After a serious car accident, your costs can add up quickly. From medical expenses to repair bills to replacement services, it can feel like each day brings its own financial challenges. As such, you’re likely eager to settle your personal injury claim quickly so you have the funds you need to get your life back on track. However, rushing into proceedings could leave you holding a settlement that doesn’t account for many of the damages you’ve incurred.
Ultimately, adopting a patient approach could be one of the best steps you take for your financial future. Read on to find out more about factors that might affect how your claim unfolds:
1. Whether You’re Filing a First- Or Third-Party Claim
Michigan has adopted a No-Fault system for handling insurance claims. Simply put, you will usually be reimbursed by your own insurance policies for injuries you suffered in a wreck, regardless of who caused it. While the insurer may still dispute your case, first-party claims tend to be resolved quicker than a personal injury claim against other parties where you will need to gather additional evidence to prove liability.
2. Whether You’ve Reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
MMI is the point in your recovery where your injuries will not benefit from additional treatment. This can mean you’ve made a full recovery or that you will be expected to live with some health complications for the rest of your life.
Many attorneys advise their clients to wait until they’ve achieved MMI before agreeing to a settlement offer as it’s impossible to have a clear idea of the full extent of your damages before this point. For instance, before making a full recovery, you might have to undergo additional unanticipated procedures, attend physical therapy sessions, or take another course of prescription drugs. Naturally, the longer it’s expected for you to reach MMI, the longer you might have to wait to resolve your case.
3. Whether You Have Strong Evidence
One of the best ways to avoid disputes during proceedings is to gather strong evidence to corroborate your version of events. For instance, photographs taken at the accident scene can help you prove fault, surveillance camera videos could demonstrate the driver’s negligence, and medical records can show the extent of your injuries. If you’re missing important proof, you should expect the insurer to challenge your case—after all, their priority is their bottom line, and they wouldn’t generate a profit if they paid out every claim in full without question.
Speak to a Detroit Car Accident Attorney Today
Filing a personal injury claim can be a time-consuming undertaking. Fortunately, when you hire a personal injury lawyer to handle your case, he or she can grab the reins, overseeing the logistics so you can focus on other matters such as taking care of your health.
At Seva Law Firm, we know what it takes to prevail in even the most complex cases and can fight tirelessly to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your situation. Contact us today at (248) 385-5704 or tap through to our contact page HERE to request a free case assessment with a Michigan car accident attorney.