Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran

Published on: December 31, 2024

A car accident is a traumatic experience that can upend your life in an instant—leaving you injured, overwhelmed, and unsure of what comes next. On top of trying to recover, you’re suddenly dealing with insurers, medical bills, and piles of paperwork.

You might be asking yourself:

• What are my options for compensation?
• How do I make sure I’m treated fairly?
• What if the insurance company tries to pay me less than I deserve?

To help answer these questions and alleviate your stress, contact an experienced Michigan auto accident lawyer. They can manage negotiations, advocate for maximum compensation, and guide you through the legal process.

Hiring an auto accident lawyer in Michigan can make a difference in your claim. Learn why hiring a Michigan auto accident lawyer can make a difference in your claim and how our firm is committed to securing the compensation you deserve.

Car Accidents in Michigan: A Concern for Local Drivers

Michigan roads see thousands of crashes each year, many resulting in serious harm and fatalities. In 2023, there were 287,953 motor vehicle crashes, equivalent to one crash roughly every 1 minute and 50 seconds throughout the year.

Tragically, 1,095 people lost their lives, and another 71,085 suffered car accident injuries.

Most Common Types of Crashes in Michigan

Car accidents happen every day in Michigan, but some are more common than others. These collisions occurred most frequently in 2023:

• Rear-end collisions (63,291 incidents): Often caused by tailgating, speeding, or distracted driving.
• Angle accidents (44,567 incidents): Includes T-bone crashes at intersections, which accounted for 189 fatalities.
• Sideswipes (43,311 incidents): Occurs when one vehicle scrapes or collides with another in the same or opposite direction.
• Head-on collisions (10,117 incidents): Frequently occur at intersections, resulting in 161 fatalities.

Filing a claim after a crash in Michigan isn’t always simple. It can mean dealing with challenges like insurance limits, disputed liability, and insurer tactics that complicate the process.

Car Accident Claims: Why They Aren’t Always Straightforward

If you’re involved in a vehicle collision in Michigan, filing an accident claim can be complicated. Here are some challenges you may encounter:

Dealing with these obstacles can be frustrating, especially when insurers delay payments or dispute claims. An attorney can handle the legal aspects of your car accident case and negotiate for the full compensation you’re entitled to.

Top 5 Reasons To Hire a Car Accident Lawyer for Your Claim

Working with a skilled attorney can benefit your personal injury claim and give you a better chance of fair compensation. Below are the top five reasons to hire an experienced car accident lawyer from Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., to represent you after a crash:

1. Identify Fault and Build a Strong Case

Fault determines who pays for damages after a crash, but insurance companies often try to deflect blame. A car crash lawyer collects clear evidence to prove what happened and hold the responsible party accountable, such as:

• The official police report. This document details essential information, including the crash’s time, location, weather conditions, and any traffic violations issued to the drivers.
• Witness statements. People who saw the accident can confirm details, such as who had the right of way or whether a driver ran a red light.
• Traffic camera or security footage. Video evidence can capture the exact moment of impact, showing factors like speed, traffic signals, or sudden lane changes.
• Accident reconstruction analysis. Experts use physical evidence, like skid marks and vehicle damage, to recreate the crash and clarify how it happened.
• Phone and GPS records. Location data and call logs can show if a driver was using their phone, speeding, or in a different place than they claimed.
• Vehicle damage reports. Photographs and repair estimates help show the severity of the crash and how the vehicles collided.
• Medical records. Diagnosis and treatment notes link injuries directly to the crash, proving the collision caused them and not a prior condition.

Our attorneys have an established network of car accident experts and use thorough investigation techniques to gather objective evidence that strengthens your claim.

2. Calculate Compensation That Reflects All Losses

Accident-related costs often include more than immediate medical bills and car repairs. An accident lawyer evaluates the full impact of the crash to determine fair compensation for your losses, including:

• Medical expenses. Bills for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and future treatments related to the crash.
• Lost income. Wages lost due to time off work and reduced earning potential if injuries affect long-term employment.
• Property damage. The cost to repair or replace a damaged vehicle and any personal belongings lost in the crash.
• Pain and suffering. Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact on quality of life.
• Disability or disfigurement. Payments for permanent injuries that alter a person’s ability to work or live independently.
• Loss of enjoyment of life. Damages for being unable to participate in hobbies, activities, or daily routines as before.
• Wrongful death damages. Funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering for families who lost a loved one in the crash.

