Ann Arbor Personal Injury Lawyers

The attorneys at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm are personal injury experts who have been helping the people of Ann Arbor and surrounding communities, such as Ypsilanti, Chelsea, Saline, Dexter, and Superior Township for over 50 years. If you were injured in an accident, contact us for a free consultation. We will explain the law to you and your best options, and our team of trial lawyers will get you the monetary compensation you deserve.

Michigan 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

Why Hire an Ann Arbor Personal Injury Lawyer?

If you have been injured in an accident in Ann Arbor, you must find a personal injury attorney that works for you. The Lee Steinberg Law Firm represents individuals throughout Washtenaw County. We serve as the law firm of choice for residents who are seeking help for a personal injury claim.

The Lee Steinberg Law Firm has expertise in many practice areas, including car accident cases in Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County. Our super lawyers represent our clients in the following types of motor vehicle accident cases.

Ann Arbor Car Accident Lawyers

The dedicated and experienced team of Ann Arbor personal injury lawyers at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm specialize in car accidents. For over 50 years, our dedicated team of Ann Arbor car accident lawyers has obtained millions for clients injured due to another driver’s negligence.

What are the Top Reasons for Ann Arbor Car Accidents

The top reasons to car accidents in Ann Arbor are:

• Speeding
• Drunk driving and driving while high
• Driving while tired, also known as drowsy driving
• Distracted driving
• Aggressive or reckless driving
• Texting and driving
• Snow and ice on the road
• Potholes and poorly maintained road surfaces

Why Do I Need a Lawyer After an Ann Arbor Car Accident?

Most of the time, a car accident in Ann Arbor only involves minor damage and no injuries. However, if the crash is serious and an injury occurs, a good Ann Arbor personal injury accident lawyer will ensure you do not get taken advantage of by the insurance company.

Insurance companies try to exploit individuals who are not experts and may not understand the claims process. They often try to lowball a person to get them to settle cheaply and fast. They will do this by promising to send a check immediately. But in return, the injured person gives up all their rights and often gets pennies on the dollar.

It is essential to consult with a great Ann Arbor car accident lawyer who knows the tricks of the trade and how car insurance companies act. As importantly, you need a Michigan auto accident law firm that consistently keeps you updated on your case and has a history of obtaining large dollar settlements for clients.

Dangerous Roads and Highways in Ann Arbor

Statistics published in Michigan Traffic Crash Facts suggest that several roads and intersections are particularly dangerous.

• South Street at West Ellsworth Road
• M-14 Bridge over the Huron River
• East Eisenhower Parkway
• Washtenaw Avenue
• I-94

Ann Arbor Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers

Michigan drivers and passengers are entitled to monetary compensation when a semi-truck accident occurs. Trucking companies carry large insurance policies to cover situations when their truckers injure people on the road. These insurance policies pay for the pain and suffering, emotional distress, trauma, scarring, lost wages, and future medical care negligent drivers cause.

What is the Deadline for a Semi-Truck Accident Case?

The statute of limitations is the time limit a person has to file a lawsuit against a defendant in court for civil compensation. If you wait too long and do not file a lawsuit against the defendant in court, you forever lose your right to obtain compensation against that defendant.

In a standard negligence action against a motor carrier or trucking company in Michigan, the statute of limitations is 3 years. This means you have 3 years from the accident date to file a lawsuit in court seeking pain and suffering damages and economic loss (medical expenses and lost wages). If you do not file a lawsuit within that time, you cannot pursue a case for compensation against that defendant.

The statute of limitations on a first-party PIP case is different. Under Michigan law, an individual seeking PIP benefits, also known as no-fault benefits, has one year from the date a benefit is incurred. Suppose the benefit – such as lost wages or a medical bill – is incurred and more than one year passes. In that case, you can lose your ability to recoup that benefit.

Filing a lawsuit within the statute of limitations is critical for trucking accident victims.

How are Semi-Truck Accidents Investigated?

The police will do a preliminary investigation and file a police report. Sometimes the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Department will do the investigation. Sometimes, the Michigan State Police will get involved depending on the location of the crash. You can request a copy of this report. Still, you will also need to start an investigation with your Ann Arbor truck accident lawyer. In the meantime, state and federal agencies may conduct their own investigations to determine if the truck driver violated regulations.

The Black Box

It is important to send a spoilation letter to the defendant trucking company immediately after the accident. The spoliation letter should demand the company preserve the truck itself, the event data recorder (EDR) or “black box,” maintenance records, receipts, driver logs, audio and video recordings, and personnel files.

Accident Reconstruction Expert

It is also important to retain and hire an accident reconstruction expert. An experienced Ann Arbor trucking accident lawyer will be able to get an accident reconstruction expert to the crash site as quickly as possible to start the investigation process. Trucking companies are very aggressive in defending these claims, so getting a jump on their investigation is vital.

