Do I Need A Lawyer For A Car Accident Settlement In Michigan?

In Michigan, while it is not mandatory to hire a lawyer for a car accident, if you or a family member has been seriously injured or you have lost a loved one from a crash, you will likely need one to maximize a settlement. Insurance companies often prioritize their profits, which can lead them to undervalue or deny valid claims. An attorney can help maximize your financial recovery by identifying all potential sources of compensation, including additional parties and insurance coverage that may apply. They also protect you from unfair tactics used by insurance companies, such as low-ball offers or overly broad legal releases.

The fact is, you don’t always need an attorney after a crash in Michigan, and we’re often the first ones to say that to people. In fact, in most cases you likely won’t ever need to hire one.  Most cases involving vehicle damage can easily be resolved without having to hire an attorney.

But when a serious injury occurs and an insurance company is trying to take advantage of you by making low-ball offers for far less than what your case is actually worth – you will definitely need a lawyer for your Michigan car accident settlement.

An experienced Michigan car accident lawyer can protect you by adding significantly more money to your settlement. An attorney can also help you get the auto No-Fault insurance benefits you are entitled to, such as medical care, medical treatment, attendant care benefits, and wage loss reimbursement. 

Finally, and maybe most importantly, a lawyer can often find additional negligent parties or hidden layers of insurance that can add literally millions of dollars to a Michigan car accident settlement for a very serious injury or wrongful death lawsuit.

To learn more about what the value of your case may be, please check out our “Auto Crash Compensation Calculator.”

Why do I need a lawyer for a car accident settlement?

In Michigan, you need a lawyer for a car accident settlement to ensure the compensation amount reflects the true value of your claim for pain and suffering compensation. An attorney can also help you secure your No-Fault insurance benefits, including medical bills and other economic damages such as wage loss and replacement services.

The insurance industry’s own data also supports the need for a lawyer for a Michigan car accident settlement. An average auto crash case will settle for up to 4 times more money when a crash victim is represented by an attorney. Keep in mind that is an average amount. An experienced attorney can significantly increase the compensation you receive. Insurance companies also tend to give adjusters greater flexibility to resolve claims for higher amounts when a case involves a brain injury or a large commercial truck.

This data is why so many insurance companies attempt to contact a driver who one of their insureds has hit as soon as possible right away after a crash. These insurers know it will cost them considerably more money to settle the case if a crash victim hires an attorney.

Hiring a lawyer to maximize your car accident settlement in Michigan is effective because insurance companies evaluate claims based on the strength of legal representation. All insurance companies evaluate a claim based on risk and exposure. Your choice in hiring a lawyer for a Michigan car accident settlement is actually one of the biggest factors an insurance company evaluates when determining what kind of offer to make. An attorney with a proven track record of resolving auto crash cases—and more importantly, a reputation for taking cases to trial—poses a far greater risk to insurance companies than one who lacks experience, doesn’t focus on auto crash law, and hasn’t been to trial in years.

It’s important to understand that a big part of evaluating risk and exposure for insurance companies means that these insurers evaluate the attorneys and law firms as part of the lawsuit process.  A billboard attorney or a TV lawyer whose law firm is known as a “mill” that settles cases in volume for a discount can never recover the full settlement value for a car accident in Michigan. Insurance companies rely on this strategy to save tens of millions of dollars each year by securing substantial discounts on claim payouts.

When should I hire a lawyer for a car accident settlement in Michigan?

In Michigan, If you’ve been seriously injured in a car accident, hiring a lawyer can make a significant difference in protecting your rights and maximizing your settlement. An attorney can help you handle complex issues such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering claims. Legal help is especially important when there’s disputed liability or confusion over who was at fault. If multiple parties are involved, such as in a multi-vehicle crash, an attorney can sort through the complexities and ensure each responsible party is held accountable. Additionally, if you’re facing significant medical bills, extended time off work, or have received a low offer or denied offer from the insurance company, an experienced Michigan car accident lawyer can step in to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.

