Warren Car Accident Attorney

Teenage drivers tend to be at higher risk of getting into an accident due to their limited driving experience and tendency toward more reckless behaviors. And when teen accidents occur, it’s not uncommon for there to be confusion over who is ultimately to blame—the teenager or their parents?

Because most teenagers are underage, the parent can be held liable if they get into an accident. Under Michigan law, a parent can be held criminally liable for up to $2,500 in damages for the destruction of property caused by their teenage driver

Michigan auto liability law states that the owner of a vehicle can be held responsible for any injuries caused by the negligent driver. In other words, if a teen is driving a car their parents own, the parents can be held civilly liable for the damage and injuries the teen causes.

In the state of Michigan, passengers injured in car accidents have the right to file claims for their injuries just like a driver. However, who passengers can file their claim against depends on the specifics of the accident.

If you are a passenger, you are always covered by Michigan’s PIP no-fault insurance coverage. . If you carry car insurance yourself, then your policy will cover you even if your vehicle was not involved in the crash.

If you do not have auto insurance, then the insurance company of a family member you will with is responsible for paying first-party no-fault benefits. If you don’t live with anyone who has car insurance, then the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan will assign an insurance company to your benefits after an application is completed and filed. 

Passengers can also sue to for pain and suffering. The person responsible for paying pain and suffering, emotional distress, anxiety and similar damages is the person who caused the crash.

For example, if were injured as a passenger in a single-car accident, you can hold the driver of the vehicle you occupied liable through their insurance. If you were in your own car, then your own policy can also kick in and cover you.

Our Warren auto accident lawyers have handled Warren car accidents for over 40 years. We have recovered hundreds of millions for our clients by going the extra step. We start our investigation immediately, obtaining video surveillance, photographs, interviewing witnesses, hiring experts and doing what it takes to win your case.

After being in an accident, you will need to file a claim with insurance to recover compensation for your injuries and other potential damages. However, it’s important that you avoid saying certain things during your communications with your insurance adjuster, as what you say could be used against you to deny your claim or to offer you a reduced settlement.

So, what should you not say to an insurance adjuster after an accident?

• Do not say anything that could be construed as an admission of fault if you were not at-fault for causing the accident.
• Do not give unnecessary details. Even if your insurance adjuster is friendly and chatty, you might accidentally say something that could affect your claim. Be truthful, but keep things succinct.
• Do not tell the insurance adjuster that you are fine or okay. They might use that to downplay your injuries later on if you are injured.
• Do not diagnose yourself and tell your insurance adjuster what is wrong with you without first getting diagnosed by a medical expert.
• Do not agree to a quick settlement, no matter how much the insurance adjuster assures you it’s the best way to go. This is usually a tactic to speed through the process and avoid having to pay you the full amount you deserve.

While Michigan doesn’t have any specific laws against drowsy driving, it does collect data on accidents caused by drowsy driving in an attempt to spread awareness and reduce the risk of drowsy driving accidents. Driving while drowsy or fatigued is considered just as dangerous as driving while drunk.

Statistics show that more than 100,000 accidents and over 1,500 deaths are the result of drowsy driving every year. And more than 40% of drivers admit to falling asleep behind the wheel at some point in their life.

In Michigan specifically, 3.5% of drivers report driving while drowsy and falling asleep behind the wheel.

When you file a claim for a car accident injury, many factors can play a role in how much your case ends up being worth. Each case is unique, and therefore, no set amount is pre-determined when you file your claim. 

Your Warren personal injury attorney, as well as the insurance company involved, and even the court, will review your case carefully to determine how much your settlement payout should be. And the factors that can affect how much your settlement award will be can include:

• The severity of the injuries you sustained
• Who was at fault for the accident
• Insurance policy coverages
• Where or how our accident occurred
• If there is shared liability in the accident
• What your medical expenses for your injuries are
• The expertise and aggressiveness of your lawyer

The best way to prove your innocence after an accident is to gather as much evidence as possible that supports your side. Michigan is a no-fault state, which means no-fault insurance coverage is available no matter who was at fault. Still, to recover money for pain and suffering a person must prove the other driver was at least 50% at-fault for causing the crash.

So, what should you do to prove you were not at fault?

1. Call the police from the accident scene and make sure an official report is filed
2. Take photographic and even video evidence of the scene of the accident if possible
3. Get the contact information from the other drivers involved in the accident
4. Collect witness contact information for anyone who can provide a statement to support your claim about what happened
5. Keep all records of your medical records and bills related to your injuries from the accident
6. Consult with a Warren car accident attorney

Car accident attorneys can play a crucial role in helping you win your case. They should:

• Conduct an investigation
• Review police reports, medical records, and obtain other necessary evidence
• Help demonstrate to the court or insurance company what happened during the accident
• Prove who was at fault
• Help you build a strong case to defend your rights
• Establish a sound strategy to ensure you get the compensation you deserve
• Handle communications with the other parties involved, including the insurance adjusters
• Keep you updated throughout the process
• Represent you in court if the case goes to trial