After a collision with a semi-truck in Michigan, there are several steps that accident victims can take to protect their physical safety, their legal rights, and any future injury claim they wish to file. In this article, we\u2019ll go over what actions you should take after an accident has occurred.<\/p>\n
Semi-truck accidents can leave you with life-changing injuries and intense financial pressures from medical bills and lost work, but you may be eligible to recover financial compensation for those losses. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, a Michigan semi-truck accident lawyer<\/a> can help you fight for damages.<\/p>\n In 2022, there were over 15,000 accidents<\/a> involving commercial vehicles. Truck accidents are often serious, and you may be in pain or be confused in the moments after the crash. If you are able to do so, though, there are some helpful steps you can take.<\/p>\n Your health is the most important priority after a crash. If you have any immediately noticeable injuries or pains or have lost consciousness even briefly, call 911 immediately for medical help.<\/p>\n If you do not seek emergency medical care, it is still vital to follow-up as soon as possible with a doctor. They can do diagnostic testing, such as X-rays, to properly diagnose and create a treatment plan for your injuries.<\/p>\n Under Michigan law<\/a>, you must report any accident that involves injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. Truck accidents often result in at least one of these, so it is crucial that you contact the police right away. Additionally, police officers are one of the best ways to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the accident.<\/p>\n Police officers on the scene will also create a police report which can be valuable evidence for your personal injury claim. The report will include the responding officer\u2019s opinion over who is at fault for the collision, as well as information on evidence collected and statements taken at the scene. It can be submitted to the insurance company with your claim.<\/p>\n Exchange contact information, insurance information, and driver\u2019s license numbers with the truck driver and anyone else involved in the crash. If there were witnesses, ask for their information as well.<\/p>\n However, if the other driver seems aggressive, avoid doing this and wait for police officers to arrive on the scene.<\/p>\n Take photos of the vehicles involved in the truck accident from multiple angles. Also include pictures of your injuries and any other environmental evidence that could be important to your claim, such as skid marks, traffic signs, or debris in the road.<\/p>\n Check your car insurance policy for its notification requirements. As a general rule, though, you should report the crash as soon as possible.<\/p>\n A Michigan semi-truck accident lawyer can take care of this step for you to ensure that paperwork is filed correctly and on time. They can handle communication with the insurance company on your behalf, so you can focus on recovering rather than stressful negotiations.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Injured in a Truck Accident? Get a Free Consultation!<\/p>\n Call Us<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Truck accidents have the potential to cause catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and spinal cord injuries (SCIs). These injuries may mean that you needed immediate medical care and could not focus on any details of your accident.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t stress if you were unable to collect details after the crash. You still have rights and evidence can still be collected after the fact.<\/p>\n A Michigan semi-truck accident attorney can conduct a thorough investigation into your truck accident claim on your behalf. They can:<\/p>\n You may not feel hurt after you\u2019ve been involved in a crash. The human body releases a stress hormone called adrenaline that can mask a person\u2019s sensation of pain or perception of injury. In addition, symptoms of some serious injuries, like concussions, may not emerge until hours, days, or even months after a wreck. For this reason, you should see a doctor right away, even if you think you are fine.<\/p>\n A doctor will conduct a thorough examination and identify any injuries that you sustained, even if you were unaware of them. You can then receive treatment immediately to prevent your injuries from becoming worse. Prompt treatment of some injuries, such as concussions<\/a>, may also speed up recovery time.<\/p>\n Seeing a physician right away has a legal benefit, too. An insurer might also argue that another incident that occurred after the crash is actually the cause of your injuries. Without medical documentation linking your injury to the truck accident, these arguments could hurt your case.<\/p>\n It\u2019s likely that a representative from the truck company\u2019s insurance company will call you immediately following the accident. They may even call you while you are still in the hospital while overwhelmed by your injuries.<\/p>\n Though it can be tempting to accept a quick settlement and put the truck accident behind you, don\u2019t do it. There is simply no way to know the extent of your injuries in the hours after the crash. Settle too soon, and you may find that you won\u2019t have nearly enough money to cover your losses and medical costs.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what you need to know about talking to the insurance company:<\/p>\n If you decide to hire a lawyer for your personal injury claim, the sooner you contact them the better. Complicated claims may take time to investigate, and trucking companies are not required to retain all of their records forever. Other evidence can also disappear over time, and waiting too long may mean missing out on evidence that could be vital to your case.<\/p>\n There are also some deadlines that can impact your claim. When seeking PIP benefits after the accident, you must file a claim with your own insurance company within one year of the accident. If you need to sue for damages because your losses exceed PIP coverage, you have three years from the date of the accident to pursue a personal injury lawsuit per Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. \u00a7 600.5805<\/a>.<\/p>\n These deadlines come up quickly, and insurers and at-fault parties are not always cooperative. The sooner you can seek legal help after your accident, the sooner a lawyer can get started on file your case for damages.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nImportant Actions to Take After a Michigan Semi-Truck Wreck<\/h2>\n
\nSeek Medical Attention<\/h3>\n
Report the Accident<\/h3>\n
Gather Names and Insurance Information<\/h3>\n
Document the Scene<\/h3>\n
Call your Insurance Company<\/h3>\n
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What If You Were Unable to Take These Steps Due to Your Injuries?<\/h3>\n
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Should I Seek Medical Treatment Even If I Am Not Injured?<\/h2>\n
\nWhat You Should Know When Talking to the Truck Company\u2019s Insurance Adjuster<\/h2>\n
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When Should I Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?<\/h2>\n
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