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Michigan Car Accident Lawyer
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A car accident changes everything in a matter of seconds. You are dealing with injuries, mounting medical bills, and the stress of missing work while you recover. The insurance company is already calling, but their goal is not to help you. It is to close your claim for as little as possible.
Michigan’s no-fault insurance system makes car accident claims more complex than in most states. You have to file a personal injury protection (PIP) claim with your own insurer for medical bills and lost wages. You may also have the right to sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering, but only if your injuries meet a specific legal threshold.
Filing the wrong claim, missing a deadline, or giving a recorded statement without legal guidance can cost you thousands of dollars. Harris Altman, PC, has represented Michigan car accident victims from our Bingham Farms office for over 40 years. We handle both the no-fault PIP claim and, when the law allows, the third-party case, so you do not need to coordinate between two firms or two separate processes. If you were seriously injured in a crash, call us at 248-540-3100 for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Why Choose Harris Altman, PC for Your Michigan Car Accident Case
Michigan car accident claims run on two tracks at once: a no-fault PIP claim with your own insurer and a negligence lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Most firms work one side. We handle both, which means one team manages your case from the first insurance call through resolution. No gaps, no handoffs, no hiring two firms.
Our Award-Winning Michigan Trial Lawyers
Bradley B. Harris built his practice around motor vehicle accident cases, with a particular focus on traumatic brain injuries. He holds an AV Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, has been named to Super Lawyers, recognized as one of Michigan’s Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers every year since 2012, and named a Leading Lawyer by Leading Lawyers Magazine since 2016.
Brett D. Altman brings a litigation background that started at Cozen O’Connor, a multinational firm where he tried multi-million-dollar cases before turning his focus to personal injury. He has been recognized among Michigan’s Top Lawyers in Personal Injury every year since 2015 and named a Top 40 Under 40 Litigation Lawyer in Michigan by the American Society of Legal Advocates, placing him in the top 1.5% nationally.
John Cusmano adds appellate depth to the team, earning Super Lawyers Rising Star recognition in 2023 and Super Lawyers Appellate recognition in 2025.
Client Testimonials
“Highly recommend Brad Harris for any auto accident case! His office staff is friendly and he was very professional and dedicated. I’m truly grateful for their outstanding service!” — Alissia W.
“Me and my wife were tee bone in a automobile accident which I was on the driver side of the impact my wife was the passenger we both suffered with injuries mines was more severe because I was pin in the vehicle the fire department had to use the jaws of life to cut me out! We both were worried that nobody would take are case so we were referred to Attorney Brett Altman and he excepted the case and he went to work and boy did he Delivered he’s a fighter and won? We would highly recommend them because they are a really great team to handle your case.” — Dwayne J.
“My experience with the Harris Altman law firm was nothing short of exceptional. Brad Harris and his team were the only law firm out of several that i called that would take my personal injury case, and I was not disappointed. Everyone was kind, knowledgeable & answered every question openly in a timely matter. If you want a law firm that will do everything to ensure you receive what you’re entitled to don’t hesitate to reach out to this wonderful law firm. I can’t thank Brad Harris enough.” — Amber M.
Meet Your Michigan Car Accident Lawyers
What to Do After a Car Accident in Michigan
The minutes and hours after a crash are overwhelming. You are in pain, unsure of what happened, and worried about what comes next.
The steps you take immediately after the accident can protect both your health and your legal rights. Knowing what to do after an auto accident can make the difference between a strong claim and a weakened one.
Protect Yourself at the Scene
Call 911. Michigan law requires you to report any accident that causes injury or property damage exceeding $1,000. Stay at the scene, exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver, and take photos of the vehicles, the road, and any visible injuries.
Seek medical attention the same day, even if you feel fine. Many car accident injuries, including concussions and soft tissue damage, do not produce obvious symptoms right away. A medical record connecting your injuries to the crash is one of the strongest pieces of evidence in your case.
File Your No-Fault Insurance Claim
Michigan requires you to seek PIP benefits through the insurance company highest in the no-fault order of priority, regardless of who caused the accident. In many cases, that will be your own insurer. PIP benefits may cover medical expenses, wage loss, replacement services, and mileage for medical appointments.
