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Anytime you’re injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you’ll likely have the opportunity to seek compensation from the responsible party. However, there are certain steps you should and should not take, as these steps can influence your ability to file a successful claim. Unfortunately, most people don’t know how to answer even the most basic questions around this topic such as, “What should I do if I sustain an injury in an accident?”, “What if I’m injured but don’t have insurance?”, or “Should I talk to the insurance adjuster?”
To speak with a personal injury attorney to answer these questions and more, reach out to us at Ratton Law Group PC in Detroit, Michigan. We’re here to help you move forward.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Michigan
Filing a personal injury claim in Michigan can be a long and complicated process, which is why you should always work with an attorney. You may also be able to get adequate compensation through an insurance claim, but this, too, is best done with legal help since insurance companies are notoriously tight-fisted when it comes to paying out damages. An experienced attorney can advocate on your behalf, help you collect documentation and evidence, and advise you through the whole process.
What To Do (And What To Avoid) After an Injury
- Do exchange information with the other driver. This should be done regardless of who was or wasn’t at fault and can help avoid claims of a hit and run later on.
- Do not tell everyone you know about your case. Only speak with your lawyer about the specifics of your case and especially don’t post details on social media. This can be used against you by the insurance company or other lawyers. Once it’s on the internet, you can never take it back.
- Do not think you have to immediately talk to the insurance adjuster. It’s not uncommon for an adjuster to contact you one or two days after an accident and ask you to record a statement. You do not have to do this. You can give them basic contact information for yourself, but you should never go into details about the accident until after you’ve been advised by your attorney.
- Do not accept the first deal the insurance company offers. Insurance adjusters are almost always overworked and they’re trying to close cases as fast as they can. To do this, they’ll often throw out a dollar amount right away hoping you’ll agree to it. However, it likely won’t account for all your future costs, like unforeseen medical expenses and time missed from work. This can only be determined after a thorough investigation has been completed and you’ve been evaluated by a medical professional.
- Do go to the doctor, even if you think your injuries are minor or if you’re uninsured or underinsured.
- Do contact an experienced personal injury attorney right away.
- Do not throw away any documents. Keep records of everything including police reports, medical bills, repair bills for property damage, as well as a log of how this is affecting your work and ability to earn a paycheck. These details of your daily life may prove important.
- Do write down the details of the incident as soon as possible. In the hours and days after an accident, it’s essential to write down everything you can remember leading up to the accident, from the accident itself, and following the accident while it’s still fresh in your head. As time passes, your memories of the incident will become weaker and less reliable. If you wait too long, your account may be questioned on its accuracy.
Compassionate Legal Assistance
You don’t need to go through this process alone. If you’re in the Detroit, Michigan area and would like to speak with an attorney about pursuing compensation after an accident, contact our team at Ratton Law Group PC.
