Getting injured in a car accident is scary and very frustrating. The injured person is in pain, often cannot work and the bills continue to pile up. That is why it is important to contact the best Pontiac, MI car accident lawyers at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm. Our team of dedicated auto accident attorneys has fought negligent drivers, corporations, and insurance companies for over 50 years. We know what it takes to win and our settlements and results prove it.
Why Should I Call Lee Free After a Pontiac Car Accident?
The lawyers and legal staff at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm spend every day working for our clients. We are experts in car accident law. Our attorneys have been selected as Super Lawyers. They are routinely asked to speak at seminars all over Michigan about automobile law.
We take a thorough approach to every case by doing the following:
- Meet with our clients and get a full review of how the crash occurred. We obtain medical records and photos to demonstrate the severity of the injuries.
- We meet and talk with potential witnesses to help substantiate the fault of the other driver.
- Take and obtain photographs and video of the accident scene.
- Retain accident reconstruction experts, medical experts, and investigators to help prove liability and how the injuries are expected to affect the rest of our client’s life.
- Our law firm provides consistent updates to our clients on how their case is going and we continuously meet with our clients to provide new information.
- Send a demand letter to the insurance carrier to help resolve your case. The demand letter will include multiple exhibits, including vehicle damage photos, medical records, medical illustrations, outstanding medical bills, lost wages, and other evidence to get the most money.
- If the insurance company will not pay an amount that meets our demands, then we file a lawsuit against the appropriate defendants.
Most of the time, we resolve our client’s case before a jury trial is needed. However, if the insurance company continues to remain unreasonable, we are ready to present your case in front of a jury.
What Should I Do After a Pontiac Car Accident?
There are certain steps to take if you are involved in an auto accident. Although you are in the heat of the moment, if you can do the following things, it will make proving your case easier and increase your chances of higher monetary compensation.
- Call 911 or the police. Make sure you stay at the scene until an ambulance and the police arrive. Allow EMS to check your vitals and medical situation. If you need to go to the hospital, then take an ambulance.
- Talk to the responding police officers. Tell them everything you remember occurring and explain why the other driver caused the accident.
- Exchange information with all other drivers in the crash. This includes getting their first and last name, telephone number, and auto insurance information.
- Take photographs of the accident scene. This includes taking photos of vehicle damage and the license plates of every vehicle.
- Take video on your cell phone if you can. This will make it easier to prove how the crash occurred and why the other driver was at fault.
- Go to an area hospital or urgent care. Even minor injuries can turn into significant problems. Make sure a doctor, nurse, or physician’s assistant examines you and takes tests, like X-ray or CT scans.
- Call a great Pontiac car accident lawyer with experience. Before calling the auto insurance company, find out your rights and what benefits you are entitled to under Michigan law. The Lee Steinberg Law Firm will answer all of your questions and the consultation is always free.
What are No-Fault Benefits?
Michigan is a no-fault state. This means in Michigan, a person injured in a car accident can obtain first-party no-fault benefits, even if they cause the accident. Another name for no-fault benefits is personal injury protection or PIP.
These benefits are even available to individuals who do not have auto insurance or even own a car. In fact, all people injured in a car or truck accident in Michigan are entitled to no-fault benefits so long as they were not in an accident involving their own uninsured car.
So what kind of things do no-fault benefits include? First is the payment of medical bills that are related to the crash. These medical expenses can include hospital bills from McLaren Oakland, Trinity Health, St. Joseph Hospital, doctor bills, rehab, surgeries, medications, and co-pays.
Another benefit is lost wages. Under MCL 500.3107(1)(b), the car insurance company must pay 85% of your gross wages for up to 3 years from the date of the accident. This is true even if you lose your job due to the crash.
A third benefit is replacement services. Under MCL 500.3107(1)(c), a friend or family member who is doing the household chores you can’t do because of your car accident injuries is entitled to receive $20 per day for this work. This benefit is also available for up to 3 years.
