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Helping You Navigate Your Car Accident Claim In Birmingham, Michigan

If you have been hurt in a car accident, you have the right to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for your suffering. Scott Goodwin Law P.C., with almost 40 years of experience and a list of accolades, is your trusted car accident law firm in Birmingham, Michigan. We understand the complexities of car accident injuries and are prepared to use our vast resources and connections to secure the best care and outcome for you.

Our firm is well-known in the Michigan legal community; we know every attorney, judge and insurance adjuster in the area, which can significantly benefit your case. At Scott Goodwin Law P.C., you receive personalized care from the moment you step into our office. We take the time to understand every detail of your situation. You can speak directly to our experienced attorneys, including the founder, in a welcoming, boutique environment that prioritizes your needs.

Auto Accident Statistics In Michigan And Nationwide

There are thousands of car accidents each day in North America, amounting to an average of nearly one accident every minute of every day. According to the National Safety Council, auto accidents resulted in 5,200,000 injuries nationwide in 2022. These crashes can result in approximately $433 billion of damage per year.

Car culture is particularly strong in Michigan. There are over three million registered vehicles in Southeast Michigan alone, and the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning estimates that one traffic crash occurs every one minute and 41 seconds throughout the state. In 2023, Michigan car accidents resulted in 1,095 fatalities and 71,085 injuries.

Car accidents happen in an instant and even the most careful driver on the road can end up being seriously injured because of the negligence of another driver. In far too many cases, those injuries can have effects that significantly impact their quality of life, including paralysis, loss of limbs or brain damage.

Common Causes Of Auto Accidents

Car accidents are caused by many different factors, including distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, generally reckless behavior, driver inexperience, drowsy driving and failing to follow the rules of the road. Regardless of what caused your accident, you need an experienced car accident lawyer on your side who can fight for what’s best for you.

Auto Accident Injury Services

At Scott Goodwin Law P.C., we’ve helped thousands of Michigan car accident victims just like you get the compensation they need. We’re not afraid to go up against big insurance companies who only care about paying out as little as possible, not doing what’s best for you.

Some of our past car accident settlements include:

  • $1.4 million uninsured motorist car accident settlement: Scott Goodwin Law P.C. won a $1.4 million settlement in an uninsured motorist car accident case.
  • $1.4 million settlement for a pedestrian accident with Detroit bus: When a pedestrian was hit by a city of Detroit bus, Scott Goodwin Law P.C. fought for the victim to win a $1.4 million settlement.
  • $985,000 settlement award for injured rear seat passenger: A rear seat passenger who was ejected from the vehicle during a car crash was awarded a $985,000 settlement.
  • $800,000 settlement award for car accident head injury: A car accident victim who sustained a closed head injury was awarded an $800,000 settlement.
  • $625,000 school bus accident settlement: Following an accident involving a school bus, Scott Goodwin Law P.C. fought for a $625,000 settlement against the bus driver and the school district.
  • $470,000 head-on car crash settlement: This case involved a victim who had sustained bone fractures, a left knee meniscus tear requiring arthroscopic surgery and PTSD.
  • $700,000 settlement for career-ending car accident injuries: When an aspiring state trooper sustained spinal injuries that prevented him from pursuing his career, he was awarded a $700,000 settlement.

Contact Scott Goodwin Law P.C. today for help with your case. There won’t be any fees unless you win, so don’t worry that you can’t afford high-quality legal representation.

What To Do After An Auto Accident – Goodwin’s Five Steps

Every two seconds, someone is injured or disabled in an automobile accident. Throughout our lifetimes, many of us will be involved in a traffic accident, and what we do immediately afterward can affect the outcome of a personal injury case.

You should always first take an account of any injuries and call for help. Let the dispatcher know of your location and if anyone has been harmed. In most cases, a police officer will be sent to the scene. Try not to move your vehicle until the police have arrived. It is essential that you obtain a police report, as it is highly unlikely your insurance company will assist you with any claims if a report has not been filed.

If you happen to be involved in a serious traffic accident in Michigan, take these five steps to protect your rights and ensure you receive the full compensation entitled to you by law:

  1. Call the police or dial 911
  2. Speak to witnesses
  3. Take photographs and videos to document the scene
  4. Contact your insurance agent
  5. Contact a licensed Michigan personal injury attorney

It is vital that you contact a car accident lawyer before speaking to insurance companies. Preserving evidence and getting legal advice early can help protect your rights and maximize your potential compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents

Our car accident attorneys are ready to meet with you and explain your legal options after your car accident. In the meantime, see some answers to frequently asked questions below.

Why do you need a lawyer after a car accident?

Many drivers, even after experiencing a car accident, believe that they may not need a lawyer under certain circumstances. However, the opposite is true – after every auto accident, by hiring an auto accident lawyer, you can better defend your rights and seek the compensation you deserve after a car accident. Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, contacting an auto accident attorney can help you handle the complicated legal system – and the other insurance companies trying to fight your claim.

When should you contact a lawyer after a car accident?

Car accident lawyers are an important step in the process, but they should not be contacted until you have all the information you need in order. Make sure to contact the police to file a report and then contact your insurance company first before seeking the services of a Michigan auto accident attorney to start fighting for your fair compensation.

How do you report a car accident?

After any car accident, the first thing you need to do is contact the local police. No matter how serious or minor the accident may be, contacting the police will create a record of the events leading to the accident that can play into your settlement later. The local officers will help walk you through the steps of reporting your accident, and can help gather witness statements and other needed information.

What can you sue for in a car accident?

Financial compensation from an auto accident can take many forms, including:

  • Pain and suffering – A financial amount equivalent to the severity of your injuries

  • Medical expenses – The amount of financial cost your injuries accrued

  • Property damage – Any damage befalling your car or other property during a car accident

  • Lost wages – Financial damage suffered during recovery from an accident while you are unable to work

These, and many others, may be part of your settlement depending on the circumstances of your specific accident.

What do I do if someone else driving my car gets into an accident?

If someone else is borrowing your car and gets into an accident for which they are not at fault, the same methods still apply. Whoever borrowed your car should contact the police right away to file a police report. After that, you’ll need to contact your own insurance provider to continue the process like normal. It’s important to remember that car insurance follows the vehicle, not the driver, meaning your own insurance should be notified of the accident, not that of the driver.

Should I accept the insurance settlement?

It is crucial to consult with a car accident attorney before accepting any settlement offer from an insurance company. Insurance adjusters often aim to resolve claims quickly and economically, which may not be in your best interest. A skilled car accident lawyer will evaluate the offer, negotiate with the insurers on your behalf and ensure that the settlement reflects the full extent of your car accident injuries and losses. Remember, once you accept a settlement, you waive any right to further compensation.

Protect Your Right To Compensation, Call Us Today

Do not navigate the aftermath of a car wreck alone. Call 1-888-GOODWIN or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. At Scott Goodwin Law P.C., we take cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Let our experienced car accident attorneys fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.