OUR ATTORNEYS CAN HELP YOU RECOVER, MENTALLY AND FINANCIALLY
You never expect a collision. You’re a careful driver who behaves responsibly on the road, and has not seen yourself as at risk for an accident until the moment finally comes when you are involved in one. The moments immediately following a crash are incredibly stressful. You may be experiencing shock and denial. However, the moments and days after an accident are part of a crucial period in which you need to pay attention to detail.
Once the collision is over, the work begins. Michigan sees thousands of auto accidents per year, and many claims as a result. If a driver’s negligent behavior has led to a crash, responsibility has to be placed on the liable party, and you need to recover. The Oliver Law Group, P.C. will help you with that recovery not just mentally, but financially as well. If you were injured in an accident as the result of someone else’s negligence, you are entitled to compensation.
DOCUMENT THE SCENE
When you are involved in an accident, the last thing you want is to not have any proof or documentation of what happened. This can lead to a jumbled account of what happened, who was involved and who was at fault. While authorities can generate reports, they were not present at the time of the accident. You know your accident better than they do. There are several important things you should remember when documenting the scene of an accident:
Take photos: All damage, as well as the surrounding scene should be photographed. Skid marks, broken pieces of glass and any photos that can demonstrate weather conditions are pivotal pieces of evidence.
Collect witness statements: Witnesses are crucial to proving your claim. Obtain their contact information and relay this to the police for their report, as well as to your attorney. Oftentimes, car accident cases end up being word against word and a third witnessing party can be what makes or breaks a case.
Exchange driver information: Do not leave the scene of the accident until you have obtained the other driver’s name, address, license and vehicle information. Note the location of the accident as well as speed limits, lighting, and traffic conditions.
Collect officer information: Names, badge numbers, and the number and name of the overseeing precinct are all pieces of information you should keep on file for future reference and easy contact.
CONTACTING THE AUTHORITIES
After an accident, your first instinct may be to contact the police, and that instinct would be right. Even if you are not sure if any injuries were sustained, a police report and official documentation of the accident will provide critical information about the accident. Police will be able to help document the scene, collect information and witness statements and contact emergency medical services if needed. It is important to obtain a copy of the report-many can be ordered online.
DO I NEED TO SEE A DOCTOR?
Even if you feel “fine”, you should be seeking medical attention simply to check up on your well-being. Many injuries from car accidents don’t make their presence known right away. A headache after a collision could easily indicate a concussion or other traumatic brain injury. Short term memory changes and mood swings are other indicators of possible complications. Bruises may seem ordinary, but are an early indicator of internal bleeding that may not become obvious for days. There are many types of injuries associated with car accidents, and a medical professional knows what signs to look for.
If emergency medical services are brought to the scene of the accident, you can be evaluated immediately and attend a recommended follow-up with your primary care provider. Any symptoms you experience are worth reporting. Common and seemingly innocuous symptoms can include:
Headaches
Sensitivity to light
Lightheadedness
Blurred vision
Excessive bruising and throbbing pain
Document all of your medical visits, any medications prescribed and how your injuries have impacted your daily life. Any detail is one worth noting, and could be important later on in your case. Insurance companies will want to know about any injuries and ongoing treatment for them, and your attorney can help use this information when pursuing compensation.
WHAT IF THE OTHER DRIVER DOESN’T HAVE INSURANCE?
Michigan is a “no fault” state, meaning that each driver is entitled to benefits from their own insurance company, regardless of who caused the accident. You are covered even if the other driver does not have insurance. However, negligence is not always properly handled by insurance companies. They are businesses that care about their bottom line above all. Auto accidents, especially those involving high amounts of damages or trucks (as those often involve more than one insurance company) can be costly. Insurance companies may try to reduce the amount that your claim is worth, or deny it altogether.
YOU NEED STRONG REPRESENTATION
The Oliver Law Group, P.C. has served the residents of our great state for years, giving hope to those who felt like there was none left. When you are in an accident, you may think you are alone in your struggle. But you aren’t with our attorneys on your side. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
