Why Choose LegalGenius for Your Car Accident Case?

When you’ve been seriously injured in a car accident and the insurance companies want to pay you as little as possible, you need attorneys who know how to win. LegalGenius has been fighting for Michigan accident victims for over 25 years, and we’ve recovered millions for our clients over the decades. If you’re looking for a skilled Farmington Hills car accident lawyer, here’s what sets us apart:

• We Respond Fast: Ask the Genius™ and get a fast response to your inquiry. No waiting days or weeks to hear back from your lawyer. When you call or fill out our online form, a member of our legal team will contact you the same day, guaranteed. We know that after an accident, time is critical for protecting your rights and preserving evidence, and we will be there when you need us.
• Led by Attorney Jeffrey Perlman: Our managing partner personally interviews every client and oversees every case. Jeffrey has built a reputation in the Michigan legal community for his diligence and aggressive representation. He’s handled high-profile cases and has earned the respect of judges, opposing counsel, and clients throughout Oakland County.
• Over 100 Years Of Combined Experience: Our legal team has handled thousands of car accident cases across Metro Detroit and Oakland County. We know the local courts, the judges, the insurance adjusters, and the tactics they use to deny or reduce claims. This experience means we can anticipate problems before they arise and build stronger cases for our clients.
• We Know Michigan No-Fault Law: From PIP benefits to third-party liability claims, we know exactly how to maximize your recovery under Michigan’s insurance system. We’ll make sure you get coverage for medical expenses, wage loss, replacement services, and, when applicable, pain and suffering damages. Michigan’s insurance laws are complicated, but we’ve been working with them for over two decades.
• No Fees Unless We Win: You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we recover money for you. There are no hidden costs, no surprise bills, and no risk. If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us a dime. This means we’re motivated to get you the largest settlement or verdict possible.
• We Come To You: Can’t make it to our Southfield office? We’ll meet you at your home, hospital, or anywhere in Farmington Hills. If you’re recovering from injuries or don’t have transportation after your accident, we’ll bring our services directly to you. We also offer virtual consultations for added convenience.
• We Never Stop Fighting: Insurance companies know we don’t settle cheap. We take cases to trial when needed to get our clients what they’re owed. While many firms pressure clients to accept low settlements, we prepare every case as if it’s going to court. This aggressive approach gets results because insurance companies know we mean business.

When you hire LegalGenius, you’re getting a team that treats your case like it’s our only one. Call us today for a free consultation and let us show you how we can help.

How Michigan Car Accident Law Works

Michigan operates under a no-fault car insurance system, which is different from many other states. This means that after a car accident, your own insurance company pays for your medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash. However, there are situations where you can also pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for additional damages.

No-Fault Insurance Benefits (PIP)

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is the foundation of Michigan’s no-fault system. Your own auto insurance policy covers:

• Medical Expenses: All reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your accident injuries, including hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, medications, and ongoing care.
• Wage Loss: Up to 85% of your lost income if you can’t work due to your injuries, for up to three years from the date of the accident. This benefit is limited by a statutory monthly maximum set by the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services.
• Replacement Services: Reimbursement for household services you can’t perform because of your injuries, such as cleaning, yard work, or childcare, up to $20 per day for up to three years.
• Attendant Care: If your injuries are severe and you need in-home nursing or assistance with daily activities, your insurance may cover these costs.

You’re entitled to these benefits even if you caused the accident. The insurance company must pay your claims promptly, but many try to delay, deny, or reduce benefits. That’s where an attorney can help.

When You Can Sue the At-Fault Driver

While no-fault insurance covers your immediate expenses, it doesn’t compensate you for pain and suffering or other non-economic damages. To sue the at-fault driver and recover these additional damages, your injuries must meet Michigan’s “serious impairment of body function” threshold. This means your injury must:

• Be objectively shown through medical evidence
• Affect your ability to lead your normal life
• Be more than temporary or minor

If your injuries qualify, you can file a third-party liability claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance for:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of companionship
• Excess economic losses not covered by no-fault benefits

Property Damage Claims

Property damage works differently from injury claims. If another driver was at fault for the accident, you can file a claim against their insurance for the cost to repair or replace your vehicle. If you have collision coverage on your own policy, you can also file a claim with your own insurer, though you may have to pay a deductible. If you don’t have collision coverage, Michigan law allows a mini-tort claim of up to $3,000 against the at-fault driver for vehicle damage not covered by your own insurance.

