After a serious car wreck, it can feel like your bank account has sprung a leak. From vehicle repairs to your medical expenses to replacement services, your expenses are likely adding up at a rapid pace.
Fortunately, you may be able to recover compensation for most of your losses by filing a personal injury claim. However, a payout is never a foregone conclusion as there are many steps you will need to take to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
In this article, we look at a few steps you can take that might help mitigate disputes and maximize the value of your claim:
1. Conduct a Thorough Investigation into the Accident
If you’re filing a first-party personal injury claim, you won’t need to gather evidence to prove liability. Michigan is a no-fault state, so accident victims are usually compensated by their own insurer rather than having to take legal action against a negligent party.
However, if you’re planning to pursue additional damages—such as pain and suffering—as part of a third-party claim, you will need to gather compelling proof that another party was responsible for causing the wreck. As such, it’s important to return to the accident scene to gather evidence that might help support your claim. Such proof might include:
- Eyewitness statements
- Surveillance camera recordings
- Dashcam videos
- Official accident reports
- Photographs of the accident scene
2. Track Your Damages Carefully
In a personal injury case, you will only receive compensation for the losses that you can reliably prove. As such, you should keep detailed records of your accident-related expenses making sure to save copies of any associated estimates, receipts, and invoices. Additionally, if you were unable to work because of your injuries, you should compile proof of lost income such as letters from your employer, pay stubs, and tax returns.
Finally, it may be worthwhile to start a personal injury journal to log detailed accounts about how your injuries have impacted your everyday life. These entries could help you build a case for non-economic damages.
3. Follow Medical Advice Closely
If you ignore your healthcare provider’s instructions and consequently suffer additional complications, opposing parties might assert that you are at least partially responsible for some of the costs associated with your injuries. As such, it’s crucial that you always follow your doctor’s orders as deviating from your treatment plan could cost you thousands of dollars in compensation.
4. Avoid Speaking to the Claims Adjuster
The insurance company will employ many different strategies to minimize their liability and reduce your payout. One tactic may involve contacting you for a recorded statement. While they might assure you that they just want to “get the facts”, these interviews are often used as an opportunity to obtain certain comments that could be used to challenge your credibility. As such, once you’ve hired an attorney, it’s wise to let them handle all dialogue with opposing parties on your behalf.
Discuss Your Case with a Car Accident Attorney in Detroit
If you suffered a serious injury in a car wreck, turn to the legal team at Seva Law Firm for advice, guidance, and tenacious representation. Our Michigan car accident attorneys can help you navigate proceedings, explaining the steps you will need to take to protect your claim and maximize your payout. To lock in a free case review, dial (248) 385-5704 or jump to our contact page HERE.
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