Chesterfield Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Chesterfield, you’re likely facing significant challenges. Dealing with injuries and property damage can be overwhelming, and understanding Michigan’s legal system can be challenging. At White Law PLLC, our Chesterfield car accident lawyers can help you build a strong case.

A Chesterfield personal injury lawyer can help you build a strong case, gather evidence, and communicate with insurance companies on your behalf. We understand that this can be a difficult time for you and your loved ones. We’ve recovered over $1.4 billion in settlements for our clients and have over 20 years of combined experience we’ll apply to your case.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Chesterfield

One common cause of car accidents is driver distraction. When you’re behind the wheel, your focus should be on the road, but many drivers are guilty of texting, eating, or engaging in conversations while driving. These distractions can lead to delayed reaction times, poor judgment, and, ultimately, accidents.

Another common cause of car accidents is road hazards. Potholes, uneven road surfaces, and debris on the road can all contribute to accidents, especially if you’re driving at high speeds. Weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog, can also create hazardous driving conditions. Additionally, faulty vehicle maintenance, such as worn-out tires or faulty brakes, can increase your risk of being involved in an accident.

Injuries and Damages You May Suffer

You may suffer a range of injuries from a car accident. Common injuries include:

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

These injuries occur when your head and neck are suddenly jerked forward and backward, causing strain on your muscles, tendons, and ligaments. You may experience symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in your neck, as well as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.

You may require neck strain treatment, including physical therapy, chiropractic care, and medication to manage your symptoms. In some cases, whiplash and neck injuries can lead to chronic conditions, such as chronic pain, migraines, and anxiety.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately to diagnose and treat any whiplash and neck injuries.

Soft Tissue Damage

Soft tissue damage is a common consequence of car accidents, often resulting from the intense forces involved in the collision. A sudden stop or impact can cause muscles, tendons, and ligaments to stretch or tear, leading to soft tissue damage. 

The severity of soft tissue damage can vary widely, from mild strains to severe tears. Doctors use injury grading systems to categorize the extent of the damage, which helps determine the best course of treatment. 

A car accident lawyer in Chesterfield, MI, can help you understand your rights and options, ensuring you receive the fair compensation you are entitled to for your soft tissue damage injuries.

Long-Term Disability Risks

Since the impact of a car accident can be felt long after the initial crash, it’s important to ponder the potential long-term disability risks associated with your injuries. As you go through the recovery process, it’s indispensable to contemplate the possibility that your injuries may lead to permanent impairments, markedly affecting your quality of life and earning potential.

You may face a range of long-term disability risks, including:

• Permanent partial disability: You may have a permanent partial disability, which can impact your ability to perform daily tasks and work-related duties. This can lead to reduced earning capacity and a lower disability rating.
• Chronic pain and discomfort: Injuries sustained in a car accident can cause chronic pain and discomfort, affecting your daily life and ability to engage in activities you enjoy.
• Lifetime costs: The lifetime costs of treating and managing your injuries can be substantial, placing a significant burden on your finances and well-being.

Understanding these long-term disability risks is important for determining the true value of your claim. A car accident attorney in Chesterfield, MI, can help you handle the process of seeking compensation for your injuries and work for you to receive the maximum possible settlement.

Steps to Take After a Chesterfield Car Accident

First, move to a safe location, away from traffic, to prevent further injury or damage. If you’re injured, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt, it’s imperative to get checked out by a medical professional, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.

Next, take the following steps to preserve evidence and protect your claim:

• Document the scene: Take photos of the damage to all vehicles, as well as any visible injuries. Also, the license plates, vehicle models, and insurance information of all parties involved must be captured.
• Gather witness statements: Get the names, phone numbers, and statements of anyone who witnessed the accident.
• Report the accident: File a report with the Chesterfield Police Department, even if the accident seems minor.

A Chesterfield Car Accident Lawyer Can Deal With Insurance Companies

When dealing with insurance companies after a car accident, you’ll likely interact with insurance adjusters who may not have your best interests in mind. You’ll need to handle these interactions carefully to avoid compromising your claim. 

Handling Insurance Adjusters

Most car accident victims will have to deal with insurance adjusters at some point during the claims process. As you go through the process, it’s important to understand the insurance tactics and adjuster motivations that can impact your claim.

You’ll likely receive a call from an adjuster soon after filing your claim. Their goal is to gather information, assess liability, and determine the insurance company’s financial exposure. However, their primary motivation is to protect the insurer’s interests, not yours. Be cautious when interacting with adjusters, as they may use tactics to minimize your claim or shift blame.

Keep in mind the following:

• Adjusters may record conversations: Be mindful of what you say, as recorded statements can be used against you.
• They may request unnecessary documentation: Only provide information and evidence that’s relevant to your claim.
• Adjusters may make lowball offers: Don’t accept an initial offer without consulting with a lawyer.

Proving Negligence in Court

In the aftermath of a car accident, establishing negligence is important to building a strong case. As you go through the legal process, you’ll need to prove that the negligent parties are responsible for your injuries and damages. This can be a multifaceted and challenging task, but with the right approach, you can increase your chances of success.

To prove negligence, you’ll need to demonstrate that the other party breached their duty of care, causing your injuries. This can be done by employing various proof strategies. Three essential strategies to ponder are:

• Gathering evidence: Collecting and preserving evidence from the accident scene, including witness statements, photos, and videos, can help establish the negligent party’s liability.
• Reconstructing the accident: Working with experts to recreate the accident can provide valuable insights into the circumstances leading up to the crash.
• Analyzing police reports: Reviewing police reports and witness statements can help identify any violations of traffic laws or regulations that contributed to the accident.

Contact a Chesterfield Car Accident Lawyer Today

You’ve been involved in a car accident, and now you’re facing a challenging and potentially lengthy process to seek compensation. A Chesterfield car accident lawyer can be your ally in this situation. By working with a skilled attorney from White Law PLLC, you’ll have a stronger chance of receiving fair compensation and holding responsible parties accountable. 

Contact us today for a free consultation.