Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Waterford

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Waterford, Michigan?

  Call 248-674-0351 for non-emergencies in Waterford Township.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Waterford, Michigan?

  Public documents can be obtained online by sending a Police FOIA Request form to PDFOIARequest@waterfordmi.gov. You may also visit the Oakland County Sheriff's Office Records Office at 1201 Telegraph Road, Pontiac. The records bureau is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and may be reached by phone at 248-674-0351, prompt 4. An incident report costs $0.50 per page.

• What kinds of damages are available following a vehicle accident in Waterford?

  Some of the damages you may recover include medical fees, time away from work, and everyday living costs. The no-fault statute of Michigan, which protects motorists in Waterford, stipulates that your auto insurance will shoulder the personal injury protection (PIP) payments. After a car accident, you can file a wage loss claim with your insurance provider for up to three years.

• How long after an incident do you have to file a lawsuit in Waterford?

  According to the Michigan Compiled Laws, the time limit for filing a lawsuit for personal injuries in Waterford is three years from the date of the incident. There are exceptions to the three-year timeframe in cases where the victim is mentally incapacitated, under 18 years old at the time of the accident, or if the responsible party is located out of state and cannot be served with legal papers.

• How is the value of your Waterford personal injury claim determined?

  The amount of compensation you can receive in a Waterford personal injury claim is entirely dependent on the injuries you sustained, taking into consideration all of the facts and circumstances. Unless the accident or incident is thoroughly investigated, the real value of any given personal injury claim cannot be established.

• Can the family of a fatal accident victim in Waterford pursue a lawsuit?

  Waterford's wrongful death law permits the family of a person who passed away in an accident to file a wrongful death claim for compensation for pain and suffering, loss of affection, and loss of financial support. Michigan law states that a deceased's representative may commence the case within two years after letters of authority are issued if the accident victim passes away within 30 days of the three-year statute of limitations.

• What happens if the driver who caused a car accident in Waterford has little to no insurance coverage?

  If the at-fault driver in Waterford has little to no coverage, the economic damages you’re entitled to may be limited by the driver’s assets and ability to pay. You may be unable to retrieve all the losses you have incurred, or it may take longer to collect financial damages to fulfill a judgment. Having uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage will give you the best chance of recovering.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.