Michigan Car Accident Lawyers
Last updated August 13, 2026 | Reviewed by Donna MacKenzie, Michigan Personal Injury Lawyer
With over 100 years of collective personal injury representation and millions of dollars recovered for injured Michigan families, our Michigan car accident practice draws on the trial experience of firm founder Jules B. Olsman (40+ years of trial experience), Donna M. MacKenzie (past president of the Michigan Association for Justice and repeat Michigan Top 100 Super Lawyer), Emily Peacock (2025–2026 Chair of the AAJ Women Trial Lawyers Caucus), and Chrissy Hagen, who has successfully litigated hundreds of auto accident cases and is Board Certified in Truck Accident Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Law Firms, Avvo, and dbusiness, our team is well-positioned to vigorously represent victims of rear-end collisions, head-on crashes, T-bone accidents, hit-and-runs, distracted driving wrecks, and other serious motor vehicle crashes throughout Michigan.
When drivers are harmed by the negligence of others, our mission as car accident attorneys is to fight relentlessly for the full and fair compensation they deserve — not just for today’s losses, but for the long-term impact a serious car crash has on their lives and families.
Car accidents are among the most sudden and devastating events a person can experience. In an instant, a routine drive can turn into a life-altering collision that causes serious injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and emotional trauma for victims and their families. Whether the accident was a rear-end crash at an intersection in Detroit, a multi-vehicle pileup on I-94, or a truck collision in Battle Creek, the aftermath is often the same: pain, disruption, and uncertainty about what comes next.
At Olsman MacKenzie Peacock, our team of experienced Michigan car accident lawyers represent individuals and families who have been harmed by negligent drivers. We know how overwhelming the weeks and months after a car crash can be. Victims face medical appointments, lost wages, insurance company tactics, and questions about their legal rights. Our role is to stand by your side, protect your interests, and fight to secure the maximum compensation available under Michigan law.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you do not need to go through the process alone. Call us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how our Michigan car accident lawyers can help you recover physically, financially, and emotionally.
SEE OUR MICHIGAN CAR ACCIDENT GUIDE : A COMPLETE GUIDE TO NO-FAULT LAWS & YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS
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 in Detroit and across 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.
Serious Car Accidents Can Affect the Whole Family
Individuals who have been physically injured in car accidents are not the only ones who suffer. In most serious car accidents, the whole family suffers.
Those injured may need significant care at home after being released from the hospital. They may also need to have a family member or friend drive them to follow-up doctors’ appointments and to rehabilitation and therapy appointments. They may need assistance in mobility, and in taking care of household chores that they cannot perform, such as buying groceries and other domestic tasks.
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 a significant financial hardship.
As Michigan Car Accident Lawyers, We Understand.
What Our Clients Say
L.R. | Car Accident Case | Google 5-Star Review
“ Our attorney Christina Hagen was outstanding! I give her and her staff the highest recommendation.”
D.H. | Car Accident Case | Google 5-Star Review
“Ms. Peacock and her team worked to represent me with a caring and sensitive professional approach. They assembled a team that did the research to back up medical reasoning. Thanks for your diligent efforts, they are much appreciated!”
J. P.| Car Accident Case | Google 5-Star Review
Chrissy Hagen and her team are the BEST of the BEST. From the moment we first talked: she was compassionate and empathetic. Her knowledge and expertise eased the process following my son’s accident, communicating every step of the case. She spent endless hours talking to us, getting to know us, and shows that she truly cares about every aspect a person goes through in such difficult times. Navigating through auto insurance and continued medical care is hard. The support she provided was relentless and heart felt. Her competence and awareness is incredible. I can’t thank Chrissy and her team enough for getting the best outcome for us. HIGHLY recommended.”
Why Car Accidents Require Legal Representation
Many people assume that insurance companies will take care of everything after a car accident. Unfortunately, the reality is often very different. Insurance companies are profit-driven businesses that are trained to minimize payouts. They may question the severity of your injuries, deny liability, or pressure you into accepting a quick settlement that does not cover your long-term needs.
As Michigan car accident lawyers with decades of experience, we can:
- Investigate the cause of the accident and determine liability
- Preserve important evidence such as vehicle damage, black box data, and witness statements
- Work with accident reconstruction specialists to establish fault
- Consult with medical experts to fully document the scope of your injuries and future care needs
- Negotiate with insurance companies to pursue a fair settlement
- Present a strong case in court if a trial becomes necessary
Hiring an attorney ensures that your voice is heard and your rights are protected from the very beginning.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Experienced Michigan Car Accident Attorney?
