How to File a Car Accident Insurance Claim in Michigan

Filing a car accident insurance claim may seem straightforward, but mistakes can lead to delays, low settlement offers, or outright denials. Michigan’s No-Fault insurance system adds complexity, requiring drivers to follow specific steps to secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage.

Whether you’re filing a claim with your own insurer or seeking compensation from another driver’s policy, understanding the process can help protect your rights. Below, we’ll cover the steps you need to take, common pitfalls to avoid, and when legal help may be necessary.

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Steps to Take Before Filing a Car Accident Insurance Claim

Before submitting an insurance claim, taking the right steps can strengthen your case and prevent claim denials. Insurance companies require documentation to prove the accident happened and to justify your compensation. Missing key evidence or delaying medical treatment can give insurers a reason to reject or reduce your claim. To avoid these pitfalls, make sure you complete the following steps before filing your claim:

✅ Step	📌 Why It’s Important
📞 Report the Accident	Notifying the police creates an official accident report, which insurers require.
📷 Gather Evidence	Photos of vehicle damage, injuries, and the crash scene support your claim.
🏥 Seek Medical Attention	Even minor injuries should be documented to prevent insurers from disputing your claim.
📄 Get Contact & Insurance Info	You’ll need the other driver’s details to file a claim with their insurer.
📑 Request a Copy of the Police Report	The crash report can help prove fault and validate your claim.
📞 Notify Your Insurance Company	Inform your insurer promptly, even if you’re not at fault.

How to File a Car Accident Insurance Claim in Michigan

Filing an insurance claim after a car accident may seem straightforward, but one small mistake can lead to delays or a denied claim. Insurance companies look for reasons to minimize or reject claims, making it essential to follow the right process. Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer can help you avoid costly mistakes, ensure you file the claim correctly, and prevent you from saying anything that could hurt your case. Insurance adjusters may try to get you to admit partial fault or downplay your injuries. An attorney will protect you from these tactics and maximize your compensation.

Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly – Most policies require you to report the accident within a set timeframe. Failing to do so can jeopardize your claim.
Provide Basic Accident Details – Stick to the facts: time, date, location, and vehicle information. Do not admit fault, even casually.
Submit Supporting Evidence – Provide the police report, photos, medical records, and repair estimates to strengthen your claim.
Understand Your Coverage – Know what your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and other policies cover, so you aren’t denied benefits you’re entitled to.
Follow Up Regularly – Stay in contact with your claims adjuster and keep detailed records of all communications. Delays can be avoided by staying persistent.
Consult a Lawyer Before Accepting a Settlement – Insurance companies often offer low settlements to save money. An experienced lawyer can help you maximize your compensation and ensure all damages are properly accounted for.

What to Expect After Filing a Claim

Once you submit your car accident insurance claim, the process doesn’t end there. Insurance companies will carefully review your claim and may ask for additional information, delay payments, or even deny valid claims. To prepare, it’s important to know what to expect at each stage. Understanding the timeline and steps involved can help you avoid delays and protect your rights. Here’s what happens after you file a claim:

✅ Stage	🔍 What Happens	⏳ Timeframe
📂 Claim Acknowledgment	The insurance company confirms receipt of your claim and assigns an adjuster.	Within a few days
🔎 Investigation Begins	The adjuster reviews the police report, medical records, and accident evidence.	1-4 weeks
📞 Adjuster Contact & Interview	The adjuster may ask for a recorded statement. Be careful—your words can be used against you.	1-2 weeks
📋 Medical Review	The insurer evaluates your injuries and may request an independent medical exam (IME).	Ongoing
💰 Settlement Offer (or Denial)	The company either makes an offer, denies the claim, or requests more evidence.	4-8 weeks (varies)
⚖️ Negotiation or Appeal	If the offer is too low or denied, you can negotiate or file an appeal.	Varies
🏛️ Lawsuit (if necessary)	If negotiations fail, a lawsuit may be the next step.	Months to years

Common Reasons Insurance Companies Deny Claims & How to Appeal

Even when you follow all the steps to file a claim, insurance companies still deny valid claims for various reasons. Adjusters are trained to find ways to minimize payouts, often blaming the victim or using technicalities to reject claims. Below are some of the most common reasons claims get denied and how to fight back.

