After a car accident, you should contact the police and notify them about the crash, get medical care, gather evidence if possible, contact your insurance company, and reach out to a Southfield car accident lawyer from the team at Hirsch, Gaugier & Khan.
Getting immediate legal help after a collision can improve your chances of securing fair compensation for all of your losses. You do not have to try to navigate the legal process on your own, so reach out for assistance today.
What You Should Do After a Car Accident
A lawyer from Hirsch, Gaugier & Khan can explain the steps to take after a car accident. In most cases, you will need to:
Notify the Police
You need to report any crash that results in property damage, injuries, or death to law enforcement. The police will assess what happened and file an official accident report. In many cases, your lawyer will use the information in this report to help with your personal injury claim.
Get Medical Care
You should seek immediate treatment for your injuries after a crash. Getting medical care right away will connect your injuries to the accident and can improve your chances of recovering physically from the crash.
Gather Evidence
If your injuries allow it, make sure that you collect evidence from the scene of the collision. You can take pictures of your injuries and get contact information from everyone who saw the crash. You should also create a written record of what you recall about the collision.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Make sure that you tell your insurance company after you sustain injuries in a crash. Under Michigan’s no-fault regulations, you’ll likely need to get compensation from your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy after a crash, so it’s crucial that you let the company know quickly.
Note that, in some cases, you can seek additional compensation outside of this system. Your attorney can review your situation and help you determine if you qualify for a personal injury claim.
Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
Make sure that you reach out to a skilled legal team for help handling all legal matters after your accident. Your attorney can answer your questions, gather evidence, and work tirelessly to ensure you get the money you need to financially recover from the collision.
Taking the Right Steps Can Help You Get Maximum Compensation
Knowing what you should do after a car accident can help you get the funds you need to pay for your:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Property repairs
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
The team at Hirsch, Gaugier & Khan can work tirelessly to help you get the funds you need to cover these expenses, either through Michigan’s no-fault insurance system or through a claim against the at-fault party, if you qualify to step outside of this system.
Frequently Asked Questions About What to Do After a Car Accident in Michigan
The legal professionals at Hirsch, Gaugier & Khan can answer any questions you have after a crash, including:
Does what I do after a car accident matter?
The steps you take after a collision will directly influence your ability to secure compensation for your losses. For example, if you don’t report the crash to the police, the at-fault driver or insurance representatives could try to claim it never happened, making it much harder for you to make a full financial recovery.
What shouldn’t I do after an auto accident?
After a crash, you should avoid actions that can damage your claim. You should avoid posting on social media about the collision and avoid talking with the liable party or insurance representatives without your attorney.
Additionally, you should not sign any paperwork from the insurance company unless your attorney reviews it and approves it. These companies often try to get injury victims to accept subpar settlements and, once you sign the agreement, you can lose your chance to get additional compensation.
How long do I have to take legal action after a crash?
Generally, Michigan will give you three years to file a personal injury lawsuit after an automobile accident. However, this deadline can vary. Your attorney can tell you more about the specific timeline for handling your claim.
Talk to Us After a Car Accident in Michigan
You can turn to our team at Hirsch, Gaugier & Khan for help if you find yourself wondering, “What should I do after a car accident?” We can answer any questions you have and even provide a “what to do after a car accident” checklist.
Our team has over 60 years of combined legal experience, and we secure millions in compensation for our clients every year. We’re here and ready to take charge of your legal needs after a collision, so you can focus on recovering from your injuries and moving forward with your life.
Reach out to us now, and we’ll explain your next steps with a risk-free initial consultation.
