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Traverse City Personal Injury Lawyers

traverse city personal injury lawyers

The attorneys at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm are personal injury experts who have been helping the people of Traverse City and surrounding communities, such as Cadillac, Charlevoix, Petoskey, Gaylord, Kalkaska, and Boyne for over 50 years.

If you were injured in an accident, contact us for a free consultation. We will explain the law and your best options. Most importantly, we will protect you and get the monetary compensation you deserve.

Traverse City Personal Injury Lawyers Who Get Results

We are proud to have some of the best Michigan personal injury lawyers.  Some of our recent results include.

  • $5,750,000 for a man injured at a work site
  • $3,250,000 for a woman injured at a major retailer
  • $2,500,000 for a man injured by a semi-truck
  • $2,000,000 for a woman killed in a car accident 
  • $1,300,000 for a man injured at a construction site
  • $1,250,000 for a tenant injured at her rental complex

The Lee Steinberg Law Firm has expertise in many practice areas, but the majority of cases that we help Traverse City residents with include the following types:

Reasons To Choose Our Traverse City Personal Injury Lawyers For Your Legal Team

We Build Meaningful Relationships with Our Clients

Our Traverse City personal injury lawyers put our clients first every day. We promise to treat every client with compassion, kindness, and respect. Our clients become our friends – which is why we are selected “Michigan Super Lawyers” every year. We invite you to read our hundreds of online reviews.

Traverse City Personal Injury Lawyers Working Tirelessly to Build Your Case

The Traverse City personal injury lawyers at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm work with you to review the facts of your case and determine what legal options are available. Our team of dedicated attorneys will aggressively fight for you, from the filing of the lawsuit to taking depositions, gathering evidence, and negotiating a fantastic settlement.  We are dedicated to getting you the compensation you deserve and will fight for your rights every step of the way.

We Make Sure the Insurance Company Does Not Take Advantage of You

When you have suffered a serious injury in an accident, the last thing you need is to be further confused and taken advantage of by an insurance company. With the high-powered personal injury lawyers from the Lee Steinberg Law Firm by your side, you can focus on recovering while we fight and win your case.

There are No Fees or Costs Until We Win

At the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, we work only on a contingent fee basis. We never charge attorney fees or costs until we win your case.

Traverse City Car Accident Lawyers

The attorneys at The Lee Steinberg Law Firm are Traverse car accident legal experts. We have been helping the people of Traverse City and northern Michigan for more than 50 years. If you are injured in a car accident, contact us for a free consultation. We can explain your rights and options and get you the compensation you deserve.

Receiving money from a car accident begins by setting up an auto insurance claim. However, it can be challenging to get the insurance company to pay. An experienced and aggressive Traverse City car accident lawyer will navigate the claims process for you. We can provide the necessary proof and documentation to ensure medical bills, lost wages, and out-of-pocket costs are paid. In addition, our law firm will ensure you obtain money for pain and suffering.

Car Accidents and No-Fault Benefits

Individuals injured in truck accidents are eligible for certain benefits via Michigan’s no-fault law. This is true regardless of who is found to be at-fault for the accident. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage includes payment for hospital charges, doctor’s bills, rehabilitation costs, prescriptions, and other medical expenses incurred from treatment for injuries sustained in a semi-truck accident.

PIP coverage also provides payment of lost wages because of injuries sustained in a truck accident. Lost wages are payable for up to three years following the accident.

Family members can be compensated for caring for injured persons after an accident. Insurance companies pay both replacement services and attendant care costs.

Payment for these services is available to those who assist with personal activities such as hygiene or changing bandages.

Who are Potential Defendants in a Traverse City Car Accident?

Under the law, various people and entities can be liable for causing injuries due to a car accident. These defendants can include:

  • The driver
  • The vehicle owner
  • The employer of the negligent driver
  • The trucking company or common carrier
  • The auto insurance company
  • A vehicle owned by a city, township or other governmental agency  

Traverse City Truck Accident Lawyers

Truck accidents can be especially damaging because of the truck’s large size. Often, the accident victims in a vehicle hit by a large semi-truck or 18-wheeler experience more severe injuries and medical treatment.

