Warren Car Accident Lawyer

It can be an overwhelming and traumatic experience to be involved in a car accident. Car accidents can range from minor inconveniences to your day to horrific nightmares that change your life and everything in between. They can be unpredictable and can result in life-altering physical and emotional injuries. You may want to pursue legal action against the one who caused the accident, and a skilled Warren car accident lawyer can certainly help you pursue a claim.

Getting in a Car Accident in Michigan

It’s no secret that a car accident can come out of nowhere and hurt your life in an instant. The lifelong damage it can do to your physical, emotional, and mental health may be staggering and considerably difficult to move past. Deciding to pursue legal action against the party who caused your accident can be a good way to start the healing journey. Wigod & Falzon can help hold the right people accountable and provide you with a sense of closure.

If you do decide to pursue a personal injury claim against the party who caused your accident, it is important to note that the statute of limitations for such a case is three years in Michigan. That means you will have three years in which to develop a claim, gather the evidence you need to prove it, speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer, and file a claim for compensatory damages. If you are unable to file your claim before three years have passed, your claim may be dismissed.

Building a car accident claim can take more time than you might think, so it is wise to start building up your case as quickly as you possibly can. If you bring your preliminary findings to a personal injury lawyer, they can help you develop the case further and make sure it is the strongest it can possibly be.

It is also important to remember that, under Michigan state law, the driver of a vehicle that’s involved in a bad accident is required to report said accident to the proper authorities as soon as possible. If you fail to report an accident that resulted in serious injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000, you could face harsh penalties for your inaction.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Warren

In the aftermath of a car accident in Warren, the actions you decide to take will influence the validity and success of your accident claim, so it is vital that you take the proper steps to protect yourself and that claim. Making the right decisions in the immediate aftermath of your accident can make all the difference when the time comes to fight for compensation. Here are some important steps you can take following a car accident to make sure things are done correctly:

• Do not panic. You have just been in a car accident. You may naturally want to instinctively panic. It is important that you try your hardest not to. Panicking does not help your situation and could actually make it worse. Do whatever you need to do to remain calm, take a few deep breaths, and start assessing the situation as well as you can.
• Don’t flee the scene. Whatever you do, never attempt to flee the scene of an accident. Fleeing the scene, regardless of how devastating or minimal the damage may appear to be, is illegal and could result in you suffering harsh penalties if caught by the authorities. You could be charged with a hit-and-run accident. In the event of an accident, pull your vehicle over to the side of the road if possible and wait for the police.
• Check for injuries. When you have gotten yourself under control, you should start checking your body for injuries. Look for wet spots, red spots, protrusions, sprains, bruising, and broken bones. Be sure to check any passengers for injuries as well. If you are in pain but unable to find any injuries, be sure to mention this to the EMTs once they arrive.
• Call 911. When you have checked yourself and any other passengers for injuries, you should call 911 as soon as possible. You will want police to secure the accident scene and EMTs to check everybody for injuries. Having the authorities present to maintain order may also provide you with some much-needed peace of mind.
• Move your car. If you are physically able to do so, you may want to consider moving your car out of the road if it is still there. The last thing you want to do is accidentally cause another accident by leaving your car in the middle of oncoming traffic. If the police allow you to and you are not too injured, you should move your car to the shoulder. If the car is too damaged, don’t worry about it.
• Exchange information. You and the other driver will need to exchange contact and insurance information in order to move forward with your eventual claim. Make sure you get their name, phone number, license plate number, address, and insurance carrier. Provide them with the same information on your end. If either of you already has a lawyer, you may want to exchange their contact info as well.
• Don’t admit fault. Throughout this information exchange, it is important that you do not admit fault under any circumstances. Even if you know that you caused the accident, do not admit it. Admitting fault for the accident can severely damage your insurance claim when the time comes to file. Even apologizing can be viewed as admitting fault. Be civil to the other driver, but don’t accept blame of any kind.
• Document the scene. Once the police and EMTs have given you the all-clear, you can start documenting the scene of the accident for your own records. Take plenty of photos of your injuries, the damage to all vehicles involved, the conditions of the road, and any posted road signs. Be sure to speak to any witnesses present who may be willing to provide you with their statement and get their contact information.
• Talk to the police. When you speak to the police about the accident, you should be truthful and accurate about everything that happened. Still, you should be careful not to accept any blame for the accident. Don’t blame the other driver, either. Stay neutral and only discuss the facts. Make sure you get a reference number for your police report so you can refer to it later.
• Contact insurance. You will have to contact your insurance carrier to tell them you had an accident. Explain everything to them without exaggeration. Provide them with all the evidence you’ve already collected. Again, do not admit fault.
• See a doctor. It is very important that you see a doctor after the accident. You will want a valid medical report of your injuries, and your doctor can provide you with a more thorough examination. They might find something the EMTs missed.
• See a lawyer. Finally, after you have gone through everything else and you are ready to file your claim, you should go see a car accident lawyer to start developing your claim who will help you in car accident settlement process to make your case stronger.

FAQs

How Much Can Someone Sue for After a Car Accident in Michigan?

The amount you can sue somebody for a car accident in Michigan depends heavily on the details of the accident and who was at fault for it. If the at-fault driver is found to not have car insurance, you can sue them for the total amount they caused in damage to your vehicle. You can also sue for medical expenses, lost wages, and additional property damage if they apply to your case.

What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement in Michigan?

There is no telling what the average car accident settlement in Michigan might be. Every car accident case is going to be different. Each case has its own set of circumstances unique to the individual situation. Just because a car accident case similar to yours resulted in a favorable settlement, it doesn’t mean that yours will, too.

How Long After a Car Accident Can You Sue in Michigan?

In Michigan, you can sue for up to three years after a car accident. That’s the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim in Michigan. If you cannot file your claim before three years have passed, your case may be dismissed and your opportunity to file for damages may pass by.

Who Pays for Damages in a Car Accident in Michigan?

The person who is found to be at fault for the accident is usually the one who has to pay for damages, though the payout comes through their insurance company. It largely depends on the details of the case and the severity of the injured party’s damages. The injured party can seek damages for pain and suffering, as well as property damage and medical expenses.

Contact Us Today to Get Car Accident Case Defense in Warren

At Wigod & Falzon, we can help you fully develop your car accident case and make sure you are properly compensated for everything you’ve been through. Contact us to schedule a consultation as soon as you can.