Car Accident Lawyer in Lansing MI

Rear-end accidents are among the most common traffic collisions in the Greater Lansing area, often occurring on busy roads like Michigan Avenue or during rush hour on US-127. These crashes typically happen when a following driver fails to maintain a safe distance or becomes distracted. Even at low speeds, rear-end impacts can cause serious whiplash injuries, herniated discs, and traumatic brain injuries. Michigan law generally presumes the rear driver is at fault, but insurance companies still try to minimize payouts. We gather evidence including traffic camera footage and brake analysis to prove liability and secure fair compensation for your injuries.

Head-on crashes are among the most devastating types of road collisions, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. These accidents frequently occur when a driver crosses the center line due to impairment, distracted driving, or falling asleep at the wheel. In Lansing, we see head-on collisions on rural roads in mid-Michigan and during winter weather conditions. The force of two vehicles colliding head-on often causes severe injuries. These cases require immediate legal action to preserve evidence and protect your right to compensation.

Intersection collisions happen throughout Lansing at busy crossroads. These accidents often involve drivers running red lights, failing to yield right-of-way, or misjudging traffic flow when making left turns. Determining fault in intersection accidents requires careful analysis of traffic signals, witness statements, and sometimes surveillance footage from nearby businesses. We work with accident reconstruction experts when necessary to establish exactly how the crash occurred and who bears responsibility.

Side-impact crashes, commonly called T-bone accidents, occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, often at intersections. These multiple-vehicle collisions are particularly dangerous because vehicle doors provide less protection than the front or rear. Passengers on the impact side frequently suffer severe injuries including broken ribs, internal bleeding, and head trauma. East Lansing sees its share of these accidents near Michigan State University where traffic patterns can be complex. We investigate whether traffic signal malfunctions, poor road design, or aggressive driving contributed to your T-bone accident.

Chain-reaction crashes involving three or more vehicles present complex liability questions. These accidents often occur on highways during poor weather conditions or when one driver’s negligence creates a domino effect. Determining fault in multi-vehicle pileups requires extensive investigation because multiple parties may share responsibility. Michigan’s modified comparative negligence law means you can still recover damages even if you’re partially at fault, as long as you’re less than 50% responsible. We thoroughly investigate each driver’s actions to maximize your recovery.

When a driver flees the scene after causing a car crash, victims face unique challenges in recovering compensation. Michigan law requires drivers to stop after accidents, but some flee to avoid responsibility or because they’re driving without insurance or under the influence. If you’re injured in a hit-and-run accident in Lansing, you may be able to recover through your own uninsured motorist coverage. We work with law enforcement and use investigative resources to identify hit-and-run drivers whenever possible while simultaneously pursuing your insurance claims.

Distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of traffic collisions in Michigan. Whether a driver was texting, adjusting their GPS, eating, or engaging with passengers, taking attention away from the road creates serious dangers. Michigan law prohibits texting while driving, and violations can establish negligence in your case. We obtain phone records and electronic data to prove distracted driving caused your accident. These cases often result in substantial compensation because the negligence is clear and preventable.

Hit by a drunk driver?

When impairment causes an accident, the at-fault driver faces both criminal charges and civil liability. Drunk driving crashes often result in catastrophic injuries due to the impaired driver’s inability to react appropriately. Michigan has strict laws against operating a vehicle while intoxicated, and violation of these laws provides strong evidence of negligence in your civil case. Beyond compensatory damages, Michigan law may allow punitive damages in cases involving intoxicated drivers, which can significantly increase your recovery.

Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to hazards and increases the severity of crashes. Street racing, though illegal in Michigan, still occurs and creates extreme dangers for other motorists. When speeding or street racing causes your accident, we use accident reconstruction, skid mark analysis, and witness testimony to prove the at-fault driver’s excessive speed. These cases often involve younger drivers, and we ensure all responsible parties, including vehicle owners, are held accountable.

Accidents involving delivery trucks, utility vehicles, or other commercial vehicles require different legal strategies than typical passenger vehicle crashes. Commercial drivers must follow federal and state regulations, and their employers may be liable under respondeat superior doctrine when crashes occur during work duties. We investigate whether the commercial driver was properly licensed, whether the vehicle was maintained, and whether the employer’s policies contributed to the accident. For truck accidents involving large commercial trucks, additional federal regulations apply.

Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries because riders lack the protective shell of a car. Michigan’s unique motorcycle insurance laws create additional complexities. We fight against insurance company bias that often tries to blame motorcyclists for accidents they didn’t cause.

