Steps to Take After an Accident
Law Offices of Kurt M. Schultz, PLLC
What to Do After a Car Accident
Nobody expects to be in an accident. Emotions often run high at the scene of a truck accident, car crash or after a slip-and-fall accident. At the same time, our bodies are programmed to react to sudden events to protect us. The so-called fight-or-flight responses can mask some injuries. For instance, adrenaline released into the body, which can mask pain in the immediate aftermath of an accident.
In other situations, symptoms of serious injuries can be delayed for days or longer such as a damaged disc in the spine or a soft-tissue injury. Many accident victims are left with the false impression that they are okay for a period of time — until the other shoe drops as the pain begins to emerge. In more serious situations, injuries may be far too obvious.
Protect Your Rights and Claim After an Accident
What you do in the moments and days after an accident can be important in protecting your rights. For direct answers to your questions and strategic guidance, call us. At the Law Offices of Kurt M. Schultz, PLLC, in Plymouth, I understand how chaotic and confusing motor vehicle accident scenes can be. For that reason, I have compiled a short list of some important steps you can take after an accident:
- Stay at the scene: It is important to remain at the scene of any car accident. Calling police and gathering insurance and identity information of any other drivers is important for any insurance claims. This is also a good time to get the names of any potential witnesses or bystanders.
- Check for injuries: If you are able to move around, check on passengers in your vehicle, if any, and anyone else who may have been injured in the accident.
- Cooperate with police:
Police do not come to every accident scene unless an ambulance is necessary, especially in the Detroit metro. It is still important to call 911 to report the accident. While cooperating with law enforcement, it is important to understand your surroundings. Do not admit fault, and understand that you may have injuries — even if you feel all right in the immediate aftermath of the wreck.
- Document evidence:
Most people have cellphones with a camera. If it is safe to do so, take photographs of the scene before anything is moved, including the relative positions of vehicles and property damage.
- Get medical attention:
Going to the doctor to get checked out after a motor vehicle accident or suffering an injury on someone else’s property is important for your well-being as well as any potential insurance claim. A delay in getting checked out can give the insurance companies a reason to later challenge a valid claim.
- Contact a personal injury attorney:
Insurance adjusters are trained to gather evidence against you to reduce or deny your claim. A lawyer can provide you with guidance on how to deal with the insurance companies. An experienced lawyer can also evaluate your case and start building a strong case from the outset.
- Notify your insurance agent: You need to put your own insurance company on notice that you have been injured in an accident. Do not admit fault. Moreover, if an adjuster from the other driver’s insurance company (or property owner’s provider in a premises liability claim) contacts you, you should speak with a lawyer and let your attorney deal with the adjusters.
Get a Free Case Evaluation with A Lawyer Who Is Willing to Do the Hard Work
If you or a loved one has suffered injury due to the negligence of another, you do not have to face the system alone. I offer free initial consultations, and clients pay no fees unless and until I obtain compensation on their behalf.
To arrange a no-pressure case evaluation, contact us or call us. The Law Offices of Kurt M. Schultz, PLLC, is based in Plymouth, and I have successfully represented clients throughout southeastern Michigan for more than 20 years.
Winter in Plymouth, Michigan, brings snow-covered roads, icy intersections, and unpredictable driving conditions. While the season has its beauty, it also increases the risk of accidents. Snow, sleet, and freezing rain create hazards that drivers must take seriously to reduce the chances of a crash. At the Law Office of Kurt M. Schultz PLLC, we understand how devastating accidents in these conditions often are. If you or a loved one has been injured in a winter driving accident, knowing your legal rights is essential. Michigan’s unique no-fault insurance system impacts how personal injury claims are handled after an accident. Understanding liability, insurance coverage, and how to pursue compensation can make all the difference in recovering from an accident.
When it comes to navigating the aftermath of car accidents in Michigan, the process can be overwhelming and confusing. As a team of legal professionals who have helped countless clients through this challenging time, we understand just how stressful it can be to deal with the insurance claims process while also recovering from injuries and dealing with the emotional fallout of an accident. Our goal with this guide is to walk you through every step of the car accident claims process in Michigan, helping you understand your rights, responsibilities, and what to expect along the way.
We’ve all experienced those heart-stopping moments at intersections. You’re driving cautiously when, out of nowhere, another car slams into the side of your vehicle. This type of collision, known as a T-bone accident, can be incredibly dangerous. At the Law Office of Kurt M. Schultz PLLC, we are here with everything you need to know about T-bone car accidents, from causes and impacts to legal steps you can take if you find yourself involved in one.
If you have been involved in an auto accident (including as a passenger or even a pedestrian), you probably feel a little confused about your rights. You are not alone. The laws are complex and change on a daily basis. Allow us to explain your legal rights to you, and help you submit claims for the benefits you are entitled to. Some of the available benefits include: Medical expenses Replacement services (payment for daily assistance around your home) Lost wages Attendant care (payment for assistance with taking care of yourself) Medical mileage Out-of-pocket expenses Pain and suffering You may be entitled to these benefits even if you have no automobile insurance! Since the state of Michigan has “no-fault” insurance, the benefits listed above are available even if you caused the accident. If the accident was caused by the negligence of someone else, you may be entitled to money damages for your pain and suffering. Lastly, I would caution anyone involved in a car accident to be extremely careful what you say to any insurance company representative. If you are intending to make benefit claims and/or pursue a pain and suffering claim, you may want to let an attorney speak for you.
With the winter months coming, victims of slip and fall accidents should be familiar with the legal protections available to them. Slip and fall accidents can happen on icy sidewalks, snow-covered parking lots or in a store with puddling water in the aisles. However the slip and fall accident is caused, it can cause serious injuries for the victims.
Has your life been turned upside down by a car accident? If so, then you’re probably desperately looking for a way to make ends meet and secure the medical care you need. While filing a personal injury lawsuit might be in your best interests, it’s only as helpful as the compensation you get out of it. In other words, a judgment of liability against the driver who caused your injuries doesn’t mean much if you’re not awarded adequate compensation to cover your damages. So what can you do to maximize your potential recovery? We have some ideas for you below.
We live in the Motor City area, and we love our vehicles. Whether it is getting to work, going out or whatever the destination, we all make heavy use of our roads and highways. After all, we live where the auto industry was born. Unfortunately, since our beloved roadways are often congested, accidents do happen, often causing injuries, sometimes, severely. One such accident occurred in nearby Romulus last week.
Traumatic brain injuries are a type of injury that can occur in car accidents. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur when a bump, blow or jolt to the head disrupts the brain’s normal function. Car accidents are the second-leading cause of traumatic brain injuries. Car accidents victims should be on the lookout for symptoms of brain injuries and how personal injury legal protections can help them.
When we buy new appliances and have them installed, we expect them to be safe. We expect the installation to be professional and the appliance to work. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, as one Michigander may have experienced first-hand.
