1. What Effect Will the Virus Have on Personal Injury Auto Accident Cases in Michigan?

Michigan currently has more than 40,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state and is under strict safer-at-home orders. In most cases, the virus will postpone the progress of personal injury and automobile accident claims. Some courts have moved hearings and other in-person meetings online and they are being conducted using virtual meeting platforms. If you have concerns about the progress of your personal injury case, you should contact your attorney to discuss your responsibilities and options.

2. I Got Hurt in a Car Accident and Do not Want to Go to the Hospital, What Should I Do?

If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention, even if you believe your injuries to be minor. However, it is understandable why you would want to skip an emergency room visit during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you prefer to avoid the hospital, you should contact your primary care physician immediately and schedule an appointment. Even with the virus, it is important to seek the medical care you need and begin a paper trail that will support any future personal injury claims.

3. Do I Need to Receive Medical Treatment to File an Injury Claim?

Possibly, but your claim will not be as strong. Even delaying treatment can result in a weakening of your case. No matter the circumstances, even if you believe you are not injured, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident. If for some reason you are uncomfortable visiting the emergency room at the time of your accident, you should contact your doctor immediately about the incident.

4. Will My Premiums Go Up As a Result of COVID-19 And/Or Filing an Injury Claim?

No, filing a claim as a result of COVID-19 or an injury should not affect your claim if the incident occurred through no fault of your own. If you are concerned about filing a claim and whether it could affect your premium, you should get clarification regarding your specific policy. And if you believe your premium increased after a claim and it should not have done so, you should contact an attorney.

5. What Do I Do If I Had a Court Appointment Scheduled?

In most cases, court appointments have been postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Some are being conducted via virtual meeting technology. To determine what, if anything, you should do if you had an upcoming court appointment scheduled, you should reach out to the court and/or your attorney. You should not assume your obligations were postponed, and even if they were, you need to know how you are affected by any extensions of deadlines or other requirements.