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Michigan Car Accidents Questions & Answers
3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for Michigan on
Q: Car accident wage loss: are tax returns enough for insurance claim?

I was involved in a car accident and have experienced wage loss due to missed work. My own insurance company is handling the claim. I have already submitted my tax returns. Do I still need to submit my bank statements to prove wage loss, or is other documentation sufficient?

James Iafrate
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answered on Jun 9, 2025

Normally, the insurance company would send a wage verification form to your employer to provide your wage information and that would be sufficient with a disability slip from your doctor. Past wage check statements also are sometimes sufficient. Tax returns are normally not required unless you are... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Personal Injury and Criminal Law for Michigan on
Q: Impact of handling a car accident improperly on claims or legal issues.

I was involved in a car accident where I hit another vehicle's rear, causing it to flip. I moved my car to a parking lot rather than staying at the crash site and did not approach the other vehicle. I provided my account to the police but did not take photos or gather witness info. Could the... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on May 21, 2025

Photos would have been helpful. If the car is not yet repaired, you could look into the possibility of photos at this point. As far as moving the car, insurance carriers and attorneys realize that cars often do need to be moved from their original positions in the interest of restoring traffic... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Civil Litigation and Personal Injury for Michigan on
Q: Relative injured in auto accident, declined settlement offers, considering court. What are the options?

One of my relatives was involved in a horrific auto accident three years ago, which was not their fault. As a result, they have undergone several surgeries and will walk with a limp for life. Earlier this year, they were offered a settlement in the low 6-figure range, which they declined. They... View More

James Iafrate
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answered on Mar 17, 2025

They have an attorney so they should discuss their legal options with their attorney who will make recommendations. If they are not satisfied with the offer, they could simply file a lawsuit and seek a jury trial. Some insurance companies will not make a reasonable offer until a lawsuit is filed.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Civil Litigation for Michigan on
Q: What is a protective order for child's settlement money?

What is a protective order concerning my 7-year-old son's car accident settlement money? I am his mother, and I'm unsure about its implications and would like to understand more about it.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 19, 2025

In virtually every state, personal injury awards for infants usually need court approval. It sounds like something in connection with that. In many states, this can involve a separate hearing or appearance before a judge. This is to protect the interests of minors until they reach adulthood - and... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Civil Litigation for Michigan on
Q: What is a protective order for child's settlement money?

What is a protective order concerning my 7-year-old son's car accident settlement money? I am his mother, and I'm unsure about its implications and would like to understand more about it.

James Iafrate
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answered on Feb 17, 2025

This most likely means that there is some type of protective order issued by the Court protecting the proceeds of the settlement from being spent until the minor reaches the of 18. Although it could mean some other type of protection related to the settlement proceeds. The purpose of a protective... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for Michigan on
Q: I have a mini tort claim. Can the at fault drivers insurance total my car?

Damages are $6000 insurance said they would pay out the max $3000 under mini tort. They said I had to settle with the total loss department to receive my claim. They would determine value and possibly total the car. I thought the value of the car held no merit in this type of claim only damages as... View More

James Iafrate
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answered on Feb 5, 2025

Normally with a mini- tort claim, you send the other drivers insurance company the police report showing that the other driver was more than 50% at fault, and 2 estimates showing the damages to your vehicle. If the damage exceeds $3000, they owe you 3,000.They do not have the right to total your... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents for Michigan on
Q: While uber driving was hit and run. Offered 15k for spinal stenosis and cervical disk displacement. Take it?

While uber driving was hit and run. Offered 15k for spinal stenosis and cervical disk displacement. I have been fuppy disabled 6 months and counting. Should I accept or can you get me more?

James Iafrate
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answered on Jan 28, 2025

There are many factors that go into determining a fair settlement value of a personal injury case. Without having more information, it would be difficult to determine if the offer is reasonable. For example, was the other party determined to be at fault, do you have medical expenses and income... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for Michigan on
Q: if I borrow a car to a friend and they damage it are they reliable for the damages

I plan on borrowing my car to a friend for approximately a month until they get their new car. Do I need to get something in writing saying that if they damage the car they will pay for the repairs? Or is that something that is implied and therefore does not need any documents

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jan 8, 2025

A Michigan attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. Yes, you could say "it's implied" in terms of being the "right thing to do" between friends. But that is only as strong as one's character. The more important and more practical question... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Car Accidents for Michigan on
Q: Where do I find information on plea agreement process , pro and cons, and understanding? for circuit court Macomb county

I am looking for information to help myself and my friend who has a court appointed lawyer for serious criminal charges. He is more than likely going to be offered a plea...I'm looking for information so ,my friend knows what options could be offered and knowing his rights.

