Oppo, I need legal advice for my car accident

"Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
05/02/2018 at 19:17 • Filed to: advice, legal

So on the 19th I got into a car accident. I was going through an intersection and got T-boned in the passenger doors by a work van. I got hit by the van with him going about 40mph, the impact spun me around and I almost hit a pole. At the scene I was kind of out of it and in shock but said I had a green light. The work van driver said he had a green light. Then a witness said they saw I had a red. I got a ticket for disobeying a traffic signal-with damage.

Luckily I have a dash cam and after getting home I checked the footage and it clearly shows that I have a green light for several seconds before I go through the intersection and while I am going through it. It also shows the van hitting me.

My car was towed and as it’s a 2005 Toyota Corolla with minimum coverage I didn’t have insurance look at it but I decided to scrap it to pay for the tow since it was damaged pretty severely and I didn’t think it would be worth repairing.

Luckily I’m mostly okay, I’m still sore in the neck and back. The worst part was the emotional and mental trauma. I already have depression and anxiety so this made everything worse. I had a really hard time getting back in a car and being a passenger let alone a driver. I am making a lot of progress with that though. Today I made the hour commute to work okay. It was my first day back since the accident.

I did call and request a court date to fight the ticket. I want to use the footage as evidence to fight the ticket. I live in Michigan which is a no-fault state but I want to get out of the ticket and maintain my clean record.

Everyone I’ve talked to about it thinks I should also sue to help cover the cost of my replacement car. Especially since it was a businesses work van that hit me after running a red. I don’t know what I’m doing and don’t have a lot of money as a college student. I really want to get out of the ticket and the points that come with it, especially since I know that I had the green light. I did some research on line about suing them and am getting mixed results on what to do.

I could really use some guidance and advice with this Oppo. I would appreciate any help with this.

DISCUSSION (76)

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 19:37

Hey, I am an adjuster. While I can’t give you “legal advice” we can chat about it if you want.

Milky > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 19:37

I don’t know what to do but fuck. Hope it works out well for you, thats a shitty situation. Hope the dash cam helps.

Takuro Spirit > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 19:38

Sue. Find a decent “no fee unless you win” accident attorney, they’ll JUMP at the case especially if you have dashcam footage.

They’ll do most of the leg work for you, and you’ll get the car, medical bills, ticket, and more paid for since you were not at fault.

It may take some time but it’ll be worth it in the end, TRUST me.

Hell, they might even settle quickly out of court once you lawyer up and they find out you have footage.

bob and john > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 19:38

I think you need to talk to a legit lawyer. sounds like an open and shut case tbh.

Chariotoflove > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 19:40

I would say contact your insurance company, if you haven’t already. You’re supposed to report accidents to them anyway. They will have the resources to go after the other guy’s insurance. It’s their job. You shouldn’t have to sue on your own.

Captain of the Enterprise > Milky
05/02/2018 at 19:40

Thanks, I’m really glad I had it and that it captured it on video or I’d probably have no shot at fighting the ticket and points.

npc58501 > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 19:41

If I remember right if you have no collision insurance you can only sue for a maximum of 1000 USD. The same thing happened to my dad only there were no lying witnesses. You have dash cam footage. Talk with insurance or an attorney, if you were going through and the video showed a yellow, it’s illegal to run a yellow light in Michigan...but you had a green on the tape (taking your word for it). Fight it! You were the victim!

Captain of the Enterprise > bob and john
05/02/2018 at 19:41

Yeah, I need to try to find one I guess.

My X-type is too a real Jaguar > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 19:41

Find a Persponal Injury Lawyer they always meet you for free to begin with take the dash cam footage. I can’t imagine on not taking your case.

Captain of the Enterprise > Chariotoflove
05/02/2018 at 19:42

I don’t think they would help since I only had PLPD so I think I’m on my own with it.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 19:42

Try and reach out to Steve lehto. I think he retired from practicing but there’s nobody better to give advice than a dude whose been practicing law for decades in the state of michigan. He might be able to refer you to some people

Captain of the Enterprise > Takuro Spirit
05/02/2018 at 19:42

Thanks, I think I’m going to try to find a lawyer tomorrow.

Captain of the Enterprise > npc58501
05/02/2018 at 19:43

Thanks!

Captain of the Enterprise > My X-type is too a real Jaguar
05/02/2018 at 19:44

Thanks!

Captain of the Enterprise > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero
05/02/2018 at 19:45

I could try messaging him or something.

Milky > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 19:48

Because Michigan and our insurance I’m happy for you that you’ll at least get the points off.

Urambo Tauro > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 19:54

Man, a red light runner almost hit me this afternoon! I swear...

Your first paragraph had me going for a second there, but I was glad to read that you had a dashcam running. That right there should help a LOT. Especially against that witless statement (oh that pisses me off).

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 19:55

A lot of Oppos have given you the best answers already, but I just wanted to say that investing in a dash cam was an excellent decision!

HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 19:56

Rip Corolla. Those were some nice wheels. Best of luck to you, my ad had an accident back in 2015 and only now it’s been settled.

