Michigan Car Accident FAQs

After a car crash occurs, you should contact the police right away so an accident report can be filed. It is also important to get prompt medical attention even if you are not sure that you’ve been hurt. Some serious injuries are not immediately apparent. Also be sure to get the names and contact information for the other drivers, as well as of any witnesses at the scene. You may need medical information, witness statements and evidence from the accident scene to successfully make a claim for compensation against the at-fault driver, so the more information you collect at the scene, the better off you will be later.

Michigan is a no-fault auto insurance state. This means all drivers need to buy personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. This insurance covers medical costs and partial lost wages when a car accident happens. It doesn’t provide coverage for things like pain and suffering. If your injuries are serious, such as those that are very expensive to treat or those that cause permanent disability or disfigurement, then you could be able to make a claim against the driver who caused the accident in order to get that driver’s insurance company to cover your damages.

If you are making a claim against an at-fault driver who caused your accident, you should be able to obtain compensation for medical costs, lost income and wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress and other damages. If your family member was killed, you can make a wrongful death claim against the driver who caused the car accident and recover additional damages, including those for loss of companionship and lost financial support from the deceased.

An accident report from law enforcement, witness statements, photos from the scene of an accident, expert testimony from an accident reconstruction expert and a whole host of other evidence can be used to prove a car accident claim. An experienced Michigan auto accident lawyer can help you to gather all of the evidence necessary to prove your case.

Many car accident cases settle out of court. The insurance company for the driver who caused the accident may make an offer to pay a lump sum of money in exchange for your releasing the right to make a claim. Be sure to understand the impact of a settlement. If you settle, you cannot later change your mind and sue. You should always talk to an experienced Michigan car accident lawyer andmake sure you know the full extent of your injuries before you consider settling a car accident claim.

Your insurance company is not a legal advocate for your best interests. While the insurer cannot unreasonably deny a legitimate claim, it doesn’t have to make sure you get the maximum in compensation either from them or from the responsible party’s insurer. In fact, most insurance companies want to make car accident claims go away by paying as little as possible so they can protect their profits.

You should strongly consider hiring a car accident attorney after any auto accident where injury or death occurs. Your lawyer can deal with the insurance companies, build a case and gather evidence, and otherwise protect your legal rights.

A lawyer assists in a number of important ways. First and foremost, your lawyer makes sure you do not do anything to inadvertently compromise your ability to recover damages, such as admitting fault when you weren’t really responsible or settling a claim for far less than it is worth. Your lawyer can also help to negotiate the best settlement possible, and insurance companies may be more apt to offer a fair settlement if they know you’re serious about protecting your rights. If your case goes to court, then your lawyer will help you to prove your claim so you can get the compensation you deserve.

At Michigan Injury Lawyers you pay legal fees only if we win your case and help you to recover compensation.