A car accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. You might feel dazed, in shock, or panicked in the immediate aftermath of the crash. Feeling confused and unsure of your next steps is normal, particularly if you suffered serious injuries in the collision.
Protecting your health and your right to seek compensation for your injuries is crucial after a wreck, and it can start at the crash scene. Documenting the scene, getting medical attention, and seeking the help of a Michigan car accident attorney are just some of the steps you can take to protect your rights after a crash. Keep reading for more ways to preserve your ability to hold the other party liable for harm.
Call the Police
In Michigan, state law requires those involved in an accident to call law enforcement under certain circumstances. Per Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 257.622, motorists should make a report if:
- Someone is injured in the crash
- The car accident is fatal
- The property damage in the accident is $1,000 or more
Police reports can be valuable sources of information following a crash, and your lawyer can use this report to help support your claim. Details about fault, causes, witness statements, injuries and damage, and circumstances of the crash can play key roles in establishing liability and your losses.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Michigan is what’s considered a No-Fault insurance state. This means that a driver first turns to their own auto insurance company to get compensation after a collision through their Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy. If you do not make a timely report to your insurer, they could deny your claims for compensation. Without this paper trail, you may struggle to seek compensation for your losses.
Understanding Insurance Coverage After a Car Accident in Michigan
Your PIP policy covers your medical expenses up to the limit of your policy, lost wages up to a certain amount for up to three years, and some daily expenses. PIP benefits also offer survivor’s losses (death) benefits for those killed in the accident.
You do not need to prove fault to claim these benefits. In most cases, No-Fault insurance bars a driver from suing another motorist after a collision, even if the other driver is at fault for the crash.
If the victim suffers serious injuries according to Mich. Comp. Laws Ann § 500.3135, they may be eligible to receive compensation for pain and suffering, excess medical bills, lost wages, and other losses by filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. An auto accident attorney can determine whether you qualify to file a lawsuit after reviewing your case.
Document Everything at the Accident Scene
Photos and videos are valuable evidence in car accident cases. If you can, take pictures of:
- Damage to your vehicle
- Your injuries
- Skid marks on the road
- Traffic signs
- Hazards or obstructions and other road conditions
- Anything else you believe contributed to the accident
If possible, get contact information for witnesses so your lawyer can later collect witness statements, and make sure you get the insurance information of those involved in the accident. The more evidence you can collect, the better. However, do not put anyone at risk of harm to get these forms of evidence—personal safety is the most important factor after an accident.
PERSONAL INJURY DESERVES PERSONAL ATTENTION!
Call Us
Do Not Admit Fault
Apologizing is often our first instinct after an accident. But when it comes to motor vehicle crashes, saying you’re sorry might be interpreted as an admission of guilt. Check on other motorists to ensure their safety, but do not speculate about the cause of the accident or admit fault. Likewise, be polite to police officers but do not take responsibility for the crash. Any admission of fault could be used to deny or reduce your compensation.
If you are partially at fault, or if you are accused of being partially at fault, do not give up. You could still have a case because of Michigan’s modified comparative negligence laws, although the other driver can attempt to use these laws to unfairly reduce or deny your compensation. A Michigan personal injury lawyer who handles automobile accident cases can help you navigate these and other complex situations.
Get Medical Attention
See a doctor as soon as possible after a crash, even if you don’t have visible injuries. A physician can rule out signs of internal injuries that you may not feel yet. It can take time for symptoms of some trauma, such as whiplash or a concussion, to emerge.
Make an appointment with your doctor as soon as you feel any pain or notice worrisome symptoms. Your doctor will add the injuries to your medical record, which is essential evidence in a car accident claim.
Make sure you also follow your doctor’s recommendations and received continuous follow-up care. While immediate medical attention is crucial for your health and your case, if you do not focus on healing, your injuries can get worse. The at-fault party can use your actions to say you are not as injured as you claim.
Save Copies of Every Document
Make copies of your medical bills, invoices, receipts of accident-related expenses, and other documents demonstrating the losses you suffered from the crash. These can help your car accident attorney place an appropriate value on your case.
You should also keep a journal detailing your healing a recovery process, making sure to discuss the emotional and mental affects of the accident. No one knows better than you just how disruptive and distressing your injuries are on your daily life.
Learn What to Expect When Filing a Car Accident Claim
Putting together a car accident claim involves paperwork, investigations, gathering evidence, determining fault, meeting deadlines, and more. That’s a difficult undertaking for anyone recovering from a serious injury.
Hiring a lawyer takes the pressure off of you and helps you avoid common mistakes after a car accident. While you recuperate, your attorney can file the required documents, respond to requests, negotiate with the insurance company, advise you during settlement negotiations, and represent you in court if necessary.
Contact a Michigan Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Christensen Law is a personal injury law firm with offices throughout Michigan, and we’ve spent over 30 years helping people with accident injuries get the compensation they need. Our team is dedicated to giving victims a voice after their accident, and we’d like to see how we can help you protect your rights after a car accident.
If you’ve been hurt in a motor vehicle accident, our attorneys will go the distance in pursuit of the money you deserve. Call or contact us today for a free case review. You only have a limited time to file your lawsuit for a car accident, so do not delay.
