Auto Accident Injury in Saginaw, MI

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Saginaw? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in and around Saginaw, MI that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Saginaw, Michigan

According to the National Safety Council, in 2019 about 4.4 million people suffered serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents and an estimated 38,000 were killed. A publication from the University of Michigan reports 314,376 auto accidents in the state for the same year. One out of every 133 people experienced an injury due to these types of incidents. As of July 2019, the United States Census Bureau estimates 190,539 people lived in the area. Using these numbers as estimates, approximately 1,000 people suffer injuries from auto accidents each year. According to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, Saginaw County saw an average of 5,500 incidents occur in the region annually.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.

Receive Immediate Medical Attention

What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.

File a Police Report

Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked-for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police reports. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.

No matter what role you played, you may want to submit a report to the Saginaw Police Department within 3 days of an incident. Even though you may wish to see another party’s version, the government maintains the confidentiality of these documents.

Gather the Appropriate Documentation

While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:

• Full name, address, phone number, and email address
• Driver’s license state and number
• Auto insurance company name, policy number, and phone number

Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle, and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it.

Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury

After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.

Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:

• Burn injuries
• Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
• Brain and head injuries
• Broken bones
• Spinal injuries
• Soft tissue injuries

Traffic crash statistics from the state police show 1,427 injuries from motor vehicle accidents in Saginaw County in 2019. 1,148 of the approximately 5,500 accidents were due to hitting deer on the highway. Statistics from the state also show that people who wore seat belts had significantly fewer injuries than those who did not. A report from the State of Michigan estimates a cost of $67,200 for minor injuries to crash victims.

Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Laws in Michigan

Liability Laws for Saginaw

When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process.

Michigan is a no-fault state, which means that insurance pays for damages and injuries regardless of who is at fault for the accident. A publication from the Department of Insurance and Financial Services says that your insurance carrier in Saginaw may not cover damages to your car. If you’re found more than 50% at fault for the collision, the insurance does not have to pay for collision coverage.

Statute of Limitations in Saginaw

Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while some others may give you up to six years.

You have up to 3 years to recover compensation from the liable party in an auto accident under current law. You may need to ask for a copy of this document from the City of Saginaw for your lawsuit. Failure to take action within the statute of limitations may result in forfeiting your right to recover damages.

This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.

Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Saginaw, MI

After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in Michigan!