What to Do After a Car Accident in Michigan

A car accident can leave you feeling shaken, confused, and unsure of what to do next. Whether it’s a minor fender-bender or a serious crash, the steps you take immediately after the accident can impact your health, insurance claim, and legal rights.

In Michigan, No-Fault insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages, but filing a claim or seeking additional compensation isn’t always straightforward. Knowing what to do at the scene and in the days after the accident can help protect your rights and maximize your potential recovery. If you’ve been injured in a Michigan car crash, The Clark Law Office can guide you through the legal process.

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Immediate Steps to Take After a Car Accident

The moments after a crash can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps can protect your health, insurance claim, and legal rights. Even small mistakes like failing to report the accident or admitting fault can hurt your ability to recover compensation later. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure you handle the situation correctly.

🚦 Step	📝 Action to Take
🚑 Check for Injuries	Assess yourself and passengers for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
🚗 Move to Safety	If possible, move your vehicle to the shoulder or a safe location.
📞 Call the Police	Always report the accident, even if it seems minor. A police report is key evidence.
📸 Document the Scene	Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and traffic signals.
🗣️ Gather Witness Information	Get names and contact info of anyone who saw the accident. Witnesses help prove fault.
🏷 Exchange Insurance Info	Swap insurance details, driver’s license numbers, and vehicle information.
🚫 Do Not Admit Fault	Avoid saying "I'm sorry" or accepting blame—it can be used against you later.

When Are You Required to Report a Car Accident in Michigan?

Michigan law requires you to report a car accident if it involves injuries, fatalities, or significant vehicle damage. Under MCL 257.622, you must notify the police if:

Someone is injured or killed
A vehicle is too damaged to drive safely
Property damage is extensive

If law enforcement responds, they will file a Traffic Crash Report (UD-10) with the Michigan State Police (MSP). If officers do not come to the scene, you should report the accident to the nearest police department. Failing to report a required accident can lead to fines, misdemeanor charges, and complications with your insurance claim. Even for minor crashes, filing a report can help protect your rights.

Why You Should See a Doctor After an Accident

Even if you feel fine after a crash, some injuries take hours or days to appear. Seeing a doctor right away not only protects your health but also strengthens your injury claim. Insurance companies often question the severity of injuries if there’s no immediate medical documentation, which can hurt your ability to recover compensation.

Many common accident-related injuries don’t show symptoms immediately, but waiting too long to seek medical care can make them worse and give insurance companies a reason to deny your claim. Here’s a look at injuries that may have delayed symptoms:

🚑 Injury	⏳ Symptoms May Appear	⚠️ Why Immediate Care Matters
🤕 Whiplash	Hours to days later	Can worsen without early treatment
🧠 Concussions	Hours to weeks later	Delayed symptoms can affect memory and balance
🩸 Internal Bleeding	Hours to days later	Can be life-threatening if undetected
💪 Soft Tissue Injuries	Days to weeks later	Swelling and stiffness may not show right away
🦴 Back & Spinal Injuries	Days later	Early intervention can prevent long-term damage

Should You Talk to the Insurance Company After an Accident?

After a car accident, you will likely be contacted by an insurance adjuster looking for a statement. While it may seem routine, anything you say can be used to minimize your claim or deny you compensation. This is what NOT to say to the insurance company:

“I’m not hurt.” – Some injuries take time to appear, and saying this could hurt your claim.
“I think I was partially at fault.” – Even an innocent apology can be twisted into an admission of liability.
“You can have my medical records.” – Never sign anything without reviewing it with a lawyer.
“I’ll accept your first offer.” – Early offers are often much lower than what you deserve.

Instead, politely decline to give a recorded statement and direct the insurer to your lawyer. Having legal representation ensures your rights are protected and prevents the insurance company from using your words against you.

When to Contact a Michigan Car Accident Lawyer

Many accident victims wait too long before speaking to a lawyer, thinking their insurance company will handle everything. Unfortunately, insurers are focused on their bottom line—not on getting you the full compensation you deserve. Consulting an attorney early can help protect your rights and prevent costly mistakes. Here’s when you should consider hiring a car accident lawyer in Michigan:

⚠️ Situation	❓ Why Legal Help Matters
🚑 You Suffered Serious Injuries	Severe injuries require long-term medical care, and you may be entitled to pain & suffering compensation.
🚗 The Insurance Company Denies or Delays Your Claim	Insurers often deny valid claims or lowball settlements to avoid payouts. A lawyer fights back.
⚖️ Fault Is Being Disputed	If the other driver or their insurance company is blaming you, a lawyer can gather evidence to prove fault.
💰 Your Expenses Exceed Your PIP Coverage	If medical bills and lost wages go beyond No-Fault benefits, an attorney can help you sue the at-fault driver.
🚓 The At-Fault Driver Was Uninsured or Underinsured	Recovering compensation is more complex if the other driver lacks insurance. A lawyer can explore UM/UIM coverage.
❌ You’re Being Pressured to Accept a Low Settlement	Insurance companies want to settle fast and for as little as possible. A lawyer ensures you don’t settle for less than you deserve.

FAQs About What to Do After a Car Accident in Michigan

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Michigan?

Check for injuries and call 911 if medical assistance is needed. Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible, exchange information with the other driver, take photos of the scene, and file a police report. Avoid admitting fault and contact your insurance company as soon as possible.

Do I need to report a minor accident to the police?

Michigan law requires you to report an accident if there are injuries, fatalities, or significant vehicle or property damage. Even if the accident is minor, filing a police report can be helpful when dealing with insurance claims.

How long do I have to file an insurance claim after a car accident?

You must file a no-fault PIP insurance claim within one year of the accident to receive benefits. If you need to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, Michigan law gives you three years from the date of the accident.

Will my insurance rates go up if I file a claim?

If you were at fault, your insurance premiums might increase. However, Michigan law prohibits insurance companies from raising rates solely because you filed a claim under your no-fault PIP coverage for medical expenses.

Can I sue the at-fault driver if Michigan is a no-fault state?

Yes, but only if your injuries meet Michigan’s legal threshold for serious impairment of a bodily function, permanent disfigurement, or wrongful death. You can also sue if your medical expenses exceed your PIP coverage limits.

What if the other driver is uninsured?

If the at-fault driver does not have insurance, you may be able to file a claim under your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. If you do not have UM coverage, Michigan’s Assigned Claims Plan (MACP) may provide limited benefits.

Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?

No. The other driver’s insurance company is not on your side and may try to get you to say something that could harm your claim. It’s best to let your attorney or your own insurance company handle communication.

How can a lawyer help after a car accident?

A lawyer can help by gathering evidence, handling insurance negotiations, proving fault, and maximizing your compensation. They can also file a lawsuit on your behalf if necessary. Many Michigan car accident lawyers offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless they win your case.

Get Legal Help From a Michigan Car Accident Lawyer Who Puts You First

At The Clark Law Office, we’re not a big law firm that treats you like a case number. We don’t pass you off to associates or make you deal with call centers. When you hire us, you get personalized attention from an experienced attorney who truly cares about your case. Insurance companies will do everything they can to pay you less than you deserve. We fight back.

With decades of experience handling Michigan car accident cases, we know how to maximize compensation and guide you through the legal process. If you’ve been injured in a crash, don’t settle for a firm that prioritizes volume over results. Call (517) 347-6900 today for a free consultation and let us fight for you. Learn what to do next and how it relates to the legal process in our car accident law and process guide.

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