Experienced Farmington Hills Car Accident Lawyer

Recovering Millions for Michigan Crash Victims for Over 30 Years

The Davis Law Center has over 30 years of experience recovering millions for Farmington Hills and Michigan crash victims. We handle the insurance battles so you can focus on healing. When you work with us, we will guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. We understand the state’s complex no-fault insurance laws and have a proven track record of successfully negotiating and litigating car accident claims. START YOUR FREE CONSULTATION today.

Navigating Michigan’s Complex No-Fault Laws

Michigan’s auto insurance system is unlike any other in the country. If you are involved in a car crash at 13 Mile and Orchard Lake or anywhere in Michigan, for that matter, a car accident claim isn’t just one lawsuit; it can actually be two separate claims that need to be managed simultaneously. At the Davis Law Center, we handle everything so our Farmington Hills and metro Detroit clients can focus on their recovery.

The No-Fault (PIP) Case

Regardless of who caused the accident, your own insurance company (or that of a resident relative) is usually responsible for paying your Personal Protection Insurance (PIP) benefits. These are often called “No-Fault Benefits,” and they cover your immediate economic losses, such as:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for doctor visits, surgeries, and rehab (up to the limit you selected on your policy).
• Lost Wages: Reimbursement of 85% of your gross income for up to three years if you cannot work.
• Attendant Care: Care for your personal needs such as bathing, toileting, medication management, and supervision (Basically home nursing services). This is paid at an hourly rate and for friends and family performing the services, limited to 56 hours per week.
• Replacement Services: Up to $20 per day to pay someone to help with household tasks you can no longer do, like cleaning, cooking, or lawn care.
• Medical Mileage: Reimbursement for mileage to and from your accident-related medical providers.
• Survivor’s Loss Benefits: Coverage to dependents of individuals killed in auto accidents, including lost wages, replacement services, and other fringe benefits for up to three years. 

What Happens If My Insurance Company Won’t Pay My PIP Benefits?

In Michigan, PIP benefits are overdue if not paid within 30 days after an insurer receives reasonable proof of the fact and amount of loss sustained. MCL 500.3142. Despite this requirement, insurance companies in Michigan often delay paying benefits in the hope of finding a way to deny payment altogether.  When the insurer delays or denies benefits, the only way to recover what you contracted and paid premiums for is to file a lawsuit. If it is determined that the insurance company failed to timely pay benefits or was unreasonable in doing so, attorney fees and interest may be awarded in addition to the overdue benefits. As discussed below, these types of cases are time-sensitive, and we believe it is best to discuss your case early on with an experienced attorney.

PIP Statutes of Limitations:

Statutes of Limitations mandate that certain personal injury lawsuits be filed within a certain amount of time. Unlike most personal injury cases that have a 3-year statute of limitations, PIP cases are a bit different. First, notice of a motor vehicle injury claim must be given to your insurer within 1-year from the date of the crash. This notice must include, at the very least, your name and address as well as the date, time, place, and description of the injuries sustained. (MCL 500.3145(4)). Failure to provide this information to your insurer will bar your right to PIP benefits.

Once you provide proper notice, a lawsuit must be filed within 1 year of a formal denial of benefits. For instance, if you had an MRI on 2/19/2026 and the insurance company refused to pay the bill, a lawsuit would need to be filed by 2/19/2027. Failure to do so will make you personally liable for the expense.

The 3rd Party Negligence Case

Under the state’s no-fault system, car accident victims can pursue a third-party claim seeking benefits such as pain and suffering and other non-economic losses. Depending on what PIP coverage you selected, you may also recover certain economic damages (medical bills, wage loss, etc.) once your own PIP coverage is exhausted. This involves making a claim and/or filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. To recover non-economic losses, the accident must have caused a “threshold injury,” which is defined as:

• Serious Impairment of a Body Function
• Permanent Disfigurement
• Death

Meeting the “Serious Injury Threshold”
To prove an injury meets the serious impairment threshold in Michigan, the law requires the injury to be (1) “objectively manifested” (visible on an MRI, X-ray, or through medical diagnosis and perceived by someon other than the plaintiff), (2) impair an important body function (for example, movement of your neck or back), and (3) affect your general ability to lead your normal life (i.e. the impairment impacts a person’s capacity to live in their usual, pre-accident manner).

With over 30 years of experience, Neil Davis knows exactly how to document your injuries and lifestyle changes to prove you meet this threshold and deserve maximum compensation.

In Michigan, the specific laws surrounding car accidents, such as no-fault insurance rules, significantly influence how claims are handled and resolved. The best way to protect your rights and interests is to have a powerful Farmington Hills car accident lawyer on your side.

3rd Party Statutes of Limitations

Like most personal injury cases in Farmington Hills and throughout Michigan, 3rd party cases are subject to a 3-year statute of limitations. This means a lawsuit against the at-fault driver must be filed within 3 years of the date of the crash. If even one day late, you will be precluded from recovering damages for pain & suffering. There are exceptions to this rule for minors and legally incapacitated individuals, however. Because statutes of limitations can derail your case if you’re not careful, we recommend contacting an experienced law firm like ours to ensure your right to recovery.

