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Top-Rated Traverse City, Michigan Personal Injury Attorneys

Visitors to Traverse City, MI, are often first introduced to the area during a summer getaway. Many come to Traverse City to enjoy its freshwater beaches, extensive vineyards, views of Lake Michigan, and host of outdoor activities. Residents of Traverse City and surrounding communities already know about the beauty and peacefulness of the area.

Traverse City combines a small-town feel with nature-focused healthy living. Over 100,000 people call Traverse City and area communities home, enjoying its numerous parks, great restaurants, and a vibrant downtown filled with local shops.

But if you need legal assistance in Traverse City, Lee Steinberg Law Firm’s personal injury attorneys are ready to serve you. Our practice areas include many services for Traverse City residents, including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, and other personal injury cases. Even charming communities like Traverse City experience numerous car crashes and other incidents that can cause injury. So, if you get injured, we’ll be ready to answer your questions and assist you in getting compensation for your injuries.

Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Traverse City

Like any city and town center, some intersections in and near Traverse City can be dangerous and be more likely places for accidents to occur. 2018 data from the Michigan State Police reveal intersections where the most traffic accidents occurred:

  1. Division Street/US 31 at Silver Lake Road (Traverse City): 45 total crashes, 22 injuries
  2. US 31 at Three Mile Road (East Bay Township): 42 crashes, 9 injuries
  3. US 31 at South Airport Road (Garfield Twp.): 41 crashes, 9 injuries

Motor Vehicle Accidents We Can Help with in Traverse City

Traverse City Car Accident Lawyers

Navigating the aftermath of car accidents can be confusing, stressful, and difficult. Victims should be able to focus on recovery. We believe victims should be compensated for all aspects of a car accident.

While we want you and all drivers to stay safe on the road when accidents happen, we’ll work to recover the compensation that you’re entitled to when an accident does happen. We have many years of experience and are experts in dealing with insurance companies and getting justice and money damages for injuries from a car accident.

What Should You Do After a Car Accident?

After a car accident, make sure everybody is safe and provide aid if you can before calling 911.

Contact the police and report your accident to report any injuries. Make sure to get the name and telephone number of all drivers involved in the crash. Take photographs of the other cars, including their license plate numbers. Also, take photos of the vehicle damage of the other cars as this may be your only chance to get this important evidence.

It may also be important to take video on your cell phone of the accident scene and get the names and telephone numbers of witnesses. Starting a paper trail early on can pay big dividends down the road when pursuing your case.  Next, start an insurance claim or court case by working with a qualified and experienced Traverse City car crash lawyer.

Who Is Responsible for Paying Pain and Suffering Following a Traverse City Car Accident?

Under Michigan law, if a person is at least 50% for causing a car or truck crash, then that person, as well as the vehicle owner, are responsible for paying for the pain and suffering that results from the accident. However, a person claiming pain and suffering must be injured enough under the law to get compensation. Just because you are in a car accident does not mean you are entitled to money damages under Michigan law.

That’s why it is important to contact a diligent and smart Traverse City car accident lawyer who can present your case in the best light possible so you can obtain the most money possible for your injuries.

How Long Do I Have To File A Lawsuit for a Car Accident?

It depends on the type of claim. For a standard negligence case against the at-fault driver, then the statute of limitations on most cases is three (3) years from the date of the crash. That means if you don’t file a lawsuit within 3 years, you forever lose your right to obtain compensation for your injuries from that accident.

But for first-party no-fault claims – which are claims involving the payment of Michigan no-fault benefits such as lost wages and medical expenses, you typically have one year from the date of the crash to provide written notice to the right car insurance company responsible for paying the no-fault benefits. 

Traverse City Truck Accident Lawyers

Accidents involving trucks can be especially damaging because of the truck’s large size. Often, the accident victims in the vehicle that a truck hits experience worse injuries and more medical treatment.

