A serious car accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. Medical bills pile up, you’re missing work, and the insurance company isn’t making things easy. You’re hurt, stressed, and wondering what to do next.

At The Clark Law Office, we understand how overwhelming this situation can be. Unlike big law firms that treat you like just another case number, we give you the personal attention you deserve. With a top-rated injury lawyer in Lansing on your side, you’ll have an advocate who fights aggressively to recover every dollar you’re owed so you can focus on healing.

You don’t have to face this alone. Call today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

Why Hire The Clark Law Office for Your Lansing Car Accident Case?

After a serious car accident, choosing the right lawyer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Big firms treat you like just another case number handing you off to case managers and associates.  We are different. You work directly with a skilled Michigan car accident attorney who fights for you every step of the way.  Here’s why injured victims in Lansing and Mid-Michigan trust us:

  • Small Firm, Big Results – We provide personal attention and have won millions for our clients.
  • Decades of Local Experience – We know the Lansing courts, judges, and insurance companies inside and out.
  • No Upfront Costs – You don’t pay unless we win your case.
  • You Work Directly with an Attorney – No call centers. No case managers. Just real lawyers handling your case from start to finish.
  • We Handle Everything – From insurance claims to medical bills, we take care of the legal process so you can focus on healing.

From a Lansing Resident 👩‍🦰 “After my car accident in Lansing, I was overwhelmed with medical bills and calls from the insurance company. The Clark Law Office took over everything and fought to get me the settlement I truly deserved. I couldn’t have done it without them.” — Sarah P., Lansing, MI

What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Lansing

A car accident can leave you feeling shaken and unsure of what to do next. Taking the right steps immediately after the crash can protect your health, your legal rights, and your ability to recover compensation. Even small mistakes like delaying medical treatment or speaking to the insurance company too soon can hurt your case.  Follow these key steps after a Lansing car accident to protect yourself:

✅ Step📌 Action to Take After a Lansing Crash💡 Why It’s Important
🆘 Check for InjuriesCall 911, move to safety if possibleProtects your health and creates an official police record
🚔 Call the PoliceRequest an accident reportProvides crucial fault and insurance evidence
📸 Document the SceneTake photos, witness details, other driver’s infoHelps prove what happened and supports your claim
🏥 Seek Medical AttentionVisit a doctor even if you feel fineLinks injuries directly to the crash for insurance and lawsuits
🚫 Avoid the Other InsurerDo not give recorded statements or accept quick offersPrevents you from being pressured into a lowball settlement
⚖️ Consult a LawyerGet advice before filing claimsProtects your rights and ensures maximum compensation

Clark Insight 🚦 One of the biggest mistakes we see is accident victims trying to “tough it out” without immediate medical care or talking to the insurance company too soon. In Lansing, even minor missteps can be used against you later. Documenting everything and calling a lawyer right away can make the difference between a denied claim and full compensation.

Who Pays Medical Bills and Damages Under Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance?

Michigan follows a No-Fault insurance system, meaning your own insurance policy covers medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault. While this system helps injured drivers get immediate benefits, it also limits when and how you can sue the at-fault driver.  Many accident victims don’t realize how No-Fault works or what it covers. The table below breaks down what Michigan No-Fault insurance pays for and when you may be able to seek additional compensation.

✅ Who Pays?📌 What They Cover💡 When It Applies
🏥 Your Own Insurer (PIP)Medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitationApplies regardless of fault
🚗 Your Own Insurer (PPI)Damage to property (not vehicles)Covers up to $1M for buildings, fences, parked cars
⚖️ At-Fault Driver’s Insurer (BI Liability)Medical costs, pain & suffering for othersOnly if lawsuit is filed against you
🚙 At-Fault Driver (Mini-Tort)Up to $3,000 for vehicle repairsApplies if you lack collision coverage
🚨 Your Own Insurer (UM/UIM, optional)Compensation if at-fault driver uninsured or underinsuredNot required but highly recommended

Clark Insight 🏥 Many people believe No-Fault insurance will cover every loss after a crash, but that’s rarely true in practice. PIP benefits run out fast, and pain and suffering are never covered by your own policy. In serious Lansing accidents, we often pursue claims beyond No-Fault to recover the full value of what you’ve lost.

While No-Fault insurance covers many accident-related expenses, it doesn’t pay for everything. If your injuries are severe or your medical bills exceed your coverage, you may have the right to sue the at-fault driver for additional compensation.  The next section explains when you can file a lawsuit and seek damages beyond No-Fault benefits.

When Can You File a Lawsuit Against the At-Fault Driver in Lansing?

While Michigan’s No-Fault system covers many accident-related expenses, it does not compensate for pain and suffering or all out-of-pocket costs. If your injuries are severe, your medical bills exceed your insurance coverage, or the at-fault driver was uninsured, you may be able to file a lawsuit to recover additional compensation.  The table below explains when you can sue the at-fault driver and what damages you may be eligible to recover:

✅ When You Can Sue📌 What You Can Recover💡 Key Requirements
🏥 Serious Injury or DeathPain & suffering, emotional distress, future medical careMust meet Michigan’s “serious impairment of body function” threshold
💰 Excess Medical BillsCosts beyond your PIP coverageMust show medical expenses exceed your chosen limits
🚘 Vehicle Damage (Mini-Tort)Up to $3,000 for repairsAt-fault driver must be 50% or more responsible
🚨 Accident With Uninsured DriverFull damages (medical, lost wages, pain & suffering)Must carry UM coverage to pursue compensation

Clark Insight 📑 Insurance companies almost always fight over whether your injuries meet Michigan’s “serious impairment” threshold. We’ve seen adjusters argue that broken bones or long-term back problems aren’t serious enough. That’s why thorough medical records and aggressive legal action are critical if you want to hold the at-fault driver accountable.

