If you get into an auto accident and the at-fault motorist does not contact their insurance company, you still have options. At this point, it may be in your best interests to hire an auto crash attorney. By hiring an Okemos car accident lawyer, you can get the legal help you need to hold negligent motorists accountable for their actions.
At White Law PLLC, we have an outstanding track record in auto crash cases. Our Michigan car accident attorney can serve as your legal representative in discussions with an at-fault motorist’s insurer. To find out more, contact us today.
3 Things You Can Do if the At-Fault Motorist Does Not Contact Insurance
There were more than 293,000 highway accidents reported in Michigan in 2022, according to the state’s police department. Many drivers took full responsibility for causing these crashes, while others did not. If you are involved in a crash where the other driver chooses not to contact their insurance provider, here are some of the best things you can do:
1. Collect Evidence
Gather accident scene photos and videos, medical records, and other evidence to support your claim. Evidence plays an important role in proving fault. If you have a body of evidence, you can share it with a car accident attorney in Michigan, and they can use it to strengthen your personal injury case.
2. Continue to Get Medical Care
Do not let a lengthy insurance claim stop you from getting the medical care you need. If a doctor recommends physical therapy or other long-term treatments based on your auto crash injuries, follow through on them. As you do, keep track of your medical bills, as the motorist who caused your crash can be held responsible for paying them.
3. Partner with an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer
Hire a car accident lawyer in Michigan who fights for their clients. Your attorney can answer frequently asked questions and many others about auto crash claims. They can also contact an at-fault motorist’s insurance provider on your behalf.
If your attorney cannot come to terms with a settlement with an at-fault motorist’s insurance company, they may recommend filing a personal injury lawsuit. Per Michigan Compiled Laws §600.5805, there is a three-year statute of limitations for injury claims. If you do not submit your lawsuit within this window, you are fully responsible for all of your accident-related costs.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Other Options if the At-Fault Motorist Does Not Contact Their Insurer
It can be beneficial to get a copy of your insurance policy’s declarations page. This gives you an overview of your insurance coverage. Once you review your protection, you may find that your own policy offers enough coverage for all of your accident-related losses.
You can request a copy of your police report as well. To do so, you can submit your request through the Michigan State Police Traffic Crash Purchasing System. The report may include information about an at-fault driver’s insurer, which you can share with a Michigan auto accident attorney.
Even if you hire a Michigan auto accident lawyer, there is no guarantee that they will get to speak with an at-fault driver’s insurance. There can also be instances where an at-fault motorist’s insurer insists on discussing your claim with you. Regardless, you should let your attorney work as a liaison between you and an insurance firm — otherwise, you could compromise your case.
Why You Should Not Speak to an At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company
If you think it is in your best interests to contact an at-fault motorist’s insurance provider directly, think again. Doing so may seem like a good idea at first since it may help you move forward with your claim. However, it is important to remember that an insurer is a business — and the company is likely to put its bottom line above all else.
For example, if you contact an at-fault driver’s insurance company, they may push you to make a recorded statement. Anything that you say at this point can be used against you. If you accept any responsibility for your crash, this can hurt your chances of getting compensation.
Rather than risk saying something that is inaccurate or having the information you provide taken out of context, let a Michigan personal injury lawyer represent you. White Law PLLC can connect you with an attorney who knows what it takes to help clients get the most compensation possible. To learn more, contact us today.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
What to Do if an At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company Insists on Speaking with You
You cannot stop an at-fault driver’s insurance company from reaching out to you. Fortunately, there are things you can do to handle a call from an insurer without putting your claim in danger. These include:
Direct the Insurance Company Elsewhere
If an insurance representative pushes you to speak about your accident, ask them to connect with your insurer. Or, you can share your attorney’s contact information with them. In either scenario, you do not have to say anything about your accident.
Do Not Consent to a Recorded or Written Statement
An insurance company wants you to say something that could help the business avoid an expensive claim. You are not required by law to agree to a recorded or written statement. If an insurer urges you to discuss your case on the record, decline the request, and you cannot be penalized for doing so.
Know Your Rights
There is no need to have a long conversation with an at-fault driver’s insurance company or accept anything that they offer. If an insurer contacts you, be polite and cordial in the same way you may be if you answer any other phone call. At the same time, remember that you can hang up on the call at any time — and you are operating within your legal rights if you do.
The team at White Law PLLC can help you with your auto crash claim. We make it easy to pursue compensation after a car accident. To request a free consultation, contact us today.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