Truck drivers should be vigilant and safe during their driving, but unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Semi-trucks are dangerous when operating their vehicles negligently or without consideration for other drivers. If you’ve been injured by a semi-truck or 18-wheeler, you need aggressive and experienced legal assistance.

What Should Traverse City Truck Accident Victims Consider?

You may qualify for Michigan no-fault benefits as well as compensation for a personal injury that includes a monetary settlement for pain and suffering, loss of income, disability, psychological injury, scars, permanent disfigurement, and more. In addition, truck accidents can create bystander claims and wrongful death lawsuits. Contact an attorney to discuss the many factors that could impact your truck accident case.

What Are Typical Reasons for a Big Truck or 18-Wheeler Accident?

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 – drivers are driving too fast to get to a destination and/or make up time;
  • Running a traffic light or stop – driver has disregarded a red light at an intersection;
  • Alcohol or drug use – impaired driving;
  • Lack of experience;
  • Distracted driving – the driver loses focus during a long drive, is playing with the radio or communication system instead of watching the road, or simply fails to concentrate on the road while driving.

Traverse City Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

When you’re 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 all over the state of Michigan. We know how to work with experts and doctors to obtain the best outcome possible after your motorcycle accident.

Michigan motorcycle accidents fall under a special type of legal claim, and these injury cases demand expertise. The Lee Steinberg Law Firm has been handling motorcycle accident cases throughout Michigan for over 40 years.

Can A Person Injured in a Motorcycle Crash Get Michigan No-Fault Benefits?

It depends. So long as a motor vehicle – a car or truck – was involved in causing the motorcycle crash, then a person on a motorcycle can make a claim for Michigan no-fault PIP benefits. However, there is one qualification. If the owner of the motorcycle is involved in the crash, then the motorcycle must have insurance at the time of the accident. If the owner is operating an uninsured motorcycle, then that person cannot make a claim for Michigan no-fault benefits.  

Is There a Motorcycle Helmet Law in Traverse City?

Michigan law permits motorcyclists to decide if they wish to wear a helmet or not. But there are certain restrictions. To legally not wear a helmet, a motorcycle operator must be at least 21 years old, possess at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits, and have held 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 their pain and suffering.

The Michigan drunk driving accident lawyers at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm represent individuals in Traverse City injured in a car accident caused by 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 Typical Drunk Driving Injuries in Traverse City?

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 throughout Michigan is very popular. However, it’s important that car and truck drivers are respectful and drive safely around bicyclists.

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 and pay attention to bicyclists. If you’re the victim of a bicycling accident and were hit by an automobile, our personal injury attorneys want to hear about your case.

What Are the Most Common Injuries from a Traverse City Bike Accident?

Bicycle accidents involving cars can cause serious injury and even death. Always wear a helmet when riding your bicycle. Common injuries include whiplash, traumatic brain injury, shoulder dislocations, fractures, and low back pain, neck pain, and ligament injuries.

Who Pays the Medical Bills in a Bike Accident Case?

If a motor vehicle, like a car or truck, is involved in causing the 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, then the state of 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. It is recommended you contact a bike accident lawyer to make a MACP claim because the application process and rules are confusing.

Traverse City Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Pedestrian accidents 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 that pedestrians always have the right of way. Still, they should cross streets safely. When pedestrians and vehicles collide, the results can be devastating. While focusing on recovery, if you’ve been injured by an automobile while walking, give the Lee Steinberg Law Firm a call at 1-800-LEE-FREE (1-800-533-3733) for a free consultation.

How Do I Prove Negligence in a Traverse City 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. Drivers who don’t leave enough room for pedestrians to cross the road, who don’t look for pedestrians when at an intersection, and who fail to look for pedestrians when making turns or backing up can be held liable.

What is Michigan’s No-Fault Law For Traverse City Pedestrians?