Truck drivers should be vigilant and safe while driving, but unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Semi-trucks are dangerous when operating their vehicles negligently. They must file federal rules and regulations when operating on Michigan roadways. If you’ve been injured by a semi-truck or a big truck, you need aggressive and experienced legal assistance.

What Compensation Can a Traverse City Truck Accident Victim Get?  

A person injured in a Traverse big truck accident may qualify for Michigan no-fault benefits and compensation for personal injury. An experienced personal injury lawyer will help you and your family obtain a monetary settlement for pain and suffering, loss of income, disability, psychological injury, scars, permanent disfigurement, and other harms and losses caused by the crash. In addition, the family of a truck accident victim can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Grand Traverse County or in federal court.

Contact a knowledgeable Traverse City personal injury attorney to discuss the many factors that could impact your truck accident case.

What Are Common Reasons for Semi-Truck Accidents?

Semi-truck accidents in Michigan occur for a variety of reasons. But some of the more common reasons for big rig or big truck crashes are the following:

  • Driver fatigue – the driver has been on the road too long and has violated hours of service regulations.
  • Speeding – driving too fast to reach a destination and/or makeup time.
  • Running a traffic light or stop – the driver has disregarded a red light at an intersection;
  • Alcohol or drug use – this leads to slower reaction times and impaired driving.
  • Lack of experience and training – drivers who don’t know how to properly operate a large truck carrying heavy freight.
  • Distracted driving – the driver loses focus during a long drive, plays with the radio or communication system instead of watching the road, or fails to concentrate.

Traverse City Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

In a motorcycle accident in or around Traverse City, you need a lawyer who understands this type of accident and has compassion for Michigan motorcyclists. Your case will need special analysis to ensure you get the full compensation you deserve.

Our legal team has handled thousands of motorcycle wrecks throughout Michigan. We know how to work with experts and doctors to obtain the best possible outcome after your crash.

Michigan motorcycle accidents fall under a special legal claim, and these injury cases demand expertise. The Lee Steinberg Law Firm has handled motorcycle accident cases throughout northern Michigan for over 50 years.

Can an Injured Person in a Motorcycle Crash Get Michigan No-Fault Benefits? Yes, as long as a motor vehicle, like a car truck, caused a motorcycle crash, a person on a motorcycle can make a claim for Michigan no-fault PIP benefits.

However, there is one caveat. If the motorcycle owner rides their motorcycle during the crash, that motorcycle must have liability insurance. If the owner is operating an uninsured bike, then that person cannot make a claim for Michigan no-fault benefits.

What is the Michigan Motorcycle Helmet Law?

Michigan law permits motorcyclists to decide whether to wear helmets, but there are certain restrictions.

To legally not wear a helmet, a motorcycle operator must be at least 21, possess at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits, hold a motorcycle endorsement for at least two years, or have passed an approved motorcycle safety course.

Traverse City Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

Drunk driving accidents can be devastating to the injured person and families, resulting in significant physical pain and financial hardship. Under the law, almost all individuals injured by a drunk driver are entitled to both Michigan no-fault benefits as well as compensation for pain and suffering.

According to the Michigan State Police, in 2023, there were 3,261 crashes involving cars and trucks in Grand Traverse county. This resulted in 720 injuries and 16 deaths. Sadly, alcohol played a role in 119 of these crashes and 17 fatalities. Almost all traffic deaths in the county were alcohol related.

The Michigan drunk driving accident lawyers at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm represent individuals in Traverse City injured due to drinking and driving. If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, let us help you to put the pieces back together and receive the compensation you deserve.

What Are Common Injuries from a Drunk Driving Accident?

