If you do not get a police report after a Lansing car accident, insurance claims are often harder to resolve and disputes about what happened are more common. While a police report is not required for every crash, not having one can affect how fault, injuries, and insurance issues are handled later. The sections below explain what can happen when no police report is filed after a Lansing car accident.
Insurance Claims May Be Harder to Resolve
Without a police report, insurance companies often rely more heavily on statements from the drivers involved. When accounts differ, insurers may dispute fault or delay claim decisions.
A police report can help establish basic facts about the accident, which may reduce disagreements.
Disputes About What Happened Are More Common
Police reports document the date, time, location, and parties involved in a crash. Without that documentation, questions may arise later about how the accident occurred.
These disputes can become more difficult to resolve when there is no independent record of the scene.
Injuries That Appear Later May Be Questioned
Some injuries do not show symptoms immediately after a crash. When medical treatment begins days later, insurers may question whether the injuries are related to the accident.
A police report helps establish that an accident occurred, which can be important when injuries are not immediately obvious.
Reporting Requirements May Still Apply
Even if police do not respond to the scene, Michigan law may still require drivers to report certain accidents. This can include filing a crash report through the appropriate reporting system.
Failing to meet reporting requirements can create additional complications.
Fault Is Not Automatically Determined Without a Report
A common misconception is that a police report decides fault. While reports are not final legal determinations, they often provide useful context.
Without a report, determining fault may rely more on witness statements, photos, and other evidence.
Why Documentation Still Matters
When a police report is unavailable, documenting the accident becomes especially important. Photos of vehicle damage, the scene, and contact information for witnesses can help fill in gaps.
Clear documentation can reduce uncertainty later in the process.
Understanding the Impact of Not Having a Police Report in Lansing
Not every vehicle accident in Lansing requires a police report, but not having one can affect how insurance claims and injury issues are handled. Understanding the potential consequences helps drivers make informed decisions after a crash.