When vehicles strike pedestrians in crosswalks, parking lots, or along roadways, the injuries are typically severe. Pedestrian accidents require proving the driver failed to exercise reasonable care and yield to someone lawfully using the roadway.

Your journey begins with a no-obligation consultation where we listen to your story, review the accident details, and explain your legal options. We assess whether you have a viable claim and discuss the potential value of your case. This meeting costs you nothing, and you’ll leave with clarity about your situation regardless of whether you hire us.

Time matters in car accident cases because evidence disappears and witnesses’ memories fade. We immediately begin investigating your accident by obtaining police reports, visiting the crash scene, photographing vehicle damage, and interviewing witnesses. In East Lansing and throughout Ingham County, we work quickly to preserve surveillance footage before it’s automatically deleted and secure data from event data recorders (black boxes) in vehicles.

Your medical treatment creates the foundation for your compensation claim. We coordinate with your healthcare providers to obtain complete medical records documenting your injuries, treatment plans, and prognosis. Whether you’re receiving care at Sparrow Hospital, McLaren Greater Lansing, or local clinics, we ensure your medical documentation clearly establishes the connection between the accident and your injuries. We also work with medical experts who can testify about your long-term needs and permanent limitations.

Insurance adjusters contact accident victims quickly, often before you’ve fully understood your injuries. We handle all communications with insurance companies, protecting you from tactics designed to minimize your claim. You’ll never face pressure to accept inadequate settlements because we manage these conversations on your behalf. Our experience with Michigan insurance companies, including major carriers operating in Lansing, helps us anticipate and counter their strategies.

Once we’ve completed our investigation and you’ve reached maximum medical improvement, we prepare a comprehensive demand package presenting your case for fair compensation. This detailed presentation includes medical records, wage loss documentation, expert opinions, and evidence of how the accident has impacted your life. We negotiate aggressively with insurance adjusters, using our knowledge of Michigan law and comparable case values to push for the settlement you deserve.

Most car accident cases settle without trial, but insurance companies take you more seriously when you have attorneys prepared to litigate. If negotiations don’t produce fair results, we file your lawsuit in Ingham County Circuit Court and prepare your case for trial. Our trial preparation includes depositions, discovery requests, expert witness retention, and pretrial motions. Many cases settle favorably once insurance companies see we’re ready for trial.

Whether through settlement or trial verdict, we work toward maximum compensation for your injuries. Once we secure your recovery, we handle the settlement paperwork, resolve outstanding medical liens, and ensure you receive your funds promptly. We provide a detailed accounting of how settlement proceeds are distributed so you understand exactly what you’re receiving.

Under Michigan’s no-fault system, your own insurance company typically pays for your economic losses regardless of who caused the accident. These benefits can include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, attendant care, replacement services for household tasks you can no longer perform, and partial wage loss benefits. However, the 2019 reforms to Michigan law allow drivers to choose different levels of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which means your available benefits depend on the coverage you selected. We review your insurance policy to ensure you receive all benefits you’re entitled to.

When your injuries meet Michigan’s “serious impairment of body function” threshold, you can step outside the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for non-economic damages. Serious impairment means an objectively manifested impairment of an important body function that affects your general ability to lead your normal life. This legal standard allows recovery for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disfigurement. These damages often represent the largest portion of your total recovery because they compensate for the intangible ways your accident has changed your life.

In third-party claims, you can also recover economic damages not covered by your no-fault benefits. This includes future medical expenses that exceed your PIP coverage limits, full wage loss without the monthly cap imposed by no-fault benefits, loss of earning capacity if you can no longer perform your previous job, and out-of-pocket expenses related to your injuries. We work with economists and vocational experts to calculate these losses accurately, especially in cases involving permanent disabilities.

When a car crash results in wrongful death, surviving family members can pursue compensation for their losses. Michigan law allows recovery for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support the deceased would have provided, loss of companionship and guidance, and the pain and suffering the deceased experienced before death. These cases require sensitivity and compassion while also demanding aggressive legal advocacy to secure the financial security your family needs.

Vehicle damage claims operate separately from injury claims under Michigan law. You can pursue compensation for your vehicle’s repair costs or fair market value if totaled, rental car expenses during repairs, and diminished value if your repaired vehicle is worth less than before the accident. We handle property damage claims simultaneously with injury claims to ensure you’re fully compensated for all losses.

