You can suffer an injury in a rear-end auto collision in Okemos, MI. At this point, you may be able to file a claim against the at-fault motorist. To review your legal options, meet with an Okemos car accident lawyer.
If you want to hire an Okemos rear-end accident lawyer, choose one from White Law PLLC. Our personal injury lawyer in Okemos can review your case right away. Contact us today to get started.
Auto Insurance for Okemos Rear-End Crashes
If you drive a car in Michigan, you are required to have auto insurance. Those eligible to buy this insurance include car owners, anyone who is registered to operate a vehicle, and those who have a valid driver’s license. There are instances when someone can be turned down for car insurance, including:
- You are not planning to live or drive in Michigan for 30 or more days.
- Your driver’s license has been revoked or suspended.
- Within the past five years, you have been convicted of trying to defraud an insurance company or been denied payment of a claim over $1,000 due to evidence that indicates you committed fraud.
An insurance company assigns eligibility points for drivers who commit certain violations. For example, if a motorist causes a bumper collision and is found to be more than 50% at fault, they may receive points. Moving forward, these points may impact an insurer’s decision to offer coverage to this motorist.
Michigan’s rate of uninsured motorists fell 6% between 2020 and 2022, according to research. If you get into a rear collision caused by a driver who does not have insurance or is underinsured, you may need legal help. By hiring a rear-end accident lawyer in Okemos, MI, you can take the necessary steps to pursue damages.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
How a Rear-End Accident Claim Works
In Michigan, you are required to buy no-fault insurance coverage if you drive a car. Failure to comply with the state’s auto insurance laws can result in a fine, jail time, or suspension of your driver’s license. Your insurance policy must have the following components:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers necessary and reasonable medical expenses for your lifetime up to your policy’s full coverage amount.
- Property Protection (PP): Pays a maximum of $1 million for damage your car causes to other people’s property.
- Residual Liability: Protects insured people from being sued due to an auto accident in most situations.
If you are involved in a tail-end crash, notify your auto insurer. You may have complete coverage for all of your losses, even if the other driver caused your collision. If your coverage is not sufficient, you can pursue compensation from the at-fault motorist.
A personal injury lawyer in Okemos, MI represents your best interests after your collision. At White Law PLLC, our team can take a look at your case, answer frequently asked questions and any others you have, and help you figure out if now is the right time to sue. For more information, reach out to us.
We’re not just lawyers. We’re passionate advocates who will ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
When to File a Rear-End Car Accident Lawsuit
You have up to three years from the date of a personal injury to seek damages, per Michigan Compiled Laws §600.5805. This statute of limitations applies to a back-end collision that leaves a person with an injury or leads to a fatality. If you choose not to submit a claim within this statute, you are fully responsible for all of your accident costs.
An Okemos rear-end accident lawyer calculates your losses, then files your claim. You may incur economic and non-economic damages in your crash. As such, you may request compensation for many reasons, such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Damage to your car
- Emotional trauma
- Pain and suffering
Just because you ask for compensation does not mean you will receive damages. You are responsible for the burden of proof in your lawsuit. An Okemos rear-end accident attorney can help you determine who is at fault in your crash and build a body of evidence to support your claim.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
How to Prove Negligence in a Rear-End Accident Case
A rear-end accident attorney in Okemos can help you gather photos, videos, medical records, and other pieces of evidence. This allows you to prepare an argument that shows you are in no way responsible for your collision. It also highlights how the following elements of negligence were present at the time of your crash:
- Duty of Care: The at-fault driver was legally obligated to act in a reasonable manner toward other motorists and pedestrians.
- Breach of Duty of Care: This motorist acted carelessly and violated their duty toward you.
- Causation: Since the motorist breached their duty of care, they caused your accident and injury.
- Damages: You incurred quantifiable or subjective losses as a result of the at-fault motorist’s actions.
Along with using evidence, your attorney may cite Michigan law in their argument. For instance, Michigan Compiled Laws §257.627 focuses on speed limits. If the other driver was speeding when they rear-ended you, your lawyer may be able to cite these laws as part of their case.
Witnesses can play an important role in your argument as well. If anyone saw your tail-end collision, they may testify on your behalf. A witness can explain what they saw, which may compel a judge or jury to rule in your favor.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
How Comparative Fault Applies to Rear-End Crashes
Comparative fault is in effect in Michigan. Per Michigan Compiled Laws §600.2959, you may be found partly responsible for a rear collision. If this happens, a judge or jury may reduce the damages awarded to you.
You can still be partially responsible for your tail-end crash and get compensation. As an example, a court finds you are 20% at fault. In this example, you will receive 80% of the damages you initially requested.
On the other hand, if you are found to be primarily at fault, you cannot receive damages. This applies even if the other driver shares some of the fault for your collision. With help from a lawyer, you can put yourself in the best position to show that the other motorist is fully responsible for your crash.
File a Rear-End Accident Claim
At White Law PLLC, fighting for our clients comes first. Our Okemos rear-end collision lawyer is available to discuss your case. To request a free consultation, contact us today.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
