Whether you’re in an auto accident on U.S. Route 31, Grandview Parkway, Division Street, or another roadway in Traverse City, the outcome can be devastating. Not only will you be dealing with property loss, but also serious injuries that can have life-altering consequences.
With thousands of car crashes in the city every year, you need to know what to do if you’re involved in one. This article will provide a step-by-step guide to the actions you should take after a car accident in Traverse City, MI.
Step 1: Ensure Everyone Is Safe
Check yourself, your passengers, and others who were involved in the crash for injuries. Prioritize the safety of those who were in the accident. Assess everyone for injuries and get medical attention if you need it.
If you are able to move your vehicles, pull off the road to prevent further accidents. Secondary car crashes are a major problem on roadways, especially when there is a lot of traffic traveling at a high rate of speed.
Step 2: Call for Emergency Services
You should dial 911 immediately. In fact, Michigan law requires you to report all car accidents that involve injuries, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more. Even if the accident seems minor, you should call the police to protect yourself and your future insurance claim.
Be ready to provide information to the 911 operator. They will need to know the location of the accident, the number of people involved, and the nature of the injuries. You don’t have to know all the information they ask, but stay on the line until the police arrive.
Step 3: Exchange Information
Gather details about the other driver(s) involved in the car accidents. You should exchange the following information with other people who were driving vehicles:
Names
Contact information (phone numbers, email addresses)
Insurance information (company name, policy number)
Driver’s license numbers
License plate numbers
Make and model of the cars
Sometimes it’s easiest to take pictures of necessary documents such as insurance cards and driver’s licenses.
Step 4: Gather Evidence at the Scene
Document the accident scene if you are able. If you are injured and must go to the hospital immediately, ask someone else to assist you with this task. You should take photos and videos of the following:
Vehicle damage
Vehicle positions
Injuries
Road conditions
Traffic signs and signals
License plates
Witnesses
Nearby buildings (to check for camera footage later)
Traffic cameras
Street signs
Weather conditions
The more information you obtain at the scene of the accident, the easier it will be for your accident reconstruction expert to put together exactly what happened.
Step 5: Get Medical Treatment
Go to an emergency room or urgent care immediately after the accident. Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s important to see a doctor to assess for potential injuries that may not be visible. Some injuries, such as whiplash, can develop hours or days later.
Document your injuries over time. Keep detailed records of medical appointments, diagnoses, treatments, and expenses. Ensure your doctor takes careful notes about the progression of your injuries. This will be strong evidence to support your insurance claim.
Step 6: Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible about the accident. Be prepared to provide details about the crash. They will need the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as the other driver’s information.
Since Michigan is a no-fault state for auto accidents, your own insurance company’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) will pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related expenses. Your collision insurance may pay for your property damage to your car and other items that were lost in the crash.
Step 7: Consult a Traverse City Car Accident Lawyer
Car accidents can have a significant impact on your life. Your car may be damaged, and your injuries may render you unable to work for a while. In the worst cases, auto accidents can even lead to death – leaving your entire family reeling.
If you or a loved one is involved in a car accident in Traverse City, you should reach out to a personal injury lawyer who can offer trusted legal advice. You need someone who will take some of the stress off your shoulders and handle the legal matters on your behalf.
While your PIP insurance may cover some of your losses, you may still need to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering and excess expenses that your insurance did not handle. Your Traverse City auto accident attorney can help you hold the at-fault driver accountable for their negligence and get you the compensation you deserve.
Other Tips After a Car Accident
There are certain steps you can take to protect your rights and interests after a car accident in Traverse City.
Avoid Social Media Posts
You may be confused after a car accident. The situation can be difficult to navigate, and reaching out to friends and family is understandable. However, you should avoid posting about the accident on social media, as it could be used by insurance companies or the other party’s lawyer.
Don’t Admit Fault
No matter what happened or how confusing the situation is, don’t admit fault at the scene of the accident. Avoid apologizing or getting into an argument that involves finger pointing. Let the police officer make any decisions about negligence or violations of the law. Anything said at the scene of the accident could be used against you in a legal claim.
Keep Detailed Records
You should keep a notebook that records all information about your accident. That should include medical bills, repair costs, lost wages, and other expenses. All medical records and communications related to the accident should be saved in a binder as well.
Keep a Post-Accident Journal
A Post-Accident Journal should detail how your injuries affect your everyday life so that when you claim pain and suffering, the insurance company has a clear idea of your damages. It should include modifications you’ve made to your daily life and how others must help you with accommodations.
Contact MichiganLawsuit.com After a Car Accident
Car accidents are difficult to manage, so you shouldn’t do it alone. The Traverse City car accident lawyers at MichiganLawsuit.com will stand by your side and protect your rights through the Michigan legal system.
Call us today to speak with a lead attorney about your options after a crash in Traverse City or throughout Michigan. We area ready to answer your questions.
Comments