Can I Still Get Compensation If I Was Partly to Blame for My Injuries?
Because of Michigan’s modified comparative negligence statute, you can still recover compensation even if you in some way contributed to your injuries. A court will review the evidence and assign a percentage of blame to everyone who contributed to your injuries, potentially including you. Your recovery for economic losses will then be reduced in accordance with the percentage of blame the court assigns you.
However, you can’t secure compensation for your non-economic losses if your percentage of fault is higher than that of all other parties.
How Long Does a Typical Personal Injury Case Last?
While it’s impossible to say definitively how long a given personal injury case might last, certain factors reliably affect the timeline.
Your claim might settle quickly if the insurance company accepts that its policyholder is to blame and doesn’t contest liability. However, your case can last months or longer if the insurer blames you for the accident, denies your claim, or refuses to negotiate a fair settlement. That might require a Menominee, MI, personal injury attorney to file a lawsuit to resolve the matter.
How Long Do I Have in Michigan to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
The statute of limitations in Michigan allows an accident victim three years to file suit against an at-fault party. That means you must initiate your personal injury lawsuit within three years of the day you were injured or risk forfeiting your right to compensation.
How Soon Should I Start a Personal Injury Claim?
You should begin your case as soon after your injury as possible. Although three years seems like plenty of time to file a claim and negotiate a settlement, many potential issues can delay the process, such as disputes about liability, bad faith insurance practices, or contentious negotiations.
While you won’t know the full value of your case until you finish treating your injuries, that shouldn’t stop you from filing a claim and collecting evidence. The sooner you prepare, the easier it will be to build a successful case. That way, you can pace yourself instead of scrambling at the last minute to gather your medical records, track down witnesses, and compile other evidence to prove your claim.
What Will a Menominee, MI, Personal Injury Lawyer Do for My Case?
An experienced Menominee personal injury attorney is a critical ally throughout the legal process. They can:
- Answer Questions – Personal injury law is complicated, and having questions is normal. You might not know how insurance claims and lawsuits work, how much your case could be worth, or how long it might take to pursue. Your lawyer will answer your questions and explain the steps they will take so you don’t feel confused. They will also update you on the status so you know what’s happening during your ongoing case.
- Investigate the Incident – Your lawyer will meticulously review what happened and how. They might visit the accident scene to take pictures, talk to witnesses, and secure security camera footage. They might also hire experts like a reconstruction specialist, medical professional, or economist to help them establish the extent of your present and future losses and how they came about.
- Identify the At-Fault Parties – Sometimes, more than one person or entity is at fault for an accident. That means you can hold multiple parties liable for your injuries. Your attorney will identify everyone who contributed to your injuries and determine the available insurance coverage.
- Communicate with the Insurer – Dealing with the insurance company is stressful. You don’t have to talk to the adjuster when you hire a personal injury lawyer in Menominee, MI. They will speak to the insurer on your behalf and negotiate a settlement when the time comes.
- Calculate the Value of Your Claim – How much you could recover for your losses depends on several factors, including your total medical bills, the permanency of your injuries, and the emotional effects of the accident. Your lawyer knows how to determine what fair compensation looks like given the circumstances.
- File a Lawsuit – If negotiations fail, your attorney can file a lawsuit and take your case to court. They will continue gathering evidence and preparing for a possible trial. Trial prep involves creating legal arguments for the judge and jury to hear, determining the evidence to present in court, and finding witnesses to testify on the stand. Your attorney can also walk you through each phase of litigation. They will help you understand your role in the lawsuit and what to do as proceedings progress.
- Represent You at Trial – Your attorney will fight for you in court if your case goes to trial. They will aggressively argue your case and submit evidence to show that the defendant should be financially responsible for your injuries. They will be your voice and advocate for your future.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney in Menominee, MI, Today
Andrew Schwaba believes that an accident shouldn’t define your future. He’s ready to protect your rights and do everything possible to get your life back on track. That means investigating your injuries, determining who’s to blame for them, and demanding they compensate you accordingly. What’s more, Andrew is ready to get to work on your case without any upfront cost to you. You’ll only pay a fee if and when your case is resolved and you get the compensation you’re owed.
If you or a loved one was hurt and someone else is at fault, don’t wait. Contact Schwaba Law Firm today for a free consultation with a trusted Menominee, MI, personal injury attorney at no cost or obligation.
