Auto Accidents

No one gets into their vehicle expecting to be in a collision, but the reality is that serious car accidents occur quite regularly in Michigan, even when drivers are cautious and obey the law. When a person is injured in an accident due to another person or company’s negligent or careless actions, they may be entitled to recover damages or compensation. If you or a family member is involved in such an accident, our Macomb County injury attorneys may be able to help you pursue financial recovery through a personal injury lawsuit.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim after a Michigan Auto Accident

A personal injury claim makes sense when you’ve suffered significant injuries or financial losses due to an accident. If the other driver was clearly at fault, pursuing a personal injury claim is a way to seek justice and get the compensation you’re owed. 

You’ll normally begin by filing a claim with the other driver’s insurance company. Then comes the negotiation phase, where you aim to reach a fair settlement that covers all the damages you’ve incurred. If these negotiations hit a roadblock, you might have to take things a step further and file a lawsuit. It may sound intense, but it’s all about protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.

Damages Available in a Successful Auto Injury Case

Michigan law allows an injury victim to pursue several types of monetary damages. The following are the most common types of damages that car accident victims usually seek in court:

Compensatory Damages – These damages are designed to compensate an injury victim for their injuries. The tort system is designed around compensation, and thus, these are the core damages that are usually recovered through a personal injury lawsuit. There are several types of compensatory damages, but the most commonly sought are:

• Recovery of medical bills (including surgery, ER, ambulance, and physical therapy);
• Lost wages and lost earning capacity (which means you can recover income you would have earned had it not been for the accident and future wages if you are partially or totally disabled); and
• Pain and suffering damages.

Punitive Damages – Unlike compensatory damages, which are designed to help make the victim whole, punitive damages are designed strictly to punish the defendant. Punitive damages are not common, but they may be requested or ordered if the defendant’s behavior is so egregious that additional compensation is appropriate. 

Wrongful Death Damages – Michigan courts recognize that death is a special circumstance and allow close family members to sue on behalf of the deceased. Given the severe damages associated with the sudden loss of a loved one, additional damages are pursuable, including loss of companionship and loss of family financial support.

Experienced Michigan Car Accident Lawyers Ready to Assist You 

If you or a family member suffered an injury in a car accident, truck accident, or other accident, our team of Macomb County personal injury attorneys is here to assist. Call or contact Aiello & Associates online today and request a free consultation to discuss your case. With a strong record of success in personal injury cases involving car accidents, we can advise you on the next steps to take and the types of compensation you may be entitled to recover.