Captain of the Enterprise > Urambo Tauro
05/02/2018 at 19:56

Yeah it’s not cool. I would have taken all of the blame due to that witness.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 19:57

You pay them for multiple things. One of those things is their legal support.

Captain of the Enterprise > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
05/02/2018 at 19:58

Yeah I’m so glad I had it in the accident. It’s probably going to save my ass with the ticket.

Captain of the Enterprise > HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute
05/02/2018 at 19:59

Thanks!, I sanded them done and painted them two tone myself. I really liked how they looked on that car.

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 20:01

This is a prime situation for a consultation with an attorney who practices in the accident/personal injury arena. Most lawyers will do a consult with you for free, and many doing this kind of work will do it on a contingency basis (they get paid when you do, usually around 30%). It sounds like there may be a good likelihood of a favorable outcome for you, but expect the process to play out slowly. If you or your family/friends know any lawyers, it may not be a bad idea to reach out for a referral.

Captain of the Enterprise > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com
05/02/2018 at 20:02

My dad and stepmother used a lawyer when they bought their house who I was thinking about calling to see if he does auto accident or knows someone. I was thinking I would call tomorrow morning.

vondon302 > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 20:02

Call Sam !

Kinda kidding but if you got dash cam footage of a green light. Lawyer time!

Captain of the Enterprise > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
05/02/2018 at 20:04

Thanks, how much do you think it would have cost to repair based on the images? I think the car was only worth about $3000 and think it would have cost more than that to repair.

rillweid - Now with more TRD and less TDI > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 20:10

Check and see if your university offer legal services. Where I go we pay a fee and they will consult with your for free. Won’t run point on cases but it can be a good low risk place to start.

SteveLehto > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 20:16

I’m an attorney in MICH and long time Jalopponist. The ticket seems easy enough but the rest depends on some facts not in your narrative. Call my office tomorrow and I’ll talk all day (if necessary) for free. 248 546-6626.

Urambo Tauro > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 20:18

Yeah, it would have been your word against theirs. That footage oughta put them in their place.

(I just checked my dashcam, and it looks like my encounter didn’t get recorded after all. Damn. I neglected to push the “save” button when it happened, since I was so close to home that it shouldn’t have gotten overwritten. I guess I’ll have to go through the menu and see if the sensitivity setting got reset or something.)

Captain of the Enterprise > SteveLehto
05/02/2018 at 20:19

Thank you so much!!! I’ll definitely call tomorrow. My first name is Kyle for reference.

Spoon II > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 20:20

You’ve probably already done this, but make sure you back up that footage!

Captain of the Enterprise > SteveLehto
05/02/2018 at 20:20

I also took your number down in my phone so you can edit the last comment if you don’t want that out there.

Captain of the Enterprise > Urambo Tauro
05/02/2018 at 20:22

Yeah, I’m glad yours didn’t happen, I had a time in the past when the dash cam missed the footage too. I’m glad it worked this time.

Captain of the Enterprise > Spoon II
05/02/2018 at 20:23

That was one of the first things I did. I have it on my hard drive, my external hard drive and two separate google drives.

Spoon II > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 20:24

Awesome! That should do it!

Levitas > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 20:29

My girlfriend works for a personal injury law firm, Skupin and Lucas. They’d love to give you a free consultation. Here’s their office number, ask for Dave or Jess: 313-961-0425

Captain of the Enterprise > Levitas
05/02/2018 at 20:36

Thank you!!!

Chariotoflove > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 20:40

Okay, well it’s been years since I lived in Michigan, and I didn’t carry just basic coverage. Call them and ask what they will and will not do on your behalf.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 20:41

Wow that was really shitty on the part of the witness. I hope you are able to sort everything out! Take care! Welp corolla :|

I really need to get a dashcam...

Frenchlicker > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 20:46

Lehto has been around here forever and was once a Jalopnik writer. I don’t think he can get more out there than he already is.

AfromanGTO > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 20:50

Get a lawyer, and make copies of the video. Put it privately online in case your hard copy is destroyed.

jimz > SteveLehto
05/02/2018 at 20:51

tip of the hat to you, sir.

HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 20:59

I remember when you posted about them being put in the car. Can’t you bug them to get the wheels back? :(

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 21:13

If you are hesitant about finding a lawyer; you may have access to one through your school. They probably won’t “take the case” but can be great unbiased guidance and information

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 21:22

Sadly it is a total. Not even borderline. That being said, I strongly suggest you speak to a lawyer about this, you do deserve some comp.

merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 21:23

In Michigan you can file a mini tort to recoup $500, and it’s pretty painless, but sounds like you’ll be going for more via a personal injury attorney. Get the consults and go from there. That dash cam is going to pay for itself. And WTF kind of witness can’t tell green from red? Good luck.

dogisbadob > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 21:36

Steve Lehto might be able to help you

Spanfeller is a twat > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 21:44

Well, that seems like an unAPPEALing situation.

I wonder if the case could be reopened for review, not only for you to get out of that ticket but also to make sure the van pays for the damage.

Cash Rewards > SteveLehto
05/02/2018 at 21:45

You’re a good man, Steve.