Injuries that typically arise from alcohol, marijuana, and other drug-related crashes include leg and arm fractures, pelvic and hip injuries, knee and elbow damage, lower back injuries, neck injuries, traumatic brain injuries, concussions, shoulder dislocations, rotator cuff tears, and joint injuries including ligament and tendon damage.

Traverse City Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Bicycling around Traverse City and northern Michigan is very popular. However, car and truck drivers must be respectful and drive safely around bicyclists. If not, a bicycle accident lawyer can hold them responsible for the injuries and medical bills they cause.

Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Cars should provide at least three feet of space when passing bicycles and should always operate their vehicles safely. If you are the victim of a bicycling accident and were hit by a car or truck, our personal injury attorneys want to hear about your situation.

Who Pays the Medical Bills After a Bike Accident?

If a motor vehicle, like a car or truck, is involved in causing a bicycle accident, then an auto insurance carrier is responsible for paying medical bills that health insurance does not cover.

Under the new Michigan no-fault law, your own auto insurance pays the bills. This is true even if you were on your bicycle when the crash occurred. If you don’t have auto insurance, then the car insurance of a resident relative – like a sibling, parent, or spouse – will pay the claim. If there is no car insurance at that level, Michigan will assign an insurance company to pay the no-fault claim and PIP benefits.

This is called a Michigan Assigned Claims Plan (MACP) claim. You should contact a bike accident lawyer to make an MACP claim because the application process and rules are confusing.

Traverse City Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Crashes and accidents involving cars and pedestrians are on the rise in Michigan. Pedestrian accidents don’t occur only in big cities. They can happen anywhere, even at unexpected intersections in Traverse City.

It’s important to remember the rules of the road when traveling near pedestrians. Although pedestrians often have the right of way, they must still follow traffic signals and cross at designated crosswalks.

When pedestrians and vehicles collide, the results can be devastating. While focusing on recovery, if you’ve been injured by an automobile while walking, call the Lee Steinberg Law Firm at 1-800-LEE-FREE (1-866-761-9142) for a free consultation.

How Do I Prove Negligent Following a Pedestrian Accident?

Drivers who break the law and fail to use reasonable care and caution when driving can be held responsible for an accident. This is certainly true for accidents involving pedestrians. Proving the negligence of a driver is accomplished in several ways:

  • The testimony of the people involved in the crash
  • Witness testimony
  • The testimony of the police officers and the police report
  • Video surveillance of the crash area
  • The opinions of accident reconstructionist experts

How Does the Michigan No-Fault Law Apply to Pedestrians?

Just like a passenger in a car, a pedestrian involved in a car accident is entitled to first-party benefits. This is true even if the pedestrian does not have auto insurance and caused their own injuries.

Under the Michigan no-fault law, a pedestrian can request compensation for medical bills, physical therapy, doctors’ bills, lost wages, and other damages from the auto insurance company responsible for paying the claim. If the vehicle’s driver was at fault, a pedestrian could also claim pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other “non-economic” damages.

Traverse City Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers

Ridesharing is a common means of transportation around Michigan. Under Michigan law, victims injured in an Uber or Lyft car accident are entitled to no-fault benefits and pain and suffering compensation.

Ridesharing companies and the public have debated handling accidents and compensation for injured individuals. Navigating the legal pathways after an accident involving a ridesharing service such as Uber or Lyft can be complicated. Let our experienced Traverse City personal injury lawyers help with your case.

What Amount of Insurance Do Uber or Lyft Drivers Have?

The amount of money an injured person can obtain following an Uber or Lyft car accident in Traverse City depends on several factors, including the severity of the injuries and how the crash occurred. The insurance coverage available is also important.

Under the Limousine, Taxicab, and Transportation Network Company Act, an Uber or Lyft driver who is logged on to the transportation network company’s digital network and is available to receive a transportation request, but is not engaged in a ride, must maintain a minimum of $50,000 in liability coverage for that time period. However, when the Uber or Lyft driver is engaged in a ride, that operator must maintain a least $1,000,000 in liability coverage.

