November 6, 2018
Why You Need a Lawyer after an Accident in Michigan
When in an accident in Michigan, it is a routine for you to notify your insurance provider and file a claim. Being a no-fault state, Michigan allows for a PIP insurance, which covers the treatment of your wounds. However, even if the process is routine, you may encounter some hurdles on the way, which could cripple the whole process. You might get yourself filing several claims and dealing with multiple insurance companies. At this point, you might need to consider a Michigan car accident lawyer to guide you through the whole process to help you jump the following hurdles:
1. Figuring out the No-Fault law
Since Michigan runs on the No-Fault law, there are plenty of things that could complicate the insurance claim process. Perhaps, this is why you need a car and truck accident lawyer in Michigan. The No-Fault law ensures the two parties involved in the auto accident receive benefits from their auto insurance providers, regardless of who was responsible for the accident. When the law is taken down piece by piece, you suddenly realize that it is much involved including insurance policies which are different, workers compensation and the personal injury law whose threshold is strict. This is why you need the services of an auto accident lawyer in Michigan.
2. Dealing with adjusters
Once your auto insurance providers are aware of the auto accident you were in, they respond by sending adjusters. In most cases, the adjusters will be seeking ‘statements’ or to get you to sign a release. However, you should not deal with an adjuster or sign any release without the guidance of an attorney.
In addition, claim adjusters will try to obtain written statements early on, in a bid to downplay pain and personal injuries. These are used later on in court in an effort to undermine the auto accident victim. Furthermore, if the damage on the car is low, adjusters will conclude that no person could have sustained serious injuries following the auto accident. A Michigan auto accident lawyer will also help you avoid discussing or signing anything directly immediately after the accident to protect your rights. Such an attorney will review the language to any document that requires signing. This is because releases may have unrelated language, which may lead to unforeseen consequences.
3. Figuring out the insurance policy language
Another reason to have an auto accident lawyer is to have them look at your insurance policy. This is to identify any landmines, which could have your rights undermined. Insurance policies may have plenty of languages hidden in fine print, but an attorney will spot them and ensure that you remain protected. This is another reason why you need a lawyer after an accident in Michigan.
In addition, Michigan auto insurance providers are at liberty to tweak the requirements for their policy filing any time they please. Perhaps, this is the primary reason why one needs to have an auto accident lawyer who should look through the whole insurance policy.
Additionally, numerous insurance policies contain different provisions on motorist coverage for the uninsured and underinsured in which they require prompt notice. However, the majority of the clients assume their insurance policies are in line with the Michigan No-Fault time. However, in many cases, a client may lose vital coverage simply because he or she failed to meet the notification requirements within the required time.
4. To defend your rights when in an accident with an uninsured driver
There are many types of Michigan car accidents. When you are in an accident with a driver who is uninsured, the situation is likely to escalate, as every circumstance tends to be different. Regardless of having auto insurance, having a Michigan car accident lawyer will go a long way in ensuring your rights are protected and that you get all of your benefits entitled to you. So why is this situation such a hard nut to crack? What are my rights when in such an accident? One, on No-Fault insurance and in an accident with an uninsured driver, you can still receive Michigan No-Fault benefits in spite of the driver at fault.
Two, when under the same insurance, and you get hit by an uninsured driver, that driver cannot take you to court for negligence. In addition, in this situation, the only avenue for receiving pain and suffering damages is through your underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage. Finally, on car damages, when in an accident with an uninsured driver, you will not be bound to the mini-tort maximum of $500 to cover for car damage.
Therefore, whether you are trying to figure out the no-fault law, trying to manage your insurance provider’s adjuster, figuring out the language in your insurance policy or holding on to your rights, you need a Michigan auto accident lawyer to guide you. At Elia & Ponto, we will connect you with the right Michigan car accident attorney to fight the legal battles for you.
