Accidents cause bodily injuries, which can be life-threatening and lead to physical and emotional suffering. When a person suffers a bodily injury from an accident, it is essential to initiate a personal injury claim as quickly as possible because, with time, the evidence might disappear. Statistics show that Michigan frequently ranks among the top states with the most individual lawsuits.
Filing a personal injury claim can be very hard and challenging for the victims. However, if you are in such a situation, hire a Michigan accident attorney to take you through the complicated process until you get compensation and justice.
This guide teaches you how to file a personal injury claim in Michigan. Keep scrolling!
Seek Treatment
Your health should be your priority whenever you suffer injuries, so don’t forget to seek medical attention. Getting prompt medical treatment ensures you get medical records that highlight your present condition. You also get receipts that show how much you’ve spent on treating these injuries.
Identify the At-Fault Party
Knowing the person responsible for the accident that caused your injury is crucial. A lawyer is pretty useful in this regard. They will produce a list of potential liable parties who may or may not have contributed to the accident.
It also helps to provide evidence of how the at-fault party was responsible for the accident and how it affected you.
Collecting and Preserving the Evidence
After collecting any evidence related to your injuries, preserve it well. The evidence may include:
- Witness statements
- Photos
- Medical records
- Bills and receipts
- Police reports
Consulting an Attorney
Consulting a personal injury attorney in Michigan will enhance the success rate of your case. They will guide you through the legal process and protect you from defendants and their insurance companies.
Draft a Demand Letter
A demand letter officially initiates a personal injury claim. It contains all the relevant facts and findings of the case, including the losses you have sustained.
Additionally, the demand letter also contains information about the compensation you’re expecting, along with the reason why.
The at-fault party has a specific period of time to respond to it. In the response, the at-fault party may either accept, reject, or counter your allegation.
Identify the Insurance Coverage
Your attorney will work with you to determine the available insurance coverage, which includes:
- Your insurance
- The at-fault party’s insurance
- Additional policies that may apply
With this, you’ll know whether the at-fault party has sufficient insurance to compensate for your damages.
Read Also: Different Types of Compensation You’re Liable for in a Personal Injury Case
Calculation of Your Damages
The attorney will work to calculate the damages that you have suffered. The damages might include lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and any costs that might result in the future relating to your injury.
Negotiation for Compensation Outside of Court
Many personal injury cases are solved outside of court. There might be negotiations with the insurance company or the legal representatives of the at-fault party. During these negotiations, both sides will make and reject offers back and forth.
Negotiations go on until a favorable decision is reached.
Conclusion
Personal injury claims differ significantly from state to state. The intricacy of the process tends to vary depending on the unique details of your situation. It is vital to consider a skilled lawyer to help you in the legal system.
A lawyer will be beneficial, from drafting a demand letter and offering assistance in gathering evidence to negotiating with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
If negotiations fail, the case will move to court. Your lawyer will also be of use in this stage, presenting the facts of the case in a convincing manner.