FAQ
Auto Accidents:
The days immediately following a serious car accident are very stressful for accident victims and their families. Many injured people have lost insurance benefits simply by missing an important filing deadline.
Many insurance companies employ delay tactics to prevent paying you the benefits to which you are entitled. By taking some immediate steps you may be able to avoid these delays. If you have any additional questions, please call today at 1-86-66-COUNSEL for a free consultation.
Recent Car Accident: What Should You Do?
Call the Police and Get Immediate
Medical Attention
You should contact the police and report the accident. You
should also immediately obtain medical attention for all injuries.
You should tell the doctors of all major AND minor pain you may
have.
Obtain Information About All
The Witnesses
It is very important to obtain information from any
passengers or witnesses involved. This information will be very
important if it becomes necessary to hire a lawyer. If you don't get
witness information at the scene or shortly thereafter, it may
become much more difficult to prove that the other party was
negligent.
Notify Your Auto Insurance Company
Immediately
You should immediately notify your auto insurance company
Michigan has a strict one year time limit to notify
your own insurance company about your injuries and to file an
"Application for Benefits" which applies to medical benefits, wage
loss, mileage, attendant care services and replacement services.
Additionally, there is a three year time limit to
file a lawsuit against the negligent driver for your injuries.
Check Your Own Insurance Policy
Some auto insurance policies have even stricter notice requirements
(some as short as 30 days for hit and run accidents). It is
therefore important to carefully review your auto insurance policy
as soon as possible. If you do not follow these requirements, you
can lose your insurance coverage. You should read your
insurance contract closely and discuss any questions with an
attorney.
Never Give Statement and Do Not Sign
ANYTHING
Never give a statement to an insurance company
representative or insurance investigator and never sign anything
without it having been reviewed by your attorney. Insurance company
representatives try to get a recorded statement early on in order to
try to minimize your injuries. Nothing should be discussed directly
after any accident in order to protect your rights. The insurance
company representatives are not on your side. Their job is not to
help you. Their job is to minimize the insurance company's payments
to you. You could give up all your rights if you sign a release. Do
not sign anything until it is reviewed by your attorney.
This information is intended to be of a general nature only.
There are many other important things to know about injuries
resulting from automobile accidents. Additional information and
important advice about successfully pursuing your case can be
obtained by contacting us now.
Call NOW toll free at 1-86-66-COUNSEL