If you have suffered injuries as a result of a personal injury accident in Michigan you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Although we commonly use the word “accident”, the reality is that all too often the injuries were caused by a true accident but by the intentional, negligent, or wrongful conduct of another party. When that is the case, the victim could be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages. If you are a victim, there are a number of steps you should take to ensure that your rights are protected in a Michigan personal injury accident.
- Submit to a thorough medical examination. Victims often refuse medical treatment at the scene of the accident. Not only does this increase the risk of serious, even life-threatening, injuries going unnoticed and untreated, but it also puts your right to compensation at risk. By going directly to the hospital for an examination, you might uncover a serious injury, such as a traumatic brain injury, that shows no outward signs or symptoms. In addition, a medical examination right after the accident provides a legal connection between the injuries you suffered and the accident.
- Do not speak to the defendant’s insurance company. Never speak to the at-fault party’s insurance company until you have consulted with an attorney. The conversation will be recorded and you could easily say something that could be misinterpreted or that could place some of the blame for the accident on you instead of the defendant.
- Document the accident. When you are able, get contact information for the at-fault party and any witnesses. Take pictures of the scene of the accident and anything else relevant. Also, keep a daily pain journal that details how you felt each day after the accident. This can be helpful when arguing for non-economic damages (pain and suffering).
- Consult with an attorney. The best way to ensure that your rights are protected after a Michigan personal injury accident is to consult with an experienced Michigan personal injury attorney right away.
Injuries suffered in a personal injury accident can have long-lasting consequences. To ensure that you and your rights are protected and that you are fully and fairly compensated for those injuries, contact an experienced Michigan personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
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