The expert will examine the truck and any in-truck recordings during the investigation. In addition, the trucker’s licensure and qualifications will be reviewed. Further, the trucking company’s compliance will be under scrutiny, and experts may be asked to weigh in on their opinions of what happened during the crash. All this works to your benefit as an injury victim because it provides evidence you can use for your case.

Truck accident cases in Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County are a special type of case. Getting an aggressive semi-truck accident injury law firm on your side early on can mean the difference between winning and losing your case. Protecting evidence, retaining experts, and conducting a thorough investigation early on is very important.

Ann Arbor Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Motorcyclists are at greater risk for injury than car operators because they are not surrounded by thousands of pounds of steel and protective equipment. They are also at risk of being virtually invisible to drivers, who may make dangerous turns into them.

The motorcycle accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Lee Steinberg, P.C. have represented riders throughout the state for over 50 years. We represent bikers and their passengers in the payment of Michigan no-fault benefits and compensation for pain and suffering.

Motorcycle accidents in Michigan resulting in injury are a special type of case. They demand a unique analysis and require motorcycle accident specialists to ensure the injured victim gets full compensation.

Our legal team of Ann Arbor motorcycle accident lawyers has handled hundreds of motorcycle wrecks all over the state. We have a team of legal professionals who work with experts and doctors to obtain the best outcome for our clients.

What is the Motorcycle Helmet Law?

Michigan law now permits motorcyclists to decide if they wish to wear a helmet or not. However, there are certain restrictions. To legally not wear a helmet, a motorcycle operator must:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Have at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits
• Have held a motorcycle endorsement for at least two years or have passed an approved motorcycle safety course

Can I Still Get Compensation if I Don’t Have Motorcycle Insurance?

Yes. While an uninsured motorcycle owner can’t make a claim for Michigan no-fault benefits, they can still sue for pain and suffering against the at-fault driver. This is an essential difference from drivers of uninsured motor vehicles, who usually can’t get compensation for pain and suffering – even if another driver caused the crash.

Ann Arbor Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

The emotional toll of drunk driving cases in Michigan is significant. Individuals injured or affected due to the negligence of a drunk driver need help to navigate the law so that they can help put the pieces back together. Under the law, individuals injured by a drunk driver are almost always entitled to both Michigan no-fault benefits as well as compensation for their pain and suffering.

The Michigan drunk driving attorneys at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm can help you through the process, obtain compensation for medical bills and lost wages, and obtain justice and compensation.

What are Common Injuries from Drunk Driving?

Injuries resulting from drunk driving accidents in Michigan can be catastrophic. Due to the impairments alcohol can cause, such as slowed down reaction time and reflexes, the impacts these crashes create can be severe. Injuries resulting from alcohol and drug-related crashes include:

• Broken legs and arms
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI), including concussion
• Broken pelvis and hips
• Joint injury, including ligament and tendon damage to the knee and elbow
• Low back pain resulting in lumbar radiculopathy
• Neck pain resulting in cervical radiculopathy
• Shoulder injury, including rotator cuff tears
• Death

Ann Arbor Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan, so you may not be surprised to read Ann Arbor is considered a bike-friendly town. In fact, it was named a Silver Level Bicycle Friendly City multiple times by the League of American Bicyclists.

Unfortunately, bicyclists can sustain life-changing injuries when struck by negligent drivers. In 2023, 1,480 bicyclists were involved in police-reported accidents in Michigan, including 24 fatalities. Over 100 bicycle crashes alone occurred in Washtenaw County. A generation ago, most people injured in bicycle accidents were children. Today, the data looks very different. Over 80% of bike accident deaths involve adults 20 or older — a four-fold increase from three decades ago.

Who Pays No-Fault Benefits After a Bicycle Accident?

In Michigan, bicyclists injured in a car or truck accident are entitled to Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, also known as first-party benefits.

To determine which no-fault insurance company pays a bicyclist’s injuries, the no-fault law maintains “order of priority” rules. These rules determine which car insurance company must pay no-fault benefits in a certain situation. They are listed below in the order of responsibility:

1. If the bicyclist has a no-fault insurance policy in their name, the insurance company has first priority and is responsible for paying benefits to the victim.
2. If the bicyclist does not have no-fault insurance, but a resident relative (spouse, parent, sibling) does have a car insurance policy, the resident relative’s insurance company is responsible for paying benefits.
3. If the other options don’t apply, the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan (MACP) is responsible.

The MACP is a plan created by the legislature and managed and administered by the auto insurance industry. Under the Plan, after a claimant completes an Application for Benefits and provides the necessary documentation, a car insurance carrier – such as Farm Bureau or Citizens – will be assigned to pay the no-fault claim.

