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Last Modified on Oct 28, 2026
After a car accident in Michigan, you should first protect your safety by moving your vehicle to a safe location if possible, checking for injuries, and calling 911 to request medical assistance and file a police report. Next, gather information at the scene by photographing the vehicles and area, while exchanging contact, driver’s license, and insurance details with the other drivers and witnesses. Finally, you should seek prompt medical evaluation, report the crash to your insurance company, and consider consulting a car accident lawyer to protect your rights.
Car accidents are stressful, unexpected events that can leave you feeling overwhelmed, especially when you’re unsure of the next steps to take. In Michigan, everything you do immediately following a car accident can significantly affect your ability to file a claim and recover compensation. Knowing what to do after a car accident in Michigan can preserve your rights and enable a smooth claims process.
Why You Should Trust Wigod & Falzon to Manage Your Car Injury Claim
Since 1997, Wigod & Falzon has represented injured motorists throughout Michigan, earning a reputation for results-driven advocacy and personalized legal support. Our attorneys bring decades of combined experience to complex car accident claims, including extensive knowledge of Michigan’s no-fault insurance laws.
Recognized by organizations such as The National Trial Lawyers and Top Attorneys of North America, our legal team is prepared to negotiate aggressively and take cases to court when necessary. Past awards do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique.
Protect Your Safety, and Call Emergency Services
The first thing to do after a car accident is to protect the safety of everyone involved. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location to prevent further accidents. If you or anyone else is injured, immediately call 911 for medical assistance. Even if the accident seems minor, it’s always a good idea to have emergency responders assess the situation.
Calling the police to file a report is also crucial. A police report provides an official record of the accident, which can be helpful when filing an insurance claim or pursuing a civil claim. In Michigan, having an official police report is crucial for proving fault and accounting for all parties involved. A car accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and make sure your rights are protected.
Gather Information at the Scene
After making sure everyone is safe and medical assistance is on the way, the next step is to gather as much information as possible. Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver(s), including:
- Names, addresses, and phone numbers
- Driver’s license and license plate numbers
- Insurance policy numbers and provider details
Be sure to take note of the location and time of the accident, along with any weather or road conditions that may have contributed to the collision. If there are witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information as well. Taking photos of the accident scene is also vital. Photograph all vehicles involved, including any visible damage, and the surrounding area.
Contact Your Insurance Company
In Michigan, the no-fault insurance system means your own insurance company will cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and some other costs, regardless of who caused the accident. You are required to report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible. Failing to do so may delay your claim or affect your eligibility for benefits.
When you contact your insurance company, provide them with the details you gathered at the scene. Be sure to mention whether the accident involved injuries or property damage. Also, let them know whether the police were present. In some cases, it’s also a good idea to call a lawyer or your insurance provider first to ensure to make sure you take the right steps in protecting your interests.
Common Challenges with Insurance Companies
While the no-fault system has some advantages, it also presents unique challenges:
- Complex Policy Details: Understanding the specifics of your no-fault policy can be daunting. Each policy has different provisions and limitations, which can affect the coverage you receive.
- Timely Filing and Response: There are timelines for filing claims and receiving benefits. Delays in filing or incomplete documentation can result in denied claims or delayed payments.
- Disputes Over Benefits: Insurance companies may dispute the extent of your injuries or the necessity of certain treatments, leading to partial payments or outright denial of claims.
- Settlement Offers: Insurers often offer a quick settlement that might not fully cover your long-term needs, especially in cases of severe injury.
- Limitations of No-Fault Coverage: No-fault insurance doesn’t cover non-economic damages like pain and suffering unless certain thresholds are met. Understanding these nuances is essential.
Be Careful When Speaking With Insurance Adjusters
Talking to your insurance provider poses a risk of inadvertently saying something they can use to minimize your claim. Insurance adjusters will extract information that could limit their liability.