These claims are controlled by strict timing rules, so it is important to act quickly after a crash. Waiting too long can limit or even cut off your right to recover benefits. The 2019 no-fault reform also gave Michigan drivers different PIP coverage options, which can affect what a policy covers.
Talk to a Lawyer Before the Insurance Company
Do not assume the insurance company will explain every benefit or option available to you after a crash. An adjuster who calls you the day after the accident is not there to protect your interests. They may want a recorded statement, broad access to your medical history, or a quick settlement before you understand the full impact of your injuries.
Do not sign anything or give a recorded statement before speaking with a Michigan car accident lawyer. Harris Altman, PC, steps in between you and the insurance company from day one, handling all communication so you can focus on your recovery.
How Michigan’s No-Fault Law Affects Your Car Accident Claim
If you have never filed a car accident claim in Michigan, the process may not work the way you expect. Michigan is one of a small number of states that operates under a no-fault insurance system. PIP benefits are paid through the insurance company highest in the no-fault order of priority, regardless of who caused the crash. In many cases, that is your own insurer.
PIP Benefits You Are Entitled To
Personal injury protection benefits come from your own auto insurance policy. They cover four categories of loss: medical expenses related to the accident, wage loss benefits for up to three years, replacement services for household tasks you can no longer perform, and mileage reimbursement for medical travel.
Before the 2019 no-fault reform, Michigan required unlimited lifetime medical coverage on every auto policy. Under the current law, drivers can choose from several coverage tiers.
The level of PIP coverage you selected when you purchased your policy determines the ceiling on your medical benefits. If you did not opt out of full coverage, your policy may still provide unlimited medical benefits.
The Serious Impairment Threshold for Pain and Suffering
Michigan law restricts when you can sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering. Under MCL 500.3135, you must prove your injuries resulted in death, permanent serious disfigurement, or serious impairment of body function.
The serious impairment standard applies in most cases. Your injury must be objectively manifested, affect an important body function, and affect your general ability to lead your normal life.
The injury does not need to be permanent. The Michigan Supreme Court clarified this standard in McCormick v. Carrier, 487 Mich 180 (2010), confirming that each case is evaluated on its own facts by comparing your life before and after the accident.
No-Fault Benefits and Third-Party Lawsuits in Michigan
One of the most common questions we hear is, “Do I sue the other driver, or does my insurance pay?” The answer in Michigan is both. Your car accident claim likely involves two separate legal tracks running at the same time, and understanding how they work together is the key to recovering full compensation.
First-Party PIP Claim
You pursue your first-party PIP claim through the insurer highest in the no-fault order of priority, which is often your own auto insurer. It can pay medical bills, a portion of lost wages, and replacement services regardless of who caused the crash.
Michigan’s no-fault law controls this claim and imposes strict timing requirements. The amount available may also depend on the PIP coverage level that applies to your policy.
Third-Party Negligence Lawsuit
The third-party claim is filed against the driver who caused your accident. This is where compensation for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life comes from. You must prove the other driver was negligent and that your injuries meet the serious impairment threshold under MCL 500.3135.
The statute of limitations for a third-party negligence lawsuit in Michigan is generally three years from the date of the accident. Claims involving a government vehicle or public agency can follow different rules, including special notice requirements and shorter deadlines depending on the facts.
Most firms handle only one side of this process. Harris Altman, PC, handles both the PIP claim and the third-party lawsuit, which means your entire case is managed under one roof.
Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Michigan Car Accident
You may hear from an insurance adjuster within hours of your crash. The call will sound friendly and helpful, but what they are really doing is gathering information to minimize what they pay.
Common insurance company tactics after a Michigan car accident include:
- Requesting a recorded statement before you understand the full extent of your injuries
- Offering a quick settlement that is a fraction of your claim’s value
- Asking you to sign blanket medical authorizations that give them access to your entire medical history
- Disputing the severity of your injuries or arguing they were pre-existing
Do not expect the insurance company to walk you through every benefit you may be entitled to recover. The person calling you may not explain what your PIP policy covers or whether you may also have a separate claim against the at-fault driver.
Harris Altman, PC, handles all insurance communication on your behalf from the day you hire us, so you are not pressured into decisions that hurt your case.