❌ Denial Reason	🔍 Why It Happens	✅ How to Appeal
📄 Missing Documentation	Lack of medical records, police reports, or accident details.	Submit additional evidence, including photos, medical bills, and witness statements.
⏳ Missed Filing Deadline	Some insurers have strict time limits to report an accident.	Check your policy’s deadline and request reconsideration if you filed late.
🚦 Disputed Liability	Insurer claims you were partially or fully at fault.	Provide traffic cam footage, police reports, and expert testimony to prove the other driver’s fault.
💰 Policy Exclusions	Claim denied because your policy doesn’t cover certain damages.	Review policy terms with a lawyer—exclusions can sometimes be challenged.
🏥 Pre-Existing Condition	Insurer argues your injuries existed before the accident.	Show medical records proving new injuries caused by the crash.
📝 Statement Used Against You	Adjuster manipulates your words to minimize payout.	Avoid speaking to insurers without a lawyer. Request a recorded transcript of your statement.
🤕 Injury Not ‘Serious’ Enough	The insurer claims your injury isn’t severe enough to warrant compensation.	Provide medical opinions, MRIs, or expert testimony about long-term impact.

When to Contact a Lawyer for Your Insurance Claim

Not every car accident insurance claim requires a lawyer, but if your claim is delayed, underpaid, or wrongfully denied, it may be time to seek legal help. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by stalling, offering low settlements, or disputing valid claims. Here’s when you should consider hiring a Michigan car accident lawyer for your claim:

Your claim is delayed – If the insurance company is stalling or failing to respond, an attorney can push them to act.
You receive a lowball offer – Insurers often offer settlements far below what your claim is worth, hoping you’ll accept out of frustration.
Your claim is denied – If your claim was wrongfully denied, an attorney can challenge the decision and fight for the compensation you deserve.
You’re being blamed for the accident – Insurance companies may try to reduce their payout by shifting blame onto you. A lawyer can gather evidence to counter unfair fault claims.
You’re facing complex legal issues – If multiple parties are involved, injuries are severe, or liability is disputed, a lawyer can navigate the legal process for you.

An experienced car accident lawyer can negotiate on your behalf, gather critical evidence, and ensure the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you. If you’re struggling with a difficult claim, legal representation can make all the difference in getting the compensation you deserve.

FAQs About Filing a Car Accident Insurance Claim in Michigan

Do I have to file a lawsuit after a car accident, or can I just rely on insurance?

Not all car accident claims require a lawsuit. Michigan’s no-fault system covers medical expenses and lost wages through PIP insurance. However, if you suffer serious injuries, exceed PIP coverage limits, or your claim is denied, filing a lawsuit may be necessary to recover full compensation.

How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Michigan?

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the date of the accident. Wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within three years from the date of death. Claims against an insurance company for unpaid no-fault benefits must be filed within one year from the last unpaid expense.

What damages can I recover in a car accident lawsuit?

Victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage. In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded for extreme negligence, such as drunk driving crashes.

How long does a car accident lawsuit take?

The timeline varies based on the complexity of the case. Some lawsuits settle within a few months, while others take one to two years or more, especially if they go to trial. Factors like insurance company delays, liability disputes, and court schedules impact how long a case takes.

Do I need a lawyer to file a car accident lawsuit?

While you can file a lawsuit without a lawyer, having legal representation significantly improves your chances of winning fair compensation. An attorney can handle negotiations, gather evidence, and ensure all deadlines are met.

Will my case go to trial?

Most car accident lawsuits settle before trial, but if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, going to court may be necessary. A lawyer can advise whether settling or proceeding to trial is the best option for your case.

Get Expert Help Filing Your Car Accident Insurance Claim

Filing a car accident insurance claim seems simple, but mistakes can cost you thousands. Insurance companies look for ways to delay, deny, or underpay claims. Don’t let them take advantage of you.

At The Clark Law Office, we handle the claims process for you, ensuring your paperwork is correct, protecting you from saying anything that could hurt your case, and negotiating for the maximum payout. We’re not a big firm that treats you like a number, we give each client personal attention and fight for every dollar they deserve. Call (517) 347-6900 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Let us make sure your claim is handled the right way from the start.

See how the claims process ties into your legal rights in our car accident law and process guide.

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