The legal process after an accident can be overwhelming, from reviewing your policy to handling claims and settlements. Having an experienced and thoughtful attorney on your side makes a difference. The bottom line? Call a lawyer before you call your insurance company after an accident in Michigan.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel injured right after the accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms immediately. By seeing a doctor, you not only protect your health but also create a medical record that links your injuries to the accident.
In Michigan, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance can typically cover medical bills resulting from the accident, but it’s important to keep track of all medical visits, treatments, and diagnoses. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to support proper recovery and support your claim.
Consult an Experienced Michigan Car Accident Lawyer
In some cases, your no-fault insurance may not cover all your expenses, or the at-fault driver may not have sufficient coverage. In these situations, you may need to pursue additional compensation through a personal injury claim. This is where a Michigan car accident lawyer can be invaluable if you’ve been in a car accident in Michigan, helping you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.
A lawyer can navigate the complexities of Michigan’s no-fault insurance system, file all the necessary paperwork correctly, and pursue any additional claims for pain and suffering if your injuries meet the state’s threshold for serious impairment of body function. They can also assist you in dealing with insurance companies, thus protecting your rights throughout the process.
Be Mindful of Statutes of Limitations
In Michigan, there are time limits for filing claims after a car accident. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically three years from the date of the accident. Therefore, if you plan to file a claim against the at-fault driver for non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, you must file your claim within this timeframe. It’s often smart to consult an attorney shortly after the accident to make sure you don’t miss any crucial deadlines.
Types of Damages Available in Car Accident Cases
There are three types of damages you may be eligible to recover in Michigan:
- Economic. Economic damages are tangible losses, such as hospital bills, the cost of ongoing rehabilitation, lost wages, and the loss of future earning capacity.
- Non-economic. Non-economic damages are less tangible. They include things like pain and suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress.
- Exemplary. Exemplary damages are only awarded in cases where the defendant’s behavior was particularly egregious. They are intended to compensate accident victims for shame and indignity caused by the defendant’s malicious or exceptionally negligent behavior. They are rarely awarded in car accident cases.
You can trust your lawyer to help you identify all of the damages to which you may be entitled, helping to make sure that you are able to claim full compensation.
Michigan’s Comparative Negligence System
Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence system that generally allows personal injury victims to recover compensation for pain and suffering as long as they are 50% or less at fault for the accident. If this is the case, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. Even if you are more than 50% responsible, you may still be eligible to recover certain economic damages.
Your lawyer can help you make sure insurance companies don’t try to erroneously assign you fault for an accident for which you were not to blame.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Determining liability for accidents isn’t always straightforward. Car crashes can be caused by multiple contributing factors, which can include:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Drowsy driving
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Road conditions
- Weather conditions
- Mechanical failures
Distracted driving occurs when a driver takes their hands off the wheel or their attention off the road. In 2024, this form of driver negligence led to 315,167 injuries across the country. If the road conditions played a role, the Michigan Department of Transportation or a local municipality may hold some of the blame. If a mechanical failure caused your crash, the car manufacturer could be a liable party.
Why It Is Important to Keep Records of Your Accident-Related Expenses
In the weeks and months that follow a car collision, keeping accurate records of your expenses can help you establish the full scope of the financial losses you suffered. Medical bills are important, but they are only part of that equation. You may have incurred costs tied to prescription medications, transportation to medical appointments, assistive devices, and other expenses related to your recovery.
If your injuries prevent you from working, preserve pay stubs, employment records, and correspondence with your employer documenting missed workdays or reduced hours. These records can help establish lost income and support your request for compensation.
Consider maintaining a journal documenting your pain levels, physical limitations, and difficulties performing everyday activities. Detailed notes can help your attorney understand how the collision has affected your quality of life. Keep receipts and copies of correspondence with insurers, medical providers, and other parties involved in your claim.
Understanding How Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance Priority Rules Apply
Following a car collision in Michigan, determining which insurance company is responsible for paying injury benefits may not be obvious at first. Although injured motorists commonly seek benefits through their own insurance policies, different rules may apply to passengers, pedestrians, and individuals who do not maintain automobile insurance.