The MACP application process is not easy and we suggest you contact a Michigan bicycle accident law firm to assist you and answer your questions.

Ann Arbor Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Ann Arbor is known for being a walkable city. Almost 15% of residents commute to work by foot. The real estate website Redfin.com named downtown Ann Arbor the most walkable neighborhood among mid-sized cities in the Midwest.

However, walking on city sidewalks and in interactions has risks. Drivers must watch for pedestrians, and pedestrians must pay attention to traffic signals and vehicles.  

What Should A Pedestrian Do After a Car Accident in Ann Arbor?

A pedestrian should do the following if injured in a car accident.

• Get to a safe place on the side of the road or on the sidewalk.
• Call the police, or ask another person to call the police for you. Do not leave the scene before the police arrive and get a police report number.
• Get witness information and insurance information from the driver who hit you.
• Safely take pictures with your cell phone.
• Seek medical attention even if you don’t know if your injuries are serious.
• Do not post on any social media or admit any blame.
• Contact an experienced Ann Arbor personal injury lawyer.

Ann Arbor Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers

With all the popular restaurants and shopping in Ann Arbor, it makes sense that residents and students use ride-sharing services to get around.  

Sometimes, ride-sharing car accidents occur, resulting in injury. Under Michigan law, victims injured in an Uber or Lyft car accident are entitled to no-fault benefits and pain and suffering compensation.

Ride-sharing companies and politicians have battled over how to adequately compensate individuals and drivers injured in an Uber or Lyft car accident. After much deliberation, the Michigan legislature passed legislation setting forth the duties and responsibilities for Uber, Lyft, and other independent contractor transportation network companies. In addition, Uber, Lyft, and their partners made additional promises to ensure reasonable and proper compensation for individuals injured in a Michigan accident.

What is the Insurance Coverage for Ride-Sharing Services in Ann Arbor?

Bodily Injury Coverage: If an Uber or Lyft driver causes an accident, the victim can make a negligence claim for pain and suffering compensation against the Uber or Lyft driver and their insurance policy. Under MCL 257.2123, Uber and Lyft insurance drivers logged into the app but not engaged in a prearranged ride must provide at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage for the accident they caused.

However, suppose the driver is engaged in a prearranged drive. In that case, Uber or Lyft drivers must have at least $1,000,000 in insurance coverage.

Personal Injury Protection Coverage: Uber and Lyft drivers must provide at least $250,000 in PIP coverage for passengers or customers injured during a ride. This amount is available even if the driver of the Uber or Lyft ride was not at fault for causing the crash. 

Ann Arbor Slip and Fall Injury Lawyers

In general terms, a Michigan slip-and-fall accident refers to situations where a person is injured by slipping, tripping, or otherwise falling due to a dangerous condition on the premises. These incidents can happen inside or outside of a building. They are caused by hazards like wet floors, snow and ice, large potholes, rotting wood or broken cement, and other general defects. A slip-and-fall case is also known as a premises liability case.

Michigan premises owners, including homeowners and building owners, have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe and to protect against unreasonable harm caused by dangerous conditions on the land.

Possible dangerous conditions that could cause a slip and fall accident:

• Ice, snow, or pooled water
• Faulty or unsecured railings
• Inadequate lighting
• Damaged flooring
• Obstacles placed on stairways
• Overly polished floors
• Slippery rugs or mats
• Any unexpected and concealed drop-offs, holes, or other changes in the floor or ground height that pose a hazard
• Poorly maintained stairways, escalators, or elevators
• Uneven surfaces in parking lots and potholes, including broken pavement, cracked cement, raised parking blocks, and other hazards.

What is the Deadline for Filing a Slip and Fall Lawsuit?

Under Michigan law, the statute of limitations for a slip and fall lawsuit is 3 years from the death or injury. The clock starts on the day that the slip or fall occurred. This is why you need to seek expert advice as soon as possible.

Who Can I Sue in a Slip and Fall Case in Ann Arbor?

The correct defendants in a slip-and-fall case depend on the situation. Suppose a landlord fails to keep the premises in reasonable repair. In that case, the landlord and the property maintenance company can be held responsible. The shopping center or strip mall owner may be accountable if a grocery store fails to keep its parking lot clear of snow and ice.

Sometimes, homeowners can be held liable for a personal injury on their property. That is why it is important to maintain homeowners’ insurance if you own a home or renter’s insurance if you are a tenant.

The Lee Steinberg Law Firm has successfully handled Michigan slip-and-fall personal injury cases for over 50 years. Our experienced Ann Arbor slip-and-fall lawyers are dedicated to helping injured individuals get the compensation they deserve.