Michigan’s no-fault law applies to pedestrians. This means they can collect compensation after being injured because the lack of car insurance doesn’t preclude them from being entitled to benefits. So long as a truck or car was involved in causing the crash, a pedestrian can still get benefits. This is true even if the pedestrian was at fault for causing the accident.

A pedestrian can request compensation for medical bills, physical therapy, doctors’ bills, lost wages and other damages from the insurance company or for paying the claim. If the driver of the vehicle was at fault, a pedestrian can also make a claim for 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. But car accidents can still occur. Under Michigan law, victims injured in an Uber or Lyft car accident are entitled to no-fault benefits as well as pain and suffering compensation.

Ride-sharing companies have debated about how to handle accidents and compensation for injured individuals. Navigating the legal pathways of compensation after an accident involving a ridesharing service can be complicated. So, let our experienced legal team help with your case.

What Is the Liability Coverage for Ride-Hailing Services in Traverse City?

The amount of money an injured person can obtain following an Uber or Lyft car accident in Livonia depends on a number of 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.

Other Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Traverse City

Slip and Fall Injury Lawyers

Slip and fall cases in Traverse City can be more common during winter and rainy weather. Slip and fall cases can be made against property owners and landlords who are negligent and do not maintain their properties in a reasonably safe condition. By failing to keep walkways clear, porches safe, and staircases in good condition, accidents can happen.

Slip and fall cases can cause serious injuries. Property owners who do not manage their properties well can be held accountable. Our attorneys at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm have handled slip and fall cases for decades.

What Is Notice and Why Is It Important in a Traverse City Slip and Fall Case?

Besides proving that a premises owner was negligent in a slip and fall case, an attorney must also demonstrate that the defendant had adequate notice of the defect prior to the fall. For example, the landowner could have actually known about the dangerous condition and still did not remedy the problem.

The second type of notice is constructive notice. This notice means the landowner should have known of the dangerous condition on the land, had adequate time to remedy the problem, but still failed to do so in a reasonable manner. Without proving notice, even if the landowner admits he or she failed to keep an area safe, a judge can dismiss your negligence slip and fall case.

How Long Do I Have to Pursue a Claim For Injuries Sustained in a Traverse City Slip and Fall?

In general, the statute of limitations – or legal time limit – for a slip and fall case in Michigan is three years. Minors have one year after their 18th birthday. The statute of limitations is different against governmental agencies, so please consult a Michigan slip and fall lawyer for details.

Dog Bite Injury Lawyers

The Lee Steinberg Law Firm has been successfully handling Michigan dog bite cases for more than 40 years and has helped Traverse City victims get the compensation they’re entitled to. We’ve 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 controlling their dogs, we can help to advance and settle your dog bite injury case.

What Is the Traverse City Dog Leash Law?

In Traverse City, as in other parts of Michigan, the Michigan Leash Law states that no dog should be allowed to stray without being held on a leash. There are some exceptions, however, for so-called working dogs, guard dogs, and farm and hunting dogs.

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 monetary compensation. 

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 damages suffered.

While healthcare providers in Traverse City and other areas often carry huge insurance policies to pay for their mistakes, the assertive and experienced team at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm can help make sure that medical providers are held liable for what happened.

How Can I Be Sure My Injury Is a Product of Medical Malpractice in Traverse City?

Medical malpractice cases require that certain elements be proven to go forward with a case. First, there must be a doctor-patient relationship between the plaintiff and the healthcare provider. Second, there must be a deviation on part of the provider from the acceptable standard of proper medical care. The mistake must have also led to serious injuries or death, which can be backed up with evidence that the medical professional caused the damage.

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 medical that is relevant for a specific medication situation, then that doctor can be held responsible for the injuries that result.

There are multiple examples of medical malpractice. Some of the most common examples include:

  • Missed diagnosis or delayed diagnosis;
  • Surgical errors;
  • Childbirth injuries – oxygen deprivation, shoulder dystocia, brachial plexus injuries;
  • Anesthesia errors;
  • Medication mistakes.