NKato > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 22:10

First things first: fight the ticket, use the video evidence. That will make your civil case against the company stronger.

smobgirl > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 22:19

Yeah, I’m glad you’ve shared your example. When my car got slammed in the hailstorm last year I pretty much changed my mind about getting a dash cam but I think I’m going to push it up the list again. Value of the car is pretty low but value of my life and driving record aren’t.

Tapas > Captain of the Enterprise
05/02/2018 at 22:26

Didn’t read the post, just saw the pictures. All I know is the pole is at fault.

Hope you sue the lights out of it!

Update: Read the post. Ok a van makes more sense. I hope you feel better.

If you have the van driver’s insurance/license plate, you should try and find them and claim money from them. I’m sure you can find lawyers who can help you with that, for a piece of the money you get if you win.

Michael Woyahn > Captain of the Enterprise
05/03/2018 at 01:40

Ah, I’m really sorry to hear that! It looks like your Corolla took the impact very well and kept you safe, and that’s what matters. I’m glad to hear you’re getting back in the swing of things with driving too. Fingers crossed everything gets resolved quickly!

Captain of the Enterprise > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability
05/03/2018 at 08:21

Thank you! It hurts that the scrap company is going to take the cat and then crush the car.

Captain of the Enterprise > AfromanGTO
05/03/2018 at 08:22

Thanks for the advice. I’m calling Lehto later today. I also backed the video up to my hard drive, an external drive and two separate google drives.

Captain of the Enterprise > HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute
05/03/2018 at 08:24

No, I wasn’t allowed to work on the car in the tow yard and the scrap company wanted wheels on the car when they took it. They are the OEM wheels painted and they won’t fit on my newer Camry anyway. It would have been cool to mount one in the garage or something though.

Monkey B > Levitas
05/03/2018 at 08:25

this, lawyer up. And always get checked out immediately after an accident. If you wait and experience delayed issues insurance companies will have an out. My ex-wife got permanent hand damage in an accident, but since it wasn’t checked right away they got out of paying.

Captain of the Enterprise > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
05/03/2018 at 08:26

Thanks, I’m kinda glad it would definitely be totaled. It makes me feel better about scrapping it. As for the lawyer part Steve Lehto reached out and I’ll be calling him later today. He said he will talk to me today by phone for free.

Captain of the Enterprise > merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc
05/03/2018 at 08:28

Thanks, I saw the mini tort stuff. I’m going to call a lawyer today to talk by phone about it. I’m a little mad at the witness to be honest. Without the dash cam I would probably be getting the ticket, points and responsibility for something I didn’t do.

Captain of the Enterprise > dogisbadob
05/03/2018 at 08:28

He reached out last night to offer a free phone consultation. I’m going to call him later today.

Captain of the Enterprise > Spanfeller is a twat
05/03/2018 at 08:29

I thought about that. Since I have new evidence I wonder if that would change things.

Captain of the Enterprise > NKato
05/03/2018 at 08:30

Thanks! I think you’re right.

Captain of the Enterprise > smobgirl
05/03/2018 at 08:31

I have an Anker Roav C1.

Captain of the Enterprise > Michael Woyahn
05/03/2018 at 08:34

Thank you, the car did what it was supposed to do and I consider myself lucky to have gotten away without worse injury. That Corolla was a good car for me.

NKato > Captain of the Enterprise
05/03/2018 at 08:47

You also made the right call in scrapping the car — that’s a unibody, almost always more expensive to repair than a body-on-frame car.

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > Captain of the Enterprise
05/03/2018 at 09:04

Definitely talk to a lawyer. Generally speaking to a lawyer is free for a case like this. They make money from whatever they recover for you. I strongly suggest you talk to a lawyer. Your dashcam footage will go a long way. It can help with future medical costs you’ll run into also.

Please, seriously talk to a laywer. They’ll handle everything for you and you just need to coordinate signing papers with them. The process is a little long sometimes, but it’s worth it.

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > Captain of the Enterprise
05/03/2018 at 09:50

That’s a good idea. They may or may not be interested in your case, but they can probably point you to somebody who is.

Captain of the Enterprise > NKato
05/03/2018 at 09:52

Thanks! I knew it was pretty bad when the center console was hard to open because the seats had gotten closer together.

Captain of the Enterprise > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback
05/03/2018 at 09:53

I’m going to be calling one today for a free consultation.

Captain of the Enterprise > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com
05/03/2018 at 09:54

Yeah I think so too.

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > Captain of the Enterprise
05/03/2018 at 10:11

Remember they arent doing you a favor by providing you a free consultation, it’s actually the law.

AfromanGTO > Captain of the Enterprise
05/03/2018 at 11:36

Awesome! Good luck!

Captain of the Enterprise > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback
05/03/2018 at 11:50

Wow I didn’t know that.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Captain of the Enterprise
05/12/2018 at 16:07

Find Lento. He’s here somewhere. Detroit area laywer. Big OPPO guy

Captain of the Enterprise > OPPOsaurus WRX
05/12/2018 at 18:05

Already talked to him. He gave me a free consultation and we talked about options. First step is getting the ticket fixed.