Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be confusing. What should you do? Who do you turn to? How can you seek compensation for your injuries and damages? Can you even do that?
All these questions running through your head can further complicate your situation and make it difficult for you to make clear-headed decisions. This article will answer all your questions and help you understand your rights following an auto accident in Gaylord, MI.
Our experienced attorneys at Michigan Lawsuit can also help you navigate auto accidents in Gaylord, MI. Contact us now to book your case consultation.
Steps for Dealing With Insurance Claims After an Auto Accident
Dealing with car accidents in Michigan can be a frustrating and overwhelming experience, especially when it comes to navigating the aftermath. From seeking medical treatment for injuries to dealing with property damage, there are a lot of things to handle after an auto accident.
Here’s your quick guide for navigating Gaylord, MI, auto accident insurance claims.
Seek Emergency Medical Help
Seeking medical help is critical following car accidents. Some of the most common car accident injuries include head injuries, whiplash, and broken bones. These severe injuries could result in long-term complications or debilitation if not treated promptly.
Even if you don’t feel any immediate pain or discomfort, it is always best to get checked by a medical professional. Some car accident injuries don’t always appear immediately, and early diagnosis and treatment can prevent potential complications.
When you contact 911, the operator may also send the police to the accident scene, especially if you or someone else involved has severe injuries. It’s essential to have a police report as it can serve as evidence for your insurance claim.
Your police report and medical records are substantial documents to have when filing an insurance claim. These documents could also help support your case if you choose to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Gather Evidence
If you’re not severely injured after the accident and you can still move around, the next best thing to do while waiting for the authorities to arrive is to gather evidence.
Take photos of your injuries, the damage to your vehicle, and any other relevant details that could help with your insurance claim. It’s also essential to collect information from everyone involved in the accident, including their names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance company and policy information.
Additionally, if there were any witnesses to the accident, it’s essential to gather their contact information. Witness statements and testimonies could be vital in supporting your insurance claim.
When gathering evidence, avoid discussing the details of the accident with anyone involved. Stick to getting the necessary information and leave the discussions for when you speak with your insurance company or attorney. You must also not apologize or admit fault, as this could potentially harm your case.
Notify Your Insurer
Michigan is one of the few no-fault states, so you’ll file your auto accident insurance claim with your own insurance company, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. It’s essential to notify your insurer about the accident immediately.
When speaking with your insurer, stick to the facts and avoid speculating or admitting fault. Stick to discussing the details you’ve gathered and any necessary information, such as police reports and medical records.
Your insurance company will investigate the accident and determine the coverage you’re entitled to receive based on your policy. Reviewing your policy and understanding your coverage before speaking with your insurer is crucial as this could help you negotiate a fair settlement.
Because of the state’s no-fault insurance nature, purchasing a personal injury protection (PIP) policy is mandatory in Michigan. PIP coverage helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and related costs after an auto accident.
Claiming for Damages
Stepping outside Michigan’s no-fault insurance system is possible but tricky. It’s important to understand that your PIP policy will only cover economic damages when claiming compensation for your auto accident. These damages include medical expenses and lost wages.
To claim non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, you must prove that you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury with life-long consequences. Some examples of this case would be if you sustained a severe brain or spinal cord injury, resulting in permanent impairment or disability.
Another way to pursue legal action against the at-fault driver is if they’re more than 50% liable for the accident. If the accident isn’t covered under your PIP policy, such as a hit-and-run, or the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, you can also file a lawsuit against them.
In these situations, seeking legal advice from our experienced personal injury attorneys at Michigan Lawsuit is crucial. Our seasoned attorneys can help protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages.
The Importance of Gathering Evidence and Seeking Legal Advice
Gathering the proper evidence after an accident is critical for numerous reasons. For one, evidence is needed to establish facts and accurately determine the cause of the accident.
Evidence can also strengthen your insurance claim or support a legal case. Here are some reasons why it’s always best to gather evidence and seek legal advice after an auto accident.
Establishes Accident Facts
Visual evidence, such as CCTV and dashcam footage or photos of the accident scene, can help establish what happened during the accident. Witness testimonies and statements can also provide crucial details about the events leading up to the accident.
Evidence is essential, especially when dealing with insurance companies or filing a personal injury lawsuit, and can help prevent disputes over fault and ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages.
Supports Your Claim
In addition to establishing facts, evidence can also support your insurance claim or legal case. Medical records and police reports are essential documents that show proof of injury and damage sustained during the accident.
You can also use eyewitness accounts and photos of injuries or vehicle damage as supporting evidence. This additional information can help strengthen your case, ensuring you receive appropriate compensation.
Determine Liability
Michigan road accidents are often complex, and it can be challenging to determine who is at fault. However, with evidence gathered from the scene, insurance companies or courts can properly assess liability.
Concrete proof of what happened during the accident can help avoid disputes and ensure the responsible party is held accountable for their actions. This proof also helps prevent situations where the other party may blame you for an accident you didn’t cause.
Accurate Estimation of Damages
As mentioned earlier, there’s a way to overrule the no-fault system in Michigan and pursue a legal case for non-economic and excessive damages. In these situations, evidence is crucial to determine the value of your damages accurately.
For example, medical records can help calculate the cost of medical treatment you’ve received due to injuries sustained in the accident. You can also use photos of vehicle damage to estimate repair costs or vehicle replacement value.
Evidence To Collect in an Accident
After an accident, it’s normal to feel confused and overwhelmed, but staying calm and collected is vital to gather the necessary evidence. Here are some crucial pieces of evidence you should obtain at the scene of an accident.
Take photos of the accident scene, vehicles involved, injuries sustained, and other relevant details.
Get contact information from anyone who witnessed the accident.
Contact the police and request a report of the accident.
Keep track of all the medical documents, doctor’s notes, and treatment records.
Keep a record of any expenses related to the accident, such as vehicle repairs or rental costs.
Get ahold of the other driver’s insurance information and contact details.
Gaylord Resources for Accident Victims
There are numerous Gaylord legal support resources available for those who have been involved in an auto accident. Here are some helpful resources that can provide valuable information and assistance after an accident:
You can always contact our local auto accident lawyers at Michigan Lawsuit for help if you’re looking into filing a case. We’ll take care of all the groundwork so you can focus on recovering from your injuries and rebuilding your life.
Protect Your Rights in a Car Accident
Car accidents could have dire consequences, both physically and financially, which is why it’s crucial to understand your rights and seek appropriate legal advice after an accident.
Our experienced attorneys at Michiganlawsuit.com can help you navigate the state’s complex legal system, gather evidence, and build a strong case to protect your rights and secure fair compensation. Schedule your consultation with our team today.