Here are some more details on when you should consider hiring an attorney:

• You’ve Been Injured – Even if your injuries seem minor at first, an attorney can help ensure you receive full compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering — especially if complications arise later.
• Fault Is Disputed – If there’s a disagreement about who caused the crash, an attorney can gather evidence, work with crash reconstruction experts, and build a strong case to support your version of events.
• Multiple Vehicles or Parties Are Involved – When more than one vehicle or party is part of the crash, determining liability becomes more complex. An attorney can help sort out overlapping claims and make sure your interests are represented.
• Major Vehicle Damage – If your vehicle has significant damage or is totaled, an attorney can help ensure the insurance company provides fair compensation — not just the lowest estimate they offer.
• Low Settlement Offers or Claim Denials – If you’ve been offered an unfair settlement or your claim was denied, an attorney can negotiate on your behalf and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to fight for what you’re owed.
• You’re Unsure About Your Rights – Our state’s no-fault insurance system can be confusing. If you’re uncertain about what benefits you’re entitled to or what steps to take, an attorney can guide you through the process and protect your legal rights.
• Complex legal issues – If your crash involves shared fault, unclear liability, or other legal complications, an experienced attorney can help you navigate the complexities, protect your rights, and ensure you don’t get taken advantage of during the claims process.
• Insurance Policy Limits – If the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage isn’t enough to fully compensate you for your injuries and losses, an attorney can help identify other potential sources of recovery — such as your own underinsured motorist coverage or additional liable parties.

Hiring a car accident lawyer in Michigan can make a significant difference in the outcome of your settlement. With the complexities of no-fault insurance, disputed liability, and undervalued claims, an experienced attorney can protect your rights and help you recover the full compensation you deserve.

When should I not get an attorney?

In Michigan, while hiring a car accident lawyer for your settlement is often helpful after a crash, there are some situations where legal representation may not be necessary. If you weren’t injured or only suffered very minor injuries that didn’t require medical attention, you may be able to handle the claim on your own. The same applies when liability is clear, property damage is minimal, and the insurance company is cooperating by offering fair compensation that fully covers your expenses. If there are no disputes and the claims process is moving forward smoothly, involving an attorney may not be required. However, it’s always a good idea to at least consult with a Michigan car accident lawyer—many offer free consultations and can help you determine whether you’re truly getting a fair settlement.

Here is a brief summary on when you might not need an attorney:

• No injuries or very minor injuries: If you weren’t hurt or only experienced minor discomfort that didn’t require medical care, legal representation may not be necessary.
• Minimal property damage: In cases involving only slight vehicle damage, you might be able to resolve the claim without an attorney.
• Clear liability: If it’s obvious who was at fault and there’s no dispute over responsibility, handling the claim yourself may be straightforward.
• Cooperative insurance company: When the other driver’s insurer is responsive and willing to work with you, it may reduce the need for legal intervention.
• Fair settlement offer: If you receive an offer that fully covers your medical bills, lost wages, and repair costs, hiring an attorney might not be required.
• Smooth claims process: If the entire process is progressing without issues or delays, you may be able to manage the claim independently.

It’s important to note that even if a Michigan car accident lawyer isn’t necessary, a free consultation can provide peace of mind and help ensure your settlement fully reflects the compensation you’re entitled to.

How do you maximize compensation? 

Our attorneys specialize in motor vehicle crash litigation and boast a proven track record of securing more million-dollar recoveries, trial verdicts, and judgments on behalf of our clients than any other personal injury attorney or law firm in the state. These results include several record-breaking truck and car accident settlements, such as the largest compensation ever obtained by a Michigan lawyer or law firm for auto and truck crash cases. For nearly two decades, we have consistently achieved the highest verdicts or recoveries for auto crashes each year. Additionally, our attorneys have secured the highest verdicts in multiple counties across the state—outcomes that insurance companies carefully consider when assessing risk and potential exposure in these cases.

Precisely because insurance companies recognize our track record and reputation—and the increased risk and exposure that brings—they are more likely to offer higher compensation on cases. This enables our law firm to resolve cases more quickly and for significantly greater amounts than other firms.

How much does a lawyer cost for a car accident settlement in Michigan?

In Michigan, a lawyer for a car accident settlement will cost you nothing unless there is a recovery first.  This is because attorneys work on what is called a contingent fee, meaning any attorney fee they make is first contingent on a financial recovery for the client first. If there is no recovery, there is no fee. In other words, unless you only pay if you win. A contingent fee will vary in amount by state. In Michigan, the contingent fee on a personal injury case is set by the Michigan Supreme Court at one-third of whatever the total recovery is for the client, after costs. Costs can include expenses for litigation, discovery, and expert witnesses, which are initially covered by the attorney and later reimbursed from the compensation awarded. In many states, the contingent fee that an attorney can charge is higher than in Michigan.  

