Can Bad Weather Affect Auto Accident Claims in Michigan?
Michigan weather includes rain, sleet, snow, and other harsh conditions that can make it difficult to navigate the roads safely. These conditions do not excuse negligent driving. If a negligent motorist cites the weather conditions as reasons for an accident, hire a Michigan car accident lawyer who will help you get compensation based on your crash.
White Law PLLC provides top-notch legal representation in car crash lawsuits. Our Michigan car accident attorney works directly with you throughout your case. For more information, please reach out to us.
File an Insurance Claim After a Weather-Related Car Crash in Michigan
It is in your best interests to notify your auto insurance company about a weather-related crash, regardless of whether you are responsible for the collision. At this point, your insurance company must comply with the Michigan Insurance Code. The company must tell you what information it needs from you within 30 days of when you submit your claim, pay any part of your claim for which it has received supporting documentation, and pay the rest of your claim once the business gets the documentation it needs.
A Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claim is considered to be past due beyond 30 days of when an insurance company receives supporting documentation. If an insurer is overdue on paying a PIP claim, it accrues interest at a rate of 12%. An insurance company is also required to pay an interest rate of 12% if a claim for damages to a vehicle is not paid within 60 days of when the business receives supporting documentation.
Even if you receive insurance coverage for your weather-related car crash, you may not get enough money to cover all of your losses. In July 2020, a no-fault insurance reform was enacted in Michigan. This change allows an auto crash victim who does not have unlimited no-fault coverage and medical treatment bills that exceed their no-fault medical coverage amounts to sue an at-fault driver.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Time Is Limited to Sue an At-Fault Driver
In Michigan, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years. This gives you a maximum of three years from the date of your weather-related auto crash to sue an at-fault driver for compensation. If you do not submit your claim during this window, you are solely responsible for any costs associated with your accident.
If you are unsure about whether to file a lawsuit against the driver who caused your auto accident, consult with an attorney. You can meet with a car accident lawyer in Michigan who will review your case. The attorney will explain if you have a valid claim, and if so, help you file your lawsuit.
At White Law PLLC, we care about our clients. Our car accident attorney in Michigan has a long track record of success and strives to exceed our clients’ expectations. To learn more, please get in touch with us.
Expect the At-Fault Driver to Try to Hold You Accountable
If you file a personal injury claim against the driver who caused your weather-related collision, the legal process can be lengthy and complicated. The defendant in your case will look for ways to show you are partly or fully responsible for the accident. If the defendant succeeds, you may not get any compensation.
Michigan is classified as a modified comparative fault state. It has a comparative fault statute that indicates anyone who sues someone else as part of a personal injury lawsuit can be found partially responsible. If the plaintiff in a personal injury case is found to be primarily responsible for their injury, they cannot get any compensation from any other at-fault parties.
This statute relates to a weather-related car crash claim, as you will only be able to get compensation if the other driver in your accident is found to be primarily responsible for the incident. If a judge or jury deems you were less than 50% responsible for your accident, you will receive the compensation you originally requested minus your percentage of fault. In the worst-case scenario, a judge or jury will find you to be primarily responsible for your crash, which means you will not receive any compensation.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
Your Lawyer Will Guide You Through the Legal Process
Once you file a lawsuit against a motorist who crashed their car into your vehicle due to bad weather, your lawyer advocates for you and represents your best interests. They work hard to gather evidence and witness testimony. This enables you to build a compelling argument that shows the at-fault driver was negligent.
The evidence you use to show a motorist was negligent can include photos and videos of the crash scene. It can also consist of medical records that highlight the severity of a brain injury or any other injuries you suffered. Your lawyer will examine all of the evidence at your disposal and figure out the best ways to present it to a judge or jury.
If someone saw your bad weather car crash happen, they can serve as a witness. This individual can explain what they saw to a judge or jury. They can offer firsthand insights that may lead a judge or jury to understand you were in no way responsible for your auto accident.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
Choose a Lawyer Who Is Familiar with Car Accident Cases
For those who want to seek compensation from the driver responsible for your bad weather auto accident, hire an attorney as soon as you can. If you wait too long, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim may lapse. In this scenario, you are forced to cover the costs of your medical bills, property damage, and other accident-related losses out of your own pocket.
As you look for a lawyer, consider the attorney’s client testimonials. The best attorney for an auto accident claim has helped dozens of clients secure settlements. They will work hard for you and make sure you are put in the best position to get compensation in your auto crash lawsuit.
The team at White Law PLLC makes fighting for our clients our top priority. Our auto crash lawyer in Michigan is available to discuss your case and submit your claim. To find out more, please contact us today.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