Traverse City Slip and Fall Injury Lawyers

Slip and fall cases in Traverse City can be brought against negligent property owners and landlords who do not maintain their properties in a reasonably safe condition. By failing to keep walkways clear, porches safe, and staircases in good condition, injuries can happen.

Trip-and-fall cases can cause serious injuries. Property owners who do not manage their properties well can be held accountable. Our personal injury attorneys at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm have handled slip-and-fall cases for decades and are experienced in winning these difficult cases.

If you are injured in a slip-and-fall, it is important to follow these steps. They can mean the difference between obtaining fair compensation or receiving no justice at all.

What is Notice in a Traverse City Slip and Fall Case?

In a slip and fall case, besides proving that a property owner was negligent, a personal injury attorney must also show that the landowner had adequate notice of the defect before the fall occurred.

The first type of notice is “actual notice.” This occurs when the landowner knows about the dangerous condition but still does not fix it.

The second type of notice is “constructive notice”. This notice means the landowner should have known of the dangerous condition on the land and had adequate time to fix or repair the problem, but still failed to do so in a reasonable manner. The amount of time the defect existed is very important in showing constructive notice.

Without proving notice, even if the landowner admits they failed to keep an area safe, a judge can dismiss your negligence slip and fall case.

How Long Do I Have to File a Slip and Fall Lawsuit?

The statute of limitations for a slip and fall case in Michigan is three (3) years. In other words, a plaintiff has 3 years to file a lawsuit in court against the correct defendants. If the plaintiff fails to do so, they forfeit their right to obtain civil compensation for their injuries.

Minors or children have specifical rules. A minor has one year after their 18th birthday to file a lawsuit. The statute of limitations is different against governmental agencies, such as a city, county, or the State of Michigan, so please contact a Traverse City personal injury lawyer to find out your rights. 

Traverse City Landlord-Tenant Injury Lawyers

Michigan landlord-tenant injury cases are a special type of case. Like a regular Michigan negligence case, a Traverse City tenant must prove that the landlord was negligent in maintaining the building or residence and that this negligence caused the tenant’s injuries.

Tenants have special rights under Michigan law. So you’ll want an experienced, dedicated legal team on your side. The Lee Steinberg Law Firm is Michigan’s landlord-renter law experts, and we’re ready to learn more about your case.

Do Tenants Have Special Protections in Personal Injury Cases?

Yes, under Michigan Law, renters have special protections that the general public does not. A specific statute, MCL 554.139, mandates that a landlord keep the rental property in reasonable repair and maintain it, including common areas like a parking lot or sidewalks, fit for its intended use.

Traverse City Medical Malpractice Injury Lawyers

Medical malpractice is common and is even a leading cause of death in the United States. A medical malpractice lawsuit can compensate you for the damages suffered.

While healthcare providers in Traverse City and other northern Michigan communities often carry insurance policies to pay for their mistakes, they almost never admit fault. Medical malpractice cases are complicated and complex.

That is why it takes an aggressive and experienced team of medical malpractice lawyers to ensure that medical providers are held liable for what happened.

What is a Medical Malpractice Case?

Medical malpractice cases require the injured person to prove certain elements to go forward with a case.

  • First, a doctor-patient relationship between the plaintiff and the healthcare provider must be established.
  • Second, there must be a deviation from the acceptable standard of proper medical care by the medical provider.
  • The mistake must have led to serious injuries or death, which must be supported by evidence the medical professional caused the damages.

In general, medical malpractice occurs when a patient sustains an injury due to an improper action or failure to act by a member of the medical profession. When a doctor fails to meet the standard of care for the profession or the level of professional medicine relevant to a specific medication situation, that doctor can be held responsible for the injuries.

