Do You Need a Lawyer After a Michigan Car Accident?

If you’ve recently been involved in a car accident in Michigan, you might be wondering if you need to hire a lawyer. It’s a common question, especially when you’re dealing with the aftermath of an accident, such as car repairs, medical bills, and insurance claims. The short answer is that while it depends on the specifics of your situation, having a lawyer can often make the process smoother and improve your chances of receiving fair compensation.

Why Do I Need A Lawyer After A Car Accident?

After being in a car accident, you might find yourself facing a mountain of concerns, from car repairs to medical bills, not to mention the stress of dealing with insurance companies. Despite everything, you may wonder if you really need a lawyer to help you through the process. Can’t you negotiate your own settlement and save some money in the process?

Legally, yes. But should you?

The truth is that when you’re up against insurance adjusters, having legal representation isn’t just helpful; it’s often essential. Insurance companies are businesses focused on making a profit, and their goals don’t align with your need for fair compensation. Here’s a detailed look at some common strategies:

• Denying Your Claim Outright: Sometimes insurance companies will say no to your claim from the start. They might do this hoping that you’ll just give up and not pursue the compensation you deserve.
• Dragging Their Feet: Insurers might delay your claim intentionally. By making the process longer, they hope you’ll get tired and settle for less money than your claim is worth. This tactic can be especially challenging when you’re waiting for the funds to cover medical bills or car repairs.
• Complicating the Process: Ever feel like you’re jumping through hoops? Insurance companies can make the claim process unnecessarily complicated. They might ask for the same information multiple times or insist on receiving documents in a specific format, all to slow you down.
• Making an Early Lowball Offer: Early in the process, the insurance adjuster might offer you a sum of money that’s much lower than what your claim is worth. They count on the fact that you might not know the full value of your claim or that you’re in a tough spot and will accept any help you can get.
• Doing Surveillance on You: It might sound like something from a movie, but insurance companies can and do watch people who’ve made claims. They’re looking for any evidence that your injuries aren’t as bad as you say, which they can use to justify paying you less.
• Taking a Recorded Statement: Early on, they might ask for your version of events in a recorded statement. This isn’t just for accuracy; it’s also to find anything they can use against you to reduce your claim’s value.
• Sending You to Their Doctor: Insurance companies may require you to see a doctor of their choosing. Often, these doctors are more likely to say that your injuries aren’t related to the accident or that you’re ready to go back to work sooner than your own doctor would recommend.
• Calling You a Liar: If it benefits them, insurance companies might challenge the truthfulness of your claim. They can accuse you of exaggerating your injuries or even of causing the accident, especially if they think they can shift some or all of the blame onto you.

Each of these tactics serves the same purpose: to reduce the amount the insurance company has to pay. Having a knowledgeable attorney by your side can make a major difference in how these tactics affect your claim and your stress levels during the process.

How Soon Do I Need A Lawyer After A Car Accident?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, the answer to “How soon do I need a lawyer?” is straightforward: as soon as possible. In most cases, that means as soon as you know you have compensable injuries.

Right after a car accident, the insurance company for the at-fault driver gets to work immediately. Their goal? To minimize how much they have to pay. One of their first steps is to try and get in touch with you for a recorded statement. And they’re not doing this to help you out; they’re hoping to catch you before you have legal representation.

Why are they so eager to talk to you before you have a lawyer? Because they want to ask you questions that might make you seem like you were at fault too. Questions like, “How fast were you going? Were you in any way distracted?” might sound innocent, but they’re designed to trip you up. You might be thinking, “But wait, the other driver hit me!” Yet, without realizing it, you might say something that weakens your case.

Before you know it, you’re on the defensive, trying to prove your innocence and claim the compensation you deserve. This is exactly what the insurance company wants. But you shouldn’t have to defend your right to compensation, especially when you’re injured, and should be focusing on recovery.

This is where a skilled car accident lawyer comes in. You need someone who puts you back on the offensive, someone knowledgeable about the insurance company’s tactics and how to counter them. A lawyer can step in right away, handle communications with the insurer, and ensure your rights are protected. Getting a lawyer quickly isn’t just a good move—it’s your best defense.

Can’t I Just Settle My Car Accident Case On My Own?

Just like you could rewire your house or cut your own hair, settling your case without professional help is possible. But here’s the real question: is it a wise decision? When it comes to something as important as a car accident claim, legal skills and experience are invaluable.

Think about it. If you’re considering settling, you’re probably asking yourself several important questions. What’s the fair value of my claim? Have I considered all the factors, including my future needs? These are important questions, and you deserve accurate, detailed answers.

A car accident isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it’s a catastrophic event that can have long-lasting effects on your life. And when it comes to settling your claim, you only get one shot. There are no do-overs in two, five, or ten years. You need to make sure you’re getting it right from the start. 

Understanding the fair value of a claim and negotiating for it requires a level of knowledge and skill that most people, understandably, don’t have. This is where a Michigan personal injury lawyer can make all the difference. They know what fair compensation looks like, understand how to negotiate for best results, and have the experience to ensure you don’t settle for less than you deserve.

Settling a car accident claim on your own might seem like a way to save on attorney fees, but it can end up costing you much more in the long run. You might miss out on compensation that covers all your medical bills, future care needs, lost wages, and other damages. Remember: insurance companies are experts at minimizing payouts. Without a knowledgeable lawyer on your side, you’re at a significant disadvantage. Don’t risk walking away with less than you deserve.

Speak With An Experienced Michigan Car Accident Lawyer Now

A car accident can leave you feeling scared, hurt, and overwhelmed. Figuring out who to turn to can be tough, but hiring a Michigan car accident attorney with plenty of experience can make a huge difference. They can take a lot of the stress and confusion off your shoulders after the crash, so you can focus on healing

At Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers, our car accident lawyers can make sure you understand your rights, helping you feel more in control of the situation. They’re also ready to fight hard to make sure you get the compensation you’re entitled to, whether it be at the negotiation table or in court.

Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers has offices in Saint Joseph and Kalamazoo, Michigan, and proudly serves all of Southwest Michigan and beyond. To schedule your free initial consultation with our experienced truck accident lawyers, call 269-769-BEAR or fill out this contact form. Remember: if it’s not fair, call the Bear!