The Pontiac car accident lawyers at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm have helped our clients recover hundreds of millions. We are always here to answer any questions you have about no-fault benefits and your car accident situation. Auto insurance companies don’t like paying no-fault benefits. We can make sure they pay what they are supposed to pay.
Can You Sue an At-Fault Driver in Michigan?
If the other driver is at least 50% at-fault for causing the crash then they are considered negligent. If the negligence caused injuries, then the at-fault driver as well as the owner of that vehicle are liable for the injuries sustained by the injured plaintiff. In this situation, a lawsuit can be filed against the at fault parties for financial compensation.
There are a lot of rules about who can sue in Michigan after an auto accident and how an injured person is eligible for monetary damages. It is important to contact an experienced Pontiac car accident lawyer so you can better understand your rights.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer After a Pontiac Car Accident?
Most of the time, a car accident in Pontiac only involves minor damage and no injuries. However, if the crash is serious and an injury occurs, an experienced Pontiac car accident lawyer is a good person to turn to make sure you do not get taken advantage of by the insurance company.
A knowledgeable car accident attorney can help you open a claim for first-party benefits as well as get money for your pain and suffering.
Insurance companies try to take advantage of individuals who are not experts and may not understand the claims process. They will often try and lowball a person to get them to settle cheap 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 important to consult with a great Pontiac car accident lawyer who knows the tricks of the trade and how car insurance companies act. Just as importantly, you need a Pontiac auto accident law firm that will consistently keep you updated on your case and has a history of obtaining large dollar settlements for clients.
What Are Common Reasons for Car Crashes in Oakland County?
Car collisions and auto accidents occur in Pontiac and Oakland County for a variety of reasons. But some of the more common causes of car crashes include:
- Distracted driving – this includes texting and driving, and using a cell phone while driving.
- Speeding – driving too fast and causing a rear-end collision.
- Running a red light – running a red at an intersection can create high-impact collisions and terrible injuries.
- Not waiting for vehicles to pass while making a left-hand turn
- Making an illegal U-turn – when a driver turns at a place on the road where other
- Drinking and driving.
- Driving while high on drugs.
Who Pays for Car Damage in an Accident in Michigan?
Michigan is a no-fault state so that means your own auto insurance company is responsible for paying collision damage, no matter who caused the crash. This is called collision coverage. If you do not have collision coverage, and instead only have PLPD, then your own car insurance doesn’t have to pay for the collision damage.
You can go after the other driver for payment of vehicle damage. This is called a mini-tort claim. However, the most the other person must pay is $3,000 in damages or up to the deductible amount, whichever is lower. In addition, you must show the other driver was at-least 50% at fault for causing the accident.
If you were more than 50% at fault, then the other driver may sue you to recover their deductible. These cases are handled in small claims court at the local district court.
Pontiac County Car Accident Statistics
- In 2022, there were 1,785 car accidents in the city of Pontiac.
- Thanksgiving weekend had the most crashes out of any time during the year.
- 26% of crashes were rear-end accidents.
- More than 22% of crashes reported an injury at the accident scene.
- Some of the most dangerous streets for car accidents are Perry St., Telegraph, Joslyn, Baldwin, Huron and M59.
Pontiac has it’s fair share of car crashes every year. Along with surrounding cities like Auburn Hills, Clarkston, Waterford and Rochester, these areas are some of the most popular commuter communities in the state.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Pontiac Car Accident Lawyer?
Our personal injury lawyers always take on cases on a contingent fee basis. This means you do not pay legal fees or even costs until we win your case. Our firm pays all the upfront costs necessary to win, which can include obtaining medical records, hiring experts and investigators, court fees, and other costs.
Injured in a Crash? Contact a Winning Pontiac Car Accident Lawyer
For almost 50 years, the Lee Steinberg Law Firm has helped people injured in auto accidents win their cases and get the monetary compensation they deserve. Our Pontiac, MI car accident attorneys have recovered hundreds of millions for our satisfied clients.
We understand what our clients are going through. We know how to get the most money after the severe and life-changing injuries caused by a negligent driver. Call us at 1-800-LEE-FREE for a free consultation or fill out a contact form today. We never charge anything until we win your case.
