Navigating the aftermath of a car crash can be overwhelming, both emotionally and logistically. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a more severe collision, there are crucial steps to ensure your safety and safeguard your rights.
Immediate Steps Following the Accident
Knowing the right actions to take in the hectic moments following a car accident is critical. Prioritize your safety and that of your passengers, seek assistance, and collect essential details about the incident and those involved.
Determine Whether Anyone is Hurt
Right after the crash, check yourself for injuries. Then, check on every passenger and ask how they’re feeling. Call 911 to inform them about the incident and ask for medical assistance. Be prepared to provide details about where the accident happened, the number of people affected, and the injuries sustained.
Even if injuries seem minor, shock can mask pain and symptoms. Allow emergency professionals to provide necessary medical treatment at the scene and follow any recommendations for further care.
Get Yourself and Your Vehicle Out of Danger
If it is possible to do so without causing further damage or injury, attempt to move your vehicle to a safer spot away from traffic, like a nearby shoulder or parking area. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers, especially in low visibility conditions.
If you cannot move the vehicle, remain inside with your seatbelt and hazard lights on and wait for professional assistance.
Contact the Police
In Michigan, you must report an accident causing injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Their presence ensures that an official report is documented, which is essential for later insurance and legal procedures.
Cooperate fully and provide all the necessary details to the responding police officer, but be wary of making statements that might unintentionally imply fault.
Collect Important Information
Once you’re sure everyone is safe, exchange contact information with the other driver. This includes names, phone numbers, addresses, insurance details, and vehicle descriptions.
Identify any witnesses and ask for their contact information as well. Their accounts may be vital for upcoming insurance claims or legal proceedings.
Document the Scene
If conditions permit, snap photos of the accident scene and its surroundings. Document vehicle damage, nearby traffic signs and lights, the weather, road markings, and tire skid marks.
The more documentation you have, the better equipped you’ll be in any subsequent discussions or claims. You should also jot down or record a quick account of what happened while it’s fresh in your memory.
Avoid Roadside Discussions About Responsibility
While it’s human nature to discuss the incident, avoid debating who’s at fault at the scene. Emotions can be heightened, leading to statements that might not be in your best interest. It’s the job of insurance adjusters and law enforcement to determine fault based on evidence and accounts.
Speak with a Michigan car crash lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. We can offer guidance in these crucial early stages, ensuring your rights are safeguarded for potential insurance claims or a personal injury lawsuit.
Call a Tow Truck if Needed
If your vehicle seems unsafe to drive, call for professional towing. Before doing so, ensure you know where your vehicle will be taken and that the police are finished with their investigation of the crash scene.
Remember to retrieve essential items from your car, such as identification, valuables, or important documents.
Contact an Attorney
Contact a reputable law firm for a free consultation as soon as possible after the accident. Our attorneys at Fieger Law can guide you through your legal options and begin investigating your case.
Seeking legal advice early on ensures you know your rights and duties concerning a car accident in Michigan. Our attorneys can shield you from potential tactics to reduce or deny your claim with the other party’s insurance and assist you in pursuing maximum compensation.
Call your Insurance Company
Under your attorney’s direction, inform your insurance company of the accident. Legal support helps ensure you communicate the right details to your insurer without compromising your claim.
Collaborate with your attorney to start an insurance claim with the relevant provider. Depending on the specifics of your case, this might involve filing for benefits through personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, a third-party claim with the responsible driver’s insurer, or tapping into your uninsured motorist coverage.
Protect Your Rights After a Crash with Fieger Law
A car accident can leave you with a whirlwind of questions and concerns. From medical decisions to insurance procedures, having the right legal representation is crucial to protecting your rights and well-being.
Fieger Law’s attorneys have the experience to guide you through the aftermath of a car collision. We can provide step-by-step guidance on gathering evidence, filing insurance claims, and understanding your options for a settlement.
If you’re seeking skilled legal representation and support after a car accident, contact us today for a free consultation and start your path to compensation.