Rear-End Collisions Attorney in Plymouth, Michigan

Rear-end collisions are often considered a routine hazard on the road and can have life-altering consequences for the victims involved. From minor fender benders in bumper-to-bumper traffic to high-speed crashes on highways, these accidents can cause a range of damages, including superficial damages, chronic injuries, or worse.

In the blink of an eye, victims can find themselves grappling with physical pain, emotional trauma, and a maze of insurance and legal matters. Due to the potential for injury and hardship, you should not face this alone.  

At the Law Office of Kurt M. Schultz PLLC, we understand how rear-end collisions can affect your life. Serving clients throughout Plymouth, Michigan, and extending our support across Wayne County, Washtenaw County, Oakland County, Detroit, Southfield, Ann Arbor, Canton, Livonia, and Redford, our firm is ready to support you and fight for the best possible outcome.  

If you've been involved in a rear-end collision and are seeking dedicated, empathetic legal representation that puts you first, contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Together, we'll work towards the compensation and care you deserve. 

Understanding Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions typically occur when one vehicle strikes the back of another. While they're often attributed to tailgating or driver distraction, numerous factors like sudden stops, poor weather conditions, and even mechanical failures can contribute to these accidents.

The resulting injuries can vary widely—ranging from whiplash, a common but often underestimated injury, to more serious conditions such as brain and spinal cord injuries. 

Victims can face long-term repercussions, including chronic pain, loss of income, and substantial medical bills. Identifying the cause and proving liability is very important, especially in states with specific automotive laws and insurance requirements, like Michigan's no-fault insurance system.

Steps to Take After a Rear-End Collision

Immediately following a rear-end collision, ensuring everyone's safety is the priority. Here are the steps you should take:  

1. Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. Prioritize medical attention for anyone who is hurt. 

2. Move to Safety: If the crash is minor and there are no serious injuries, move vehicles to the side of the road, if possible, to avoid blocking traffic or causing additional accidents. 

3. Call 911: Whether the accident is minor or severe, it's crucial to report the incident to the police. They will document the scene and provide a legal accident report. 

4. Exchange Information: Safely exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance policy numbers, and vehicle details. 

5. Document the Scene: Take photographs of the accident scene, including all the vehicles involved, any visible damages, and relevant road conditions or traffic signs. 

6. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. It's important to see a healthcare professional for a thorough examination. 

7. Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible to start the claims process. Be careful not to admit fault.

8. Follow Up with a Specialist: If needed, see a doctor who specializes in treating auto accident injuries, such as a chiropractor or an orthopedist. 

9. Consult with an Attorney: Consider consulting with a rear-end collision attorney to discuss your case, especially if you're facing significant medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering. 

In Michigan, changes to the no-fault insurance system in 2020 introduced options like PIP Choice and the Mini-Tort, affecting how victims can claim benefits and seek damages. 

PIP Choice in Michigan

PIP Choice, or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Choice, represents a significant alteration in Michigan's no-fault auto insurance landscape. Prior to the amendments made in 2020, Michigan required drivers to have unlimited medical benefits under their no-fault policy, providing extensive coverage for medical expenses stemming from auto accidents.

However, with the introduction of PIP Choice, drivers now have the ability to select the level of medical coverage best suited to their personal needs and financial situation.  

This offers several options, ranging from continuing to choose unlimited coverage, to selecting lower levels of coverage, or even opting out entirely if the driver's health insurance policy meets certain criteria.

This change aims to provide motorists with greater flexibility and control over their insurance costs, while still making sure that those injured in auto accidents have access to necessary medical care.  

It's crucial for drivers to understand how each option might affect them in the event of an accident, to make informed decisions that align with their healthcare coverage and finances. 

Can I File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Michigan?

In Michigan, the opportunity to file a personal injury lawsuit following a rear-end collision or any car accident is influenced by the state's unique no-fault insurance system. Under this system, your own insurance policy is generally responsible for covering your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.  

However, there are specific circumstances where you can step outside this no-fault system and pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. 

To file a lawsuit, your injuries must meet a certain threshold of severity. Michigan law defines this threshold as serious impairment of body function, permanent serious disfigurement, or death. If your injuries qualify under these criteria, you or your loved ones may be able to seek compensation for pain and suffering, which is not covered under typical no-fault benefits.  

Additionally, if the other driver was more than 50% at fault in the accident, you might pursue a Mini-Tort claim for damages to your vehicle, up to the current limit of $3,000, if your no-fault policy doesn’t fully cover these repairs. 

Importance of Legal Assistance

An experienced rear-end collision attorney can offer clarity during auto accidents, which are usually clouded by stress and uncertainty. A knowledgeable lawyer will advocate for your right to fair compensation and help you go through the processes of dealing with insurance claims, liability disputes, and potential litigation. 

How Our Firm Can Help

Specifically, in rear-end collision cases, an attorney can: 

• Thoroughly investigate the accident to determine fault and gather evidence. 

• Navigate Michigan’s evolving no-fault insurance laws to make sure you receive all the benefits you are entitled to. 

• Negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement covering medical expenses, lost wages, and other associated costs. 

• Advocate for you in court, if necessary, to seek compensation beyond what no-fault insurance covers, such as pain and suffering or other non-economic damages. 

• Provide peace of mind by managing the legal aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on recovery. 

At the Law Office of Kurt M. Schultz PLLC, our practice is built on understanding our clients' unique circumstances and providing personalized service to achieve better outcomes than larger, impersonal firms can offer.

With over two decades of experience serving victims in Plymouth, Detroit, Canton, Redford, Livonia, and across Michigan, Kurt M. Schultz possesses the knowledge needed to guide you through every step of your legal journey following an accident.