Many people worry that hiring a car accident lawyer after a car crash will be too expensive. The reality is that most Michigan and Detroit car accident lawyers, including Olsman MacKenzie Peacock, handle cases on a contingency fee basis. This means:
- You pay no upfront fees to get started.
- We advance the costs of investigating your claim, hiring experts, and preparing your case.
- Our fee is collected as a percentage of the compensation we recover for you, either through a settlement or a jury verdict.
- If we do not win your case, you do not owe us any attorney’s fee.
This arrangement allows every car accident victim to have access to experienced legal representation, regardless of financial circumstances. You can focus on your recovery while we focus on fighting for your compensation.
If you are considering hiring a Michigan car accident lawyer, the best way to understand the process is to schedule a free consultation. We will explain our fee structure in detail, answer your questions, and give you a clear picture of how we can help.
Call today at 1-800-366-8653 to speak with an experienced Michigan car crash lawyer and learn about your options for recovery.
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.
Michigan Car Accident Settlement & Verdicts
$4,350,000 Settlement – Recovered for a woman who sustained catastrophic brain injuries after being hit by an intoxicated driver.
$3,750,000 Settlement – Obtained for a woman who was left quadriplegic following a serious automobile collision.
$3,500,000 Settlement – Recovered for surviving family members following a fatal motor vehicle collision that resulted in the wrongful death of a loved one.
$1,210,000 Settlement – Secured for the family of an individual killed by a drunk driver.
$1,100,000 Settlement – Obtained on behalf of a child who suffered serious injuries in a rear-end collision involving a commercial truck in an active construction zone.
SEE MORE CAR ACCIDENT SETTLEMENT RESULTS
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. Read our complete Guide to Michigan Car Accident law for more on No-Fault claims and your legal rights.
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.
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.
FAQs About Michigan Car Accident Legal Representation
Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer If the Other Driver Admitted Fault?
Even if the other driver admits responsibility, insurance companies may still try to limit what they pay. They may argue that your injuries were pre-existing or that your treatment was unnecessary. Having a car crash attorney ensures that your claim is supported with strong evidence and that you are not left with unpaid bills or inadequate compensation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Michigan?
Michigan law imposes strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims. Generally, you must file within three years of the date of the crash. However, No-Fault benefits under Michigan’s auto insurance system must be claimed much sooner, often within one year. Acting quickly after an crash is essential to protect your rights and preserve evidence.
What If I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
Michigan follows a comparative negligence system. This means you can still recover damages if you were partially at fault, but your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found to be 20 percent responsible, your compensation would be reduced by that amount. A car accident attorney can help ensure that fault is not unfairly assigned to you.
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.
Can I File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit for a Fatal Michigan Car Accident?
Yes. If a driver’s negligence causes a fatal crash, Michigan’s wrongful death law allows certain family members to seek damages. We have successfully pursued wrongful death claims involving:
- Drunk driving accidents
- Commercial truck collisions
- Dangerous roads or intersections
- Defective auto parts
- Distracted driving crashes
Why Choose Olsman MacKenzie Peacock as Your Car Accident Attorneys
Choosing the right attorney after a serious car accident can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At Olsman MacKenzie Peacock, we don’t just try cases — we help move the law forward.
Our attorneys have spent decades representing car accident victims in Berkley, Battle Creek, Lapeer, and communities across Michigan. We understand how local courts handle motor vehicle accident cases, how to build strong claims under Michigan’s complex No-Fault system, and how to take a case all the way to trial when insurance companies refuse to offer fair compensation.
- 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.
Beyond the courtroom, our team publishes in legal journals, presents at statewide and national programs, and engages in policy work aimed at strengthening protections for people harmed by negligence, because our mission extends beyond any single case.
We also bring the full resources needed to win: accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and investigative professionals who help us prove liability and document the true scope of your injuries. Every case is prepared as if it is going to trial, which makes us stronger at the negotiating table.
From the first consultation to the final resolution of your case, you will receive personal attention, open communication, and compassionate guidance. No two car accidents are alike, and we treat every client accordingly.
Over the years, we have recovered millions of dollars for Michigan families harmed by negligent drivers, trucking companies, and corporations. Beyond financial recovery, our goal is to hold wrongdoers accountable and make Michigan’s roads safer for everyone.
Free Consultation: Call 1-800-366-8653 No Fee Unless We Recover for You
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.
Call 1-800-366-8653 to schedule a free consultation with an Experienced Detroit Car Accident Lawyer.