The moments after a car accident can be overwhelming, especially if you've been injured. Knowing what steps to take after a car accident involving personal injury can protect your health, preserve your legal rights, and significantly impact your ability to recover fair compensation. Follow this guide to ensure you're taking the right actions.
1. Ensure Safety and Call for Help
Your safety and the safety of others should be your first priority. If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic to a safe location. Turn on your hazard lights and check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately for emergency medical assistance.
Even if the accident seems minor, calling the police is important. A police report provides official documentation of the accident, which can be critical evidence for insurance claims and potential lawsuits.
2. Document the Accident Scene
If you are able, thoroughly document the accident scene before vehicles are moved or conditions change:
- Take photos and videos of all vehicles involved, including damage and license plates
- Capture the overall scene, including road conditions, traffic signs, and weather
- Photograph any visible injuries you or your passengers sustained
- Note the position of the vehicles and any debris
- Record the time, date, and location of the accident
3. Exchange Information With Other Parties
Collect the following information from all other drivers involved:
- Names, addresses, and phone numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- License plate numbers
- Insurance company names and policy numbers
- Vehicle make, model, and year
Also collect contact information from any witnesses to the accident. Be sure to obtain the responding officer's name and badge number, and ask how to obtain a copy of the police report.
4. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine after the accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some serious injuries, such as concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms for hours or even days after the accident. Prompt medical care:
- Identifies injuries you may not be aware of
- Creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident
- Strengthens any future legal claims
- Prevents injuries from worsening due to delayed treatment
Follow all treatment recommendations from your healthcare providers and attend all follow-up appointments. Gaps in treatment can be used by insurance companies to argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company promptly, as most policies require timely notification. However, be careful about what you say. Stick to the basic facts of the accident and avoid speculation, opinions, or detailed statements about your injuries. Do not admit fault or discuss the accident in detail until you've spoken with an attorney.
Avoid giving a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company without legal representation. Their adjusters are trained to obtain statements that can be used to reduce or deny your claim.
6. Preserve Evidence and Documentation
Begin keeping a file of all documents related to the accident:
- Medical records and bills
- Pay stubs showing lost wages
- Receipts for out-of-pocket expenses
- Insurance correspondence
- Police report and accident scene photos
- Names and contact information for witnesses
- A journal documenting your recovery, pain levels, and how injuries affect your daily life
Keep all evidence related to your accident organized and accessible. This documentation will be invaluable when pursuing your claim.
7. Be Cautious on Social Media
Avoid posting about the accident or your injuries on social media. Insurance companies and defense attorneys routinely monitor claimants' social media accounts for posts that can be used against them. Even innocent posts about activities or comments about how you're feeling can be misrepresented to undermine your claim.
8. Consult With an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
Before accepting any settlement offer or making detailed statements to insurance companies, consult with an experienced Michigan car accident attorney. An attorney can:
- Evaluate the strength of your claim
- Handle communications with insurance companies
- Ensure all deadlines are met
- Negotiate for the full compensation you deserve
- Pursue litigation if a fair settlement cannot be reached
Most personal injury attorneys, including our firm, offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
9. Don't Accept the First Settlement Offer
Insurance companies often make quick settlement offers that are far less than what your claim is actually worth. These early offers are typically made before the full extent of your injuries is known and before you've had time to consult with an attorney. Never accept a settlement without first having it reviewed by a lawyer.
Contact Our Experienced Michigan Car Accident Attorneys
Taking the right steps after a car accident can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your case. At Logeman, Iafrate & Logeman, P.C., we have been helping Michigan accident victims recover the compensation they deserve for over 45 years.
If you've been injured in a car accident, contact us today for a free consultation. We'll review your case, explain your options, and help you take the next steps toward recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to what matters most about your case and how we work.
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Michigan?
After ensuring your safety and calling 911 if anyone is injured, you should: (1) move to a safe location if possible, (2) call the police to report the accident, (3) document the scene with photos and notes, (4) exchange information with other drivers, (5) seek medical attention even if you feel fine, and (6) contact a personal injury attorney before giving any statements to insurance companies.
Do I need to call the police after a car accident?
Yes, you should always call the police after a car accident in Michigan, especially if anyone is injured, there is significant property damage, or there is a hit-and-run. A police report provides important documentation of the accident and is often crucial evidence when pursuing a personal injury claim.
Should I see a doctor even if I don't feel hurt?
Yes, absolutely. Many serious injuries, including whiplash, concussions, and internal injuries, may not produce immediate symptoms. Seeking prompt medical attention creates a record of your injuries, establishes the connection between the accident and your condition, and is critical for both your health and any legal claims you may pursue.
Should I give a statement to the other driver's insurance company?
No, you should not give a statement to the other driver's insurance company without first consulting an attorney. Insurance adjusters may use your statements against you to minimize or deny your claim. Anything you say can be misrepresented or taken out of context. Your own insurance company may require cooperation, but even then, an attorney can help protect your rights.
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Michigan?
Michigan generally provides three years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, there are exceptions that can shorten or extend this deadline. Missing the statute of limitations will permanently bar your right to seek compensation, so it's important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
What evidence should I preserve after a car accident?
Important evidence to preserve includes: photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries; police reports and citations; medical records and bills; witness contact information; insurance communications; pay stubs showing lost wages; and any communications with insurance adjusters. Your attorney can help ensure all relevant evidence is preserved.
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Don't face this alone. Let us review your case and show you what's possible. We never charge legal fees unless we recover damages on your behalf and the initial consultation is free as well. Reach out to us today.
Adrienne D. Logeman
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James A. Iafrate
Partner
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Joannie E.Jim was always available when we needed him to answer questions!
"Jim handled our case resulting from a very bad automobile accident. Both my husband and I were injured. He is very personable and efficient. He came to our home to get the details of the accident and continued to provide excellent handling of our case to the end when he reached an excellent settlement for us. We feel we became friends during this whole process."
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D JuneBy far the best lawyer I've ever had!
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Lana D.I can not say enough about this firm they continue to advocate for me!
"I was in 2 different catastrophic car accidents. Jim Iafrate has been my attorney for many years. I can say that without a doubt he is the best attorney in this field. Jim and his staff are professional and compassionate. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a attorney that has been in a car accident. Jim will go above and beyond for his clients."
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"The attorneys at Logeman,Iafrate and Logeman were absolutely fantastic and professional in handling our case from a severe automobile accident. They provided constant support and guidance in making sure all of our medical needs were met. The staff at this firm was so helpful in all aspects of the case and subsequent trial and settlement."
Vince G.I know that we can always trust their advice!
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"James and his team worked right beside our entire family during the whole process and even after. James was always available and fought hard to get my family what we deserved. He didn't back down and was uplifting through the entire process. Not only was I proud to have him as our lawyer, we were even prouder that we can now call him a friend."
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