Dealing with insurers after a car accident

If you were involved in a car accident here in Michigan, you will need to first of all file with your own insurance company. This being a no-fault state, you may find that personal injury protection covers your losses. Those who suffer a “threshold injury,” though, are those who cannot have all their losses covered. Such individuals might be eligible to file a claim against the negligent driver’s insurance company.

Understanding the negligence laws

Every state has its own negligence laws to govern who can file a third-party insurance claim and determine how much plaintiffs can recover in damages. A select few states adhere to the strict rule of pure contributory negligence, where plaintiffs are disqualified from recovering damages if they are deemed so much as 1% at fault.

Michigan follows a comparative negligence law, which only lowers the amount in damages according to the plaintiff’s degree of fault. Of course, victims will likely need to negotiate a great deal before achieving the desired settlement.

Interacting with insurance companies early on

In many cases, crash victims find that the other driver’s insurance company will contact them early and get them to agree to a low-ball settlement. One should always remember that insurance companies are for-profit and will take advantage of victims’ feelings of desperation to avoid paying the proper amount.

A lawyer to guide you through this time

Victims of motor vehicle collisions are often left feeling isolated and vulnerable. You may be able to resolve this, though, with a lawyer by your side. Legal representation may be a benefit when it comes to filing a personal injury claim and negotiating for an out-of-court settlement. In the end, the lawyer may ensure that you’re covered for medical expenses, vehicle repair costs, lost wages, pain and suffering and other losses that you have incurred.