Short answer: In the first 24 hours after a Michigan car crash: make sure everyone is safe, call police if anyone is hurt or damage looks like $1,000 or more, exchange information, take photos, get checked by a doctor, and open a claim with your own auto insurer. Don't admit fault and don't give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer before talking to a lawyer.

What you do right after a crash can decide whether your medical bills get paid and whether you can recover for your injuries later. Here's a simple checklist.

At the scene

Stop and check on everyone. Michigan law requires drivers involved in a crash to stop and remain at the scene. Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
Call the police. You must immediately report a crash that causes injury, death, or apparent property damage of $1,000 or more (MCL 257.622). With today's repair costs, that's most crashes.
Exchange information. Drivers must give their name, address, and vehicle registration, and show their license if asked (MCL 257.619). Also get the other driver's insurance company and policy number.
Take photos and video: all vehicles, plates, the road, traffic signals, skid marks, weather, and your injuries.
Get witness names and phone numbers. Witnesses disappear quickly.
Don't argue about fault or apologize. Stick to the facts with police.

Later the same day

Get medical care, even if you feel okay. Concussions, neck and back injuries often show up hours or days later, and a gap before treatment is something insurers point to.
Write down what happened while it's fresh: time, direction of travel, what each driver did, what was said.
Get the police report number. The full report (form UD-10) lists the other driver's insurance.

Within the first day or two

Open a no-fault (PIP) claim with your own auto insurer and get the claim number. In Michigan your own insurer generally pays your medical bills and lost wages no matter who caused the crash. See who pays your medical bills after a Michigan car accident.
Give that claim number to every doctor and hospital so bills go to insurance, not to you.
Keep everything: bills, receipts, mileage to appointments, and notes from your employer about missed work.
Be careful with the other driver's insurer. You don't have to give them a recorded statement. What you say early can be used to reduce your claim.
Stay off social media about the crash and your injuries.

Deadlines start running now. Written notice to your no-fault insurer is generally required within one year of the accident (MCL 500.3145), and claims against an at-fault driver have their own time limits. Don't wait until a bill goes to collections.

Do you need a lawyer?

For a minor fender-bender with no injuries, often not. But if you were hurt, missed work, your insurer is slow or denies benefits, or the other driver's insurer is calling you, a free consultation is worth it. Injury cases are handled on a contingency fee: no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you, as explained in your written fee agreement.

Learn more about our car accident cases, or read what to do if your PIP claim is denied.

Just had a crash?

Free consultation. Call us and we'll walk you through your next steps. نتكلم العربية.

📞 Call (313) 566-4802 Send a message

Attorney responsible for this content: Ali Moubarak (P81729), Moubarak Law Firm, P.C., 1 Parklane Blvd., Ste 729 E, Dearborn, MI 48126 · (313) 566-4802.

Attorney advertising. This article is general information, not legal advice, and laws change. Every case is different, and results in past cases do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.