How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Michigan?

Michigan law imposes strict deadlines for car accident claims, and your statute of limitations will depend on who you sue (insurance company vs. the at-fault driver) and factors like whether the victim was a minor or killed during the collision.

• No-Fault PIP Benefits: You must notify your insurance company in writing within one year of the accident that you’re making a PIP claim. This notice doesn’t have to be formal (even a letter or claim form works), but it must be in writing and sent within 365 days of the crash. If your insurance company denies your PIP benefits or refuses to pay, you have one year from the date of denial to file a lawsuit. 
• Third-Party Liability Claims (Lawsuits Against At-Fault Drivers): You have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. If you miss this deadline, the court will dismiss your case, and you’ll lose the right to sue for pain and suffering or other damages. If you’re under 18, this three-year clock doesn’t start until you’re a legal adult, but it’s still better to pursue claims promptly while the evidence is fresh. If your loved one died in a car accident, you have three years from the date of death (not the date of the accident) to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
• Property Damage Claims: You have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for vehicle damage or other property losses. Claims under Michigan’s mini-tort law must also be filed within three years.

Michigan auto insurance companies know these deadlines, and many will use them against you. For example, adjusters may delay responding to your claim, request unnecessary documentation, or string you along until the deadline passes. Once the statute of limitations expires, they have no obligation to pay you anything, which is why it’s so important to work with a Farmington Hills car accident lawyer.

Types of Car Accidents We Handle in Farmington Hills

Car accidents happen in many different ways, but certain types of collisions occur more frequently on Farmington Hills roads and throughout Michigan. 

• Rear-End Collisions: One of the most common types of accidents occurs when one vehicle crashes into the back of another. These incidents often happen at stoplights, in heavy traffic, or when a driver is following too closely. Rear-end accidents frequently cause whiplash, back injuries, and neck injuries. 
• T-Bone (Side-Impact) Collisions: These accidents happen when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, forming a “T” shape. T-bone crashes are common at intersections when drivers run red lights or fail to yield the right-of-way. They tend to result in broken bones, head injuries, and internal organ damage.
• Head-On Collisions: When two vehicles traveling in opposite directions crash front-to-front, the results are often catastrophic. Head-on collisions typically occur on two-lane roads when a driver crosses the center line, enters the wrong side of a divided highway, or loses control. These are among the deadliest types of accidents and can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and fatalities.
• Intersection Accidents: Crashes at intersections can involve multiple vehicles and occur for various reasons: running red lights, failing to yield, making illegal turns, or misjudging gaps in traffic. Intersections like 12 Mile and Orchard Lake Road, Grand River and Drake, and Northwestern Highway and 10 Mile see heavy traffic and frequent accidents.
• Left-Turn Accidents: When a driver making a left turn fails to yield to oncoming traffic, serious collisions can result. The turning driver is usually at fault, but insurance companies may try to argue that the other driver was speeding or ran a red light.
• Hit-and-Run Accidents: If a driver hits you and flees the scene, you may still have options for compensation through your own insurance policy’s uninsured motorist coverage. Hit-and-run cases require quick action to identify the at-fault driver and preserve evidence. Police reports and witness statements become even more critical in these situations.
• Multi-Vehicle Pileups: Chain-reaction crashes involving three or more vehicles are common on highways and in bad weather. Determining fault in multi-vehicle accidents can be complicated, as multiple drivers may share responsibility. These cases often require thorough investigation and accident reconstruction.
• Pedestrian Accidents: When a car strikes a pedestrian, the injuries are almost always severe. Pedestrians have no protection against a 3,000-pound vehicle. These accidents frequently occur in parking lots, crosswalks, and residential areas. Michigan law provides strong protections for pedestrians, and drivers who hit them can face both civil liability and criminal charges.
• Bicycle Accidents: Cyclists are vulnerable road users who face risks from inattentive drivers, unsafe road conditions, and vehicles that don’t give them adequate space. Bicycle accident injuries can be devastating and often include road rash, fractures, and head trauma.
• Single-Vehicle Accidents: Not all accidents involve another driver. You can be injured when your vehicle hits a tree, rolls over, or crashes due to poor road conditions, defective vehicle parts, or obstacles in the roadway. These cases may involve claims against government entities responsible for road maintenance or manufacturers of defective auto parts.
• Parking Lot Accidents: Low-speed collisions in parking lots can still cause injuries, especially when pedestrians are involved. These accidents often happen due to drivers backing up without looking, failing to stop at stop signs within the lot, or speeding through crowded areas.

