Many out-of-state students attend institutions of higher education in West Michigan. Whether they attend the nationally-respected culinary arts program at Grand Rapids Community College or are training to be a teacher at Grand Valley State University, they may retain an address out of state while living in Michigan as college students.
Many young adults studying in West Michigan need vehicles to get to work or to visit their families. They may retain their out-of-state insurance coverage in many cases. If out-of-state students experience car crashes while studying in Michigan, they may be unsure of what to do next. The steps outlined below are important for the protection of college students injured in a motor vehicle collision.
Document the situation carefully
Fault can be an important factor in complicated car crash insurance claims. While Michigan drivers carry no-fault injury coverage in most cases, out-of-state students may not. Therefore, they need to preserve information about the collision to establish that the other driver was at fault.
They may need to take pictures of the scene of the crash to assist with reconstruction attempts later. They may also need to gather information about the other driver, their insurance policy and any witnesses who can help explain the situation later.
Secure proper advocacy
Cross-state insurance claims can quickly snowball into very challenging scenarios. Out-of-state college students attempting to hold a Michigan driver accountable for a crash may need help navigating the claims process.
Lawyers who are familiar with Michigan liability statutes and the complicated no-fault insurance rules that apply can help out-of-state students determine the best options for compensation. An attorney can handle communications with insurance providers and can advise students when legal action may be necessary in addition to an insurance claim.
Avoid common mistakes
Young people involved in car crashes may be particularly susceptible to common errors. For example, they might apologize to the other driver or agree to make a recorded statement for the insurance company. Those choices can then result in reduced eligibility for compensation later.
They might also agree to settle quickly in the hopes of repairing their vehicle and getting back to class as soon as possible. Insurance companies and the drivers at fault for crashes often count on people being unaware of their rights and making unnecessary concessions.
Students may not be in a position to assert themselves effectively without support. Recognizing how challenging it can be to obtain full compensation after a West Michigan car crash can help out-of-state students better protect themselves. Students who take appropriate steps immediately after a collision may better protect their right to hold the driver at fault accountable and to obtain reasonable compensation for their losses.
