Res ipsa loquitur, a Latin phrase meaning “the thing speaks for itself,” is a legal doctrine in Michigan that allows an inference of negligence in certain auto accident cases where the circumstances suggest the defendant’s negligence caused the plaintiff’s injury. For instance, if a rear-end collision occurs and the lead driver did not make an abrupt stop, res ipsa loquitur may apply, potentially shifting the burden of proof to the rear driver. This doctrine can benefit clients pursuing claims related to hit-and-run incidents, drunk driving accidents, or rollover crashes caused by a vehicle defect. However, res ipsa loquitur has specific requirements under Michigan law, such as the accident being one that does not ordinarily occur without negligence. The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm’s experienced auto accident attorneys can evaluate if this doctrine applies to your no-fault insurance claim and develop a strategy to recover the maximum compensation you deserve.
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