What to Do After a Car Accident in Michigan

If you’re injured in a Michigan car accident, it’s important to act quickly in order to protect your rights to: 1) auto no-fault benefits and 2) a potential liability claim against the at-fault driver. In addition to making sure your rights are preserved, injuries resulting from auto accidents are often far-reaching. You may not initially comprehend the full extent of your injuries, so protecting your rights early-on is critical. Below is all the information you should know if you’re wondering “what to do after a car accident in Michigan?”

Your first priority is your health and wellbeing. If anyone in your vehicle needs medical attention, a police officer can assist with getting an ambulance. Oftentimes, injuries from an automobile accident may not present symptoms immediately. These types of injuries include traumatic brain injury (TBI) and neck and spine injuries. If in doubt, seek medical attention right away.
Document and photograph the site. If you’re physically able to, collect as much information as possible. This may include photographs of the vehicles involved, your injuries, or videos of the scene. Furthermore, be sure to obtain insurance and personal information of the other driver.
Order your police report. At the time of the accident, you should have received information regarding which police department responded to your accident. Afterward, you will then contact that department for the official police report.
Learn about your rights under the Michigan Auto No-Fault Law. Every accident in Michigan is governed by the no-fault statute. You need to understand how this system works in order to preserve your rights to the benefits you may be eligible to receive under this system. While no-fault benefits include allowable expense benefits (medical expense), work loss benefits, replacement services, and survivor’s loss benefits, a potential claim against the driver who caused your crash may compensation for quality of life damages, such as pain and suffering.
Contact a skilled Michigan auto accident attorney to begin a thorough investigation of the incident right away. As part of the investigation, your lawyer will need a copy of your accident report, so be sure to order your accident report as soon as possible. Your lawyer’s investigation should include: interviewing all witnesses, photographing the accident scene and all vehicles involved in the crash, taking measurements at the scene, collecting physical evidence, and interviewing the police.
Do not speak with investigators or adjusters representing others involved in the accident or discuss the potential of settling or specifics about your accident. Also, do not sign any medical authorizations from the opposing party. Consult with your attorney first. The insurance company for the at-fault driver will conduct an investigation soon after the accident. One of the first things this investigator will typically do is contact the victim (you) and request that the victim give a written or recorded statement about the collision. DO NOT give any such statements.
Do not engage in settlement negotiations without speaking with an experienced car accident lawyer. Many times the insurance company representing the driver who’s at fault will approach an auto accident victim and attempt to settle a potential lawsuit against the negligent driver in exchange for a release of liability. If you’re injured in a car accident, DO NOT enter into any settlement negotiations without first consulting a Michigan personal injury lawyer. The other driver’s auto insurance will likely not offer what your potential case is worth in these settlement discussions. Auto negligence cases are complex claims and handling them requires expertise and experience. It’s best to consult with skilled attorneys before any discussion of settling the matter.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Michigan

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