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Detroit Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyer

If you were injured in a car accident in Detroit or anywhere in Metro Detroit, early legal action matters. Michigan’s No-Fault insurance system is technical, deadline-driven, and frequently disputed by insurance carriers. Proper documentation, statutory compliance, and evidentiary development often determine whether a claim succeeds.

James E. Brittain represents clients throughout Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and Monroe Counties in serious auto accident and personal injury claims under Michigan law.

Michigan No-Fault Insurance & PIP Benefits

Michigan law requires drivers to carry No-Fault insurance providing Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits regardless of fault. These benefits are intended to provide immediate medical and wage loss support following a motor vehicle accident.

Insurance carriers frequently scrutinize treatment plans, causation, and duration of care. Disputes often arise regarding whether treatment is “reasonable and necessary” under the statute.

PIP benefits may include:

  • Medical expense coverage

  • Wage loss benefits (subject to statutory limits)

  • Replacement services

  • Attendant care in qualifying cases

Strict notice requirements apply. Failure to submit timely documentation can affect benefits.

Early coordination of medical documentation and insurance compliance helps protect entitlement to PIP benefits.

Serious Impairment of Body Function

In Michigan auto accident cases, recovery for pain and suffering damages requires proof of a serious impairment of body function. This threshold is a statutory requirement distinct from PIP benefits.

​Establishing serious impairment typically involves demonstrating:

  • An objectively manifested injury

  • Impairment of an important body function

  • An impact on the person’s general ability to lead their normal life

Medical records, diagnostic imaging, physician evaluations, and documented functional limitations are central to this analysis. Insurance carriers frequently challenge threshold claims by arguing that injuries are minor, preexisting, or insufficiently documented.

Because the threshold analysis often determines whether a claim proceeds beyond economic benefits, careful evidentiary development from the outset is critical. Treatment records, work limitations, and daily functional impact should be organized and evaluated early in the case.

Types of Car Accident Cases

Car accidents occur in many forms. Liability, coverage, and injury severity may vary depending on the circumstances.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end accidents are common in Metro Detroit traffic. Although the trailing driver is often presumed at fault, insurance carriers may still dispute injury severity or causation. Even collisions that appear minor can result in significant soft-tissue, spinal, or neurological injury.

Documentation of symptoms and functional limitations is essential.

Intersection & Left-Turn Accidents

Intersection collisions frequently involve conflicting accounts regarding right-of-way and signal control. Police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and vehicle damage patterns often become central to determining liability.

Comparative fault arguments may arise in disputed cases.

Drunk Driving Accidents

When an at-fault driver is intoxicated, additional legal considerations may arise. Civil injury claims may proceed independently of criminal proceedings, but evidence from criminal cases can affect civil litigation strategy.

Coordination between criminal and civil timelines may be necessary.

Truck & Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Accidents involving commercial trucks may involve additional insurance layers, regulatory compliance issues, and corporate defendants. Preservation of electronic data, maintenance records, and driver logs can be critical.

Early investigation may influence access to key evidence.

Hit-and-Run & Uninsured Motorist Claims

When an at-fault driver cannot be identified or lacks adequate coverage, uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may apply. Policy language, notice requirements, and arbitration provisions must be reviewed carefully.

What Compensation May Be Available?

Compensation in Michigan auto accident cases may include both economic and non-economic damages, depending on the circumstances and threshold qualification.

Economic damages may include:

  • Medical expenses

  • Future medical care

  • Lost wages

  • Loss of earning capacity

  • Replacement services

Non-economic damages may include:

  • Pain and suffering

  • Loss of enjoyment of life

  • Emotional distress

Insurance coverage limits, comparative fault principles, and statutory caps may affect recovery.

Each case requires evaluation of liability, damages, and available insurance coverage structure.

The Timeline of a Michigan Car Accident Claim

While every case differs, a general progression may include:

  1. Immediate medical treatment and documentation

  2. Submission of PIP claim and supporting materials

  3. Insurance investigation and benefit evaluation

  4. Dispute resolution or litigation if necessary

  5. Discovery and motion practice in contested cases

  6. Settlement negotiation or trial

Many cases are shaped long before trial. Pre-litigation positioning, documentation strength, and compliance with procedural requirements often influence leverage during negotiation.

Understanding deadlines and evidentiary posture early in the process can significantly affect outcomes.

Insurance Disputes & Litigation

Insurance carriers may dispute:

  • Causation

  • Treatment necessity

  • Coverage applicability

  • Threshold injury qualification

  • Wage loss entitlement

Pretrial motions, evidentiary challenges, and statutory interpretation frequently determine whether claims proceed to trial or resolve through settlement.

Litigation strategy often focuses on structured presentation of medical evidence, functional impact, and statutory compliance.

Early preparation frequently influences negotiation leverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do car accident cases take in Michigan?

Timeline depends on medical recovery, insurance disputes, and whether litigation becomes necessary. Some cases resolve within months, while serious impairment claims may extend longer due to evidentiary development and court scheduling.

Do I need to file a lawsuit to recover damages?

Not always. Many claims resolve through negotiation. However, when disputes arise regarding threshold injury or insurance coverage, litigation may be required to protect recovery rights.

What if I was partially at fault?

Michigan applies comparative fault principles. Recovery may be reduced depending on allocation of responsibility. Evaluation of liability evidence is important in disputed cases.

Should I provide a recorded statement to the insurance company?

Statements may affect coverage and liability positions. Legal guidance before providing recorded statements can help avoid misunderstandings that may affect a claim.

How soon should I contact an attorney after an accident?

Early consultation allows review of deadlines, insurance compliance requirements, and documentation strategy before disputes arise.

Schedule a Consultation

If you were injured in a car accident in Detroit or anywhere in Metro Detroit, early legal evaluation can clarify deadlines, documentation requirements, and available recovery options under Michigan law.

James E. Brittain represents clients throughout Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and Monroe Counties in personal injury and serious car accident claims.

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