How a Lansing Car Accident Lawyer Helps You Recover Maximum Compensation

Insurance companies are in the business of paying as little as possible, often using tactics to pressure accident victims into accepting low settlements. Without legal representation, you risk settling for far less than you deserve, but a Lansing car accident lawyer ensures you receive full compensation by:

  • Handling Insurance Negotiations – Insurers often start with lowball offers. We push back to secure a settlement that covers all your losses.
  • Gathering Strong Evidence – We collect police reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony to build a compelling case.
  • Calculating the True Value of Your Case – Many accident victims underestimate the compensation they’re entitled to, including pain and suffering, future medical expenses, and lost earning potential.
  • Taking Your Case to Court If Necessary – If the insurance company refuses to be fair, we’re prepared to take your case to trial to fight for the maximum payout.

Michigan law only allows lawsuits for pain and suffering if your injuries meet the “serious impairment” threshold meaning they significantly impact your ability to work or perform daily activities. Insurance companies often dispute this, so having strong medical documentation and legal representation is crucial.  Not sure if your case qualifies for a lawsuit? Contact us today for a free case review, and we’ll evaluate your options.

✅ How a Lawyer Helps📌 What It Means for Your Case💡 Why It Matters
📑 Handling Insurance NegotiationsPush back against lowball offersEnsures your settlement covers all losses
🔎 Gathering EvidencePolice reports, medical records, witness statements, expertsBuilds a stronger claim and proves liability
💵 Calculating Case ValueIncludes pain & suffering, future medical costs, lost earningsPrevents you from underestimating your compensation
⚖️ Taking Your Case to CourtPrepared to go to trial if insurer won’t be fairPuts pressure on insurers and maximizes payout potential

Clark Insight 💰 Insurance companies settle for as little as possible when victims go unrepresented. We frequently see initial offers that are less than half of what a case is truly worth. By gathering evidence, hiring experts, and showing we’re ready for trial, we consistently force insurers to pay far more than they wanted to.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lansing Car Accident Claims

Navigating a car accident claim in Lansing can be overwhelming. Below are answers to some of the most common questions people have after a crash.💡 Looking for more answers? We also have a dedicated FAQ video page where our attorneys break down important car accident topics in an easy-to-understand way.

1. How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Lansing?

You generally have three years from the date of a Lansing car accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver under Michigan law (MCL 600.5805). No-Fault PIP claims must be filed within one year to recover medical bills or lost wages. Missing these deadlines can prevent you from receiving any compensation.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are 50% or less at fault for a Lansing car crash, you can recover damages, though your award is reduced by your share of fault. If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover pain and suffering compensation.

Do I have to notify my insurance company after an accident?

Yes. Most Michigan auto insurance policies require drivers to promptly notify their insurer after a crash, even if they were not at fault. Failing to report the accident within the timeframe listed in your policy could lead to denial of your No-Fault benefits and other critical coverage.

What if the at-fault driver was uninsured?

If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may still recover damages through your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. UM can cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Without UM coverage, options are limited, but an attorney can help explore other legal avenues depending on your circumstances.

How much does it cost to hire a Lansing car accident lawyer?

Hiring a Lansing car accident lawyer costs nothing upfront. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case. You owe no legal fees unless we secure compensation for you, making it a risk-free way to pursue justice after a crash.

Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?

No. Insurance companies often make low initial settlement offers to close cases quickly. Once accepted, you cannot ask for more money, even if your medical bills increase. Before accepting any settlement in a Lansing car accident claim, consult an experienced lawyer to make sure the offer is fair.

How much is my Lansing car accident case worth?

The value of a Lansing car accident case depends on factors like medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and whether you suffered a long-term disability. Minor crashes may settle for thousands, while severe injury cases can be worth far more. A lawyer can help calculate a fair case value.

Do I really need a lawyer after a Lansing car accident?

While you are not required to hire a lawyer, having one greatly increases your chances of full compensation. Insurers often underpay unrepresented victims. A Lansing car accident lawyer can handle negotiations, gather evidence, and take your case to court if needed, protecting your rights every step of the way.

Contact a Lansing Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

A serious car accident can leave you with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and endless frustration dealing with insurance companies. You need a lawyer who truly cares….not a big firm that treats you like a case number.  At The Clark Law Office, we provide personalized legal representation from experienced attorneys who fight for maximum compensation.

Our firm handles all types of motor vehicle accidents including crashes involving motorcycles, bicycles, and semi-trucks. If you were injured in a trucking collision, our dedicated Lansing truck accident lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

Unlike large firms, you’ll work directly with a dedicated lawyer who knows your case inside and out. No fees unless we win.  There’s no upfront cost, and you only pay if we secure compensation for you.  Call now for a free consultation or fill out our online form to get started.

📍 Visit Our Office in Downtown Lansing

Address: 910 W Ottawa St, Lansing, MI 48915
Phone: (517) 575-8131
Office Hours: Open 24/7

A Client’s Experience in East Lansing 🚗 “I never thought I’d need a lawyer after a crash, but the insurance company offered me less than half of my medical costs. From the first meeting, The Clark Law Office treated me like family and explained every step of the process. They fought hard and won a settlement that changed my life.” — Jason T., East Lansing, MI

📚 Resources & References

For those who want to dig deeper into Michigan’s auto accident laws and local court resources, here are trusted references related to Lansing car accident claims:

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