Ann Arbor Dog Bite Injury Lawyers

In Michigan, more than one-third of all households have at least one dog. Although these furry friends bring comfort and love to their owners, a dog bite is a traumatic experience that can result in serious wounds and permanent scarring, both physically and mentally.

Our firm has represented a wide variety of dog bite victims, including utility workers, children, parents, and seniors. We have helped our clients recover millions for medical bills, puncture wounds, scarring, nerve damage, pain and suffering, and emotional scarring.

What is the Leash Law for Dogs in Ann Arbor?

The Michigan Leash Law has existed in various forms for close to 100 years. Under MCL 287.262, no dog owner shall allow his or her dog to stray unless it is properly on a leash. In practice, this applies to dogs not on the owner’s property. The Michigan Leash Law is another way to prove negligence by a dog owner for a dog bite or attack.

Unfortunately, dog training experts agree that nearly all dogs can bite. A dog may bite for several reasons, including excitement, fear, and asserting dominance. Dog owners have a responsibility to keep their dogs under control. The dog owner is the principal defendant in most Michigan dog bite and attack cases.

What is the Michigan Dog Bite Law?

The Michigan dog bite law says that if a dog bites a person, the dog owner is liable for all medical bills and injuries from the 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 recover. The injured person is entitled to monetary compensation so long as the attack was not provoked and there was no trespassing.

Ann Arbor Medical Malpractice Lawyers

Ann Arbor is fortunate to be home to many excellent hospitals, including the University of Michigan Hospitals-Michigan Medicine, which U.S. News and World Report ranks #1 in Michigan. Sadly, even the best medical professionals are sometimes guilty of medical practice, which can have dire repercussions. In fact, approximately 195,000 patients die in hospitals each year because of preventable mistakes.

A medical malpractice lawsuit seeks to compensate you for the injuries and losses you or a family member suffered due to a doctor’s or healthcare provider’s negligence. Doctors and hospitals maintain insurance policies for precisely this reason: to pay for their mistakes.

All malpractice victims need an aggressive, talented, and caring Ann Arbor medical malpractice lawyer to protect and stand up for their rights. The Michigan medical malpractice experts at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm give you a bold legal voice. We help hold the healthcare provider and their insurance company liable for the devastating and life-changing injuries they caused.

How Do I Prove Medical Malpractice?

In general, all medical malpractice cases must prove four things to result in compensation for the injured person:

• The plaintiff and the health care professional must have a doctor-patient relationship.
• There was a deviation by the health care professional from the acceptable standard of proper medical care
• The mistake led to serious physical injuries or death to the patient.

There is sufficient evidence to prove that the medical professional caused the damage.

Your medical malpractice lawyer will help you gather the evidence you need to prove your case. This must include hiring medical experts to establish how and why the malpractice occurred, explaining to the insurance company how the injuries were significant, and how they impacted the victim’s life.

Wrongful Death Lawyers in Ann Arbor

The Michigan Wrongful Death Act allows the personal representative of the estate of a deceased person to bring an action in court if the death of the person was caused by the wrongful act or negligence of another. The personal representative is often a family member or close friend of the deceased person, and this representative must be approved by the probate court. The family members who are entitled to damages arising out of a wrongful death suit include:

• Spouse
• Parents
• Children
• Grandparents
• Siblings
• Children of the deceased’s spouse

The personal representative must notify family members about the claim in writing within 30 days of filing. Family members then have 60 days after learning about the claim to notify the personal representative of damages they’ve suffered from the accidental death. After this cutoff, they can no longer seek personal recompense.

The Ann Arbor wrongful death Lawyers at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm have represented Michigan families and won wrongful death cases in all areas of personal injury law.

Please get in touch with our wrongful death lawyers at 1-800-LEE-FREE (1-866-761-9142) or fill out the Free Case Evaluation Form so we can answer any questions you may have about Michigan wrongful death cases.

Emergency Services and Local Contact Information for Ann Arbor

• Ann Arbor Police Department 301 E. Huron St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104
• Ann Arbor Fire Department, 111 N. 5^th Ave. Ann Arbor, MI 48104
• Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Department, 2201 Hogback Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48105 University of Michigan Health, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr. Ann Arbor, MI 48109
• Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital, 5301 McAuley Dr. Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Ann Arbor Personal Injury Lawyers Fighting and Winning For You

For over the past 50 years, The Lee Steinberg Law Firm has helped thousands of people whose lives have been affected by Michigan car and truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice cases, slip-and-fall accidents, and other personal injuries.

We have recovered hundreds of millions in settlements and verdicts. The experience we bring to each case allows us to assist our clients with the highest level of expertise.

With the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, P.C., you do not pay a fee until we win your case – if we do not win, you walk away owing us nothing.

Call us today at 1-800-LEE-FREE (1-866-761-9142) or fill out the free consultation form listed above so we can start on your personal injury case.