According to the Michigan State Police, Michigan recorded 288,880 traffic crashes in 2024, resulting in 1,099 fatalities. After a collision, it is hard to think past the pain and adrenaline, let alone work through what the law requires of you next. This guide lays out the steps to take after a car accident in Michigan so you can protect your health and your rights before critical deadlines pass.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Michigan?

The first few minutes after a crash carry more weight than most people realize. What you do, and what you say, can shape a claim well before an attorney is involved.

Call 911 and request medical assistance

Call emergency services right away, even when injuries seem minor on the surface. A police report establishes an official record that both insurers and attorneys will reference. Requesting medical assistance at the scene creates a timeline showing injuries existed from the start.

Move to safety if possible

Get out of traffic if the vehicles can move. Pull to a shoulder or parking lot, turn on hazard lights, and set out warning triangles or flares if available.

Exchange information

From every driver involved, collect: full name and contact number, driver’s license number, license plate, and insurance company with policy number. Get contact details from any witnesses before they leave the scene.

Document the scene with photos and video

Before vehicles are moved, photograph the damage from several angles. Capture road conditions, skid marks, any posted signals, and visible injuries. A short video sweep of the area is worth taking if fault could later be disputed.

Avoid admitting fault

Say as little as possible at the scene. The instinct to apologize is understandable, but even an offhand remark such as “I didn’t see you” or “I should have stopped sooner” can surface in litigation. Fault is established through evidence, not conversation.

Why Is Seeking Medical Attention So Important?

Hidden injuries may appear later

Some of the most serious crash injuries, including whiplash, soft tissue tears, internal bleeding, and traumatic brain injuries, do not produce obvious symptoms right away. A gap between the accident and the first doctor’s visit gives insurers room to argue the injury came from somewhere else.

Medical records protect your injury claim

Treatment records that begin on the day of the crash form the foundation of any injury case. They document what was hurt, when care started, and how the condition changed over time. Without that documentation, establishing causation gets far more difficult.

Insurance companies scrutinize delays

Under Michigan’s modified no-fault system, your own insurer pays medical expenses and lost wages through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. Gaps in treatment give adjusters a straightforward reason to cut or deny those payments. Getting evaluated promptly takes that argument off the table.

When Should You Contact a Michigan Auto Injury Lawyer?

Many crash victims manage routine claims without legal help. Certain circumstances, though, call for professional representation before the situation gets harder to recover from.

If injuries are serious

Fractures, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries carry long medical tails and significant lost income. Before accepting any offer, consult the auto injury attorneys at Arnold E. Reed & Associates to understand what the claim is actually worth.

If fault is disputed

When the other driver, their insurer, or a third party pushes back on what happened, an attorney gathers the evidence, works with reconstruction experts, and handles opposing counsel directly. That takes the burden off the injured party.

If insurance delays or denies compensation

Insurers have several ways to slow or limit payments under Michigan’s no-fault law. An attorney with experience in Michigan personal injury claims can contest those decisions and press for the benefits owed. Two deadlines to keep in mind: one year to notify your own insurer of a PIP claim, and three years to file a third-party lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Miss either window and the right to recover may be lost entirely.

What Mistakes Should You Avoid After a Car Crash?

Posting on social media

Defense teams routinely search social media once a claim is filed. Photos of a weekend outing, a gym check-in, or even a cheerful caption can be taken out of context to challenge the extent of your injuries. Stay off public platforms until the case is closed.

Giving recorded statements without counsel

An adjuster may call within 24 hours asking for a recorded account of the accident. These calls are structured to gather statements that reduce the insurer’s exposure. Decline politely and speak with an attorney before agreeing to any recorded session.

Accepting a quick settlement

The first offer rarely reflects total damages, and it almost never accounts for future treatment costs. Signing a release closes the door on any additional recovery, even if injuries worsen. Have an attorney review any settlement before putting pen to paper.

What Customers Are Saying

Arnold E. Reed & Associates, P.C. has obtained numerous multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for injured clients throughout Michigan. The firm’s record has been recognized by Michigan Super Lawyers, Michigan Lawyers Weekly, and major national media, including 60 Minutes and Meet the Press.

Honorable Conrad L. Mallett, Former Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, has described Arnold E. Reed as “high quality, of excellent character, a surgeon-like skilled, legal technician.”

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Where to Get Auto Injury Legal Help in Detroit or Chicago

Based in Southfield, Michigan, Arnold E. Reed & Associates, P.C. has litigated auto injury cases across the state and in Chicago courtrooms. The firm’s attorneys know Michigan’s no-fault system in depth and carry court familiarity that affects how cases are built, argued, and resolved.

Find qualified auto injury legal representation

Get a Free Consultation Today

The choices made in the week after a crash can close off legal options that take years to matter. Arnold E. Reed & Associates, P.C. offers free consultations for injured Michigan residents, with no fee unless the case is won. Reach out today to go over the facts and understand your options.