A car wreck is almost always a traumatic event that will leave you feeling shaken, stressed, and uncertain about what to do next. However, take a deep breath, try to stay calm, and assess the situation. Often, the steps you take immediately after an accident won’t just affect your well-being, but could also determine the outcome of your personal injury claim.
The mistakes you make during this sensitive stage could come back to haunt you in the form of disputes or the outright denial of your claim. With that in mind, here are a few steps you should always take after a car accident in Michigan:
1. Contact Authorities
If you or anyone else needs medical attention, you should dial 911. Not only will this ensure that the injured parties are treated without delay, but officers will also arrive to direct traffic and investigate the wreck. The responding officers will usually compile an official traffic crash report which could be useful to building your claim.
2. Document the Accident Scene
If you are able to do so, you should begin gathering evidence at the scene of the crash. For instance, you should take photographs of the vehicles involved, the injuries you suffered, road markings, street signs, weather conditions, and other elements that could help you prove liability and damages. Additionally, you should take down the contact details of anyone who saw the accident happen.
3. Write Down What Happened
While your memory is still fresh, you should write a firsthand account of the wreck. What were you doing in the moments before the accident? What did the at-fault party say immediately afterwards? Were there any surveillance cameras nearby? Did you or anyone else capture footage of the accident on a dashcam? The answers to these questions could help guide your attorney’s investigation into the accident.
4. Seek Medical Treatment
Even life-threatening injuries may present with minor or latent symptoms—at least initially. Adrenaline can also mask the pain associated with some conditions. As such, it’s important to visit the doctor as soon as possible so that you receive the treatment you need. Scheduling a visit will also ensure that you have access to up-to-date medical records documenting your injuries and recovery.
5. Speak with an Attorney
If you are planning to file a claim to recover compensation for your injuries, it may be in your best interests to speak to a personal injury attorney in Michigan. He or she can help investigate the wreck, gather the necessary evidence to prove your claim, build your case, and represent you throughout proceedings.
Discuss Your Case with a Car Accident Attorney in Detroit
If you were hurt in a car accident, turn to the legal team at Seva Law Firm. We strive to respond to calls in a timely manner, and will contact you within 24-hours after your reach out to our offices. To request a free case review with a Detroit car accident attorney, dial (248) 385-5704 or send us a message via our Online Contact Form.