If you are injured in a car accident in Michigan, you are going to want the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering. Of course, the most important step is to first enlist the services of an experienced car accident attorney.
A lawyer can assess the extent of your injuries and damages and then skillfully negotiate with insurance companies. He or she can also assist in collecting and maintaining evidence to support your claim while handling all the legal aspects of your case. Finally, if your case results in litigation, an attorney experienced in this area will be essential.
So what are the other critical steps to take after a car accident? We will take a look.
The Five Most Important Steps to Take After Being Injured in a Car Accident
It is important to note every accident is unique. Depending on the specifics of your accident, your case may require different legal actions. This is another reason you want to be in communication with a qualified car accident attorney.
There are, however, five steps you will definitely want to take in the event you are injured in a car accident.
-
Seek Medical Attention
First and foremost, if you are injured in a car accident, you need to seek immediate medical attention. Even if you do not believe your injury is serious. Not all car accident injuries are apparent. And if you have sustained internal bleeding, whiplash, or damage to your soft tissues, you will want to have an official record of this.
This documentation is essential when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action. It provides objective evidence that links your injuries to the accident. Being able to demonstrate the negative ways the injuries have impacted you (i.e. forced time off from work, costly medical treatments, inability to perform recreational activities, etc.) will further substantiate your compensation claim, as the court will take these into serious consideration.
-
Speak with Other Driver(s) and Witnesses
For any other drivers in the accident, you must collect contact and insurance information. Be sure that information includes names, phone numbers, license numbers, e-mail addresses, and insurance details.
If any other driver involved refuses to share this information, do not attempt to get it from them. Simply notify the police so they can obtain these details or start an investigation should the other driver leave the scene.
You will also want to speak with anyone who witnessed the accident. This includes pedestrians, passengers, or any other drivers who passed by the accident but were not involved. Either take notes or (with their permission) record their statements. If a witness is not comfortable giving a statement but willing to be later interviewed by an attorney, just ask for their contact information.
-
Get Video Documentation of the Accident Scene
Much like medical records, providing photos or videos at the accident site will also provide a fuller picture. Be sure to visually document the accident from many different directions and angles to capture every relevant detail. You will want to get photos/video of license plate numbers, obvious hazards, and injuries suffered.
In addition, get a shot of any skid marks on the road so that your car accident attorney can provide them to an accident reconstruction expert to help them determine the cause of the accident.
-
File A Police Report
Law enforcement officers at the scene will collect as much information about the accident as possible. This includes interviewing any driver involved in the accident and asking various questions about the location of the accident and the events leading up to it.
When you speak to the police, it’s important to stick with the facts and stay cool. Avoid showing emotion and definitely do NOT admit fault. Be sure to get the officers’ badge numbers and contact info to provide to your car accident attorney.
-
Do NOT Get Sucked in by Insurance Adjusters
Once you’ve brought your car accident lawyer into the fold, you do not need to speak to an insurance adjuster. Your attorney will take care of that.
This is important because insurance adjusters are notorious for calling victims within days of an accident and expressing concern for your injury. While they may sound friendly enough, it is their hope that you will accept their low-ball settlement offer which won’t be nearly enough to cover all your losses. In addition, they may attempt to get you to say something that could damage your claim.
So just politely decline to speak with them and refer them to your lawyer.
Do Not Hesitate to Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
Armed with this knowledge of crucial steps to take after being injured in a car accident, your car accident attorney will be fully prepared to fight on your behalf for the justice you deserve.
The experienced attorneys at Femminineo Law are ready to help you.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Or, if you prefer, you can reach us anytime at 855.65.CRASH or by visiting getdavidgetpaid.com.
