A personal injury accident can be overwhelming, leaving you uncertain about what to do next. Whether you’ve been in a car crash, slip-and-fall, or workplace accident, taking the right steps early on is crucial for protecting your legal rights. Unfortunately, many injury victims make mistakes that can jeopardize their ability to recover fair compensation.
As experienced Michigan personal injury attorneys, we’ve seen firsthand how these common missteps can hurt a case. Here are five critical mistakes to avoid after an accident:
After an accident, your adrenaline may be running high, and you might not feel pain right away. However, some injuries—like concussions, whiplash, or internal bleeding—can take hours or even days to show symptoms.
Failing to get a medical evaluation can not only put your health at risk but also weaken your personal injury claim. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries aren’t serious or that they were caused by something else.
Pro Tip: Always visit a doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. Keep records of your medical visits, diagnoses, and treatments.
It’s natural to feel apologetic after an accident, but saying “I’m sorry” can be misinterpreted as an admission of fault—even if you weren’t responsible. Insurance companies may use your words against you to deny or reduce your claim.
Pro Tip: Stick to the facts when speaking with police, insurance adjusters, or the other party involved. Let your attorney handle the legal arguments about fault.
Insurance adjusters may seem friendly and helpful, but their primary goal is to minimize payouts. Many injury victims unknowingly say things that harm their case or accept lowball settlement offers before understanding the full extent of their damages.
Pro Tip: Before giving a recorded statement or signing anything from the insurance company, consult with a Michigan personal injury attorney who can protect your rights.
If you’re able, collecting evidence immediately after an accident can significantly strengthen your claim. Many injury victims assume police reports are enough, but additional evidence can be crucial in proving liability.
Pro Tip: Take clear photos and videos of:
• The accident scene
• Vehicle damage (for car accidents)
• Visible injuries
• Hazardous conditions (for slip and fall cases)
• Witness contact information
Michigan has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, meaning you have a limited time to take legal action. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to compensation entirely.
Pro Tip: In Michigan, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is three years from the date of the accident. However, certain cases—such as claims against government entities—may have shorter deadlines. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing important legal deadlines.
Injured in Michigan? We Can Help.
If you’ve been hurt in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. Our dedicated Michigan personal injury attorneys fight for the compensation you deserve, covering medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Contact us today if you need help with your case.
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