Motor vehicle accident claims in Michigan cover far more than car crashes. Under state law, victims injured in auto, motorcycle, truck, pedestrian, bicycle, or commercial vehicle accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Whether it’s a distracted driver on Woodward Avenue, a delivery truck collision in Royal Oak, or a hit-and-run in your own Berkley neighborhood, these incidents fall under the umbrella of motor vehicle accident law.
At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, we’ve spent over 25 years helping crash victims throughout Berkley and Metro Detroit. As Berkley’s Community Law Firm, we’re not a high-volume practice churning files through anonymous hands. Instead, our entire team works together to investigate your accident, gather medical evidence, and handle the insurance companies while you heal.
Our guiding principle—Your Rights First—means you get clear answers, hands-on communication, and a personalized legal strategy from day one. We explain Michigan’s no-fault benefits, identify potential claims against negligent drivers or companies, and pursue full compensation for your losses.
When a collision disrupts your life, you deserve local attorneys who know the community, the courts, and the insurance system. If you’ve been hurt in a motor vehicle accident anywhere in Berkley or the surrounding areas, Liss, Shapero & Mitnick is ready to put our experience—and our entire team—to work for you.
Types of Vehicle Accident Cases We Handle
Cars, Trucks & Commercial Vehicles
From everyday car crashes to 18-wheeler and delivery van collisions, we investigate black-box data, maintenance logs, and company safety policies to hold negligent drivers and employers accountable.
Motorcycle Accidents
Riders face unique risks—limited visibility, severe injuries, and insurer bias. We document road hazards, helmet and gear use, and driver inattention to pursue the full value of your case.
Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents
Crosswalk and shoulder impacts can cause catastrophic harm. We reconstruct the scene, analyze lighting/visibility, and secure video or event-data recorder evidence to prove fault.
Distracted & Drunk Driving Crashes
Texting, impairment, and reckless speeding are preventable. We obtain phone records, bar receipts, field sobriety reports, and witness statements to build a powerful liability case.
Uninsured / Underinsured Drivers (UM/UIM)
If the at-fault driver lacks enough insurance, we pursue your UM/UIM coverage, stack policies when possible, and challenge lowball evaluations—so a lack of coverage doesn’t block your recovery.
Hit-and-Run
When the other driver flees, we move fast: canvassing for cameras, issuing preservation letters, and leveraging UM coverage. Prompt action can make the difference in identifying the vehicle and securing benefits.
Understanding Michigan’s Auto-Accident Laws
No-Fault Insurance Basics
Michigan’s no-fault insurance means that, after most crashes, your own auto insurance (or the policy covering the car you were in) pays for your medical expenses, lost wages (up to policy limits), and replacement services, no matter who caused the accident. These benefits are called Personal Injury Protection (PIP).
- Medical bills & rehabilitation: doctor visits, surgery, therapy, and medical mileage.
- Lost wages: typically 85% of gross income for up to three years (or as your policy allows).
- Replacement services: help with chores and household tasks you can’t do while injured.
Liability Claims When Someone Else Is at Fault
If another driver caused your injuries and you meet Michigan’s “threshold” for serious impairment, you can also file a third-party claim against the at-fault driver. This can include:
- Pain and suffering damages (non-economic losses).
- Excess wage loss (if no-fault benefits run out).
- Future medical costs beyond your no-fault limits.
We gather crash reports, witness statements, expert opinions, and insurance information to build a strong liability case.
Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
When the at-fault driver has no insurance or too little insurance, your own UM/UIM coverage can step in to cover the gap. We examine every available policy—auto, household, and umbrella policies—to maximize your recovery. Because UM/UIM claims can be technical, having a local attorney who knows Berkley courts, adjusters, and insurers gives you a clear advantage.
What To Do After a Motor Vehicle Accident
1) Safety & Health First
- Move to a safe spot if possible, turn on hazard lights, and call 911.
- Get medical attention immediately, even if you feel “okay.” Shock and adrenaline can mask injuries.
- Keep all ER and follow-up records, prescriptions, and receipts.
2) Reporting to Police & Insurance
- Always call the police to create an official accident report, even for minor collisions. Ask for the report number and officer’s name.
- Notify your insurance company promptly—but avoid detailed statements until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
- In Berkley, reports go through Berkley Public Safety; we can help you obtain a copy.
3) Gathering Evidence
- Take photos or video of the scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, injuries, and nearby cameras.
- Collect witness names and phone numbers.
- Save torn clothing, dash cam footage, and medical records.
- Write down what happened while it’s fresh in your mind, including the other driver’s insurance and contact info.
4) Contacting LSM for Free Help
Call 248-584-1300 or 1-855-LISS-LAW (547-7529) for a free consultation. We will:
- Explain your no-fault and liability options.
- Handle insurer communications so you don’t have to.
- Start investigating your case immediately—preserving evidence and protecting your claim.
FAQ: Michigan Car Accidents (Berkley, MI)
What compensation can I recover after a car crash?
Two buckets:
- Economic losses: medical bills, rehab, future care, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, replacement services, and property damage.
- Non-economic losses: pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, scarring/disfigurement (available when Michigan’s threshold is met).
We’ll also identify every applicable policy (your PIP/no-fault, the at-fault driver’s liability, and any UM/UIM you carry) to maximize recovery.
What if the other driver has no insurance?
You can often claim through your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. We also explore other liable parties (employers, vehicle owners, roadway contractors) and benefits under your no-fault (PIP) for medical/wage losses. We’ll review your policy and deadlines right away.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Michigan?
- Injury liability claim (against the at-fault driver): generally 3 years from the crash.
- No-fault/PIP benefits: strict 1-year timelines apply to claim and recover each expense (“one-year back” rule).
- UM/UIM: your policy may have shorter notice deadlines.
Call us promptly so we can protect every timeline and piece of evidence.
Will I have to go to court?
Many cases settle without a trial after we build the evidence and negotiate. If the insurer won’t be fair, we file suit and prepare you for each step (depositions, mediation, trial). Either way, we handle the heavy lifting and keep you updated—Your Rights First.
What does it cost to hire LSM for a motor vehicle accident case?
Your consultation is free, and we work on a contingency fee—you owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We explain fees and case costs up front, in writing.
Contact Berkley’s Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers Today – Free Consultation
Injured in a crash? Get clear answers and fast help—Your Rights First from the very first call.
Call us: 248-584-1300 or 1-855-LISS-LAW (547-7529)
Visit us: 2695 Coolidge Highway, Berkley, MI 48072
Office Hours: Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (after-hours by appointment)
[Start Your Free Case Review] — Secure Contact Form
No upfront fees. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you don’t pay attorney fees. Let Berkley’s Community Law Firm handle the insurance company while you focus on healing.

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