Common Car Accident Injuries in Michigan
Car accidents produce a wide range of injuries depending on the speed of impact, the type of collision, and whether safety equipment was in use. The most common injuries our Michigan car accident clients face include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord and back injuries
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Lacerations and scarring
TBI symptoms can be subtle at first, including headaches, confusion, memory problems, and mood changes, but the long-term consequences can affect every part of your life. Soft tissue injuries like whiplash follow a similar pattern. They may not show up on an X-ray, and insurance companies frequently use that fact to downplay their severity.
Seeking immediate medical attention after a crash matters. A documented medical record ties your injuries to the accident and makes it far more difficult for an insurer to argue your condition is unrelated. Learn more about whiplash, TBI, and other common car accident injuries.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Michigan Car Accident
The compensation available to you depends on the severity of your injuries, the insurance coverage involved, and whether your case proceeds through a PIP claim, a third-party lawsuit, or both.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the financial losses you can calculate with documentation. These include medical bills beyond what your PIP coverage pays, lost wages beyond PIP’s three-year benefit period, future medical costs and rehabilitation, and out-of-pocket expenses such as transportation, home modifications, or medical equipment. If your injuries require long-term care or prevent you from returning to your previous occupation, economic damages can extend well into the future.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate you for losses that do not have a receipt. They include pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. You can only recover non-economic damages in a third-party lawsuit, and only if your injuries meet the serious impairment threshold.
Michigan’s comparative fault rule also affects your recovery. If you were partially at fault for the crash, your non-economic damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were more than 50% at fault, non-economic damages are barred entirely.
How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth
No attorney can honestly answer this question with a single number. The value of your Michigan car accident case depends on the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical treatment, how much income you have lost, the insurance coverage available, and whether your injuries meet the serious impairment threshold. No one who promises a specific amount before reviewing your case is being straight with you.
Harris Altman, PC, has recovered multiple seven-figure results in auto accident cases, including $1,680,000 for a crash involving death and a fractured pelvis and $1,500,000 for serious injuries and death from an automobile accident. A free consultation is the first step to understanding what your case may be worth.
How Comparative Fault Affects Your Michigan Car Accident Claim
If the other driver’s insurance company claims you were partially at fault, that does not necessarily end your case. Michigan follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you were 50% or less at fault, you may still recover damages, though your recovery may be reduced by your share of fault. If you were more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering pain and suffering damages.
The insurance company may try to inflate your share of fault to reduce what they owe. A Michigan car accident attorney can investigate the crash, gather evidence, and challenge a fault determination that does not reflect what happened.
Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle
Harris Altman represents people injured in all types of motor vehicle accidents across Michigan’s lower peninsula. Each type of collision involves different liability questions and insurance considerations.
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Intersection and T-bone accidents
- Trucking and commercial vehicle accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Uber and Lyft rideshare accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Distracted driving accidents
Whether your accident happened on I-75, on a residential street in Southfield, or in a parking lot in Oakland County, the type of collision, the parties involved, and the specific facts all affect how liability is established. Accidents involving children carry additional legal considerations that require experienced representation.
Losing a Loved One: Wrongful Death Claims After a Michigan Car Accident
When a car accident takes a life, the grief your family faces is compounded by financial pressure and legal questions that feel impossible to answer while you are mourning. Under MCL 600.2922, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate must file a wrongful death lawsuit. Recoverable damages include medical and funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering the deceased experienced before death. The statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim is three years from the date of death.
How Much Does a Michigan Car Accident Lawyer Cost
Harris Altman takes car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront and owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Contingency fees in Michigan personal injury cases are governed by court rules, and our fee agreement explains clearly how attorney fees and case expenses are handled.
We also advance case-related expenses, including filing fees, depositions, and expert evaluations, and those costs are typically repaid from the recovery at the end of the case. Your free consultation carries no obligation and no cost.
Talk to a Michigan Car Accident Lawyer Today
You do not need two firms to handle two claims. Harris Altman, PC manages both your no-fault PIP benefits and your third-party negligence lawsuit from a single office in Bingham Farms. Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for Michigan car accident victims, and we take every case on a contingency fee basis.
Call us at 248-540-3100 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. The call costs you nothing, and you will not owe us a fee unless we win your case.
