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Last Modified on May 28, 2026
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.
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.
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 allows personal injury victims to recover compensation as long as they were less than 51% at fault for the accidents that caused their injuries. You may thus have to prove that you held 50% or less of the blame for the accident. If this is the case, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault you were assigned.
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
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.
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 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.
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 PC 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.
