The first few moments after a car accident can be so chaotic you struggle to think clearly. It’s always smart to think in advance about what to do if this ever happens to you. Here are some tips from a Michigan car accident lawyer about what to do if you’re in an accident.
5 Steps to Take Following a Car Accident
1. Take Immediate Action at the Accident Scene
Your first priority should be safety. Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately to get medical assistance. If the vehicles involved are in a dangerous position and can be moved, relocate them to a safer area to prevent further collisions. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of the accident.
Once safety is ensured, exchange information with the other driver(s). Obtain their name, contact information, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance details. It’s also helpful to note the make, model, and color of their vehicle.
2. Document the Accident
If you’re physically able, and it is safe, take photographs of the scene from multiple angles, capturing the position of the vehicles, any visible damages, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signals, and other relevant details. If possible, include landmarks to help illustrate the location of the accident. Write down your account of what happened as soon as possible while the details are still fresh in your mind.
3. Report
In Michigan, you are required to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 to the police. Even if the damage appears minor, it’s advisable to file a report. The police report is an official record and can be critical for insurance claims. When the police arrive, provide them with a clear and factual account of the accident. Avoid speculating or admitting fault. Be sure to get the name and badge number of the responding officer.
4. Contact Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with the details of the incident, including the information you gathered at the scene and the police report. Be honest in your account, but avoid admitting fault or speculating about the cause of the accident.
No-Fault Insurance
Michigan operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means that your own insurance company will normally cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket costs regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, you may still be able to pursue a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if your injuries meet certain thresholds.
5. Contact a Michigan Car Accident Lawyer
In most cases, the smart next move is to contact a car accident attorney, and particularly if you have been badly injured. It’s likely in that case that you may need to file a lawsuit, and a lawyer can help you by investigating the accident, evaluating your injuries and the case, and, if you are able to file, by taking care of all negotiations, legalities, and litigation. An attorney can also make sure your report satisfies all the insurance company’s policy requirements, so there’s less risk your claim will be denied.
If you’ve been in a car accident, contact us at Jay Trucks & Associates, PC right away for help. We serve the people of Clare, Flint, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Saginaw, Traverse City, Kalamazoo, and Detroit, MI and have recovered over $500 million for our clients.
