A car accident can happen in an instant, but the decisions you make immediately after the crash can have a lasting impact on your health, safety, and legal outcome. Whether it’s a minor fender-bender or a serious collision, knowing what to do at the scene can help you protect yourself and your potential injury claim.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Lansing, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to take from ensuring your safety to gathering evidence and understanding your legal rights. Find out how a lawyer can help after a Lansing auto accident and why having legal representation can make all the difference in recovering maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. For personalized guidance, turn to the lawyers at The Clark Law Office.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Check for Injuries | Stay calm, assess yourself and passengers, call 911 if needed. |
| Move to Safety | If possible, move your vehicle to avoid further accidents. |
| Call 911 & Report | Give location, details, and check if Lansing Police or MSP will respond. |
| Gather Evidence | Take photos, get witness info, and note road conditions. |
| Seek Medical Attention | Even minor injuries should be checked by a doctor. |
| Notify Your Insurance | Report the accident but don’t admit fault. |
| Know Your Legal Rights | Understand Michigan’s no-fault laws and your right to compensation. |
| Consult a Lawyer | If injured, contact a Lansing car accident lawyer to protect your case. |
Prioritize Your Safety and Health
- Take a deep breath and check yourself for any injuries. If you feel pain, dizziness, or disorientation try to remain still and wait for emergency responders.
- If there are passengers in your vehicle, check on their condition and encourage them to stay as still as possible if they appear injured.
- Avoid making sudden movements if you suspect a head, neck, or spinal injury.
Move to a Safe Location If Possible
- If the accident is minor and there are no serious injuries, Michigan law allows you to move your vehicle to the side of the road to prevent further accidents.
- If you’re on a busy road or highway, turn on your hazard lights and try to get to a safe location.
- If your car is disabled in a dangerous spot, like an intersection or the middle of the road, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives.
⚠️ Important: If the accident is severe or you’re unsure about injuries, do not move your vehicle until law enforcement arrives.
Call 911 and Report the Accident
After ensuring your safety, the next step is to call 911 immediately. This might seem like common sense, but you would be surprised how many people forget this critical step in the heat of the moment. Even if the accident seems minor, reporting it to the authorities is crucial for both legal and insurance purposes. In Michigan, police reports serve as official documentation of the accident and can be valuable evidence in a personal injury claim.
What to Tell the Dispatcher
When you call 911, stay calm and provide the dispatcher with the following information as calmly and clearly as possible:
- Your location – Be as specific as possible. Mention street names, landmarks, or nearby intersections.
- Details of the accident – Briefly describe what happened, including how many vehicles are involved.
- Injuries – If anyone is hurt, let the dispatcher know so they can send medical assistance.
- Hazards at the scene – Report any road obstructions, leaking fluids, or fires to prevent further accidents.
Here is a good example: “There has been a two-car accident at the intersection of Cedar Street and Jolly Road in Lansing. One vehicle is blocking traffic, and the driver appears injured. We need an ambulance and police assistance.”
Lansing Police vs. Michigan State Police – Who Responds?
In Lansing, the agency responding to your accident depends on where the crash occurs:
- Lansing Police Department (LPD) typically handles accidents within city limits.
- Michigan State Police (MSP) may respond to accidents on major highways and interstates, such as I-96, I-69, and US-127.
- Eaton County or Ingham County Sheriff’s Office may respond if the accident occurs outside Lansing city limits.
Tip: If you’re unsure which agency will respond, still call 911, and they will direct the appropriate law enforcement to your location.
Failure to Report an Accident Could Hurt Your Case – Under Michigan law, drivers must report an accident if it results in injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more. Not filing a report could jeopardize your insurance claim or legal case if the other driver disputes what happened.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
Once you’ve called 911 and ensured everyone’s safety, the next critical step is to gather as much evidence as possible. The information you collect at the scene can play a major role in proving who was at fault and strengthening your car accident claim.
Take Photos and Videos
Visual evidence is one of the most powerful tools in a car accident case. Use your phone to capture:
- Vehicle Damage – Take pictures of all vehicles involved, including dents, broken lights, deployed airbags, and skid marks.
- License Plates – Ensure you get clear images of all license plates.
- Accident Location – Capture traffic signals, road signs, intersections, and weather conditions that may have contributed to the crash.
- Injuries – If you or anyone else has visible injuries, document them immediately.
- Other Factors – Take photos of debris, tire marks, or anything else that helps explain how the accident happened.
If your injuries prevent you from taking photos, ask a passenger, witness, or nearby bystander to do it for you.
Get Witness Statements
Eyewitness accounts can support your version of events, especially if the other driver tries to shift blame. If anyone saw the accident:
- Ask for their name and contact information.
