Guide
What to do after a car accident in Michigan
A car crash is stressful and disorienting, and it's hard to think clearly in the moment. Knowing what to do after a car accident in Michigan ahead of time can protect your health, your rights, and any future claim. This calm, step-by-step guide walks you through the practical things to handle at the scene and in the days afterward — including a few Michigan-specific rules that surprise a lot of drivers.
First steps at the scene
Your safety comes first. If you can, move to a safe spot, turn on your hazard lights, and check everyone for injuries. Call 911 for any injury or significant damage. Even when things seem minor, a police report creates an official record that can matter later. Here's a simple checklist for what to do after a car accident in Michigan:
- Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt.
- Move to safety if the vehicles are drivable and it's safe to do so.
- Call the police and wait for an officer to document the scene.
- Exchange information — names, phone numbers, insurance, and license plates.
- Take photos of vehicle damage, the road, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
- Get witness details if anyone saw what happened.
- Avoid admitting fault — stick to the facts when you speak with others.
See a doctor — even if you feel fine
Adrenaline can mask pain, and some serious injuries (like whiplash or concussions) show up hours or days later. Getting checked out protects your health and connects your injuries to the crash in your medical records. Prompt treatment also matters for your Michigan no-fault PIP benefits, which help pay medical bills regardless of who caused the accident.
Report the accident and start your no-fault claim
Michigan is a no-fault state, which means your own insurer generally pays your medical expenses and a portion of lost wages through PIP benefits, no matter who was at fault. Notify your insurance company promptly. Keep in mind that PIP claims generally must be started within one year of the accident, so don't wait. Our guide on how no-fault works breaks down what's covered.
When you can pursue a claim against the other driver
No-fault covers a lot, but it doesn't pay for pain and suffering. To sue an at-fault driver for those non-economic damages, Michigan generally requires that your injury meet the “serious impairment of body function” threshold. Michigan also uses modified comparative fault — if you're found more than 50% at fault, you generally cannot recover non-economic damages. These rules are nuanced, which is why it helps to have a Michigan car accident attorney review the details.
Keep records and protect your claim
In the days after the crash, stay organized. Good documentation makes any claim far smoother:
- Keep a copy of the police report and the report number.
- Save all medical records, bills, and receipts.
- Track missed work and lost income.
- Write down how your injuries affect daily life.
- Be cautious about giving recorded statements to the other driver's insurer.
Remember that the broader statute of limitations in Michigan generally gives you three years to file an injury lawsuit — but the one-year no-fault deadline comes much sooner, so timing matters.
Talk to someone who can help
You don't have to sort this out alone. We can connect you with an experienced Michigan attorney who handles car accident claims every day. Getting matched is free, confidential, and carries no obligation, and network attorneys typically work on contingency — no fee unless you win. If you have questions about your crash, reach out today for a free case review.
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Keep reading
Car Accident Lawyers
How Michigan crash claims, fault, and damages work.
No-Fault & PIP Benefits
What your own insurer pays after a Michigan accident.
Filing Deadlines
How long you have to file an injury claim in Michigan.