SKILLED IN CAR ACCIDENTS
CAR ACCIDENTS CAN HAPPEN AT ANYTIME AND WHEN THEY DO THE DAMAGES CAN BE SEVERE.
TOLEDO CAR ACCIDENT FAQ’S
Car accidents are caused by a number of different things. When a car accident occurs, it’s important that an investigation is opened in order to determine the precise cause. This may be important during the claims process and will be absolutely essential if your claim results in a lawsuit. While the cause of each car accident is unique, some of the most common causes of car accidents are:
- Speeding;
- Distracted driving;
- Impaired driving;
- Aggressive driving;
- Texting while driving;
- Failing to yield;
- Running a stop sign or traffic light; and
- Otherwise failing to adhere to traffic rules and regulations.
Sometimes, accidents are also caused by other, non-driver-related factors, such as poor road conditions or defective vehicle parts. These types of car accident claims can be particularly complex, and should not be navigated without the assistance of a skilled attorney.
For a free legal consultation with a Personal Injury lawyer serving Adrian, call (419) 930-3030
TOLEDO CAR ACCIDENT FAQ’S
Understanding the role that fault can play in an Adrian wreck can be confusing.
In Michigan, every driver must carry no-fault insurance coverage, per the law. When an accident occurs, this no-fault coverage will pay for your medical expenses, any damage you cause to others’ property, and wage loss benefits, regardless of fault. (Note that this type of insurance does not pay for vehicle repairs.) As such, for many minor accidents, fault won’t play a huge role in the claims process.
The minimum coverage limits for no-fault coverage are up to $20,000 for an accident involving one person; up to $40,000 in an accident involving multiple people; and up to $10,000 for property damage in another state.
In addition to the above, you may purchase other insurance types, such as a collision and comprehensive coverage, which will help to pay for damage to your vehicle, limited property damage liability coverage, and towing and rental coverage.
When does fault matter?
While Michigan may maintain a no-fault system of insurance, there are a handful of situations where fault does matter. While the no-fault rule prevents an injured person from seeking damages from an at-fault party (instead, as explained above, they must turn to their own insurance coverage first), a person may step outside of the no-fault system and seek compensatory damages from an at-fault party if, per Michigan Code Section 500.3135, the individual has suffered a serious impairment to bodily function. This is further defined in many ways, including that the injury is an impairment of an important body function, and that it affects the person’s ability to lead their normal life.
If your injuries meet these criteria, then you can file a claim–or a lawsuit–against the at-fault party.
- Speeding;
- Distracted driving;
- Impaired driving;
- Aggressive driving;
- Texting while driving;
- Failing to yield;
- Running a stop sign or traffic light; and
- Otherwise failing to adhere to traffic rules and regulations.
Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me (419) 930-3030
STEPS TO TAKE AFTER AN ACCIDENT
Knowing what steps to take after an accident occurs can help you to protect your right to compensation and to receive the settlement that you deserve. While some steps are obvious, others may not be. Please feel free to reach out to our lawyers directly if you have questions about what you should be doing after a crash to improve your claim outcome.
- Get a copy of the police report. An easy way that you can get a head start on the claims process is to be sure to ask for a copy of the police report while you’re still at the scene of the accident (assuming you are able to do this – injuries may be too serious).
- Seek medical care. In addition to filing a police report and making sure that you request a copy of the report, the next most important thing that you can do is seek medical care for your injuries. It is very important that you go to the doctor’s office within 24 hours of your accident, even if you don’t think that your injuries are that serious. If you fail to seek medical care, there will be no evidence connecting your accident to your injuries.
- Call your insurer. As soon as you have reported your accident and sought medical care, the next step is calling your insurer and reporting the accident. This is something that is time-sensitive; if too much time passes from when your accident occurs and when you tell your insurer, your insurer may reserve the right to deny your claim. Indeed, the insurance company has the right to investigate your accident, which requires notification within a reasonable time frame (review your policy to learn more about exactly how much time you have).
- Collect and review any evidence. As soon as you are able to and, preferably, while you are still at the scene of the accident, you should spend time collecting any evidence that is relevant to your case. This might include taking pictures of the accident, writing down witnesses’ names and what they saw, and taking notes about the accident and how it happened. It’s a smart idea to keep a post-accident journal, too, which can serve as a tool for discussing your noneconomic damages during the claims process.
- Contact an attorney. Finally, you should get in touch with an attorney who can review your case, provide you with a free consultation, and represent you in any conversations with the insurance company.
CALL OUR ADRIAN, MI CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS TODAY
Being involved in a car accident is unnerving, especially if you suffer injuries that are serious, expensive to treat, and that prevents you from working. At the office of Groth & Associates, our experienced Adrian, MI car accident lawyers can assist you by bringing forth a claim on your behalf and advocating for your right to your full compensation award. Please contact us today by phone or online to request your free consultation.
Call or text (419) 930-3030 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form