Sterling Heights Car Accident Lawyer

At Sommers Schwartz, we understand Macomb County’s road safety challenges. Data from 2022 shows a continued rise in traffic accidents, injuries, and fatalities. In 2023, there were a total of 23,115 vehicle crashes causing injury, up 2.9% from 2022. Forty-six people died, an increase of 7.5% from the year before. An additional 18,390 crashes caused only property damage, 2.9% more than in 2022.

These statistics don’t show the devastation a crash can wreak on an injured person’s life, family, work, and mental health. Our attorneys are dedicated advocates, fighting for the rights of individuals injured in auto accidents. We help them pursue justice and the compensation they deserve. Our approach is characterized by vigorous investigation, strategic negotiation, and determined advocacy in the courtroom. 

Most Common Types of Car Crashes in Sterling Heights 

The nature of a vehicle accident can affect how to pursue a claim for compensation. Often, determining how and why an accident occurred can help identify who is legally liable for the damages it caused.

Single Motor Vehicle Accidents

Single motor vehicle accidents involve just one vehicle that hits a stationary object, veers off the road, or rolls over. These incidents can be caused by a defective product, system, or component in the vehicle, like a defective tire. Inadequate road maintenance, obstacles in the roadway, or driver distraction can also cause them. The facts of your case may establish liability on the part of a company or municipality.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions occur when the fronts of two vehicles hit each other. Due to the high speed and direct force of the impact on occupants, these are among the most dangerous accidents. While negligent or reckless drivers can cause head-on collisions, they can also result from improper signage or confusing traffic routing.

Head-On Left Turn Accidents

These collisions happen when a vehicle turns left without sufficient room to clear the path of oncoming traffic. Typically, they are caused by driver error, but malfunctioning traffic lights or improper markings may also be at fault.

Angle Collisions

Angle collisions, including “T-bone” crashes, involve the front of one vehicle hitting the side of another. They are generally caused by driver error or reckless driving, but confusing traffic patterns, missing road signs, or other factors may also be at fault.

Rear-End Collisions

In a rear-end collision, one vehicle crashes into the back of another, typically due to following too closely or inattention. However, malfunctioning brake lights or crash avoidance systems may also contribute to a crash.

Sideswipe Collisions

Sideswipe accidents in the same direction involve two vehicles grazing each other. These often result from lane changing without proper signaling or checking blind spots. Occasionally, systems designed to avoid lane departures may malfunction and cause a car to veer into another lane.

How to Recover Compensation After a Michigan Car Accident

The best way to recover the compensation you deserve after a car accident in Sterling Heights is to have a clear strategy and deep knowledge of Michigan’s legal system. An experienced personal injury attorney can provide both.

You can help your attorney build the best possible case on your behalf. Understanding what to do after a car accident can significantly impact your ability to secure the compensation you deserve. Take these steps if you are involved in a crash.

Report the Accident Immediately

Contact the police right away to file a report. This document provides an official account of the accident and is crucial for your claim.

Seek Medical Attention

Prioritize your health by seeking immediate medical care, even if your injuries seem minor. This creates a medical record linking your injuries directly to the accident.

Document Everything

Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and all damages. Keep a diary detailing your recovery process. Save receipts and records of all expenses related to the accident.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Inform your insurer about the accident, but be cautious. Stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault or giving detailed statements without consulting a lawyer.

Consult With a Personal Injury Attorney

An experienced lawyer can evaluate your case, develop a strategy to pursue recovery, and handle all negotiations with insurance companies. If necessary, your attorney can file a lawsuit and represent you in court to secure the compensation the law entitles. 

Gather Evidence

You and your attorney can work together to compile evidence that supports your claim. Relevant evidence includes the police report, witness statements, contact information, medical records, and bills.

Types of Compensation Available After a Car Accident 

Recovering from a Michigan car accident involves navigating the state’s no-fault insurance system and understanding the types of compensation available. Whether you have sustained injuries, property damage, or other losses, knowing what you are entitled to can significantly impact recovery. 

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover tangible losses directly resulting from the accident. Michigan’s mandatory no-fault insurance coverage includes compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: All reasonable and necessary medical treatments, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for up to 85% of income lost due to inability to work for up to three years after the accident.
• Replacement Services: Reimbursement for services you can no longer perform, such as housekeeping or lawn maintenance, capped at $20 per day for up to three years. If you need to hire someone for household chores you can’t do while recovering, those costs are compensable.

Economic damages are generally objective and documentable losses. 

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are intangible losses that do not have a direct financial impact but significantly affect your life. No-fault insurance policies do not compensate you for non-economic damages. These include:

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical discomfort and emotional distress, such as chronic pain, anxiety, or loss of enjoyment of life following the accident.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact on your relationship with your spouse, including loss of companionship, affection, and support.

These losses are subjective and require significant compelling evidence, such as your own testimony, the testimony of other witnesses, or a valuation prepared by an expert witness. 

Property Damage

You may be able to recover compensation for some damage to your vehicle or personal property, but this depends on the terms of your insurance policy. It is essential to consult with an attorney to review the details of your coverage. 

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

If the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance, your own policy’s uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can fill the gap.

Each type of compensation addresses different aspects of recovery, from immediate financial burdens to long-term impacts on quality of life. If you are struggling to recover compensation from your insurer or believe you may have grounds for a claim against a third party, you need an experienced attorney.

Speak With an Experienced Sterling Heights Accident Attorney Today

Navigating the compensation process after a Michigan auto accident requires a thorough understanding of state laws and how they apply to your situation. Documenting all your losses and consulting with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

The Sterling Heights personal injury lawyers at Sommers Schwartz champion the rights of individuals injured in car, truck, and motorcycle accidents. Our team provides personalized and empathetic assistance, carefully tailored to suit the unique circumstances of each client we represent. We offer free consultations, during which we will answer your questions, explain the recovery process, and show you how we can help.

We have over 45 years of experience securing justice and fair compensation for car accident victims. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Sterling Heights, contact the personal injury lawyers at Sommers Schwartz P.C. to schedule a consultation.