Michigan Accident Attorney

Michigan Accident Attorney
By Jimmy Sturo

Road safety rules are designed to control traffic and to ensure that auto vehicles do not collide against each other or go off the road. Ever since the invention of the automobile, the loss of life from auto accidents has been comparable to that caused by natural disasters.
According to the Auto Accident Law Center, a Michigan website, one person in the US dies in an automobile accident every 13 minutes, for an average or 40,000 deaths per year. The website also says that 6,909 deaths have occurred in Michigan alone for the period 1997 to 2001, 3 percent of the national total.
Auto accident laws are complex, as are the nature and cause of accidents. Auto accidents can be caused by direct collisions, roll-overs or vehicles going off the road. Some accidents involve bicycles or pedestrians. The above-mentioned causes are due to human faults and vehicle faults. Human faults include reckless driving or driving drunk. Vehicle faults can include the malfunctioning of any of the components.
The Michigan statutes mandate that those involved in accidents are compensated by the insurance company, no matter who is at fault. Hence, Michigan is a 'no-fault' state. The Michigan statutes states that 'First party benefits' are payable to anyone who suffers an injury arising out of the ownership, operation, maintenance or use of a motor vehicle, and assigns order of priority as to who will pay. Third party benefits are non-economic benefits sought for pain or suffering.
The complexity of the statutes means that you should hire a lawyer if you are involved in a Michigan personal injury case. Insurance companies will try to pay as little as possible, so it is wise to consult an attorney to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.Steps to Choose the Right Lawyer For Your Michigan Injury Attorney

Finding and meeting the right lawyer can seem intimidating, especially for someone who has never hired an auto attorney.
So how do you go about finding the best auto accident attorney to handle your case? Ask them about their experience and if they would recommend their auto attorney.
• Search the Internet for local attorneys who specialize in auto accidents. Review their Web sites for professional advice and a solid track record with cases. • Avoid the Yellow Pages: The best auto accident attorneys don't have to advertise heavily, they earn new clients from positive word of mouth or from other lawyer referrals.
Once you have identified a few potential auto attorneys, do some research before contacting their offices:
• Seek third-party verification of the law firm and the lawyer's reputation by checking legal publications, such as Michigan Lawyers Weekly, for any positive or negative publicity about the lawyer or the cases that she has handled.
• The auto accident attorney should be actively involved with Michigan legal organizations such as the Michigan Association for Justice, the American Association for Justice and the State Bar of Michigan; not just as members but as leaders familiar with the latest developments in Michigan no-fault insurance and auto negligence personal injury laws.
Once you have verified the quality of an auto attorney, call to set up an initial consultation. Some firms will charge a consultation fee to meet with you, but most Michigan auto accident attorneys offer free consultations to better inform potential clients, with no fee or obligation. Because car accident cases are very time-sensitive, you should expect the attorney to quickly respond to a phone or Internet request immediately.
Generally speaking, auto attorneys will charge for their services on a contingency fee basis, where the client pays the attorney 33 percent of what the attorney collects in a settlement or if the case goes to trial.