Overview Of A Typical Car Crash Negligence Lawsuit

Filing A Complaint

If we are unable to resolve your case pre-suit, a lawsuit becomes necessary. The formal start of your lawsuit begins when we file a “Complaint” in a Michigan court. We outline how the other party was negligent and how that negligence caused your injuries. Once filed, we formally serve the Defendant with the Complaint, and once served, they generally have 21 days to file a formal answer.

The Defendant’s Response

Once served, the defendant (usually represented by a lawyer hired by their insurance company) will file an “Answer.” In this document, they typically deny responsibility and attempt to shift the blame. Common tactics we see from insurance defense lawyers in and around Metro Detroit include:

• Blaming the Victim: Arguing that your own actions caused the crash (Comparative Negligence).
• Sudden Medical Emergency: Claiming the driver had an unexpected heart attack or stroke.
• Non-Serious Injury: Arguing that your injuries don’t meet the Michigan “threshold” for a lawsuit.
• Third-Party Fault: Trying to blame a municipality for road conditions or a different driver entirely.

The Discovery Phase: Digging for Evidence

“Discovery” is the most critical part of the lawsuit. This is where both sides exchange evidence. At Davis Law Center, we don’t just wait for the insurance company to send us what they want; we go after the data that proves our case.

• Black Box Data: Most modern vehicles have an Event Data Recorder (EDR). This “black box” tells us exactly how fast the defendant was going and if they hit their brakes before the impact. If the insurance company refuses to hand it over, we will fight for a court order to get it.
• Medical Proof: We exchange detailed records of your treatment, surgeries, and therapy. We often hire medical experts to testify about your physical limitations and the cost of your future care.
• Vocational Experts: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your old job, we bring in experts to calculate your lifetime loss of earnings.

Depositions and Sworn Testimony

During discovery, we will conduct “depositions.” This is a formal meeting in which witnesses and parties must answer questions under oath before a court reporter. This is our chance to lock the defendant into their story before they get to a courtroom. It also allows us to see how the defendant will appear to a jury—if they are unlikable or clearly lying, the insurance company often increases their settlement offer to avoid a trial.

Negotiation, Mediation, and Settlement

Once we have all the evidence, we begin formal negotiations. We typically send a “demand package” that lays out the full extent of your damages, including your pain & suffering and any excess economic expenses you may have incurred.

If the insurance company isn’t being fair, we may move to Facilitative Mediation. This is an informal hearing in which a neutral third party (often a retired judge) helps both sides reach a middle ground. Many Michigan cases settle at this stage, but if the insurance company refuses to “make you whole,” we aren’t afraid to take your case to a jury.

The Trial

At trial, we pick a jury of your Farmington Hills and Oakland County neighbors to determine if the other driver was at fault and the extent of your damages. We present evidence, take witness testimony, and cross-examine the defendant’s witnesses. We conclude with closing arguments, and the jury is then sent to deliberate. Upon a verdict, a judgment is entered, and if successful, we secure your winnings.

Common Causes of Michigan Crashes

Most car crashes in Michigan are caused by driver errors, such as:

• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Speeding
• Running stop signs/red lights
• Driver fatigue
• Improper turning/Unsafe lane changes
• Tailgating
• Reckless driving
• Poor weather and road conditions

If the cause was a defect in the road, a curb, or median, an inoperable streetlight, or a faulty traffic signal, a personal injury claim can be filed against the government agency responsible for road and highway maintenance. Regardless of the cause, we will identify the responsible party, hold them accountable, and fight to win you just compensation.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents, regardless of their severity, can result in a wide range of injuries, including:

• Whiplash and neck injuries, which often occur in rear-end collisions, cause pain and mobility issues
• Broken bones due to the force of impact
• Head injuries, including concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries potentially leading to paralysis or other permanent disabilities

The type and severity of injuries are crucial in shaping your car accident claim. More severe injuries usually result in higher medical expenses and may require long-term treatment or rehabilitation. Additionally, the extent of injuries can significantly affect claims for pain and suffering, as well as potential lost wages due to time off work or reduced earning capacity. At Davis Law Center, we understand the profound impact of these injuries and will fight for full compensation to cover all aspects of your recovery.

Why Choose The Davis Law Center – Farmington Hills Car Accident Lawyers?

Once you partner with us, we are your advocates and allies, fighting to protect your rights, well-being, and future. Whether negotiating a settlement with your insurance company or litigating a third-party claim, we will tailor our strategy to best suit the circumstances of the accident.

Because we understand your physical, emotional, and financial challenges, we offer free initial consultations, and you pay no attorney fees until we win. Above all, we will do everything we can to ensure you get the maximum compensation you deserve.

Talk To Our Experienced Farmington Hills Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you have suffered severe injuries in a car accident, you may be frightened and not know where to turn. Remember, the Farmington Hills car accident lawyers at the Davis Law Center are here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Davis Law Center: your trusted partner for car accident cases. Serving Detroit, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Macomb County, and all of Michigan.