Detroit Car Accident Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys

Car Accident Spinal Cord Injury Claims In Michigan

At Ravid & Associates, P.C., we understand the life-altering consequences of spinal cord injuries caused by car accidents. These injuries often bring devastating physical, emotional, and financial challenges to victims and their families. As attorneys dedicated to personal injury law, we’ve seen firsthand how insurance companies try to downplay these claims. That’s why we are committed to getting more clients than any other lawyer would.

With over 180 years of combined experience, our law firm has helped more than 25,000 Michigan families. When you trust us to handle your accident injury case, you won’t owe us anything unless we win your case.

Spinal cord injuries can result from a variety of car accident scenarios, including rear-end collisions, T-bone crashes, rollovers, or head-on collisions. These injuries are not only medically complex but also legally challenging to handle. Michigan’s car accident and injury laws can be intricate, but with our experience, we’ll help you understand your rights and fight to get the compensation you deserve. Let’s break down the critical aspects of these cases so you can feel confident about your claim.

Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries From Car Accidents

A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord that disrupts communication between the brain and the body. These injuries can result in partial or total loss of motor function or sensation. Common outcomes include:

• Paraplegia: Loss of movement and sensation in the lower body.
• Quadriplegia: Loss of movement and sensation in both the upper and lower body.
• Chronic Pain or Nerve Damage: Lingering pain or reduced quality of life due to nerve complications.

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries. The intense force of a collision can cause the spinal cord to compress, fracture, or sever. While medical treatments have advanced, SCIs often require lifelong care and rehabilitation, leading to significant medical expenses.

Common Accident Scenarios Leading To Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can arise in various types of car accidents, including:

1. Rear-End Collisions: A sudden impact can cause severe whiplash or spinal compression.
2. T-Bone Accidents: The side impact can crush the spine or cause vertebrae fractures.
3. Rollovers: These violent accidents often result in severe trauma to the spine.
4. Head-On Collisions: The force of two vehicles colliding head-on can lead to catastrophic injuries.

In each scenario, the severity of the injury depends on factors such as the speed of the vehicles, the angle of impact, and whether safety features like seatbelts were used.

Determining Liability For Spinal Cord Injuries

Liability in Michigan car accident cases involving spinal cord injuries depends on who caused the accident. Michigan is a no-fault state, meaning your own insurance typically covers your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault. However, when the injury is severe and life-altering, such as a spinal cord injury, you may be eligible to pursue a third-party lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

To prove liability, we need to establish that:

• The other driver owed you a duty of care.
• They breached that duty through negligence (e.g., distracted driving, speeding, or running a red light).
• Their negligence directly caused your injury.

Who Pays For Spinal Cord Injuries In Michigan?

Under Michigan’s no-fault insurance laws, your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages up to your policy limits. However, when costs exceed those limits or if the injury meets the threshold for a “serious impairment of body function,” we can pursue a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance.

Additionally, if a defective vehicle part contributed to the accident, we may hold the manufacturer liable. Our attorneys will investigate all potential sources of compensation to ensure you receive the maximum recovery.

Compensation For Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries involve significant expenses and losses. In Michigan, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Including surgeries, rehabilitation, and assistive devices.
• Lost Wages: If your injury prevents you from returning to work.
• Pain And Suffering: For the physical and emotional toll of the injury.
• Home Modifications: Such as wheelchair ramps or accessible bathrooms.
• Future Care Costs: For ongoing medical and personal care needs.

Our goal is to ensure that you receive every dollar you’re entitled to under Michigan law. Insurance companies know our reputation for fighting aggressively for our clients, which is why they’re often afraid to go up against us.

Michigan Statutes Related To Spinal Cord Injuries

Michigan’s no-fault insurance system is governed by MCL 500.3101, which requires all drivers to carry PIP insurance. For cases involving serious injuries, MCL 500.3135 allows victims to file a lawsuit if their injuries meet the threshold for a “serious impairment of body function or permanent disfigurement.”

We’ll also rely on Michigan’s comparative fault laws, MCL 600.2959, which allow injured parties to recover compensation even if they are partially at fault for the accident, as long as they are not more than 50% responsible.

How We Can Help You

Handling a spinal cord injury claim requires a thorough understanding of Michigan’s no-fault laws and experience in negotiating with insurance companies. At Ravid & Associates, P.C., we take care of every detail so you can focus on your recovery. If we are able to assist you, our team can:

• Investigate the accident to establish liability.
• Work with medical experts to assess the full impact of your injuries.
• Calculate your current and future financial needs.
• Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to secure maximum compensation.
• Take your case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

FAQs About Spinal Cord Injuries In Detroit Car Accidents

What Should I Do Immediately After A Car Accident If I Suspect A Spinal Cord Injury?

Seek medical attention immediately. Even if symptoms are not obvious, a spinal cord injury can worsen over time. Document the accident scene, collect witness information, and contact an experienced car accident attorney to protect your rights.

How Do Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance Laws Affect Spinal Cord Injury Claims?

Michigan’s no-fault system ensures your PIP insurance covers initial medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault. However, for severe injuries like spinal cord damage, you may file a third-party claim against the at-fault driver to seek additional compensation for pain and suffering.

Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Partially At Fault For The Accident?

Yes. Michigan’s comparative fault laws allow you to recover damages if you are less than 50% responsible for the accident. However, your monetary compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How Long Do I Have To File A Lawsuit For A Spinal Cord Injury In Michigan?

Michigan law generally allows three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, there are exceptions, such as shorter deadlines for claims against government entities. Consulting an attorney as soon as possible is critical.

What Evidence Is Needed To Prove A Spinal Cord Injury Claim?

Evidence may include medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony from doctors or accident reconstruction specialists. Our attorneys will ensure all necessary evidence is gathered to strengthen your claim.

What If The At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Enough Insurance To Cover My Injuries?

If the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient, you can turn to your own underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage if included in your policy. We’ll explore all available options to maximize your recovery.

Call Our Detroit Car Accident Spinal Cord Injury Attorney For Exception Legal Help

If you or a loved one has sustained a spinal cord injury in a Michigan car accident, let us fight for the compensation you deserve. At Ravid & Associates, P.C., we pride ourselves on holding negligent parties accountable and ensuring our clients receive more than any other lawyer would. Our goal is to ease your burden and secure the financial recovery you need to move forward.

We offer free, confidential consultations to help you understand where you stand with your claim.

Contact our Detroit car accident spinal cord injury attorneys at Ravid & Associates, P.C. today by calling (248) 948-9696 to receive your free consultation. With offices in Southfield, Michigan, we represent clients in Detroit and throughout the state. Remember, there is no fee unless we win your case. Let us put our 180+ years of combined experience to work for you.