- May 28, 2014
Being injured in a Michigan car accident can be frightening enough, and the outcome of a possible lawsuit is probably the last thing on a victims’ mind. However once the initial shock of the incident settles down, for many auto injury victims their life forever changes both personally and financially.For victims injured in a Michigan car accident it is important that they know from the get go what they should and what they should not do in case they do decide to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. Under Michigan law, a person may be entitled to compensation for their pain and suffering, as well as entitlement of no-fault benefits that can include payment of lost wages, medical bills, attendant care and more.
However, there are several common mistakes that people make that jeopardize their right to full compensation in a Michigan auto accident case.
To ensure you and your family get full entitlement to the compensation you deserve for your injuries, the law firm of Goodman Acker P.C. has created a list of the seven most common mistakes you can make that could ruin your car accident claim. These mistakes include:
Not seeking prompt medical attention.
Seeking medical attention immediately after the accident is not only important for your health but also if you decide to pursue a Michigan lawsuit. This is because the negligent party who caused the accident or insurance company may claim you were never really hurt or injured in the accident and that your injuries were caused elsewhere. Going to the doctor immediately after the accident can prevent such claims and act as evidence that your injuries were directly related to the Michigan car accident.
Not taking photos or documenting what happened at the scene of the accident.
Documentation is one of the key pieces of evidence that can help your claim and prove certain details of the incident. Photos of both your injuries and car damage should be taken. In addition, depending on your injuries, photos of your progress or anytime you have surgery is also a great tool to show a jury or an insurance adjuster just how difficult things have been following the auto accident. This also includes getting all witnesses name and contact information and gathering as much information from them at that time.
Not contacting an attorney as soon as possible.
Depending on how serious your injuries are will determine whether or not an attorney should be involved. If serious injuries are a result of an accident, legal representation is crucial to protecting your rights and ensuring you will receive full compensation for your injuries. A qualified car accident attorney will have the knowledge and expertise to handle the insurance company, guide you through the entire process, and help you recover maximum compensation.
Applying too late and incorrectly for your Michigan no-fault benefits.
There is a one year statute of limitations in Michigan to apply for no-fault benefits. If you do not apply within one year, you will not be able to recover these benefits. In addition, applying for benefits can be quite confusing and they need to be submitted correctly to ensure that you will receive them. At the law firm of Goodman Acker P.C., our Michigan auto accident attorneys have significant experience in helping clients submit their forms so that they receive full compensation. These benefits are typically paid by the car accident victim's own auto insurance carrier and covers important benefits such as wage loss, medical bills, attendant care and more.
Using social media.
Due to the fact that social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter have become so popular, insurance adjusters will now look at this public information to confirm or disapprove the severity of your injuries. Victims need to be careful when they post and share photos as the insurance company may use that against you to claim that you are not as injured as you claim. The best recommendation is to stop using all social media sites until the conclusion of your case.
Talking to the insurance company or signing anything without the advice of an attorney.
After involvement in a car accident, you will find that the insurance company will try to contact you. Do not talk about your case or sign anything with them. If an adjuster wants to ask about your case or have you sign something, have them call your auto accident attorney. Talking to them or signing something could inadvertently put your case at risk especially when it comes to dealing with the other driver's insurance company.
Not making a police report.
It is important that you call the police to report the accident. This accident report is key in a car accident claim and can be used to prove how the incident occurred. This is particularly important in cases where negligent party tries to claim they were not at fault or tells a different story of how the accident happens.
At the law firm of Goodman Acker P.C., our Michigan auto accident attorneys specialize in helping victims injured in an automobile crash. It is very important that if you or someone you care about is hurt that they contact our law firm immediately to discuss their rights. We will be able to advise you on your legal rights and determine if having a lawyer represent you is in your best interest. Call our top-rated law firm today at (248) 286-8100 to speak to one of our experienced auto accident lawyers. We offer a free, no-obligation case review and represent our clients on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no legal fees whatsoever if you do not recover a settlement or recovery in your case. Call today to learn your rights!