Michigan operates under one of the most comprehensive no-fault auto insurance systems in the United States. Under MCL 500.3101 et seq., every driver must carry no-fault insurance that pays their own economic losses after an accident regardless of fault. This system was designed to reduce litigation and ensure prompt payment of medical bills and lost wages. However, recent legislative changes have allowed drivers to opt for lower levels of medical coverage, which can create gaps in protection if you’re seriously injured.

Michigan law restricts your ability to sue for non-economic damages unless your injury meets the serious impairment standard defined in MCL 500.3135. Courts apply a multi-factor test examining whether your injury is objectively manifested (observable through medical evidence), affects an important body function, and impacts your general ability to lead your normal life. This threshold exists to prevent lawsuits over minor injuries, but it creates a significant hurdle that requires strong medical evidence and effective legal advocacy. We build your case to clearly demonstrate your injury meets this standard.

Michigan law imposes strict deadlines for filing car accident lawsuits. Generally, you have three years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit for personal injuries caused by another driver’s negligence. However, claims against governmental entities (like if your accident involved poor road maintenance) require filing a notice of claim within 120 days. Missing these deadlines typically means losing your right to compensation forever, regardless of how strong your case is. We track all applicable deadlines meticulously to protect your rights.

Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence rule under MCL 600.2959. This means if you’re partially at fault for your accident, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you’re found to be 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation from other parties. Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto accident victims to reduce their payout obligations. We gather evidence proving the other driver’s negligence and defend against unfair allegations that you contributed to the accident.

Despite Michigan’s mandatory insurance requirements, some drivers still operate without coverage or carry only minimum limits. When an uninsured or underinsured driver causes your accident, your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage can provide compensation. These claims involve making a claim against your own insurance company, which creates unique dynamics because the insurer may resist paying even though you’ve been paying premiums. We handle UM/UIM claims regularly and know how to overcome common coverage defenses.

Michigan’s guest statute, MCL 257.401, limits the liability of drivers who provide free rides to passengers. Under this law, a guest passenger can only recover from the driver if the driver was grossly negligent or willfully and wantonly negligent, a higher standard than ordinary negligence. This law doesn’t apply if you paid for the ride or if the driver was using the vehicle for business purposes. We analyze whether the guest statute applies to your situation and develop strategies to establish the required level of negligence.

When negligent medical treatment following your car accident worsens your condition, questions arise about whether your injuries result from the crash or medical malpractice. Michigan law recognizes that car accident victims can pursue claims against both the at-fault driver and negligent medical providers. These cases require careful medical analysis to distinguish accident-related injuries from treatment complications, but they can significantly increase your total compensation.

Michigan winters create hazardous driving conditions that contribute to numerous traffic collisions each year. Ice, snow, and reduced visibility on Lansing roads test even experienced drivers. However, winter weather doesn’t excuse negligent driving. Michigan law requires drivers to adjust their speed and behavior for weather conditions, and failing to do so constitutes negligence. We investigate weather conditions at the time of your accident and demonstrate how the at-fault driver failed to exercise reasonable care given those conditions.

East Lansing’s proximity to Michigan State University creates unique traffic dynamics. The area experiences heavy pedestrian traffic, inexperienced young drivers, and seasonal population fluctuations. Campus-area accidents often involve pedestrian accidents, bicycle collisions, and crashes caused by drivers unfamiliar with local traffic patterns. Insurance companies sometimes try to exploit assumptions about college-age drivers, but we ensure fault is determined based on evidence, not stereotypes.

While Lansing is an urban center, the surrounding mid-Michigan area includes rural roads where accidents often result in more severe injuries. Rural crashes frequently involve higher speeds, delayed emergency response times, and hazards like farm equipment or wildlife. These accidents present unique challenges for evidence preservation because crash scenes may not be as thoroughly documented as urban accidents. We work quickly to investigate rural accidents before evidence is lost.

Interstate 96, US-127, and other major highways passing through the Lansing area see their share of serious crashes. High-speed highway accidents often involve multiple vehicles and result in catastrophic injuries. Highway collisions may involve drivers from other states or commercial vehicles subject to federal regulations. We have experience handling complex highway accident cases and know how to investigate these crashes effectively.

Monument Legal handles car accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

We cover all case expenses including investigation costs, expert witness fees, and court filing fees, and we’re only reimbursed for these expenses if your case succeeds. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so you never pay hourly rates or receive surprise bills. This arrangement allows everyone to access quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation. Call our office today to discuss your case with no obligation and no cost.

Michigan law generally gives you three years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit for personal injuries under MCL 600.5805.

