7 Costly Mistakes to Avoid After a Lansing Car Accident

Even a minor car accident in Lansing can have long-term consequences if you’re not careful about what you do in the moments and days that follow. Between dealing with insurance adjusters, medical appointments, and the stress of it all, it’s easy to make a mistake that could hurt your ability to recover full compensation. Unfortunately, I’ve seen far too many people unintentionally damage their claims simply because they didn’t know any better.  Whether your crash happened on I-496, Saginaw Street, or a quiet neighborhood road, avoiding these common errors can make the difference between a denied claim and a successful settlement. Below are the 7 biggest mistakes I see car accident victims in Lansing make and how to avoid them.

1. Leaving the Scene Without Calling 911 or Getting a Police Report

One of the most common and damaging mistakes drivers make after a car accident in Lansing is failing to call 911 or report the crash to local law enforcement. Even if the collision seems minor or the other driver insists on “just handling it privately,” you are legally required to report any accident involving injury, death, or significant property damage in Michigan.

A police report creates an official record of the crash. It documents who was involved, what happened, and often includes the officer’s preliminary assessment of fault. Without it, you’ll face an uphill battle proving liability or damages later especially if the other driver changes their story, denies responsibility, or disappears altogether.

In the Lansing area, officers from the Lansing Police Department, Michigan State Police, or Ingham County Sheriff’s Office typically respond to crash scenes, depending on jurisdiction. Always call 911 and wait for them to arrive, even if you think the damage is minor. A simple call could protect your entire case.

2. Failing to Get Medical Treatment Right Away

After a crash, many people feel shaken but otherwise “okay”,  at least at first. It’s common for adrenaline to mask pain, and some serious injuries like concussions, whiplash, or internal bleeding may not show symptoms for hours or even days. But waiting too long to see a doctor can seriously damage both your health and your injury claim.  Insurance companies are quick to argue that delayed treatment means you weren’t really hurt. They may reduce your payout or deny your claim entirely based on gaps in your medical timeline. If you go days or weeks without getting checked out, it gives them ammunition to say your injuries came from something else.  Here’s why immediate medical treatment matters after a Lansing car accident:

If you’ve been in a crash in Lansing, don’t wait. Visit an ER, urgent care, or your primary doctor as soon as possible. Facilities like Sparrow Hospital and McLaren Greater Lansing are equipped to evaluate crash-related injuries and document your condition right away.

3. Admitting Fault at the Scene

In the moments after a crash, it’s natural to feel disoriented, emotional, or even guilty especially if you think you could have done something differently. But saying “I’m sorry” or admitting fault at the scene can seriously hurt your case, even if you weren’t actually responsible.  Fault in Michigan car accidents isn’t always clear-cut. There could be traffic violations, distracted driving, poor road conditions, or other contributing factors you don’t know about in the heat of the moment. When you admit fault, even casually, that statement can be used by insurance adjusters or defense attorneys to reduce or deny your claim.  Avoid saying things like:

Instead, stick to the facts when speaking with the other driver or police. Provide your license, registration, and insurance info, but don’t speculate about who caused the crash. Let the investigation determine fault, not your gut reaction.

4. Not Gathering Evidence at the Scene

The crash scene is your best chance to collect critical evidence and once it’s gone, it’s gone. If you’re physically able, taking a few minutes to gather documentation can make a big difference in how strong your claim is later.  Even though police will create a report, it may not capture everything. You can’t rely on others to collect what you need, especially if liability is disputed or the other driver tries to change their story. The more evidence you have, the better your chances of getting full compensation.  Here’s what you should try to document at the scene:

If you’re unable to collect this information yourself, ask a passenger or someone nearby to help. And if you have a dash cam, be sure to save the footage. These details can be the key to proving fault and protecting your case.

5. Talking to the Insurance Adjuster Without Legal Help

After a car accident in Lansing, you’ll probably get a call from the other driver’s insurance company, sometimes within hours. They may sound friendly and concerned, but make no mistake: their job is to protect the insurance company, not you. Anything you say can (and often will) be used to reduce or deny your claim.  Insurance adjusters are trained to look for inconsistencies, downplay your injuries, and get you to settle quickly, often before you know the full extent of your medical bills or lost wages. They may ask leading questions, request a recorded statement, or pressure you to sign a release form.  Here’s why it’s risky to speak with them on your own:

Instead, talk to a local Lansing car accident lawyer first. An attorney can handle communications with the insurance company, protect your rights, and make sure you don’t say anything that could hurt your case.

6. Posting About the Crash on Social Media

It might seem harmless to share an update about your accident on Facebook or post a quick photo to Instagram but insurance companies and defense attorneys love to dig through social media. Anything you post can and will be used against you.  Even innocent updates like “Feeling okay after the crash” or a picture of you out with friends can be twisted to suggest your injuries aren’t serious. Insurance companies are known to monitor claimants’ public profiles to look for contradictions, especially when pain and suffering damages are part of the case.  Common social media posts that can damage your claim:

The best rule? Stay off social media entirely while your claim is active. Or at the very least, set your profiles to private and don’t post anything related to your accident, health, or daily activities.

7. Delaying Legal Advice or Missing Filing Deadlines

Time is not on your side after a car accident in Lansing. Waiting too long to talk to a lawyer or file the right paperwork can seriously damage your case. Michigan has strict deadlines for both no-fault benefits and personal injury lawsuits and if you miss them, you may lose your right to recover anything at all.  Many people assume they can wait until they’re feeling better, or that the insurance company will handle everything fairly. But delays can lead to lost evidence, uncooperative witnesses, and a weaker case overall. Plus, waiting to speak with a lawyer could mean missing out on important benefits you didn’t even know you qualified for.

To protect your rights, it’s best to get legal guidance as early as possible. A Lansing car accident attorney can help you meet every deadline, file your claim correctly, and avoid costly delays that could ruin your case.

Your Actions After a Lansing Crash Could Make or Break Your Case

What you do or don’t do after a car accident can have serious consequences for your health, your finances, and your legal case. Even well-meaning decisions, like downplaying your injuries or giving a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster, can be used against you later. That’s why it’s so important to avoid these common mistakes and take proactive steps to protect your rights.

If you’ve been in a crash anywhere in the Lansing area, you don’t have to figure this out on your own. The earlier you speak with an experienced car accident lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong claim and securing the compensation you deserve. At The Clark Law Office, we offer free consultations and handle every case personally—no call centers, no middlemen, just real legal help when you need it most. Learn more by visiting The Clark Law Office website.

FAQ: Avoiding Mistakes After a Lansing Car Accident