Getting into a car accident can be quite a cumbersome experience, and it’s something everyone tries to avoid. Car accident victims are often left with expenses, injuries, medical bills, and dealing with insurance companies.
If you were injured in a car accident, you are entitled to compensation. The thought of hiring an attorney is not considered by some car accident victims, and they may end up not getting the compensation they deserve. Also, due to the complexity of Michigan’s accident laws and dealing with insurance, it’s best to have a lawyer to make the process easy.
Contact A Lawyer As Soon As You Can
Once an accident happens, it’s essential to call a Michigan auto accident lawyer immediately to ensure they collect necessary evidence that will help build a strong case. Under Michigan law, the deadline to file for a personal injury claim is 3 years after the accident date. However, you should know that the faster you call, the faster a lawyer can file a lawsuit, and the sooner you will get compensation for the financial expenses the accident may have caused.
Also, a delay in getting a lawyer to investigate the accident may lead to the destruction of evidence and affect your ability to receive a settlement. That’s why it’s important to call an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as you can. Also, know that calling a lawyer is not the same as filing a lawsuit.
Who Should I Call First? A Lawyer or Insurance?
One thing about insurance companies is that they are mostly out there for profit, and it’s not uncommon to see them minimize a car accident situation or even dismiss the car accident claim. Sometimes, accident victims without lawyers are often pressured into signing a settlement too quickly, and usually, they end up with an amount far lesser than what’s needed. Also, insurance companies have a legal team, and having a lawyer who can fight for you is the best way to get the compensation you deserve.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
We recommend you follow these steps immediately after a car accident:
· Contact 911:
Contacting 911 to report an accident will help you alert police and medical emergency services. The police will document the accident and investigate the scene. Medical services will ensure you get immediate medical treatment and record any injury sustained.
· Gather Evidence
Luckily, with smartphones, it’s now easy to gather car accident evidence. Try to get as much information as possible recorded on your phone, including license plates, the extent of car damage and injuries, traffic patterns, and other things that can help your lawyer understand the scene and file a claim. Also, it’s recommended to get the information from eyewitnesses and, if possible, exchange contact details with the eyewitnesses and driver involved.
· Contact a Lawyer
As said earlier, insurance companies are always looking to reduce their liabilities, and many victims often end up signing a low settlement. This is usually far less than the financial expenses needed to recover. Therefore, you should contact an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as you can to start building your case. Also, make sure you do not admit fault or sign any documents that aren’t from police or insurance without calling a lawyer first.