For example, an injured passenger who does not have their own auto insurance may qualify for benefits through a spouse’s or resident relative’s policy. When no qualifying household coverage is available, the injured person may need to seek benefits through the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan.
Identifying the appropriate insurer is important because submitting a claim to the wrong company can create delays in receiving medical and wage-loss benefits. An experienced Michigan car accident attorney can review your insurance circumstances, determine which priority rules apply, and help you pursue benefits through the appropriate insurer.
Common Injuries That Result from Car Accidents in Michigan
From the Greektown Historic District in Detroit to the Kerrytown District in Ann Arbor, car collisions can cause a wide range of personal injuries. Depending on the severity of the impact, victims may suffer broken bones, whiplash, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or internal bleeding.
Some injuries require emergency surgery and extended hospital stays at Henry Ford Hospital, University of Michigan Health University Hospital, or another medical facility, while others may not produce noticeable symptoms until hours or days after the collision.
Even after receiving medical treatment, injured motorists may experience chronic pain, limited mobility, and permanent disabilities. These complications can interfere with their ability to work, perform daily activities, and maintain their independence, creating substantial financial hardships.
Reasons to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
In 2024, there were 288,880 crashes in Michigan. Of those, 1,012 were fatal. Another 51,202 caused injuries, and 44,890 caused suspected injuries. If you’re one of the many people who have been injured or lost a loved one in a motor vehicle crash in the Great Lakes State, you can hire a car accident lawyer to help you recover full compensation.
Your lawyer can help you in many ways, including:
- Explaining Michigan car accident laws
- Helping you meet deadlines
- Filling out paperwork correctly to avoid delays
- Collecting evidence to prove your claim
- Negotiating a settlement with the liable party’s insurance company
- Litigating your case in court, if it must go to trial
Working with a Michigan car accident attorney allows you to focus on healing from your injuries while your lawyer keeps track of the details of your case, keeping you apprised of any changes as they come up and reducing your stress during this difficult time. Hiring an attorney is also the most effective way to improve your chances of getting a fair settlement through your car accident claim.
FAQs
What Should You Do If You Have a Car Accident in Michigan?
After a car accident in Michigan, prioritize safety by checking for injuries and calling emergency services if necessary. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, document the scene with photos, and gather witness details. Report the accident to your insurance company promptly. After that, contact an experienced car accident attorney
Who Pays for Damages in a Car Accident in Michigan?
Under Michigan’s no-fault insurance system, each driver’s insurance covers their own medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault. However, the at-fault driver may be responsible for certain damages, such as property damage or pain and suffering, under specific circumstances. This can include claims under the mini-tort law for out-of-pocket vehicle repair costs up to $3,000.
How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident in Michigan?
In Michigan, accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage must be reported to the police immediately. Insurance companies also have their own reporting deadlines, so it’s important to notify them promptly, even if the accident seems minor. Failing to report an accident can affect your ability to file claims or comply with Michigan’s no-fault insurance requirements.
Do You Have to Report a Car Accident to Your Insurance Company in Michigan?
Yes, you must report car accidents to your insurance company in Michigan, even if the damage is minor. Michigan’s no-fault insurance system requires prompt notification to process claims for medical expenses and vehicle repairs. Delayed reporting may result in denied coverage, so it’s crucial to follow your policy’s guidelines to obtain the benefits you’re entitled to.
Contact Wigod & Falzon, P.C., to Get Help with Car Accident Cases
If you’ve been involved in a car collision in Michigan, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Wigod & Falzon, we are committed to helping you navigate the complexities of your car accident claim. Whether you need assistance with insurance claims, medical expenses, or pursuing compensation for pain and suffering, our experienced legal team is here to support you throughout your case.
Don’t wait to get the help you need. Schedule your car collision consultation today with Wigod & Falzon. We can review your case, explain your legal options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
