Car accidents in Michigan can cause debilitating injuries that result in severe pain and suffering for victims. Often, injured crash victims require immediate and ongoing medical attention that can be expensive, exhausting, and time-consuming. Usually, auto collisions occur due to the negligent actions of other drivers. If you were recently hurt in an accident, you may be able to recover financial compensation with the help of a Michigan car accident lawyer. This can help you pay for your medical bills, time off work, and other expenses that have resulted from your injuries.
A skilled attorney will be able to identify the responsible party and pursue them for compensation. They can file your claim for you and negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement that will cover your expenses and compensate you for your suffering. Car accident lawyers like the ones at Christopher Trainor and Associates understand the immense challenges that you may be dealing with concerning your recent accident.
Also, in the state of Michigan, if you were hurt in a car crash, have the right to gather No-Fault PIP (Personal Injury Protection) benefits that can help you with medical bills and lost wages if you are unable to work. This is funding you can access regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, The Michigan Supreme Court has ruled that insurance adjusters do not have to inform claimants of their legal right to collect no-fault PIP benefits. They may even attempt to deny your claim without justification. However, with a skilled Michigan car crash attorney on your side, you will be protected from the underhanded tactics of insurance companies.
You should never rely on your insurance company to inform you of all of the benefits you may be entitled to. This is one reason why it is always in your best interest to hire an attorney after you are injured in an accident in Michigan. A lawyer can inform you of all you need to know about what compensation you may be entitled to and important deadlines and requirements that need to be met for you to receive that compensation.
Though all of this happens between you and your own insurance company, you also have the right to collect financial compensation for your injuries and other damages from the negligent party who caused your crash, which will be easier to do if they had insurance coverage as well. An attorney will be able to get you the maximum compensation available for your injuries and losses by pursuing all possible avenues, including your own coverage and the at-fault driver’s.
Do You Have a Personal Injury Claim?
Even though it may seem obvious that you are dealing with a lot of pain and suffering after your accident, proving that you have a valid claim for personal injury compensation is not always simple. In Michigan, the law has several requirements that must be fulfilled for you to succeed. An attorney will help you prove these elements so that you can get the financial compensation you need and deserve after your accident. Some of these requirements include establishing that the at-fault driver breached their duty of care as a responsible driver, that this breach of duty is what caused your accident, that the accident caused you injuries, and that you can prove your losses and damages.
Relying on the insurance company to compensate you fully for your losses and damages will usually end with you not receiving the full or fair amount of compensation you are owed, or, worse, you will not receive any at all. Often, insurance companies will fight you for every cent you are rightfully owed in an attempt to provide you with as little compensation as possible after your crash.
When Should You Hire an Accident Attorney in Michigan?
When any of the following circumstances describe your situation, you should seek the advice of a lawyer after a car crash in Michigan:
- You have questions concerning your legal rights or what to do following your crash
- You have sustained any type of injury
- The car insurance company is not treating you fairly
- You are not getting the medical attention you need to recover
You should also strongly consider hiring a lawyer following a car crash if your wreck resulted in serious personal injuries, or you lost a loved one in a wreck. An attorney can help you file a personal injury claim so you can be financially compensated for the damages that may have been imposed upon you due to your recent accident. Some of these damages include:
- Medical care costs
- Lost wages
- Vehicle repair bills
- Property damage
- Pain
- Suffering
- Emotional turmoil
- Loss of enjoyment of life
It is also vital to remember that some severe injuries, like traumatic brain injuries, are not always apparent right away, and can take days, weeks, or longer to make themselves known. Spinal cord injuries, such as herniated or ruptured discs, may also seem insignificant or minor at first, but can eventually cause a significant disruption to your life. Unfortunately, the list of severe, life-altering injuries that seem minor at first is quite long. A lawyer can help ensure that you can get the correct medical care for your specific injuries.
You may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim, which is similar to a personal injury claim, if you lost a loved one in a traumatic car accident. In the state of Michigan, only the person appointed by a judge to be the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate has the right to file the claim. This could be a child, parent, spouse, or someone else.
Hiring an attorney can be extremely beneficial to you and your loved ones. It may, in fact, be the only way for you to avoid financial fallout after being in a serious accident or losing a loved one to such a situation. Though no one loves the idea of filing a lawsuit, it can be the difference between being able to afford your expenses and get the medical care you need versus suffering needlessly because you don’t have the financial resources to progress.
Remember that if you are ever asked to sign a release for any reason, don’t do it until you review your case with a lawyer. You could inadvertently sign a document that would eliminate your right to seek full financial compensation.
It is a smart move to protect yourself and your loved ones with the help of a Michigan car crash attorney who knows how to deal with insurance companies effectively and will steer you clear of any missteps that could cost you your future.