- Record a quick statement (if they agree). Ask, “Can you describe what you saw?”
- Note their location at the time of the crash—were they in another vehicle, on the sidewalk, or inside a nearby business?
Insurance companies often downplay injuries or deny claims, making it difficult for accident victims to get the compensation they deserve. Witness testimony can serve as crucial evidence to support your version of events and help prevent disputes over fault or the severity of your injuries.
Exchange Information with the Other Driver
Michigan law requires drivers to exchange information after an accident. Make sure to collect:
- Full Name and Contact Information
- Driver’s License Number
- Insurance Company and Policy Number
- Vehicle Make, Model, and License Plate Number
- Registration and Owner’s Name (if different from the driver)
Avoid admitting fault at the scene of the accident, as even a simple statement like, “I didn’t see you,” can be used against you later. Instead, stick to the facts and allow the police and insurance companies to determine fault based on the evidence.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel fine after a car accident, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is critical. Adrenaline can mask pain, and many injuries such as whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding may not show symptoms for hours or even days. Seeing a doctor right away ensures that any hidden injuries are diagnosed and treated before they worsen.
If you need emergency care, Sparrow Hospital and McLaren Greater Lansing Hospital both have full-service emergency departments in Lansing. For non-emergency injuries, Lansing Urgent Care offers multiple locations for quick treatment. If you don’t require immediate medical attention, it’s still important to schedule a doctor’s appointment as soon as possible.
Beyond protecting your health, getting medical treatment right away also helps your injury claim. Insurance companies often try to deny or minimize claims by arguing that a delay in treatment means your injuries weren’t serious or were unrelated to the accident. To strengthen your case:
- See a doctor as soon as possible, even if your symptoms seem minor.
- Follow all medical advice and keep records of doctor visits, treatments, and prescriptions.
Notify Your Insurance Company
After seeking medical attention, the next step is to report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Michigan’s no-fault insurance system means your own insurer covers medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault. However, handling this step carefully is essential to protecting your claim.
When notifying your insurer:
- Stick to the facts – Provide basic details like the time, location, and vehicles involved.
- Avoid admitting fault – Let the investigation determine liability.
- Do not speculate about injuries – Some may not appear right away.
- Request a copy of the police report – It can help support your claim.
If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, do not give a recorded statement or accept a settlement without speaking to a lawyer first. Insurers often offer low payouts before you know the full extent of your injuries. See how a local accident attorney can assist you and handle communications to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Know Your Legal Rights After a Car Accident
Understanding your legal rights after a car accident in Lansing is crucial, especially when dealing with insurance companies and potential compensation claims. Michigan’s no-fault system covers medical expenses and lost wages, but it does not automatically compensate for pain and suffering you may need to take legal action to recover full damages and prove liability, severe injuries, and damages.
A Lansing car accident lawyer can help if:
- Your injuries are severe or permanent, allowing you to file a claim against the at-fault driver.
- The insurance company delays or denies your benefits.
- The other driver was uninsured or underinsured.
- You need help proving fault in cases involving multiple vehicles or disputes over liability.
Michigan follows comparative negligence laws which means that your compensation could be reduced if you’re found partially at fault. Insurance companies often use this to their advantage so having an experienced lawyer ensures your rights are protected.
Contact a Lansing Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming especially when facing medical bills, insurance claims, and legal problems. If you’ve been injured in a crash, you don’t have to handle it alone. A Lansing car accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve. At The Clark Law Office, we have years of experience representing car accident victims in Lansing and throughout Michigan. We understand how to handle no-fault insurance claims, liability disputes, and serious injury cases. Our goal is to maximize your recovery while you focus on healing. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case. There’s no risk—you pay nothing unless we win.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About What to Do After a Car Accident in Lansing
What is the first thing I should do after a car accident in Lansing?
The most important step is to check for injuries and call 911 immediately. Even if the accident seems minor, having an official police report can help with insurance claims and legal issues later.
Do I need to move my car after an accident, or should I leave it where it is?
If the accident is minor and there are no serious injuries, Michigan law allows you to move your car to a safe location, such as the shoulder of the road. However, if the crash caused severe injuries or significant damage, leave the vehicles where they are until police arrive.
Should I see a doctor even if I feel fine?
Yes, some injuries—such as whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding—may not show symptoms right away. Seeking medical attention ensures hidden injuries are diagnosed and also helps protect your legal rights by documenting your condition.
How soon do I need to notify my insurance company?
Most insurance policies require you to report the accident promptly, often within 24-48 hours. However, do not admit fault or provide a recorded statement without consulting a lawyer, as insurers may use your words to limit your claim.
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