Anyone who has ever made a car insurance claim knows that it can be an exercise in frustration. Insurance companies are businesses first and foremost, so their priority is making money. Every claim they pay means fewer profits, so they have a vested interest in avoiding paying as much as possible.
That’s where attorneys enter the picture. A Michigan car accident attorney can represent you in the claims process and help you pursue the compensation you need. They can also push back against attempts to deny your claim or minimize your losses.
What Can an Attorney Do for Me?
Attorneys know everything about Michigan’s no-fault car insurance laws and the claims process. They can take the reins and handle all the legal and administrative aspects of filing your claim. Below are specific tasks an attorney can perform.
Gather Evidence
Your attorney will begin by investigating the accident scene and gathering evidence to prove your lack of fault, such as
- Photos/video recordings
- Police accident reports
- Physical evidence (e.g., tire marks, paint chips, etc.)
- Witness statements
- Accident reconstruction data
- Electronic logging device data
Obtain Medical Documentation
You’ll need exhaustive medical documentation to prove the severity and extent of your injuries. As your legal representative, an attorney can contact your doctor to obtain and organize medical documentation relevant to the case.
Negotiate with Insurers
An attorney can initiate the formal claims process and handle communications between you and insurers. Once you submit a claim, they can negotiate with insurance companies to secure you a higher settlement. An experienced attorney will know the tricks insurance companies use to avoid paying and can counter them.
Represent You in Court
Most car accident claims end with a settlement, but a handful end up at trial. An attorney can represent you in court and argue your case persuasively to a judge and jury.
When you are suffering from car accident injuries, the last thing you need is to expend time and effort fighting insurance companies. We can handle the legal legwork of filing your claim, so you can focus on healing and recovery.
Do I Need an Attorney for a Car Accident Claim?
Legally, no, you don’t need an attorney to make a claim. But that’s not informative – technically, you don’t need an electrician to do electrical work, but you will be best served by getting one. It’s the same with an attorney. An attorney brings professional experience to the table, which can be invaluable when going up against large insurance companies.
Having an attorney on your side not only gives you an edge but can increase the amount of money you receive. According to one report, about nine out of every 10 claims with legal representation receive a payout. Further, those with attorneys receive substantially more than those without.
These are just averages, though, and your actual settlement result depends on the specifics of your case. However, using an attorney can significantly increase the chances of a favorable resolution.
Contact a Michigan Car Accident Attorney Today
You can make a car accident claim without an attorney, but you will be putting yourself at a disadvantage. An attorney from Atnip & Associates, PLLC, can manage your claim effectively and work to secure you the maximum compensation for your injuries. We have extensive experience managing car accident claims and will push back against insurers’ attempts to delay, deny, or dispute payments.
Contact our offices online or call today to speak to a Michigan car accident attorney. Consultations are free, so there is no risk to getting in touch.
