5 Things to Do Immediately After an Automobile Accident (and 5 Things You Should Never Do)
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Anyone who has been involved in a serious automobile accident knows what a traumatic and overwhelming experience it can be. In addition to dealing with painful injuries, most people feel dazed and disoriented immediately after a crash. What you do in those first moments after an accident can have a lasting impact. If you say the wrong thing or miss an important filing deadline, you risk losing valuable insurance benefits and compensation.
Having a car accident attorney on your side after an accident can make a big difference to your case. Here are the most important things you should do (and not do) after an auto accident.
Do You Have a Case?WHAT TO DO RIGHT AFTER AN ACCIDENT
- Call 911 if anyone is hurt, then call the police. Stay at or near the scene. If your car can be driven and it is safe, move it out of the traffic flow, close to the crash. Put on your emergency flashers and wait until police arrive. Moving a short distance for safety is not the same as leaving the scene. Even if no one appears injured, a police report can help with insurance claims later.
- Document the scene, including pictures of all involved vehicles. Photograph damaged areas of your car and the other vehicle or vehicles, nearby street signs and intersections, and any other details that may help explain how the crash happened. Ask someone else to take photos if you cannot.
- Get contact information for drivers, passengers and witnesses. Collect full names, phone numbers, addresses, email addresses, license plate numbers and insurance information while you are still at the scene.
- Seek medical care as soon as possible. Even if you did not need an ambulance, some injuries do not show up right away, especially if adrenaline is masking the pain. Tell medical staff about all of your injuries, including those that seem minor. If you hit your head or lost consciousness, make sure that is noted in your records.
- Contact a lawyer who specializes in automobile accidents. Michigan has strict deadlines. Under MCL 500.3145, you generally must give the insurer written notice of injury within one year of the crash to preserve a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claim. An experienced Michigan car accident attorney can help you meet those requirements and pursue benefits for medical bills, lost wages and other expenses.
WHAT NOT TO DO AFTER AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT
- Don’t leave the scene of the accident. It is against Michigan law to leave a crash involving injury or death, and MCL 257.618 also requires drivers to stop when there is property damage. After you have called for help, stay in or near your vehicle until help arrives.
- Don’t admit fault or talk about how the accident happened with the other drivers. If you talk to the other driver or their passengers, limit the conversation to exchanging information. Do not admit fault, even if you think you caused the accident.
- Don’t discuss your injuries or those of your passengers. Most people cannot accurately assess their injuries immediately after a crash. If asked whether you are hurt, say you will have to see a doctor. Never say you are fine, as some conditions take days, weeks or even months to become apparent.
- Don’t talk to an insurance adjuster about your injuries or fault before you speak with a lawyer. Notify your insurer that a crash occurred, but do not discuss the details of your case or sign papers without legal advice. This includes paperwork from your own insurance company as well as the other driver’s insurer. A car accident lawyer can help you avoid a premature or inadequate settlement.
- Don’t miss medical appointments or ignore your doctor’s advice. If you file a claim or lawsuit, your medical records may become evidence. Skipping treatment can be used against you. If you are asked to submit to an “independent medical examination” (IME), contact your accident lawyer before responding.
LET US WIN THE COMPENSATION YOU DESERVE
If you or a loved one is injured in a car accident, we can help. Our experienced legal team knows what it takes to pursue your case, and we have the expertise and resources to seek the compensation you deserve.
Michigan’s automobile accident law is complicated, but finding the right lawyer is simple.
To get your case started, fill out the brief form below or contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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