Michigan Accident Lawyer Advice for Car Accident Victims who have been told to apply for Social Security Disability Benefits
First, be truthful. If the only reason you have applied for Social Security Disability is because your insurance adjuster has forced you to, and if you do not feel you have a long-term disability that prevents you from other forms of employment, then say so. An automobile insurance company can make someone apply over and over again, even when that person does not consider themselves permanently disabled or even qualified to receive SSD. If a policyholder refuses, then an adjuster can suspend, and even terminate no fault insurance benefits. However, an insurance company adjuster does not have the right to force you to give an untruthful history or make false statements about what you believe to be the full extent of your own injuries and disabilities. Remember, as has been discussed above, there are many important legal consequences for car accident victims in Michigan who apply for SSD, whether they are awarded or rejected. Be careful to consult with an attorney experienced with both SSD and Michigan’s car accident injury laws as to the ramifications of your application on any potential claims you may have. The application for SSD can affect both a potential claim for first party no fault insurance benefits and the case against the negligent driver’s insurance company that caused a motor vehicle accident.
Keep in mind that many people who apply for Social Security Disability are denied by the Social Security Administration, even though they may actually meet all of the requirements to receive SSD benefits. People who have suffered serious injury and who have been denied Social Security Disability benefits should contact a Michigan attorney experienced with social security disability claims and Michigan’s first party no fault insurance and third party automobile negligence laws immediately. Applicants for SSD only have a short time, usually 65 days from the date that appears on the denial letter, to appeal the Social Security Administration’s decision; therefore, it is important to take action quickly.
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.