Levi KeswickWhen you are in a car accident, it is a traumatic experience. The shock of the impact, the fear of injury or death, and the chaos that follows can be overwhelming. In the aftermath of a car accident, it is important to remember to take care of yourself and your loved ones. It is also important to take steps to protect your legal rights.
Here are several important reasons why you should call a lawyer after a car accident in Michigan.
Help you navigate the legal system
If you have been in a car accident, you may be dealing with insurance companies, doctors, and other professionals who are unfamiliar to you. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and obligations under the law and can deal with the other parties on your behalf.
For instance, if you are dealing with an insurance company, a lawyer can help you understand the terms of your policy and make sure that you are getting the benefits you are entitled to. If you need to file a personal injury lawsuit, a lawyer can help you navigate the process.
On the other hand, if you are at fault for the accident, a lawyer can help you understand your rights and obligations under the law. Most Michigan car accident attorneys usually work on a contingency basis, which means they do not get paid unless you recover damages in your case. Also, consultation is your best option to understand what is your situation, what are the possible outcomes, and what is the best legal strategy for you.
Get the compensation you deserve
If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and other damages. However, insurance companies are often reluctant to pay fair compensation. Even if you pay for insurance coverage, the insurance company may try to low-ball you on your claim.
This is because insurance companies are in the business of making money, not paying out claims. They may try to deny your claim altogether or offer you a settlement that is far less than what you deserve.
Therefore, an experienced car accident lawyer will know how to negotiate with insurance companies to get you the compensation you deserve. If necessary, your lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf and take the case to trial.
Additionally, if the other driver was at fault for the accident, a lawyer can help you pursue a third-party claim against that driver. This type of claim is separate from any claim you may have with your own insurance company.
Deal with the other driver’s insurance company
If the other driver was at fault for the accident, you will likely need to deal with that driver’s insurance company. The other driver’s insurance company may try to contact you and get you to give a statement about the accident.
You should not give a statement to the other driver’s insurance company without first consulting with a lawyer. The insurance adjuster may try to use your statement against you to deny or minimize your claim.
Additionally, the other driver’s insurance company may try to low-ball you on your claim. They may offer you a quick settlement that is far less than what you deserve. Do not accept any settlement offer from the other driver’s insurance company without first consulting with your legal representative.
A lawyer can help you protect your rights
If you have been in a car accident, it is important to know that you have certain rights under the law. For instance, you have the right to receive medical treatment, the right to file a personal injury lawsuit, and the right to seek compensation for your damages.
Additionally, you have the right to consult with an attorney before giving a statement to your own, or another driver’s insurance company. Your lawyer can help you understand your rights and make sure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
No-Fault Insurance Law
All drivers in Michigan are required to have no-fault insurance coverage. This type of insurance coverage pays for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. However, there are limits to no-fault insurance coverage, and it does not cover pain and suffering or other non-economic damages.
However, you only have a certain amount of time to take legal action. This is known as the statute of limitations. In Michigan, the statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits is three years from the date of the accident. If you do not take legal action within this time frame, you will likely be barred from doing so.
The legal process can be confusing and intimidating. There are many deadlines, forms, and procedures that must be followed. If you try to handle your case on your own, you may miss an important deadline or fail to properly file a form, which could jeopardize your case.
A lawyer can investigate your accident
In many car accidents, there is more than meets the eye. An experienced lawyer will investigate your accident to look for evidence of negligence or other factors that may be used to prove your case. For instance, if a defective car part caused your accident, your lawyer can help you file a product liability claim against the manufacturer of that part.
Additionally, if the other driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident, your lawyer can help you file a dram shop claim against the bar or restaurant that served the driver alcohol. This is possible in case the driver was served alcohol even though he or she was already intoxicated or was clearly in the line of duty (like a delivery person or taxi driver).
If you have been involved in a car accident in Michigan, it is important to call a lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, investigate your accident, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Make sure to consult with a lawyer before giving any statements to insurance companies. Do not wait too long to take legal action, as there is a statute of limitations in Michigan for most personal injury lawsuits.
