Northern Michigan Car Accident Lawyer
Injured in a Car Accident? We're Ready to Help.
A serious car accident can change your life in seconds. Medical bills begin to pile up, insurance adjusters start asking questions, and you may be unable to work while trying to recover from painful injuries. During this stressful time, you deserve experienced legal guidance from attorneys who understand Michigan law and who will protect your interests—not the insurance company's.
At Hanley & Hodek PLC, we represent individuals and families throughout Traverse City and Northern Michigan who have been injured because another driver acted carelessly or recklessly. Whether your accident happened on US-31, M-72, M-37, I-75, or a local road, our attorneys are prepared to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Free Consultation
Call today or complete our short contact form to schedule your free consultation.
Why Choose Hanley & Hodek?
Choosing an attorney after a serious accident is an important decision. You need lawyers who understand Michigan's complex No-Fault laws and who are willing to stand up to insurance companies when they refuse to treat injured people fairly.
Clients choose Hanley & Hodek because we provide:
Personal attention from experienced attorneys
Representation throughout Northern Michigan
Experience handling complex insurance disputes
Proven advocacy in serious injury litigation
Honest advice about your case
Free consultations
Contingency-fee representation for qualifying personal injury matters—you do not pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Who We Help
We represent individuals injured in accidents involving:
Rear-end collisions
Distracted drivers
Drunk drivers
Speeding vehicles
Failure-to-yield crashes
Left-turn accidents
Head-on collisions
Multi-vehicle crashes
Highway accidents
Teen driver accidents
Commercial vehicle collisions
Uninsured and underinsured motorists
Whether your injuries appear minor or catastrophic, speaking with an attorney early can help preserve important evidence and protect your rights.
Common Injuries After Michigan Car Accidents
Car accidents frequently cause injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation.
These injuries may include:
Traumatic brain injuries
Concussions
Neck injuries
Back injuries
Herniated discs
Broken bones
Internal injuries
Shoulder injuries
Knee injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Permanent disability
Wrongful death
Some injuries may not become fully apparent until days after the collision. Seeking prompt medical care is important for both your health and your legal claim.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Depending on the facts of your case, compensation may include:
Medical expenses
Future medical treatment
Lost wages
Loss of earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Disability
Rehabilitation costs
Household replacement services
Property damage
Other damages allowed under Michigan law
Every case is unique. The amount of compensation depends on the evidence, the severity of the injuries, available insurance coverage, and applicable law.
Understanding Michigan No-Fault Insurance
Michigan's No-Fault system is different from many other states.
After an accident, your own insurance may provide certain benefits regardless of who caused the crash. Depending on your policy and circumstances, these benefits may include:
Medical expense coverage
Wage-loss benefits
Replacement services
Attendant care benefits
However, No-Fault benefits do not necessarily compensate you for pain and suffering. In many situations, a separate claim against the at-fault driver may be necessary.
Because Michigan's insurance laws are complex and continue to evolve, it is often beneficial to obtain legal advice before accepting an insurance company's position.
What To Do After a Car Accident
If you've been involved in a crash:
Call 911 if anyone is injured.
Seek immediate medical attention.
Report the accident to your insurance company.
Take photographs of the vehicles and scene if possible.
Gather witness information.
Avoid discussing fault.
Keep medical records and receipts.
Contact an experienced attorney before signing insurance documents or accepting a settlement.
How We Build Your Case
Every case begins with a thorough investigation.
Our legal team may:
Review police reports
Obtain medical records
Interview witnesses
Collect photographs and video
Review insurance policies
Consult qualified experts when appropriate
Calculate present and future damages
Negotiate with insurance companies
Prepare the case for trial if necessary
While many cases resolve through negotiation, we prepare every case as though it may ultimately be presented to a jury.
Insurance Companies Are Not Always on Your Side
Insurance companies often attempt to reduce the value of legitimate claims by:
Questioning medical treatment
Blaming pre-existing conditions
Disputing fault
Delaying payment
Requesting unnecessary recorded statements
Making early settlement offers before the full extent of injuries is known
Before accepting a settlement, it is important to understand the full value of your claim and the legal rights you may be giving up.
Representative Results
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, but they demonstrate our commitment to pursuing meaningful recoveries for injured clients.
Representative matters have included:
Multi-million-dollar personal injury recovery
Seven-figure settlement for an injured client
Policy-limits recoveries where appropriate
Successful resolution of disputed insurance claims
Additional representative matters are available upon request.
Meet Your Attorneys
Hanley & Hodek's attorneys have represented individuals, families, healthcare providers, and businesses throughout Michigan for many years.
When you hire our firm, you work directly with experienced attorneys who remain personally involved throughout your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?
For qualifying personal injury cases, we work on a contingency-fee basis. You do not pay attorney fees unless we obtain a recovery for you.
Should I speak with the insurance adjuster?
You should notify your insurance company of the accident. Before providing detailed recorded statements or accepting settlement offers, consider speaking with an attorney about your rights.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
Michigan law imposes deadlines that vary depending on the claim. Missing a deadline may prevent recovery, so it is important to seek legal advice promptly.
What if the other driver has little or no insurance?
You may still have options through your own insurance coverage or other available sources of recovery.
Do I need a lawyer if the accident wasn't my fault?
Many people benefit from legal guidance even when fault appears clear, particularly when injuries are significant or insurance coverage is disputed.
Related Resources
We encourage you to learn more about:
What to Do After a Car Accident
Understanding Michigan No-Fault Insurance
Insurance Company Claim Delays
Left-Turn Accident Liability
Uninsured Driver Claims
Winter Driving Safety
Schedule Your Free Consultation
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident in Traverse City or anywhere in Northern Michigan, you do not have to face the insurance companies alone.
Contact Hanley & Hodek PLC today for a free consultation. We'll listen to your story, explain your legal options, and help you determine the best path forward.
No fee unless we recover compensation for qualifying personal injury claims.