How to Document Your Car Accident

When you’ve been struck and injured by a negligent driver, there are certain steps you need to take to get medical care and preserve evidence. If you’re bleeding or in too much pain to move, ask a bystander for help.

• Call 911: Always report the accident to police, even if injuries seem minor. A police report is valuable evidence and establishes an official record of what happened.
• Take Photos and Videos: Use your phone (or someone else’s) to photograph vehicle damage from multiple angles, skid marks, debris, road conditions, traffic signs, and the accident scene overall. Capture the position of the vehicles before they’re moved if possible.
• Get Contact Information: Exchange names, phone numbers, addresses, insurance information, and license plate numbers with all drivers involved. Don’t discuss fault or apologize: just gather facts and let your car accident attorney work it out with the insurance company.
• Identify Witnesses: Get the names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the accident. Witness statements can be a huge advantage if the other driver lies about what happened.
• Note Road and Weather Conditions: Document whether it was raining, dark, foggy, or if there were any road hazards that contributed to the crash.

After leaving the accident scene, go to the emergency room or see your doctor the same day, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, like whiplash and concussions, don’t always show symptoms right away. A medical record created immediately after the accident also links your injuries directly to the crash and prevents the insurer from accusing you of exaggerating a pre-existing condition.

• Keep All Medical Records: Save every document related to your treatment, such as hospital records, doctor’s notes, test results, prescriptions, and receipts for medical expenses.
• Document Your Injuries: Take photos of visible injuries like bruises, cuts, and swelling. Continue photographing as your injuries heal or worsen.
• Keep a Daily Journal: Write down how your injuries affect your daily life: pain levels, activities you can’t do, sleep problems, emotional distress, and how the accident impacts your work and relationships. This record supports your pain and suffering claim.
• Save All Bills and Receipts: Keep records of medical bills, prescription costs, mileage to medical appointments, lost wages, and any other expenses related to the accident.
• Preserve Evidence: Don’t repair your vehicle until the insurance company has inspected it and you’ve photographed all damage. Keep damaged clothing and personal items.
• Avoid Social Media: Don’t post about the accident, your injuries, or your activities on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or other platforms. Insurance companies monitor social media and will use your posts against you. A photo of you smiling at a family gathering can be misrepresented as proof you’re not really injured.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Farmington Hills Car Accident Lawyer?

Hiring LegalGenius costs you nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay if we win your case. No retainers, no hourly rates, no consultation fees. We also cover all case expenses like police reports, medical records, expert witnesses, and court fees. Our fee is a percentage of your settlement or award and is agreed upon before we start. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

Studies show that accident victims with lawyers recover significantly more money than those without, even after paying attorney fees. Without representation, you’ll likely accept lowball offers, miss deadlines, make statements that hurt your case, and undervalue your claim. 

Here’s an example: The insurance company offers you $15,000. You accept it, then discover your injuries are worse than expected, and your case is worth $150,000. Unfortunately, you can’t reopen it. Now compare: We investigate, demand $200,000, and settle for $150,000. After our fee and costs, you get $100,000: $85,000 more than handling it yourself.

Get a Free Consultation With a Farmington Hills Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Farmington Hills, don’t try to handle the insurance companies by yourself. They have one goal: to pay you as little as possible. You need a Farmington Hills car accident attorney on your side who knows Michigan law, understands their tactics, and won’t back down until you get every dollar you’re owed. At LegalGenius, we know how to win, and we’re ready to put that experience to work for you. To speak with a Farmington Hills car accident attorney, call 1-800-209-4000 or fill out our Ask the Genius™ form today.