Traverse City Birth Injury Lawyers

Did your child suffer at the hands of a medical professional at birth? Sometimes the joyous event of birth is marred by a medical mistake and birth injury. Doctors, nurses, birthing coaches, and many other healthcare workers create serious medical challenges for mothers and babies when they make preventable errors.

Don’t wait to seek compensation. You and your baby could be facing a lifetime of health problems or even permanent disability. This situation could shake up your entire world, and you deserve resources that will allow you and your child to move forward.

What are Examples of Birth Injury Negligence?

In Michigan, birth injury negligence is defined as a failure to provide proper medical care during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or postnatal care, causing severe harm to the mother or baby. Examples of birth injury negligence include:

  • Delayed C-Section – failing to perform a timely c-section despite signs of fetal distress (abnormal heart rate, oxygen levels).
  • Misuse of Forceps of Vacuum Extraction – leads to brachial plexus injuries such as Erb’s Palsy.
  • Failure to Monitor Fetal Distress – leads to a lack of oxygen to the brain resulting in cerebral palsy.
  • Shoulder Dystocia – when the baby’s shoulder get’s stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone and the delivery is not correctly handled.
  • Umbilical Cord Complications – failing to detect an umbilical cord prolapse or cord compression cuts off oxygen causing permanent brain injury.
  • Failure to Treat Infections – Untreated infections such as Strep during pregnancy can pass to the baby.
  • Failing to Diagnose a High-Risk Pregnancy – missing signs of a high-risk pregnancy, like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or placenta previa can result in permanent injuries.

Traverse City Dog Bite Injury Lawyers

The Lee Steinberg Law Firm has successfully handled Michigan dog bite cases for over 50 years. Our lawyers understand the financial and emotional toll dog attacks cause. We have proudly represented a variety of dog bite victims, including utility workers, children, parents, and seniors.

Dog bites can be very traumatizing and damaging. If owners are negligent in failing to control their dogs, we can help.

What is the Michigan Dog Bite Law?

Michigan has a dog bite law that states if a dog bites a person, and the attack was not provoked, the dog owner is liable for all medical bills and injuries from the dog bite attack. The dog bite statute, MCL 287.351, is a strict liability statute. This means the injured person does not even have to prove negligence to get a recovery. So long as the attack was not provoked and there was no trespassing, the injured person is entitled to money for scarring, pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical bills.

Wrongful Death Injury Lawyers

When someone’s negligence leads to another person’s death in Traverse City, it may be a wrongful death case. These cases involve a wide variety of situations like auto accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, drunk driving, product liability, drownings, fires, explosions, and workplace deaths.

Michigan wrongful death cases involve a special type of case that requires the attention of specialized Michigan wrongful death lawyers. Our attorneys understand the various ways insurance companies seek to deny benefits to wrongful death victims and their families in Traverse City.

What is the Michigan Wrongful Death Act

In Michigan, a specific law regulates how wrongful death lawsuits are litigated and administered. Under MCL 600.2922, a personal representative of the Estate is in charge of the lawsuit for the deceased’s family wrongfully killed due to another person’s negligence. Once a lawsuit is filed, the personal representative has 30 days to serve a copy of the lawsuit on all individuals entitled to money damages.

Traverse City Emergency Services Contacts

Grand Traverse County Court Contacts:

86th District Court, 280 Washington Street Traverse City, MI 49684
13th Judicial Circuit Court, 328 Washington, Suite 300 Traverse City, MI 49684

Contact Us Now – Lee Steinberg Law Firm – Traverse City Personal Injury Lawyers

Over the past 50 years, The Lee Steinberg Law Firm has helped thousands of people whose lives have been affected by Michigan car accidents, Michigan truck accidents, and Michigan personal injury cases.

Our attorneys will take care of everything, leaving you and your family to the most important job — recovering and getting your lives back on track. Having experienced Traverse City personal injury lawyers behind you makes all the difference.

And remember, there are no fees until you win or settle your case. We don’t get paid unless you do.