A vehicle accident in Dearborn, Michigan, is a stressful time, but it is important to stay calm. While you may seek damages from at-fault parties, follow these steps to make the process smoother.
What to do after an accident
After motor vehicle accidents, the first thing to do is check for injuries and dial 911 if needed. If you can’t move, get a bystander or a passenger who isn’t hurt to dial it for you.
If the situation allows and the vehicle starts, get the vehicle out of the way and everyone to a safe spot. Unless there is a danger, such as a fire, don’t move babies and toddlers who may have hidden injuries. If the accident occurs at night, turn on your safety lights or use flairs to avoid your vehicle getting hit.
You may need to file a police report for a minor accident, but Michigan doesn’t require a written report. You only must file a report if there are injuries, fatalities, or more than $1000 in property damage, including an unattended vehicle.
Analyze the damage, and take pictures of the scene, noting the weather road hazards, traffic signs, and traffic conditions. Note the driver’s name, address, witness information, accident area, vehicle make, license plate number, and officer names and badge numbers.
What not to do
Never postpone getting medical attention (even if you feel fine) because doing so makes the accident seem less serious to insurers. Some injuries, such as whiplash or spinal injury, may not show symptoms for several hours or days, since adrenalin delays symptoms. Don’t give the insurance adjusters details about your injuries or give a recorded statement until you have a full assessment.
Whether or not you’re at fault, never leave the scene of an accident, which could result in criminal charges. Don’t admit fault, place blame, take compensation on the spot, or let a party guilt you out of filing a claim.
Michigan is a no-fault state, which means each party must file claims with their own insurance. Your case must meet the requirements to bring a case against at-fault drivers.
