When Should You Call a Lawyer After a Car Accident?

If you’re in a car accident, there are a few steps you should take, no matter how serious the accident is. These steps are important to both ensure the safety of yourself, the passengers in your vehicle and anyone else involved.

In addition, they’re also important to ensure that your rights are protected. Car accidents may result in damage to your vehicle and to property, or even injury to the people who were involved. Following a car accident in Michigan, there are some things you’ll want to do to make sure that everyone stays safe and then gets the help they need.

Most drivers know that they should contact the police when they’re involved in the car accident. They will come to the scene to ensure everyone is OK and that the roadway is cleared.

You should also contact your car insurance company to report the accident and get a claim started to help pay for any damage to your vehicle or pay for any necessary medical care.

You may also contact a lawyer at some point, depending on the exact details of the crash. But, how do you know if a lawyer is necessary and when you should contact one?

Why Should You Contact a Lawyer?

You might be questioning why you should contact a lawyer following a car accident in Michigan. Doesn’t insurance pay for everything you need?

The answer to that question is yes and no. Your car insurance policy provides coverage in the case of an accident, helping you pay for any damage to your vehicle, for any injuries you suffer and for any supplemental costs you incur, such as lost wages due to time missed from work.

In some instances, though, you may be injured badly enough that your medical bills exceed the amount of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) on your plan. You may also be seeking damages outside of your insurance plan, based on the situation.

Finally, you might contact a lawyer to protect yourself against claims from another driver. If you caused the accident and it resulted in a serious injury or death of another, a lawyer would be necessary to have on your side.

Reasons to Contact a Lawyer Following a Car Accident

There are many reasons why you might want to contact a lawyer after a car accident. Some of the most common reasons include:

• If you have questions about Michigan’s no-fault PIP benefits and how it applies to you
• If you’re requested to sign a release from either the other driver or an insurance company
• If the other motorist is uninsured or underinsured
• If your accident is considered a hit-and-run
• If you’re offered a settlement amount by an insurance company
• If the person at fault for the accident is being debated
• If you’re unhappy with the payout amount being offered by an insurance company
• If anyone has been seriously injured or killed in the accident

There are many other reasons why you would want to contact an attorney after a car crash in Michigan, but these are the most common reasons.

When Should You Contact a Lawyer After a Car Accident?

No matter what type of car accident you’re involved in, there are some basic steps you should take following the accident.

First, make sure to stop your car and pull over. Get as far off the right as you can so that you remain safely away from other traffic. There are many secondary accidents that happen simply because cars are still in the roadway after the primary accident.

Second, contact the police. A police report will serve as the official documentation of the crash, which will help you in your case with a lawyer and your insurance company. Plus, police can contact other emergency services if medical attention is needed, and they can also help clear the road of cars or debris.

Third, contact your car insurance company. You’ll report the accident to them, give them a description of what happened, and submit any documentation to them. Make sure you do this within 24 hours after the car accident has occurred.

Finally, contact a lawyer who’s experienced in car accidents. While there is no set time when you should do this, the earlier you can, the better. Some statute of limitations in Michigan expire after 30 days, but you don’t want to wait that long if you don’t have to.

It’s always important to contact a lawyer as soon as the other three steps above, so that the firm can get started helping you — and ensure that all your records are straight and you’re following all the proper processes.

Contacting a lawyer this early in the process will ensure that you are doing what you need to do when you need to do it, so that you can be protected as best as possible.

Work with a Trusted Car Insurance Company

Contacting an experienced lawyer after a car accident is a great way to protect your interests. A lawyer can make sure you are provided with all the protection and coverage you are due following a car accident, and that you are made whole for any and all damage suffered to your car and/or to you if you were injured.

But, even more important than finding an experienced lawyer is working with a trusted car insurance company. When you have a solid car insurance company on your side, you can rest assured knowing you’ll always be protected to the highest level possible.

In Michigan, Signature Insurance has been providing outstanding car insurance coverage to drivers for years. Our team of experienced professionals can help you see all your options for car insurance and provide you with a plan that works for you.

Contact us today to find out more information and to get a free quote.