Motor Vehicle Accidents

Michigan Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys & Vehicle Crash Lawyers

When Drivers are Injured By Others, We Seek to Recover for them the Full Measure of the Damages They Have Sustained.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 40,990 traffic fatalities in 2023.   This is a significant decrease from earlier decades in which the number of fatalities exceeded 50,000 per year.  The US Census Bureau reports that during past decade, there were over 10 million motor vehicle accidents in the United States. While the declining number of fatalities is positive, it is of little comfort for those who have lost a loved one due to the negligence of another.

As Michigan car and truck crash lawyers, we represent those who have been injured and the family members of those killed in Michigan vehicle accidents due to the negligence, inattention, and fault of others.  We see first-hand the devastation of those who have suffered from debilitating pain and injuries.  This is especially disturbing when the car crash or truck crash was caused by drunk driving, or caused by commercial divers who failed to adhere to Hours of Service requirements.

If you’ve been involved in a vehicle accident in Michigan, whether it’s a car or a truck, Olsman MacKenzie Peacock is here to help. Our experienced attorneys specialize in both car and truck accident cases, ensuring you get the best representation possible.

Call our office today to schedule a free consultation to learn how our tenacious motor vehicle accident attorneys can help you seek justice and maximum compensation.

What Is a Motor Vehicle Accident?

A motor vehicle accident includes any collision involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, buses, or pedestrians. Examples include:

Each type of crash has unique causes and requires careful investigation. An experienced motor vehicle crash lawyer will understand how to evaluate the circumstances and build a strong case for recovery.

Serious Car and Truck Accidents Can Affect the Whole Family

Those physically injured in motor vehicle accidents are not the only ones who suffer; the whole family is affected. Injured individuals may need significant care at home post-hospitalization, including transportation to follow-up appointments and assistance with mobility and household chores like grocery shopping.

If it is the financial breadwinner of the family who is injured, a serious accident can result in lost time from work, painful recovery, and the inability to engage in life activities such as athletics and playing with children.  In many occupations, the breadwinner may not have disability insurance, which can result in significant financial hardship.

We understand the profound impact car and truck accidents have on families.

What Compensation Can a Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney Recover?

The damages available in a motor vehicle accident claim will depend on the circumstances of the crash, the severity of injuries, and the long-term impact on the victim’s life. Compensation may include:

  • Medical expenses and future care needs such as hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and assistive devices.
  • Lost wages and loss of earning capacity if the victim cannot return to their prior work or career.
  • Pain and suffering to compensate for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement in cases involving spinal cord injuries, amputations, or severe burns.
  • Loss of consortium or companionship for the effect the accident has on family relationships.
  • Wrongful death damages to cover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering when a loved one is killed.

We are meticulous in our investigation and tenacious in our representation of clients injured in car and truck crashes. We work to secure and preserve evidence (such as a damaged vehicle), often hiring accident reconstructionists and investigation experts to examine the accident scene and determine critical details like vehicle position and speed at the time of the accident. We also hire medical experts to support the damages our clients suffered, including future medical complications resulting from their injuries.

Our team of experienced motor vehicle crash lawyers is dedicated to ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

How Defendants and their Insurance Companies Often Deny Liability in Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers

While fault in an accident may seem obvious, defendants, their insurance companies, and lawyers often work diligently to deny liability in car and truck crashes. They might blame other drivers, those responsible for roadway conditions, or even the injured parties themselves. Proving clear liability is essential for engaging in meaningful settlement discussions. If those responsible do not offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to present a compelling case to a jury.

Blame Shifting Tactics:

  • Other Drivers: Defendants may argue that another driver was primarily at fault, shifting the focus away from their negligence.
  • Roadway Conditions: Blaming poor road conditions, such as potholes or inadequate signage, is a common tactic to deflect responsibility.
  • Injured Parties: They may argue that the injured parties were partially or entirely at fault due to actions like distracted driving or not adhering to traffic laws.

Truck Accident Specific Tactics:

  • Driver Fatigue: In truck accidents, defendants might claim the truck driver was fatigued due to poor personal management of rest, despite evidence of systemic issues with Hours of Service violations.
  • Mechanical Failures: Defendants might blame mechanical failures on the trucking company’s lack of maintenance, even when the driver was aware of the issues and continued driving.

