Life can feel chaotic and overwhelming immediately following a car accident in Lansing, Michigan. If you’ve been injured in a Lansing car accident, here’s what to do next. You are probably dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, missing work that supports your family, and worrying about your financial future. It’s a lot to take in. On top of all of that, now you must navigate the frustrating process of dealing with insurance companies that seem more focused on protecting their profits than helping you recover.
You’ve never filed an insurance claim in all your life, and you’ve never missed an auto insurance payment. This doesn’t matter because the insurance companies don’t care, and they don’t want to pay you what your case is worth. Understanding how to advocate for yourself and knowing when to seek legal help can make all the difference in getting the compensation you deserve. Find out how The Clark Law Office can help with insurers, ensuring you have the support needed to navigate this challenging process.
Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance System: What It Means for You
Michigan’s no-fault insurance system is designed to provide coverage for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs regardless of who caused the accident. However, this doesn’t mean the process is easy. Insurance companies often look for ways to minimize payouts which leaves you struggling to cover your expenses. They will delay your payments and hope that you become desperate enough to take a low-ball settlement to stop the bleeding. Even though you’ve paid your premiums, getting the benefits you’re entitled to can be a battle.
Why Dealing With Insurance Companies Feels So Hard
If you’ve ever felt like an insurance adjuster was trying to downplay your injuries or rush you into accepting an unfair settlement, you’re not alone. Insurance companies have teams of professionals whose job is to protect their bottom line…. not yours. They may question the severity of your injuries, claim you had a pre-existing condition, delay your claim, or try to shift blame to avoid paying. This can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re trying to focus on healing and getting your life back on track.
Local Insurance Companies in Lansing
When dealing with a car accident in Lansing, you’ll likely interact with insurance companies that serve the local area. Many residents have policies with regional or national insurers that operate in Michigan. While these companies are obligated to provide coverage, they often employ tactics to limit payouts such as questioning the severity of injuries or disputing liability. Understanding the common practices of insurers in the Lansing area can help you anticipate challenges and gather the documentation needed to support your claim. This includes seeking medical treatment, collecting evidence from the scene, consulting local experts who understand the unique aspects of car accidents in Lansing.
When You Can File a Lawsuit Against an Insurance Company
If your insurance company refuses to pay the benefits you need or offers a settlement that doesn’t cover your costs, you may have the right to file a lawsuit. In Michigan, there are two main types of claims you can pursue:
- First-Party Claims: These are filed against your own insurance company when they fail to provide benefits like medical expense coverage or wage loss compensation.
- Third-Party Claims: These are filed against the at-fault driver’s insurance company if the other vehicle involved in the crash was at fault and you’ve suffered a serious impairment of body function, permanent disfigurement, or other severe injuries.
What You Need to Prove
To succeed in a lawsuit, you’ll need solid documentation to support your claim. Insurance companies won’t simply take your word for it, they require evidence that your injuries are serious and directly related to the accident. Seek medical treatment from qualified doctors and specialists who can diagnose your injuries and provide detailed medical records. Be sure to follow all prescribed treatments and keep copies of your medical bills and reports.
In addition to medical evidence, gather as much information as possible from the accident scene. Take photos of the vehicles, your injuries, and the surrounding area. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses who can verify what happened. In more complex cases, hiring experts like an accident reconstructionist can help establish how the accident occurred and prove the other party’s negligence. All this documentation makes your case stronger and limits the insurance company’s ability to deny or undervalue your claim.
How a Local Lansing Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Taking on an insurance company alone can feel like an uphill battle, but you don’t have to do it alone. A local attorney who understands Michigan’s no-fault laws and the tactics insurers use can help level the playing field. By gathering evidence, negotiating with adjusters, and advocating for your rights, a skilled lawyer can help you get the compensation you need to move forward.
At The Clark Law Office, Matthew R. Clark has helped countless car accident, motorcycle accident, and truck accident victims in Lansing and throughout mid-Michigan navigate the claims process and fight back against unfair insurance practices. If you’re struggling to get the benefits you deserve, don’t wait. Contact The Clark Law Office today for a free consultation and let us help you get your life back on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Lansing?
Seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, gather contact information from witnesses, and report the accident to your insurance company. It’s crucial to keep detailed records of all medical treatments and communications with insurers.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a car accident in Michigan?
You generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, while claims for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits must be filed within one year of the insurer’s denial.
Why do insurance companies try to minimize payouts?
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, so they aim to limit payouts to protect their bottom line. This is why having solid documentation and legal representation can make a big difference.
Can I negotiate with the insurance company myself?
Yes, but it’s often challenging to get a fair settlement without legal help. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, get Lansing legal help for personal injury cases from the dedicated attorneys at The Clark Law Office.
