Any time you’re injured in an auto accident through no fault of your own, you deserve to be compensated for the resulting medical expenses.
Contacting a vehicle accident lawyer as soon as possible after a crash can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process. An experienced attorney can also help you negotiate for the maximum compensation to which you are entitled.
Reach out to the auto accident attorneys at Fieger Law as soon as possible after a vehicle collision to learn your legal options and start your case.
How Long After a Car Accident Can You File an Injury Claim in Michigan?
You should file an injury claim as soon as possible after your car crash. You have a limited amount of time to file a compensation claim. Waiting for weeks or months after an accident can result in losing out on a settlement.
You can get started on your case by contacting Fieger Law immediately after a collision. We will begin collecting time-sensitive evidence, such as witness statements and camera footage, and help you file within the allotted time from the state.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Southfield
The steps you take after a car accident in Southfield can affect your ability to collect compensation for your injuries. Taking the following steps can help you maximize your chances of a fair settlement:
- Check Yourself and Your Passengers for Injuries and Get to Safety
If anyone has suffered severe injuries, contact 911 and get emergency medical help. Seeking medical attention ensures injured parties receive appropriate treatment and provides tangible evidence of the severity of your injuries and how and when they were received.
If possible, move your car to the side of the road to avoid further injury from nearby traffic that may not see you or stop. If you cannot move your car, turn on your hazard lights and stay in your vehicle.
- Call the Police
Call the police and tell them you have been in an accident. The police will create a report detailing the accident, including time, location, weather conditions, and witness statements. You and your legal team can obtain a copy of the report and use it to file an insurance claim. If the officer questions you about the accident, give honest, objective answers, but don’t admit fault or make guesses.
- Collect Evidence, Gather Eyewitnesses, and Exchange Information
If you are able, collect photo evidence from the scene and gather eyewitness statements and contact information. Also, get the contact and insurance information of the other driver(s) involved.
Take pictures or videos of your car, the street, traffic signs, car damage, and your injuries. Take note of any nearby stores or traffic lights with cameras that may have captured the crash. Ask witnesses what they saw and get their information and statement if possible.
- Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention as soon as possible after a crash, if you didn’t receive it at the scene. Even if you do not think you are injured, it is crucial to see a doctor for a checkup and tell them you were in a car crash because some injuries, such as soft tissue injuries and brain injuries, aren’t immediately apparent.
More severe injuries, such as spinal cord injuries or broken bones, require immediate medical attention following an accident. Keep all your treatment records for your attorney to use in your claim.
- Contact a Lawyer
Contact a lawyer from Fieger Law as soon as possible. Our attorneys can help you understand your rights, guide you through the claims process, and gather evidence for your case. We can help you negotiate for the maximum compensation you are entitled to and protect you from predatory insurance companies that may try to pressure you to accept a too small settlement.
When Should You File a Car Accident Claim?
Michigan is a no-fault state. No matter who was at fault for the vehicle accident, you may be eligible for personal injury protection (PIP) benefits such as medical and lost wage coverage. If your accident expenses exceed PIP coverage, you may be able to file a claim against the negligent party’s insurance or file a personal injury lawsuit.
Work with the attorneys at Fieger Law to understand when and how to file a car accident claim. We offer free initial consultations and can assist you in making sure you are not denied any money that is rightfully owed to you.
Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Attorney in Southfield
Hiring a Southfield vehicle accident lawyer offers several benefits to car accident victims. A lawyer can help you:
- Confront and Negotiate a Settlement with Insurance Companies
Car accident attorneys are experienced in negotiating settlements with insurance companies. A lawyer will level the playing field and help you get the maximum compensation to which you are entitled.
If necessary, a lawyer will take your case to court. This occurs when the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement.
- Track Critical Deadlines & Filing Necessary Paperwork
Your attorney will track critical deadlines and help you file the necessary paperwork. This relieves you of the burden and stress of navigating complex legal paperwork and important deadlines so you can simply focus on recovering from your injuries.
- Increased Settlement Through Extensive Investigation
A lawyer can calculate the full extent of your damages, including economic and non-economic damages—like pain and suffering, based on evidence they discover. They can investigate your accident by obtaining police reports, witness statements, medical records, and more.
The seasoned attorneys at Fieger Law know how to gather the evidence you need to build your case.
- Contingency Basis
The legal team at Fieger Law works on a contingency fee basis. This arrangement means we don’t ask for payment for our legal services until or unless we win you a fair settlement. We offer free case evaluations so that you can learn more about your legal rights and options without worrying about paying any money upfront.
Contact Fieger Law for a Free Consultation
After an injury accident, contacting an experienced vehicle lawyer as soon as possible is crucial. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the earlier they can begin building your case. We can also help you calculate a reasonable estimate for compensation.
The vehicle accident lawyers at Fieger Law can help protect your legal rights and seek maximum settlement. We accept cases from around the U.S. and are ready to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation.