Detroit Car Accident Chest Injury Attorneys
Detroit Car Accident Chest Injuries – Protecting Your Rights Under Michigan Law
Car accidents often cause serious chest injuries. Chest injuries range from broken ribs to internal organ damage, making them some of the most severe outcomes of a crash. As experienced Michigan car accident attorneys, our firm understands how overwhelming it can be to deal with medical treatment, insurance companies, and legal decisions after an accident. Our goal is to take the stress off your shoulders and fight for the economic compensation your case deserves.
Michigan law protects those injured in car accidents. However, successfully navigating these laws requires experience and attention to detail. From Michigan’s no-fault insurance system to personal injury claims against at-fault drivers, every case demands a personalized approach.
Our experienced Detroit car accident attorneys at Ravid & Associates, P.C., are committed to helping you understand your rights and receive the maximum compensation possible for your case. Let’s explore the critical aspects of car accident chest injuries, including common causes, the legal landscape, and who may be liable for your damages.
Common Causes Of Car Accident Chest Injuries
Chest injuries often occur due to the immense force involved in car accidents. While each case is unique, some scenarios frequently result in these injuries:
- Frontal Collisions – A direct impact on the steering wheel, dashboard, or airbag deployment during a head-on collision can cause fractured ribs, bruised lungs, or internal bleeding.
- Side-Impact Accidents – In T-bone collisions, the force from the side can crush the chest area, leading to broken ribs or damage to internal organs.
- Rear-End Accidents – Even minor rear-end collisions can lead to chest trauma, particularly if the seatbelt tightens abruptly or the body strikes the vehicle’s interior.
- High-Speed Crashes – The greater the speed, the more severe the injuries. Chest injuries at high speeds often involve significant force, resulting in life-threatening conditions.
- Defective Safety Equipment – Faulty seatbelts or airbags that fail to deploy—or deploy too forcefully—can exacerbate injuries during a collision.
Understanding how your injury occurred is crucial in determining liability and pursuing the right legal strategy for your claim.
Legal Rights And Protections Under Michigan Law
Michigan’s unique no-fault insurance laws play a significant role in determining how compensation is handled after a car accident. Here’s how these laws affect your chest injury claim:
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Benefits
Under Michigan’s no-fault insurance system, all drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. This coverage provides compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and certain other economic damages, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
However, PIP does not cover pain and suffering or non-economic damages. If your injuries meet Michigan’s “threshold injury” standard, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Threshold Injury Requirements
To pursue a personal injury lawsuit, your injuries must meet the threshold of a “serious impairment of body function,” permanent disfigurement, or death as outlined in MCL 500.3135. Chest injuries that cause long-term disability, prevent you from working or result in substantial medical treatment typically satisfy this standard.
Determining Liability – Who Pays For Your Damages?
While Michigan’s no-fault insurance ensures some compensation, there are situations where other parties may also be held liable.
- The At-Fault Driver – If another driver’s negligence caused the crash and your injuries meet the legal threshold, you can file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages not covered by PIP, such as pain and suffering.
- Vehicle Manufacturers – If a defective car part contributed to the accident or made your injuries worse (e.g., a faulty airbag), you may have a claim against the manufacturer.
- Third Parties – In cases involving commercial vehicles, third-party liability may apply. For example, if a truck driver’s employer failed to maintain safe driving standards, they could share responsibility.
Each case requires a thorough investigation to identify all potential sources of compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chest Injuries And Car Accidents
What Are The Most Common Chest Injuries Caused By Car Accidents?
Car accidents frequently result in broken ribs, lung contusions, internal bleeding, or damage to the heart. These injuries are often caused by blunt force trauma from seatbelts, airbags, or impacts on the steering wheel. Depending on the severity, chest injuries may require extensive medical treatment and long-term recovery.
Who Pays For My Medical Bills After A Car Accident In Michigan?
Michigan’s no-fault insurance covers medical expenses under your PIP benefits, regardless of fault. However, if your injuries exceed your policy limits or meet the threshold for filing a lawsuit, the at-fault driver or their insurance company may also be liable for additional damages.
Can I Sue The Other Driver For My Chest Injury?
Yes, but only if your injuries meet Michigan’s “threshold injury” standard. Serious impairments, permanent disfigurement, or conditions requiring substantial medical treatment often qualify. Filing a lawsuit allows you to seek compensation for pain and suffering and other non-economic damages not covered by no-fault insurance.
What Should I Do Immediately After A Car Accident In Detroit?
Your first priority is to seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, chest injuries can have delayed symptoms. Next, document the accident by taking photos, collecting contact information from witnesses, and filing a police report. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible ensures your rights are protected.
Can I Still Receive Compensation If I Was Partially At Fault For The Accident?
Yes. Michigan follows a modified comparative fault system. If you are found to be less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. However, your financial recovery will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.
How Long Do I Have To File A Chest Injury Lawsuit After A Car Accident?
Under Michigan law, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it’s crucial to act quickly to preserve evidence and strengthen your case.
What If My Chest Injury Symptoms Appear Days Or Weeks After The Accident?
Delayed symptoms are common, especially with internal injuries like organ damage or bruised lungs. If you experience symptoms later, seek medical attention immediately and inform your attorney. Updated medical records can still be used to support your claim.
Call Our Detroit Car Accident Chest Injury Attorneys For Exceptional Assistance
If you’ve suffered a chest injury in a Detroit car accident, don’t face the aftermath alone. At Ravid & Associates, P.C., our firm understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries take. Our dedicated team is committed to securing the maximum compensation for your losses. With over 180 years of combined experience, we’ve helped more than 25,000 Michigan families recover what they deserve.
Contact our Detroit car accident chest injury attorneys at Ravid & Associates, P.C. today by calling (248) 948-9696 to receive your free consultation. We work on a contingency basis, so you don’t owe us anything unless we win your case. Let us fight for you while you focus on healing. We represent injury victims in Detroit and throughout the state of Michigan.