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Car Accident Lawyers Resource Center

Michigan Auto Accident Checklists

Recent Car Accident: Common Questions

Recent Car Accident - What Should I Know?

Do I Have A Case?

When Should I Contact a Car Accident Lawyer?

How Do I Select an Auto Accident Attorney

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?

Why Was I told I Don’t Have a Case?

Michigan No Fault Law: Understanding the Basics

Dealing with Car Insurance Companies

Getting the Right Medical Care & Documenting Injuries

Protecting Your Rights: Before A Car Accident

Do I have A Car Accident Case in Michigan?

One of the most frequently asked questions posed to Michigan Auto Accident Attorneys is “Do I Have a Case?” in reference to car accidents that happen in the state of Michigan. There is no easy way to answer this, particularly when it comes to Michigan auto accident law. Every car accident case is unique and even the most comprehensive resource will never address every challenge, issue or circumstance. While it may seem “self-serving”, this question is truly best answered by talking directly with a Michigan accident lawyer who specializes in handling car accident cases. Following a free consultation with an experienced auto accident attorney, injured victims from car accidents can gain a clear picture of their unique situation and feel confident that the analysis of their potential Michigan auto accident case is accurate.

So why isn’t there an easy yes or no answer when it comes to having a car accident case?

To review the potential success of any car accident case in Michigan an experienced car accident lawyer must first begin by analyzing the extent of impairment that the injuries from a car accident cause to the car accident victim. In other words, after any car accident in Michigan the analysis must begin by considering impairment, not pain. Personal injury lawyers in Michigan must start with the analysis of impairment because there is a “threshold test” that requires car accident victims to show a “serious impairment of body function” to have a successful automobile negligence case.

So what exactly is a “serious impairment of body function” in reference to an auto accident case?

What is or is not a “serious impairment” under Michigan auto accident law is still open to debate and interpretation by Michigan lawyers. The Michigan Supreme Court interpreted this auto accident impairment law in 2004 in a legal decision called Kreiner v. Fischer. Looking at Michigan case law provides Michigan auto accident attorneys with some guidance on the potential success of any auto accident case in Michigan. But, it is still one of the most difficult and challenging questions to answer for lawyers that have not dedicated their practice to handling serious auto accident cases.

More information about the threshold test, serious impairment of body function and interpretation of Kreiner v. Fischer can also be found in the Michigan Lawyers Resource Center, a guide that helps lawyers throughout Michigan stay up to date on the best strategies for handling car accident cases. If you or someone you know could benefit from speaking directly with a Michigan auto accident attorney, call 800-777-0028 or use the free confidential form.

Do I Have A Car Accident Case in Michigan?

Contact Lawrence E. Gursten or Steven M. Gursten 1-800-777-0028

AV Peer Review Rated

Michigan Auto Law is an AV RATED law firm, the highest possible rating for legal ability and ethics. Very few lawyers and law firms in Michigan have been selected with this top rating.

American Association for Justice

Steve Gursten is Chair for the 2008 Interstate Truck Litigation Group for the American Association for Justice (AAJ). Michigan Auto Law has been a long standing member and contributor to the American Association for Justice (AAJ), formerly the American Trial Lawyers Association (ATLA).

Michigan Super Lawyer

Top 5% of Attorneys in Michigan

Michigan Super Lawyer features only the Top 5% of attorneys in Michigan.

3 Michigan Auto Law attorneys
have been featured as

Michigan Super Lawyer:
Lawrence E. Gursten - 2007, 2006
Leonard M. Koltonow - 2007
David E. Christensen - 2007

Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers

Only 5% of Law Firms in the U.S. Qualify

Only 5% of all U.S. law firms qualify to be included in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, making Michigan Auto Law one of the most distinguished and respected in the country.

Michigan Lawyer of the Year

Steven M. Gursten was selected as "Lawyer of the Year" for 2005, by Michigan Lawyers Weekly, the state's largest legal periodical. Steve was selected after winning a $9 million dollar pain and suffering settlement for one of his clients - the largest settlement for pain and suffering in Michigan in over ten years.

Michigan Trial Lawyers Association (MTLA)

Robert M. Raitt of Michigan Auto Law is President for the Michigan Trial Lawyers Association (MTLA) for 2008. The attorneys at Michigan Auto Law are well-respected members of the Michigan Trial Lawyers Association (MTLA), dedicated to helping Michigan families seek justice when they are injured by another person's negligence.