A car accident can change your life in seconds.

Medical bills, lost wages, vehicle damage, and calls from insurance companies can quickly become overwhelming. Knowing what to do immediately after a crash can protect both your health and your legal rights.

At Gergely Law Offices P.C., our personal injury trial lawyers have represented injured clients throughout Michigan since 1969. We understand how insurance companies evaluate claims — and how to build cases that maximize compensation.

If you were involved in a car accident in Kalamazoo, here are the steps you should take.

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Your health comes first.

Even if you feel “okay,” some injuries — including traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and soft tissue damage — may not show symptoms right away.

Prompt medical care:

• Protects your health
• Creates medical documentation
• Strengthens your injury claim

Under Michigan’s no-fault system, medical benefits may be available regardless of who caused the crash.

2. Call the Police and Obtain a Report

Michigan law requires reporting certain accidents.

A police report provides:

• An official record of the crash
• Documentation of parties involved
• Witness statements
• Initial fault observations

Insurance companies rely heavily on this report when evaluating claims.

3. Document the Scene If Possible

If you are physically able, gather evidence before leaving the scene:

• Photos of vehicle damage
• Photos of the roadway and traffic signals
• Weather and road conditions
• Visible injuries
• Contact information for witnesses

Evidence gathered early can become critical later.

4. Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly

Michigan operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning your own insurer typically pays for:

• Medical expenses (PIP benefits)
• Wage loss benefits
• Replacement services

You must file a no-fault application — often within one year of the accident.

Failing to file properly or on time can jeopardize your benefits.

5. Understand Michigan’s No-Fault System

Michigan’s no-fault insurance laws are complex.

Depending on your policy, you may have medical coverage limits. In addition to no-fault benefits, you may also have the right to pursue a third-party claim against the at-fault driver if you suffered a serious impairment of body function.

This is where experienced legal representation becomes critical.

At Gergely Law Offices, P.C., we carefully evaluate both no-fault benefits and potential third-party claims to pursue all available avenues of compensation.

6. Be Cautious When Speaking With Insurance Adjusters

Insurance companies may contact you quickly after the accident.

Remember:

• Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts
• Recorded statements can be used against you
• Early settlement offers are often low

Our firm has successfully recovered compensation for clients after other firms told them they “didn’t have a case” or encouraged them to accept inadequate settlement offers.

Thorough preparation and tenacious advocacy make a difference.

7. Do Not Accept the First Settlement Offer Without Legal Advice

Initial offers rarely reflect the full value of a claim.

Car accident victims may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Future treatment
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability
• Loss of earning capacity
• Property damage

Once you accept a settlement, you typically cannot pursue additional compensation.

8. Contact an Experienced Kalamazoo Personal Injury Attorney

Serious car accident cases require detailed investigation, medical review, and careful negotiation — and sometimes litigation.

At Gergely Law Offices, P.C., our trial lawyers have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts. We are known for:

• Thorough preparation
• Attention to detail
• Investing firm resources into complex cases
• Pursuing claims other firms decline
• Aggressive courtroom advocacy when necessary

We understand Michigan injury law — and we are committed to maximizing your financial recovery.

Common Injuries After Car Accidents

Our firm has represented clients suffering from:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Neck and spine injuries
• Herniated discs
• Broken bones
• Orthopedic injuries
• Burns and scarring
• Soft tissue injuries
• Paralysis
• Wrongful death

Serious injuries often require long-term medical care and significantly impact a person’s quality of life.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in Michigan?

Michigan law limits the time you have to pursue certain claims.

• No-fault claims often require action within one year
• Third-party injury claims generally must be filed within three years

Missing deadlines can permanently bar your case.

Speaking with an attorney early helps protect your rights.

No Fees Unless We Win

At Gergely Law Offices, P.C., you pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

We offer free confidential consultations and serve clients throughout Michigan.