Being struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian is a frightening and disorienting experience. In the moments after the accident, it can be hard to think clearly about what to do next. However, for better or worse, the steps you take immediately following the crash can have a major impact on both your recovery and your ability to pursue compensation down the road.
Michigan’s insurance system handles pedestrian accidents differently because of its “no-fault” rules as well, which makes it all the more important to understand your rights early on. Read on to learn what you should do after a pedestrian accident in Michigan and how a Troy pedestrian accident attorney can help.
Steps to Take at the Scene of the Accident
If you’re physically able to do so, there are several things you should try to do right after the accident. Taking these steps can help preserve evidence and strengthen any future claim you decide to file:
- Call 911 so police and medical personnel respond to the scene
- Stay at the location until officers arrive and complete a report
- Get the driver’s contact information and insurance details
- Collect contact information from anyone who witnessed the accident
- Take photos of your injuries, the vehicle, and the surrounding area
- Write down any details you remember about how the crash happened
It’s also important not to leave the scene without speaking to the responding officers. The police report they create is one of the most important pieces of evidence in a pedestrian accident case. A pedestrian accident lawyer can use this report to help establish fault and build your claim.
Get Medical Attention Right Away
Some pedestrian accident injuries are obvious immediately, but others may take some time to fully present themselves, including some traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Seeing a doctor as soon as possible does two important things: it protects your health and also creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident.
If there are gaps between the crash and your first medical visit, the insurance company may try to argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim or that they were caused by something else entirely. Keeping a consistent treatment record from the start helps take that argument off the table. Your pedestrian accident attorney can help ensure all medical documentation is properly organized and presented to support your claim.
Be Careful With the Insurance Companies
You may hear from an insurance adjuster fairly quickly after being involved in a pedestrian accident. While it might seem like they’re trying to help, their goal is to settle your claim for as little as possible. Be cautious about what you say, and keep a few things in mind:
- Do not give a recorded statement without speaking to a pedestrian accident lawyer first
- Avoid saying anything that could be interpreted as accepting blame
- Do not agree to a settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries
- Keep records of every conversation you have with an adjuster
Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you can’t go back and ask for more money later. Having a pedestrian accident attorney take over the communications and negotiations with the insurance company could increase the value of your claim dramatically.
Contact a Troy Pedestrian Accident Lawyer at Khamo Law For a Free Consultation
Were you involved in a pedestrian accident in Michigan? You may be able to file a claim against the responsible party for all of your economic and non-economic damages.
Contact a dedicated pedestrian accident attorney in Troy today for a free consultation at (248) 466-0606. We’ll do everything we can to maximize your compensation if you choose us to represent you.