What to Do After a Personal Injury in Lansing: A Local Step-by-Step Guide

A personal injury can turn your life upside down in an instant whether it’s from a car crash, slip and fall, or another accident. If you’ve been hurt in Lansing, knowing what to do in the minutes, hours, and days that follow is critical. The steps you take immediately after the injury can affect your health, your finances, and your ability to file a successful claim. This local guide breaks down exactly what to do after a personal injury in Lansing, Michigan step by step.

Step 1: Get Medical Help Right Away

Your health should always come first after any accident. Even if you feel okay, symptoms from internal injuries, concussions, or soft tissue damage may not show up right away. Getting prompt medical care not only protects your well-being it also creates a critical paper trail that links your injuries to the incident.  In Lansing, you can visit local emergency rooms or urgent care centers for immediate evaluation. Some of the main medical facilities in the area include:

Whether your injury resulted from a car accident, fall, or another incident, don’t wait. Delaying treatment can make your condition worse and can also hurt your chances of recovering compensation later on.

Step 2: Report the Incident to the Right People

After getting medical attention, it’s important to report the incident to the proper authorities based on where and how the injury happened. This creates an official record that can be critical later when filing a personal injury claim.  Here’s how that breaks down for different situations:

Without a timely report, the other side may deny that the injury even happened or claim it wasn’t serious enough to mention at the time.

Step 3: Document Everything You Can at the Scene

If you’re physically able, gathering evidence at the scene of the injury can make or break your case later. Photos, witness names, and written details can help prove what happened and who was responsible — especially in cases where fault may be disputed.  This step is especially important for slip and fall, dog bite, or unsafe property cases, where hazards can be cleaned up or removed quickly. The more detail you capture early on, the harder it becomes for the other side to deny responsibility.  The table below outlines the most important things to document right after an injury:

If you’re unable to collect evidence yourself, ask a friend, bystander, or even a responding officer to help. Your legal team can also assist in preserving evidence later but the earlier you gather it, the better.

Step 4: Follow Through on Medical Treatment

Getting medical help right away is just the first step. What you do after that matters just as much. Failing to follow your doctor’s treatment plan, skipping appointments, or stopping therapy too early can seriously weaken your injury claim.  Insurance companies look for gaps in treatment as a reason to offer less money or deny your claim entirely. They may argue that your injuries weren’t that serious or that you didn’t do your part to recover.  To protect your case:

If your condition gets worse or doesn’t improve, tell your doctor. Updates to your medical records help show the full impact of your injury and support your claim for fair compensation.

Step 5: Watch What You Say to Insurance Adjusters

Once your injury is reported, expect a call from an insurance adjuster possibly within a day or two. They may sound friendly and helpful, but make no mistake: their job is to minimize what the insurance company pays.  What you say in these early conversations can be used against you later. Even something as simple as “I’m feeling okay” can be twisted to downplay your injuries.  Here’s how to protect yourself:

Insurance companies are trained to close claims quickly and cheaply. The less information you give them, the fewer opportunities they have to undercut your case.

Step 6: Avoid These Common Mistakes After an Injury

Even with a strong case, a few simple missteps can seriously hurt your chances of recovering full compensation. These mistakes are especially common in dog bite, slip and fall, and medical malpractice cases, where insurance companies are already skeptical of injury severity.  To protect your rights and avoid weakening your claim, steer clear of the errors listed below:

If you’ve already made one of these mistakes, don’t panic but do talk to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you get legal guidance, the better your chance of turning the situation around.

Step 7: Talk to a Lansing Personal Injury Lawyer as Soon as Possible

Dealing with a personal injury can be overwhelming especially when you’re trying to recover physically, manage medical bills, and figure out your legal options at the same time. That’s where we come in.  Speaking with a local attorney early can help you avoid critical mistakes, deal with the insurance company on your behalf, and build a stronger case from the start. At The Clark Law Office, we don’t pass you off to a team of associates or treat you like a number. You’ll work directly with an experienced Lansing personal injury lawyer who understands the local courts, laws, and how to win.  Whether your injury was caused by a car accident, truck crash, motorcycle collision, birth injury, or dog bite, we’re here to help.  Contact us today for a free consultation.  There’s no obligation, and no fee unless we win your case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lansing Personal Injury Cases