Modern passenger cars are much better than older models at protecting their occupants from harm in traffic collisions, but some types of wrecks are inherently dangerous, no matter what type of vehicle you drive.
For example, during side-impact/T-bone car accidents in Michigan, there may be only a few inches of metal separating a driver or passenger from the full force of an oncoming vehicle. If this type of crash has caused you injury, our experienced car accident attorneys at Thurswell Law could guide you through your legal options and help you seek fair financial recovery.
When Can You Sue Over a T-Bone Crash?
Michigan follows a “no-fault” system in car accident litigation, which means you must exhaust your auto insurance coverage before taking legal action against anyone else involved in a crash with you. More specifically, your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage should reimburse you for all reasonably necessary medical expenses, most of your lost work income while recovering, and up to $20 a day for replacement services while you cannot perform regular household chores.
Generally, you can only proceed with an insurance claim or lawsuit against an at-fault third party for your Michigan side-impact car crash if you meet one or more of the following requirements:
- The severity of your injuries caused serious disability, disfigurement, or premature death
- The crash did not happen in Michigan
- The person at fault for the crash is not a state resident and does not have their vehicle insured in Michigan
- The claim is for less than $1,000 worth of vehicle damage not already covered by your insurance
You can also choose to opt out of no-fault coverage when purchasing a car insurance policy, but this involves additional prerequisites, which a member of our team could explain in more detail.
Proving Someone Else at Fault for a Side-Impact Collision
If you do have grounds to sue someone over a T-bone or sideswipe car crash in Michigan, you can only recover compensation from them if you prove they were primarily at fault for causing the wreck. This typically entails a preponderance of the evidence that shows the defendant either committed a moving violation, drove while drunk or distracted, or otherwise acted irresponsibly, which likely caused the accident.
A successful lawsuit against the at-fault driver for a traffic collision could provide recovery for various losses that PIP insurance typically does not cover, including physical pain and psychological distress. One of our lawyers could discuss the damages you may be able to factor into your case during a private initial consultation.
Contact Us To Learn How Our Michigan Attorneys Help With Recovery After Side-Impact/T-Bone Car Collisions
Obtaining a favorable outcome from lawsuits involving side-impact/T-bone car accidents in Michigan can be challenging, even if you are able to file a civil suit outside of the state’s no-fault system. In addition to proving someone else was at fault for your injuries, you must also establish a fair value for your losses and proactively seek compensation for them. This can be a difficult process to manage on your own.
Our attorneys at Thurswell Law could help you understand your rights and determine whether you have a case. Call today to learn how our team could assist you.
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