Last week, actor Ashton Kutcher pulled out in his black Tesla in Hollywood and promptly ran into a 19-year-old riding on his scooter. According to news outlets, the incident sent the teen nanny into the air in front of his charges and he landed on the street. Instead of reporting the car accident, the young man settled for a few selfies with the celeb. And that’s just of the things you should never do after a car accident.
There are plenty of things you should and shouldn’t do after a Michigan car accident. Here are just three things to avoid:
1. Not reporting the car accident.
Was Kutcher using his cell phone when he hit the scooter? Was he just not paying attention or distracted in some other way? We will never know for sure why the collision happened because there is no police report attached to the incident. Sure, posting pictures on social media saying you were in an accident is some proof, but it’s not solid enough to get you compensation.
Insurance companies will want to see a police report. Having a record of a traffic incident is necessary if you want to file a first-party claim. The accident report is also important for filing a third-party claim or filing a lawsuit for property damages against an uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist. In some situations, the at-fault party will be ticketed, or they should be tested for drunk driving.
It may feel like a hassle to contact the police when a crash seems small. Save yourself the regret later when you discover your car is in worse shape than you realized or you have medical injuries you didn’t anticipate. Always report a car crash.
2. Refusing medical attention.
Pedestrians, bicyclists, and, scooter riders are hit every day by motorists who aren’t keeping an eye out for other people on the roads around them. Some of the injuries sustained are minor. Some injuries are serious. Whatever the situation, even if you walk away looking completely uninjured and feeling just fine after an accident, always accept medical attention.
Being seen by a paramedic or emergency room doctor will create a record of any injuries you may have suffered in the crash. Medical care is also critical because so many car crashes result in non-visible injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury or internal bleeding.
You can’t diagnose yourself in this situation. Whatever type of accident you may be involved in, you will be shaken up afterward. You may not be thinking straight. You may feel just fine but realize later that something isn’t quite right. Medical care after a car accident is essential, no matter how minor or major the incident.
3. Calling your insurance company before you call your Michigan car accident lawyer.
Your car insurance company is supposed to be on your side. They provide no-fault insurance to licensed car owners, whether at a full or limited rate. Getting your rightful compensation from your insurance company, however, can be a difficult task.
To make sure that you receive the full compensation you deserve, and for which you have been paying premiums, always contact your Michigan car accident lawyer first. Our experienced attorneys have no hesitation when it comes to demanding the rightful payout from your insurance company. You deserve to receive your completely first-party claim after a car accident.
Instead of allowing your insurance company to tell you what’s best, allow a Michigan auto accident attorney truly get you complete compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, and damaged vehicle. Contact Thurswell Law for a free consultation. We do not charge any fees unless you collect. Call (248) 354-2222 today to schedule your consultation.