Our nationally recognized auto crash attorneys always work on a contingency-fee basis, so we only get paid when our clients get paid. If our clients do not win, there is never an attorney fee.  

Our guarantee to you is that we will never ask you to write us a check for costs or pay us unless and until we recover for you first.  

Our award-winning auto crash attorneys work on a contingency fee, so we only get paid when our clients get paid. This always includes our 100 percent client satisfaction guarantee.

Do I need a lawyer for a car accident settlement after a “minor” crash in Michigan?

If you never suffered an injury, or your injury involved very minor discomfort that quickly resolved, you likely do not need to hire an attorney for a minor crash. However, if you have suffered a serious injury but the insurance company is calling your crash a “minor” crash to avoid paying you or to low-ball a settlement for your car accident in Michigan, then you will need a lawyer for your crash case. Labeling a crash as “minor” is just a negotiating tactic adjusters often use to try to settle cases for less than the full and fair value of a person’s injuries.

No emergency room in America asks to look at pictures of vehicle damage first before giving medical care and treatment, and there’s an important reason why. Pictures of so-called “minor” damage to a vehicle fender do not necessarily reflect the damage that a motor vehicle crash can do to the human body.  

In fact, doctors are trained that forces of impact based on things like whether a head was turned or not, seat position, age, gender, susceptibility, pre-existing conditions, etc. matter a lot more than damage to a bumper. Medical-school books have many examples of people who are permanently disabled, even killed, in what could be considered a so-called “minor” crash.

Remember, just because the at-fault driver’s auto insurance company calls your crash a minor one doesn’t make it so. The truth is that major injuries are caused by so-called “minor” crashes every day. There’s a reason you open up the egg carton to look at the eggs inside when you go shopping. How a vehicle looks doesn’t always reflect the damage done to the occupant inside.

The only people who think you don’t need a lawyer for a car accident settlement in Michigan after a so-called “minor” crash are at the insurance company that insures the driver who rear-ended you. They use this as a tactic to minimize and to avoid having to pay out compensation and damages because their insured’s negligence has hurt someone.

Why should I hire the lawyers at Michigan Auto Law to handle my car accident settlement?

At Michigan Auto Law, our attorneys focus exclusively on automobile crash cases—giving us deep experience and a proven track record of results. In fact, our law firm has consistently been named by independent third-parties as being among the “Best Lawyers” and “Best Law Firms” not just in the state, but throughout the entire U.S. We also have more attorneys ranked as “Super Lawyers” than any other personal injury law firm in the state, including two attorneys ranked among the top 50 attorneys in the state, in a review of over 60,000 attorneys of all areas of practice.

We understand the unique challenges involved in resolving claims in our state, from navigating the no-fault insurance laws to handling aggressive insurance adjusters. Our Michigan car accident lawyers are known for going the distance to maximize compensation, whether that means negotiating a strong settlement or taking a case to trial when necessary. With personalized support, deep local knowledge, and a proven track record of success in serious injury cases, we’re committed to protecting your rights and helping you move forward after a crash.

Injured in a car accident in Michigan and need a lawyer to help discuss your settlement options? Call our attorneys now for a free consultation!

If you were injured in a crash in Michigan and you have questions about your settlement, call now (800) 968-1001 for a free consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer near you. There is no cost or obligation. You can also visit our contact page or use the chat feature on our website.

Michigan Auto Law is the state’s largest and most successful law firm that specializes exclusively in helping people who have been injured in automobile crashes.

Our secret? Our attorneys deliberately handle fewer cases than other personal injury law firms.  This allows us to focus more time and attention on our cases.

Unlike other law firms, our attorneys are never too busy to promptly return phone calls and answer questions. 

We have more than 2,500 5-Star reviews that reflect this care and attention to detail.

More importantly, this client-focused approach results in faster and more favorable resolutions for our clients. Michigan Auto Law has secured more million-dollar recoveries and trial verdicts for motor vehicle crashes than any other attorney or law firm in the state. We’ve also achieved the highest reported compensation awards for truck and auto crash cases in the state.

Call now so we can start making a real difference for you.