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Aug 13, 2024

It's a negotiation, like any other wheelin' and dealin', except when it comes to the criminal process there are two parts: the charge(s) and the sentencing. You must take an honest, objective look at the facts at hand: what can the prosecutor prove. This is where lawyers come in... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Traffic Tickets and Car Accidents for Michigan on
Q: Seeking Legal Advice After Traffic Accident

Last week, my wife was involved in a car accident where she was going straight and collided with a vehicle turning left. She asserts she was moving on a yellow light, whereas the other driver claims he waited for a red light to turn green and then moved. Following the incident, the police issued my... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 20, 2024

One of your options might be to try to arrange a free initial consult with an attorney. I hope you wife is okay. Depending on whether she has the basis to move forward with a claim for her hand injuries, the determination of liability could be important in a comparative negligence setting with the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Traffic Tickets and Car Accidents for Michigan on
Q: Seeking Legal Advice After Traffic Accident

Last week, my wife was involved in a car accident where she was going straight and collided with a vehicle turning left. She asserts she was moving on a yellow light, whereas the other driver claims he waited for a red light to turn green and then moved. Following the incident, the police issued my... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jun 20, 2024

I think you'll find yourself coming out the same or better without hiring an attorney. The ticket isn't going to be significantly outcome determinate here. Your wife can ask for a formal hearing on it, and try negotiating for a zero point ticket for what it's worth. The insurance... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents for Michigan on
Q: Does the value of a car before an accident matter in a mini tort lawsuit?

I am at fault, and did not have limited liability coverage. The driver I rear ended does not carry collision. He is suing me for the $3000 tort claim. His repairs are over $6000 but the car is only worth $1000 to $2000. Does this factor in at all?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 13, 2024

Until you are able to speak with a local attorney, the practice applied by property damage adjusters in most places is to set a cap on the repairs as a percentage of the vehicle value. After a certain percentage, the vehicle would usually be declared a total loss, to avoid the exact kind of... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents for Michigan on
Q: Does the value of a car before an accident matter in a mini tort lawsuit?

I am at fault, and did not have limited liability coverage. The driver I rear ended does not carry collision. He is suing me for the $3000 tort claim. His repairs are over $6000 but the car is only worth $1000 to $2000. Does this factor in at all?

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Jun 13, 2024

Based on your post, the value of the vehicle does not make difference as to the amount of your potential personal liability for his property damage. But you will have to prove that the fair market value of the claimant's vehicle at the time of the accident is such that this should be a total... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents for Michigan on
Q: Does the value of a car before an accident matter in a mini tort lawsuit?

I am at fault, and did not have limited liability coverage. The driver I rear ended does not carry collision. He is suing me for the $3000 tort claim. His repairs are over $6000 but the car is only worth $1000 to $2000. Does this factor in at all?

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jun 14, 2024

Michigan's auto insurance scheme is somewhat unique to Michigan. For purposes of mini tort, the value of the car makes no difference. What matters is the person's out-of-pocket costs, subject to the percentage of fault, and limited to $3,000. Commonly, mini-tort is used to compensate... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for Michigan on
Q: What is the process to get a drivers license suspension by the Michigan Secretary of State overturned?

My license was suspended by the Michigan SOS for 3 months as a result of an accident resulting in a fatality. The overpass was icy due to a prior winter storm (the main roads were fine). I exited the express way to find a man on my left walking along the exit. The road curves to the left and down... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on May 1, 2024

Something appears missing here...how was the Secretary of State made aware of this incident to suspend your license? Normally that is through some court action. Did you at some point concede to a civil infraction perhaps?

You otherwise need to contact the secretary of state to see about...
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2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Car Accidents for Michigan on
Q: Neurologists won't treat me until I provide proof of release from auto insurance policy from over 20 years ago

My old insurance only verifies or keeps records going back 7 years ( experience letter?) What can I do?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on May 8, 2024

Addendum - in thinking further about your question, one possibility, depending on the way the release was drafted, is that the neurologists may have concerns whether it permits reimbursement for medical treatment, known or unknown, which could preclude coverage for subsequent neurological testing?... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Car Accidents for Michigan on
Q: Neurologists won't treat me until I provide proof of release from auto insurance policy from over 20 years ago

My old insurance only verifies or keeps records going back 7 years ( experience letter?) What can I do?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 30, 2024

A Michigan attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. It isn't clear why neurologists want proof of a release from 20 years ago. If you've been involved in a recent accident, the symptoms and test results would be new, and not necessarily related to the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Insurance Defense and Car Accidents for Michigan on
Q: Can someone make a claim on your insurance if they don’t have insurance?

I simply bumped someone on the road, technically my fault. No damages, we don’t call the cops but I provide my id and insurance bc I’m dense. She texts me two days later asking for money for a deductible and when I tell her I’m not responsible she states if I pay her, she will not go through... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jan 20, 2024

Addendum - if you do reach a settlement, make sure that you have a signed release from the other side. A well-drafted release form confirms settlement terms and serves to wrap up the claim without leaving any loose ends. If your carrier agrees to make a payment, they will require a release anyway.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for Michigan on
Q: My friend was hit in accident which hit another car truck drove off. Now my auto insurance progress wants to cancel and

Friend borrowed my truck. Accident now since live in midland and stay Gladwin sometimes progressive is sending my premiums back and saying no insurance for accident

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Nov 29, 2023

A Michigan attorney should advise here, but your question remains open for two weeks. If the accident is being denied, and you had coverage in effect at the time, you should consider trying to arrange a free initial consult with an attorney. Ordinarily, the other truck driving off and leaving the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Civil Litigation and Personal Injury for Michigan on
Q: Facing a lawsuit after my uninsured car was in a hit and run accident I was not involved in.

My car was involved in a hit and run accident, and I was not driving at the time. I did not have insurance, and now I am being sued. What should I do in this situation?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 16, 2025

First priority is to make a timely response to the lawsuit. You may want to consider an attorney consult, both to ensure a proper response, and to review your situation more closely in terms of the use of the car - some form of entrustment, taken without permission, etc. Good luck

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