However, claims against governmental entities require filing a notice within six months of the incident, and wrongful death claims have different deadlines. Additionally, insurance policies often contain shorter notice requirements for claims under your own policy.

These time limits are strict, and missing them typically means losing your right to compensation. Contact a Lansing car accident injury lawyer as soon as possible after your crash to ensure all deadlines are protected.

Case value depends on multiple factors including the severity of your injuries, whether you have permanent impairments, your medical expenses, lost wages, how the injuries affect your daily life, the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage limits, and whether your injuries meet Michigan’s serious impairment threshold for non-economic damages.

Minor soft tissue injuries that heal completely typically result in smaller settlements, while permanent disabilities, scarring, or traumatic brain injuries can justify much larger compensation. We evaluate these factors during your free consultation and provide realistic expectations based on our experience with similar cases in Lansing and throughout Michigan.

Most car accident cases in Michigan settle within 12 to 18 months from the accident date, though complex cases involving severe injuries or disputed liability can take longer.

The timeline depends on how long your medical treatment lasts (we typically don’t settle until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement), how quickly we can complete our investigation, whether liability is disputed, and whether we need to file a lawsuit to push the insurance company toward fair settlement.

Cases that go to trial can take two years or more, but typically cases settle before trial. We work efficiently to resolve your case as quickly as possible while ensuring we don’t settle for less than you deserve.

While you’re not legally required to hire an attorney, having experienced legal representation significantly increases your likelihood of fair compensation.

Insurance companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters working to minimize payouts, and they use this advantage against unrepresented accident victims. Studies consistently show that accident victims who hire attorneys recover substantially more compensation even after attorney fees are deducted. An attorney handles investigation, medical documentation, negotiations, and litigation while you focus on recovery.

Additionally, attorneys understand Michigan’s complex no-fault insurance system and can pursue all available compensation sources. Contact Monument Legal for a free consultation to understand how we can help your specific situation.

Michigan’s modified comparative negligence law allows you to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as you’re less than 50% responsible for the accident.

Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, so if you were 20% at fault for an accident and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $80,000. However, if you’re found to be 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation from other parties.

Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto accident victims to reduce their payouts, which is why having an attorney who can gather evidence and defend against unfair fault allegations is crucial. We’ve successfully represented many clients who faced shared fault allegations.

First, ensure everyone’s safety and call 911 if anyone is injured. Move to a safe location if possible and exchange insurance information with other drivers.

Take photos of vehicle damage, the accident scene, traffic controls, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses. Seek medical attention even if you don’t feel seriously injured because adrenaline can mask symptoms, and delayed treatment creates problems for insurance claims. Report the accident to your insurance company but avoid giving detailed statements about fault or injuries.

Do not sign anything from the other driver’s insurance company. Contact Monument Legal as soon as possible so we can begin protecting your rights and preserving evidence.

Yes, Michigan law requires every driver to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage as part of their auto insurance policy unless they specifically rejected it in writing. If an uninsured driver causes your accident, you can make a claim under your own UM coverage for compensation beyond what your no-fault benefits provide.

These claims can be challenging because you’re essentially making a claim against your own insurance company, which has financial incentive to deny or minimize your claim. We handle uninsured motorist claims regularly and know how to overcome common insurance company tactics.

Contact us immediately if you’ve been hit by an uninsured driver so we can review your coverage and explain your options.

Delayed injury symptoms are common after car crashes because adrenaline and shock mask pain immediately following the collision.

Symptoms like neck pain, headaches, back pain, and cognitive difficulties often emerge days or even weeks after an accident. Seek medical attention as soon as symptoms appear and explain to your doctor that they’re related to your recent car accident. Document how and when symptoms developed.

Michigan law requires prompt notice to your insurance company about accident-related injuries, so contact your insurer and inform them of newly discovered injuries.

The three-year statute of limitations runs from your accident date, not when symptoms appear, so you still have time to pursue a claim even if symptoms were delayed.

Most car accident cases settle through negotiation without ever going to court. Personal injury claims typically resolve before trial because both sides benefit from avoiding the time and expense of litigation.

However, some cases require filing a lawsuit to push insurance companies toward fair settlement, and a small percentage actually proceed to trial. Even if we file a lawsuit, most cases still settle during the litigation process, often shortly before trial. If your case does go to trial, we’ll prepare you thoroughly for testimony and guide you through every step of the court process.

Our trial experience actually helps settle cases because insurance companies know we’re prepared to take cases before a jury when necessary.