Proving Your Car Crash or Truck Accident Case

Our approach includes:

  • Thorough Investigation: Gathering and preserving evidence immediately after the accident.
  • Expert Testimonies: Hiring accident reconstructionists to analyze the scene, vehicle speeds, and positions.
  • Medical Experts: To validate the extent of injuries and future medical needs.

We are committed to fighting for fair compensation and will not hesitate to take the case to trial if necessary.

How Do You Prove a Motor Vehicle Crash Claim?

To recover damages, your attorney must establish that the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injuries or the death of your loved one. Proving this requires:

  • Thorough investigation including police reports, witness statements, black box data, and vehicle inspections.
  • Expert testimony from accident reconstructionists who can determine speed, vehicle position, and cause of impact.
  • Medical evidence showing the severity of injuries, treatment needs, and long-term prognosis.

As motor vehicle crash lawyers with decades of experience, we prepare every case as though it will go to trial, which allows us to negotiate from a position of strength and pursue full justice for our clients.

Call Us to Schedule a Free Consultation to Learn About Your Rights for Recovery

We will meet with you at a time that is convenient with your schedule so that we can learn about your case.  We can then advise you as to your rights for recovery under Michigan law against those who are responsible for causing your injuries and damages.

We represent clients on a contingency fee basis.  This means that you will not owe us any fee unless and until we recover a settlement or jury award for you.

FAQs About Michigan Motor Vehicle Accidents

How long do I have to file a motor vehicle accident claim?

In Michigan, most personal injury and wrongful death claims must be filed within three years of the date of the crash. Exceptions may apply, so it is important to contact a motor vehicle accident attorney as soon as possible.

Who can be held responsible in a vehicle crash?

Depending on the case, responsibility may rest with another driver, a trucking company, a vehicle manufacturer, a government agency responsible for road maintenance, or multiple parties.

Do I need a lawyer for a motor vehicle accident claim?

Yes. Insurance companies are primarily interested in minimizing payouts. A skilled motor vehicle accident lawyer will protect your rights, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

What should I do immediately after a crash?

Seek medical attention right away, call 911, obtain a police report, take photos of the scene, and avoid discussing fault with the other driver or their insurance company. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your claim.

Why Choose Olsman MacKenzie Peacock for Your Motor Vehicle Accident Claim?

Olsman MacKenzie Peacock has built a reputation as one of Michigan’s leading personal injury firms. Families across the state trust us because we combine legal skill, attention to detail, and compassion for clients with a relentless pursuit of justice. Our attorneys include:

  • Jules B. Olsman with more than 40 years of experience representing injury victims. Jules is regarded as a pioneer in Michigan personal injury and nursing home litigation and has dedicated his career to protecting vulnerable individuals.
  • Donna M. MacKenzie a past president of the Michigan Association for Justice and nationally recognized leader in safety advocacy. Donna has been named to Michigan’s Top 100 Super Lawyers list every year since 2015 and is known for securing significant recoveries for clients.
  • Emily Peacock who will serve as the 2025–2026 Chair of the American Association for Justice Women Trial Lawyers Caucus. Emily represents clients in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases and is recognized for her commitment to justice for Michigan families.
  • Ronda Little who advocates for victims of medical malpractice and serious injury. Ronda is known for her compassionate approach and dedication to guiding clients through difficult cases.
  • Lauren Walson who focuses on wrongful death, nursing home abuse, and personal injury litigation. Lauren brings determination and a client-focused perspective to every case.
  • Chrissy Hagen who has extensive experience in complex litigation. Chrissy is committed to building strong cases and holding negligent parties accountable.
  • Michael C. Dennis an experienced trial attorney with a strong record in personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Michigan.
  • Michaelene Sowinski who represents clients harmed by catastrophic injuries and neglect. Michaelene is dedicated to exposing unsafe practices and obtaining justice for families.

Together, our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for clients injured in motor vehicle crashes and other catastrophic events. We prepare every case thoroughly and fight to raise safety standards across Michigan.

Talk to a Michigan Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle crash, do not wait to learn about your rights. At Olsman MacKenzie Peacock, we represent clients on a contingency fee basis. You will not owe us any fees unless and until we recover compensation on your behalf.

Call 1-800-366-8653 today or contact us online to schedule your free case review with an experienced Michigan motor vehicle accident attorney.