Partner attorney and registered nurse Eileen Kroll can bolster your claim for medical expenses in Michigan. Using her dual medical and legal expertise, Eileen accurately assesses the extent of your injuries. She also collaborates with medical specialists to ensure you receive financial support for the long-term costs of rehabilitation, assistive devices, or home modifications.

3. Protect Your Rights and Prevent Insurance Tactics

Insurance companies prioritize their profits and often look for ways to reduce or deny claims. A car crash lawyer protects your rights by recognizing common tactics insurers use and taking action, such as:

• Blocking low settlement offers. Insurers may offer quick payouts that don’t cover long-term costs, but attorneys negotiate for full compensation.
• Preventing blame-shifting. Companies may argue you were partially or fully at fault to reduce what they owe, but lawyers use evidence to counter false claims.
• Handling recorded statements. Adjusters often twist victims’ words to weaken a claim—for instance, turning “I’m sorry” into an admission of fault. Attorneys manage all communication to prevent misinterpretation.
• Challenging delays. Some insurers intentionally delay the process, hoping victims will give up—but attorneys advocate for quick resolutions and ensure you receive fair treatment.
• Demanding proper claim evaluations. Companies may underestimate damages or ignore future costs, but legal teams use expert assessments to justify the full amount.
• Advising on legal deadlines. Missing deadlines, like Michigan’s two-year statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits, can lead to lost compensation. Lawyers ensure all paperwork is filed on time, protecting your claim

Our attorneys know the strategies insurers use and take steps to protect your injury case from unfair tactics.

4. Negotiate Settlements for the Best Possible Outcome

When recovering from an accident, the last thing you need is an insurance company pressuring you into an unfair settlement. Our attorneys handle negotiations so you can focus on healing while we fight for the compensation you deserve.

A car crash lawyer can use the following strategies to support your case:

• Send a demand letter. Attorneys draft a detailed letter outlining damages, medical expenses, and lost wages, clearly stating what compensation is expected.
• Review the insurance policy. Lawyers analyze coverage terms to challenge unfair denials and stop insurers from using policy loopholes to reduce payouts.
• Counter lowball offers. Insurers often start with unreasonably low settlements, but attorneys push back with justified counteroffers.
• Challenge unfair claim denials. If an insurer refuses to pay by citing policy loopholes or blaming pre-existing conditions, lawyers dispute the rejection with legal arguments and supporting documentation.
• Leverage multiple offers. If more than one party is liable, attorneys negotiate with each insurer separately to maximize total compensation.
• Use expert testimony. Medical and financial experts provide statements that support long-term damages and strengthen the case.
• Threatening litigation. If an insurer refuses to negotiate in good faith, lawyers make it clear they are prepared to take the case to court.

The experienced legal team at Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. understands insurance company tactics used to delay or deny claims. We negotiate aggressively on your behalf to secure the compensation you deserve.

5. Represent You in Court When Litigation Is Necessary

If settlement negotiations fail, taking the case to court may be the only way to win the financial award you deserve. Attorneys can advocate for you at trial and assist with:

• Filing the lawsuit. Your legal team prepares and submits legal documents to initiate the case before the statute of limitations expires.
• Handling pre-trial motions. Lawyers challenge weak defenses, request key evidence, and push to dismiss unfair claims from the other side.
• Presenting evidence in court. Attorneys introduce evidence at trial, ensuring it meets courtroom requirements and stands up to cross-examination.
• Arguing before a judge or jury. Attorneys deliver opening statements, question witnesses, and make closing arguments that establish fault and justify the compensation sought.

Our attorneys are prepared to take cases to trial when insurers refuse to negotiate, fighting for the best possible outcome in court. We have a winning track record for verdicts and settlements, with millions won for auto accident claims in the USA.

More Than Legal Representation: How an Attorney Provides Peace of Mind

An experienced car crash lawyer can do more for you than work on your behalf to maximize your compensation amount. At Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C., we do the following to reduce your stress and provide peace of mind:

• Help you understand your rights so you feel confident in the decisions you make about your case.
• Protect you from aggressive insurance tactics that add unnecessary stress during your recovery.
• Ensure you never feel alone while dealing with the aftermath of a crash.
• Give you the space to focus on healing while we handle the complexities of your claim.

Let Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. Represent You After a Car Accident

At Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., our skilled car accident attorneys are committed to protecting your rights. If you, a family member, or a loved one were injured in a Michigan car accident, contact our law offices for a free consultation.

We’ll help you explore your options for compensation and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Our contingency fee basis means we only get paid if we win your case, so there is no financial risk to you to get started. Call our law firm today at 1-866-MICH-LAW and schedule your no-obligation, free case evaluation.

Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.