Southfield Car Accident Attorney: Legal Help When the Insurance Company Won’t Cooperate

After a car accident, your focus should be on healing, recovery, and getting your life back on track. Instead, many victims find themselves frustrated and overwhelmed as insurance companies delay claims, undervalue injuries, or outright deny compensation.

Car accidents are stressful enough. Dealing with insurers who refuse to cooperate can turn an already difficult situation into a nightmare. You might face unanswered calls, confusing paperwork, and lowball settlement offers that don’t cover your medical bills, lost wages, or long-term care needs.

At Marko Law, we have extensive experience holding insurance companies accountable. Our team knows the tactics insurers use to avoid paying fair settlements, and we fight back aggressively on behalf of our clients. We investigate every detail of your accident, gather all necessary evidence, and negotiate fiercely to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

You shouldn’t have to settle for less because an insurance company is trying to cut corners. Marko Law is here to level the playing field—protecting your rights, advocating for your recovery, and making sure negligent drivers and uncooperative insurers are held responsible.

Understanding Car Accident Liability in Michigan

Negligence and Fault in Auto Accidents

Liability in Michigan is primarily determined by negligence—the failure to exercise reasonable care behind the wheel. A driver may be considered negligent if their actions caused the accident, such as:

• Running a red light or stop sign
• Distracted or reckless driving
• Speeding or failing to yield
• Driving under the influence

Fault is assessed based on these negligent actions and is a key factor in determining who is responsible for damages.

Michigan No-Fault Law and Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Michigan’s No-Fault Law is designed to ensure that injured drivers and passengers receive medical coverage and wage replacement quickly, regardless of who caused the accident. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits typically cover:

• Medical bills and rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages due to injury
• Certain other reasonable and necessary expenses related to the accident

However, while PIP provides essential coverage, it does not replace the need for full compensation if an at-fault driver or their insurance company refuses to cooperate or undervalues your claim.

Liability in Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Multi-vehicle collisions can complicate liability because fault may be shared among multiple drivers. Michigan uses a comparative negligence system, which can reduce compensation if a victim is found partially responsible.

• Determining percentages of fault requires a thorough investigation of the accident
• Insurance companies often attempt to shift blame to the victim to minimize payouts
• Expert analysis, accident reconstruction, and witness testimony are often necessary to establish accurate liability

Common Tactics Insurance Companies Use Against Accident Victims

Delaying Claim Processing or Requesting Unnecessary Documentation

Insurance companies often slow-walk claims by repeatedly requesting additional documents or forms. While documentation is necessary, insurers may:

• Ask for repetitive medical records or reports
• Delay scheduling claim reviews or adjuster inspections
• Postpone settlements while the victim is recovering

These delays can create financial and emotional stress, leaving victims without the funds needed for medical bills, rehabilitation, or everyday expenses.

Offering Lowball Settlements

Insurers frequently offer quick settlements that are far below the actual value of the claim—often before the full extent of injuries is documented.

• Victims may feel pressured to accept an immediate payout
• Early settlement offers rarely account for long-term medical care, lost wages, or pain and suffering
• Accepting too early can permanently limit your compensation

Blaming the Victim or Disputing Fault

Insurance companies may attempt to shift responsibility to the accident victim:

• Claiming the victim contributed to the accident
• Using minor errors or inconsistencies to reduce liability
• Suggesting reckless or inattentive behavior even when fault is clear

This tactic is common in multi-vehicle collisions, but it can significantly reduce the settlement if not challenged effectively.

Misrepresenting Coverage Limits or Policy Exclusions

Insurance companies sometimes mislead victims about what their policy actually covers:

• Exaggerating exclusions or limitations to deny certain claims
• Underestimating coverage limits to pressure the victim into accepting a smaller settlement
• Using technicalities to avoid full payment

Victims often have no way to verify these claims without legal guidance and review of the policy.

Denying Claims for Pre-Existing Conditions or Minor Injuries

Some insurers deny claims by citing pre-existing injuries or minor conditions, even when the accident clearly caused new or worsened injuries.

• This tactic is used to reduce financial exposure
• Insurers may argue that medical expenses are unrelated to the accident
• Victims are often left to cover substantial medical costs out-of-pocket

Evidence Needed to Support Your Car Accident Claim

Police Reports Documenting the Crash

A police report provides an official record of the accident, including:

• Date, time, and location of the crash
• Statements from drivers and witnesses
• Officer observations and citations issued
• Initial determination of fault

This report is often the first piece of evidence used by insurance companies and attorneys to assess liability.

Medical Records for Injuries Sustained

Medical documentation is essential to prove the severity and legitimacy of your injuries:

• Emergency room and urgent care records
• Hospitalization and surgery documentation
• Physical therapy and follow-up treatment notes
• Prescriptions and ongoing medical care

These records help demonstrate both immediate and long-term effects of the accident.

Photos and Videos of the Accident Scene and Vehicle Damage

Visual evidence can provide unbiased proof of the crash and conditions:

• Damage to your vehicle and others involved
• Road conditions, traffic signs, or visibility issues
• Skid marks, debris, or environmental factors that contributed to the accident
• Photos of personal injuries for insurance and legal purposes

Witness Statements

Eyewitness accounts strengthen your claim by corroborating your version of events:

• Passengers, other drivers, or pedestrians who saw the accident
• Written statements or sworn affidavits documenting what they observed
• Contact information for witnesses who may testify if necessary

Repair Estimates and Invoices for Vehicle Damage

Documenting property damage shows the financial impact of the accident:

• Repair shop estimates for vehicle repairs
• Receipts or invoices for completed work
• Rental car costs if your vehicle was unusable

Correspondence and Communications with the Insurance Company

Keeping a detailed record of all interactions with insurers protects your rights:

• Emails, letters, or messages regarding the claim
• Notes from phone conversations with adjusters
• Documentation of settlement offers and denials

Types of Damages You May Recover

Economic Damages: Covering Tangible Losses

Economic damages are designed to reimburse actual financial costs incurred as a result of the accident, including:

• Medical bills for emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, and rehabilitation
• Lost wages due to missed work during recovery
• Property damage to your vehicle or personal belongings
• Future care costs for ongoing treatment, physical therapy, or long-term disability

These damages ensure that victims are not financially burdened by an accident they did not cause.

Non-Economic Damages: Addressing Pain and Suffering

Non-economic damages compensate for emotional and physical suffering that cannot be measured in dollars alone. These may include:

• Pain and suffering resulting from injuries sustained in the crash
• Emotional distress or anxiety, including fear of driving or trauma from the accident
• Loss of enjoyment of life, particularly if injuries prevent participation in work, hobbies, or daily activities

These damages recognize the profound impact a car accident can have on a victim’s quality of life.

Punitive Damages: For Gross Negligence or Insurance Misconduct

In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded when:

• The at-fault party or their insurer acted with gross negligence
• An insurance company engages in egregious misconduct, such as knowingly denying valid claims or attempting to cheat victims out of compensation

Punitive damages are designed to punish bad actors and deter similar behavior in the future.

You Deserve Fair Compensation, Not Delay or Denial

After a car accident, you have the right to fair compensation. Insurance companies cannot withhold, minimize, or deny your claim without consequence. Victims should not be forced to accept less than they deserve simply because the insurance company refuses to cooperate.

At Marko Law, we are committed to fighting for accident victims in Southfield and across Wayne County. We hold negligent drivers and uncooperative insurance companies accountable, ensuring our clients receive the full compensation they are entitled to.

You do not have to face insurance companies alone. With the right legal team by your side, you can protect your rights, secure your recovery, and demand justice.

Contact Marko Law for a Free Case Evaluation

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