Although there are exceptions, in general the statute of limitations for a Traverse City medical malpractice case is two years. This means the malpractice victim has two years from the date of the malpractice to file a lawsuit against the correct defendants or the victim forever loses his or her right to recover compensation for their injuries. 

Social Security Disability Lawyers

Social Security disability benefits can be applied to individuals who qualify. But not every case is cut and dry, and Social Security can be denied unfairly, in some cases, to people living in Traverse City and throughout Michigan.

Seeking the assistance of a Michigan Social Security attorney early on can help to ensure that your Social Security disability claim succeeds. Even if you’re just inquiring into your eligibility for benefits or are beginning the process of filing a claim or have been denied, our attorneys can help you.

What Types of Disability Programs Pay Benefits to Disabled People in Traverse City?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI), payable under Title XVI of the Social Security Act, is a disability program for people who are disabled or blind (or age 65) who have limited income and resources. Benefits may be reduced based on an individual’s income and resources. Social Security Insurance (SSDI), payable under Title II of the Social Security Act. This is a benefit program for people who are disabled and have worked and paid into Social Security for the requisite period to receive SSDI benefits.

Workers Compensation Lawyers

The Lee Steinberg Law Firm has been successful at handling Michigan Workers Compensation cases for years. We fight for workers in Traverse City and all around the state. Our team of experienced Michigan Workers Compensation lawyers are dedicated to helping you obtain the benefits you deserve.

Under the Michigan Workers Disability Compensation law, employees are entitled to certain benefits from their employers for most work-related injuries. Except in rare situations, workers compensation provides the exclusive remedy for a worker against an employer for an injury or disease resulting from employment duties.

Is Any Injury I Receive at Work Covered by Workers Compensation in Traverse City?

There are basic rules an employee must follow to become eligible for Michigan worker’s compensation benefits. First, the employee has to report the injury to his employer. By failing to notify your employer, you are damaging your ability to obtain worker’s comp benefits.

An injured worker must meet certain requirements to be eligible for worker’s compensation benefits. These requirements include (1) the claimant is an employee of an employer subject to WCDA, (2) the employee sustains a personal injury or suffers an occupational disease, (3) the injury or disease arises out of and in the course and scope of employment, (4) the employee is disabled, and (5) there is a related wage loss.

Landlord-Tenant Injury Lawyers

Michigan landlord-tenant law 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 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-tenant law experts, and we’re ready to learn more about your case.

Do Tenants Have Special Protections in Landlord-Tenant Personal Injury Cases in Traverse City?

Yes, under Michigan Law, tenants do have special protections. There is a specific statute that mandates that a landlord must keep the rental property in reasonable repair and maintain the property and common areas fit for their intended use.

Most tenant injuries that occur due to landlord negligence occur in areas of the home that are often ignored and thus not properly maintained. Common tenant injuries include a handrail giving way, broken steps, broken porch, a cracked floor or walkway or water damage resulting in ceiling collapse or building collapse. 

If a landlord fails in maintaining a reasonably safe building or common area, and a tenant is injured, the tenant may use these protections in filing a lawsuit to seek compensation for injuries.

Nursing Home Abuse and Injury Lawyers

A growing elderly population has led to a larger nursing home population. This also means that Michigan nursing home negligence and abuse have become more common. While both federal and state governments have established uniform standards for nursing homes and to ensure the protection and safety of patients and residents in Traverse City and throughout the state, abuse still occurs.

The attorneys with the Lee Steinberg Law Firm are among Michigan’s elite nursing home neglect and elder abuse law firms. Led by experienced and aggressive trial lawyers and litigators, our firm leads the way in protecting elderly and dependent adults from abuse and neglect.

What Are the Most Common Nursing Home Injuries in Traverse City?

Even though most nursing home staff members work to ensure residents’ and patients’ safety and well-being, some are negligent or not trustworthy.

