The short answer is yes. Anytime you are in a car crash, and you or a passenger suffers an injury, contact a car accident lawyer before filing your insurance claim. If you drive a different kind of motor vehicle, contact a truck accident lawyer or motorcycle accident attorney for help tailored to your situation.
What is the procedure to follow after being injured in a car accident?
There is a general procedure to follow after your car accident, regardless of the injuries and damage caused. First, get medical care, especially if any wounds are visible or if you are experiencing extreme amounts of pain. Obtain the other driver’s information and notify your insurance company of the accident– but do not provide an official statement. Directly after this call, contact the best auto accident attorney in your immediate area. Follow the directions your attorney gives you like taking pictures of the damage and accident scene. Finally, give a statement to the police.
Hire an accident lawyer to level the playing field
Although you generally have three years to file a lawsuit against the responsible party in Michigan, making your insurance claim should be done right away. Keep in mind that insurance companies are first and foremost a business, and your best interest isn’t necessarily the first thing on their mind. Often, settlements don’t cover even the most basic repair or medical bills.
Each insurance company has a team of lawyers who try to devalue your claim. To level the playing field, hire a car accident lawyer. If you go into this situation alone, you may have little influence over the result.
You have other things to worry about
Following your car accident, you have so many other things to worry about especially if your accident prevents you from earning an income. So, let an experienced attorney take care of your claim so you can nurse yourself get back to health and get back to work.
Taking care of your insurance claim without the aid of an experienced lawyer can cause additional stress that inhibits you from getting back to life as usual.
Experienced attorneys know what to do
Experienced attorneys know what is necessary to win an insurance claim. They can help preserve beneficial evidence like skid marks or witness testimonies that you might not have even considered. But, if you wait too long, this evidence disappears, and it can be challenging to file a successful claim. All attorneys can recognize different damages you may not even been aware of like past and future wage loss or future medical costs. These damages or risks may not be obvious to you directly following the accident.

Are there instances when I can handle the claim on my own?
For smaller collisions that didn’t result in serious injuries or damage, it is possible for you to handle the claim on your own, although it is quite risky and not recommended. A general rule of thumb is that if your repair costs and medical bills total less than $10,000, you can handle the claim on your own. But remember that studies have shown that claimants who are represented by the top personal injury lawyers following an accident receive 300% more money after all bills and fees have been paid, compared to if they handled the claim on their own.
When in doubt, just call
If you are unsure whether your case warrants an auto accident lawyer, do not hesitate to contact a reputable and experienced attorney. A knowledgeable auto accident lawyer can help you decide the best path of action following your accident.