Personal Injury

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim in Michigan

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If you were seriously injured in an accident and are contemplating pursuing a personal injury claim against the at-fault party or responsible insurance company, there are certain steps you should follow in order to enhance the probability of a successful outcome. Understanding common mistakes in personal injury cases can help protect your rights and maximize your compensation.

1) Document Your Injuries Promptly

It is always important to document the injuries that were sustained in an accident. It is critical to have your injuries evaluated promptly by a medical professional so that they are fully documented. If you do not document the injuries in a timely manner, the insurance company may argue that the injury was not causally related to the accident.

It is also important to photograph any bruising, marks, cuts, and abrasions since they will heal quickly and you will be unable to document these types of injuries at a later date. Visual evidence of your injuries can be crucial for your personal injury case in Michigan.

2) Make a Police Report and Gather Witness Information

It is always important to make a police report and obtain any contact information from any potential witnesses. Frequently, police officers will leave out information related to witnesses, and it may be difficult to track down these witnesses at a later date. If possible, you should obtain all witness information including their name, address, and phone number.

You should also document any scene evidence including vehicle damage, scene evidence such as skid marks, debris, road markings, and the roadway itself. These may disappear quickly if not documented promptly. Accident scene documentation is essential for building a strong personal injury claim.

3) Maintain All Medical Information

You need to maintain all medical information including statements, bills, and records of diagnosis and treatments related to your medical care. Make sure to let your treating physician know about all of your accident-related injuries. Having this information fully noted in the medical records will increase your probability of a successful outcome.

Comprehensive medical documentation serves as critical evidence linking your injuries to the accident and establishing the extent of damages in your personal injury lawsuit.

4) Avoid Giving Recorded Statements to Insurance Companies

If you are contacted by the insurance company or a representative from the insurance company, do not provide a recorded statement to the insurance company. Frequently, insurance companies will take a statement and attempt to get you to say some things that are incorrect or get you to accept lowball settlement offers in exchange for permanently closing your case.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to know the full extent of injuries early on after an accident, and it is important to make sure you know the full extent of the consequences of your injury before discussing this with the insurance company. Consulting with a Michigan personal injury attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters can protect your legal rights.

5) Retain an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

You should retain an experienced personal injury attorney who practices solely in this legal field. Frequently, there are general practice attorneys who will handle personal injury lawsuits who do not have the specialized knowledge necessary to adequately represent you in a personal injury lawsuit.

Whether your injuries are mild, moderate, or very severe, taking these steps can greatly increase the likelihood that you will have a successful outcome when pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. An experienced Michigan personal injury lawyer understands state-specific laws, insurance company tactics, and how to maximize your compensation.

It is very important to have a qualified and experienced personal injury attorney on your side to relieve some of the stress and give you the best probability of succeeding in your case.

Contact Our Ann Arbor Personal Injury Attorneys

Please contact our Ann Arbor Personal Injury Law Firm for a free consultation to explain your rights in detail after a car accident causing personal injury in Michigan. We will handle your case in a professional manner, keep you informed of what is happening with your case, and work to make sure that you and your family obtain a fair resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after an accident in Michigan?

Immediately after an accident, seek medical attention to document your injuries, make a police report, gather witness contact information, and photograph the accident scene including vehicle damage, skid marks, and any visible injuries. Do not give recorded statements to insurance companies without consulting an attorney first.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Michigan?

In Michigan, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. However, it's crucial to begin documenting your injuries and gathering evidence immediately, as waiting too long can weaken your case even if you're within the legal timeframe.

Should I accept the first settlement offer from an insurance company?

No, you should not accept the first settlement offer without consulting an experienced personal injury attorney. Insurance companies often make lowball settlement offers early on, before you know the full extent of your injuries and damages. An attorney can help you understand the true value of your claim.

Why is it important to hire a specialized personal injury attorney?

A specialized personal injury attorney has in-depth knowledge of Michigan personal injury laws, insurance company tactics, and case valuation. General practice attorneys may lack the specialized expertise needed to maximize your compensation and navigate complex personal injury litigation effectively.

What types of documentation should I keep for my personal injury case?

Keep all medical records, bills, diagnosis reports, treatment plans, prescription receipts, photographs of injuries, police reports, witness statements, correspondence with insurance companies, and documentation of lost wages. This comprehensive evidence is essential for proving your claim and establishing damages.

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