Injuries and accidents in a nursing home can result in a number of different ways. Nursing home injuries are heart-wrenching to discover and may include bedsores, pressure sores and ulcers, decubitus ulcers, dehydration, bruises, cuts, infections, injuries due to the failure to groom, medication errors, and many other types of physical, psychological, financial, sexual, and/or verbal harm.

Birth Injury Lawyers

Birth injuries can be devastating and can quickly overshadow what should be a joyous occasion. Mistakes by medical teams can cause newborns to face serious medical conditions that require hospital stays and can cause permanent disabilities and hardships for families and affected individuals.

If your child experienced a birth injury in Traverse City, contact the experienced birth injury lawyers with the Lee Steinberg Law Firm. We’ll offer free legal advice and discuss your legal options. Call 1-800-LEE-FREE for a free and confidential consultation.

What if I’m Not Sure Whether My Child Has a Birth Injury in Traverse City?

You may need a medical professional’s second opinion to be sure if your child has a birth injury, as not all are obvious. Your Michigan attorney can help you secure an additional medical review to determine whether your child has a birth injury. At the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, we track down medical records, insurance documentation, health provider reports, expert reports, medical opinions, and other important information to support your birth injury claim.

Your infant child has no voice to speak for themselves in this life-changing situation. A birth injury isn’t your fault and isn’t your child’s fault. Taking legal action could be necessary to secure the resources you’ll need when raising your child.

In Traverse City What are Examples of Birth Injury Negligence?

In Michigan, birth injury negligence is defined as a failure to provide proper medical care at the right time given the standard of care, causing harm. This may include examples like allowing excessive maternal or infant bleeding, failing to monitor oxygen levels, causing physical injuries, or causing conditions like cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, shoulder dystocia, birth hypoxia, and preterm birth.

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 Compensation Should Be Expected in Traverse City?

A family should receive compensation for both direct economic losses as well as non-economic losses, like pain and suffering. Economic losses include loss of earnings and financial support, loss of work benefits, medical and funeral expenses, and loss of household services.

What is the Wrongful Death Act in Michigan?

In Michigan, there is a specific law that 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 the negligence of another person. 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.

Ask Lee Free

If you need more information about any of the following questions, we encourage you to contact our office immediately to discuss your concerns and legal options.

  • Should I file a lawsuit?
  • What is the value of my case?
  • What things should I avoid doing when I am involved in a lawsuit?
  • What is the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit?
  • What damages can be recovered in a claim?
  • What will my settlement cover?
  • Will I have to go to court?

In the meantime, please visit our FAQ for Personal Injury Questions to see the answers to the questions above and much more.

Compensation You Deserve

The person or entity who caused your injuries should be financially liable for your damages. However, insurance companies are rarely willing to offer adequate compensation and instead seek to delay and then deny your claim.

The experienced and dedicated legal team at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm will join your side and fight for the compensation that you deserve. The results and compensation that we’ve secured for personal injury victims speak for themselves.

After you’ve been injured, you should focus on your recovery. Let our attorneys handle negotiations and the work of getting your case fully compensated. By helping residents of Traverse City, we’re glad to be a trusted partner who is committed to the well-being and safety of the community.

If you’ve been injured, you may be able to seek damages for your personal injury claim involving:

  • Hospitalization and emergency medical treatment
  • Rehabilitative therapy
  • Lost or reduced wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional scarring
  • Loss of quality of life

Emergency Services and Local Contact information for Traverse City

Contact Us Now

Contact our law offices online or at 1-800-LEE-FREE.

Over the past 40 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 motorcycle accidents. The experience we bring to each case allows us to assist our clients with the highest level of expertise. Michigan is a “no-fault” state, which essentially means that all parties in an accident are eligible for benefits from their insurance companies, regardless of who was at fault.

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 an experienced Michigan car, truck, and motorcycle attorney behind you can make all the difference.

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