of consortium” damages address the impact of injuries on your relationship with your spouse and your contribution to your household.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are rare in Michigan, but you may be able to pursue this type of compensation if the at-fault party’s actions were malicious or reckless. These damages punish the at-fault party rather than compensating the victims.

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident in Michigan requires a detailed understanding of your rights to compensation. Our Rochester Hills law firm’s guidance helps clients confidently pursue the damages they deserve for recovery and rehabilitation.

How To Choose a Car Accident Lawyer

At Sommers Schwartz, P.C., our team understands that navigating the aftermath of a car accident requires not just legal knowledge but a set of core qualities that distinguish us from the rest. What sets us apart from the others includes:

• Expert knowledge of state laws. Mastery of Michigan’s no-fault insurance laws and comparative negligence is essential. Our lawyers know the intricacies of state statutes and how they apply to car accident cases.
• Effective communication skills. Clear, concise communication ensures clients understand their case, the legal process, and what to expect. Our lawyers will keep you informed and are always available to answer questions.
• Experience in negotiation and litigation. Our attorneys are skilled at handling negotiations with insurance companies and litigating cases in court. We’ll advocate for your best interests and aim for maximum compensation.
• Compassionate client representation. Our dedicated lawyers fight vigorously for every client’s rights and well-being, recognizing the personal and financial tolls of car accidents.
• Attention to detail. Success in car accident cases often hinges on the minutiae. From analyzing accident reports to interpreting medical records, our meticulous lawyers leave no stone unturned in building a compelling case.
• Strong ethical standards. Integrity and professionalism are non-negotiable, guiding every action and decision our legal team makes on behalf of our clients.

Our Michigan car accident lawyers commit to providing exceptional legal representation, ensuring we navigate every client’s journey toward justice and recovery with expertise, care, and unwavering support.

Speak With an Experienced Rochester Hills Accident Lawyer

At our Rochester Hills law firm, we understand the nuances of Michigan’s legal landscape and advocate fiercely for our clients’ rights. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your case in court, we are committed to securing the best possible outcome.

At Sommers Schwartz, P.C., our dedicated team of Rochester Hills car accident attorneys offers compassionate yet aggressive representation. We provide comprehensive and compassionate support tailored to each client’s unique situation. Our approach is rooted in thorough investigation, skillful negotiation, and aggressive litigation when necessary to ensure we protect every client’s rights and help secure their futures.

We offer free, confidential, no-obligation consultations, where we will answer your questions, explain the recovery process, and discuss how we can help. If you or a loved one has suffered severe injuries in a Rochester Hills car accident, contact us today.