After a Car Crash in Royal Oak: What to Do Next
TL;DR: Get to safety, call 911 when needed, document the scene, exchange information, get medical care if you have symptoms or a significant impact, notify the appropriate insurance company, and be cautious with recorded statements and releases. Michigan no-fault rules can affect which benefits may apply and what deadlines matter.
A crash can be disorienting. The steps you take in the first hours and days can help protect your health and preserve the information needed for insurance and any related claims.
1) Get to safety and call for help
Your first priority is safety. If you can do so without increasing risk, move out of traffic and to a safer location. Call 911 if anyone is injured, if the scene is unsafe, or if you need police/medical assistance.
Michigan law can impose duties to stop, provide information, and report certain crashes. For general reference, see MCL 257.617, MCL 257.618, and MCL 257.622.
2) Cooperate with responding officers (stick to facts)
If police respond, provide your license, registration, and proof of insurance and answer questions truthfully. Keep your statements factual (what you saw, where you were, what happened). Avoid guessing about speed, distances, or fault.
3) Document the scene like it is evidence
If it is safe, use your phone to capture photos/video of vehicle damage (multiple angles), vehicle positions, skid marks, debris, traffic signals/signs, and road conditions. If appropriate, document visible injuries.
Also write down (or record a voice memo) with the date/time, location, weather/lighting, lane directions, and what you remember leading up to the crash.
4) Exchange key information (do not negotiate at the roadside)
Exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, vehicle details, and insurance information. Get contact information for witnesses.
Try not to argue about fault or negotiate payment at the scene. Quick “cash deals” can create problems later if injuries develop or damage is greater than it first appears.
5) Get medical care promptly (even if you feel okay)
Some injuries can take time to show symptoms. Consider evaluation promptly if you have pain, dizziness, numbness, confusion, or if the collision was significant. Follow up with your primary care provider or appropriate specialists.
Keep copies of discharge papers, prescriptions, referrals, and any work restrictions. If you miss work or need help at home, document what you could not do and why.
6) Notify the right insurance company and keep a paper trail
Report the crash to your insurer as soon as practical and ask what they need (photos, a statement, repair estimates, medical billing instructions). If you have questions about Michigan’s no-fault system, ask which coverages may apply and what documentation they require.
Michigan no-fault (PIP) benefits can include payment of certain allowable expenses and may include wage loss and replacement services, depending on the facts and coverage. See MCL 500.3107. Timing rules can be important; see MCL 500.3145.
Create a dedicated folder (digital or paper) for the police report number (if any), claim numbers, adjuster contacts, towing/storage receipts, repair estimates, rental car receipts, medical bills, and proof of missed work.
7) Be careful with recorded statements, releases, and social media
Insurance companies may request a recorded statement or ask you to sign authorizations. It is reasonable to ask what the statement is for and whether you can provide information in writing. Do not sign broad medical authorizations or settlement releases unless you understand what rights you may be giving up.
Avoid posting about the crash, injuries, activities, or recovery on social media while a claim is pending.
8) Protect your vehicle claim (towing, storage, repairs)
If your car is towed, find out where it is and the daily storage charges. Ask your insurer about the estimate process, rental coverage, and whether the vehicle might be considered a total loss.
Before repairs begin, consider taking detailed photos and removing personal items. Keep receipts for towing, storage, rideshares, and rentals.
9) Understand the types of compensation that may be in play in Michigan
Depending on the facts, losses may involve vehicle damage and related out-of-pocket costs, PIP/no-fault benefits, and in some cases a claim for pain and suffering (noneconomic damages).
Pain-and-suffering claims in Michigan are fact-specific and generally require meeting a legal threshold; see MCL 500.3135.
10) When it may be time to talk with a lawyer
Consider getting legal advice if someone is seriously injured, symptoms worsen, treatment becomes ongoing, fault is disputed, multiple vehicles/policies are involved, you are being pressured to give a recorded statement or sign releases, or your claim is denied/delayed.
If you want help assessing next steps, contact our office.
Tip: Build your “claim file” the same day
Save everything in one place: photos, the crash location, the police report number, all claim numbers, adjuster emails, repair estimates, and every medical/work document. If you talk by phone, jot down the date/time, the person’s name, and what was said.
Checklist: Keep this in your glove box
- Move to safety and call 911 if needed
- Take photos/video of vehicles, plates, the scene, and visible injuries (if appropriate)
- Exchange driver and insurance info and collect witness contacts
- Get medical evaluation if you have symptoms or the impact was significant
- Report the crash to the appropriate insurer and keep receipts/records
- Be cautious with recorded statements, releases, and social media
FAQ
Do I have to call the police after a crash in Michigan?
It depends on the situation, but crashes involving injury/death and certain property damage scenarios can trigger duties to stop, provide information, and report. When in doubt (or if the scene is unsafe or anyone may be hurt), calling 911 is often the safest choice. For general reference, see MCL 257.617, MCL 257.618, and MCL 257.622.
What if I do not feel injured until the next day?
Delayed symptoms are common. Consider getting medical evaluation promptly and make sure your symptoms are documented in your records.
What does Michigan no-fault generally cover?
Depending on your policy and the facts, PIP benefits may include certain allowable expenses and may include wage loss and replacement services. See MCL 500.3107.
Are there deadlines for no-fault-related claims?
Yes, timing can matter and can be fact-specific. For general reference, see MCL 500.3145. If you are unsure, get advice quickly.
Should I give a recorded statement to an insurance company?
It may be requested, but you can ask what it is for, request time to review your notes, and consider getting advice before giving recorded statements or signing authorizations/releases.
Disclaimer: This post is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Michigan law and insurance practices can change, and deadlines and required steps depend on the facts and the applicable policy(ies). For advice about your specific situation, consult a qualified Michigan attorney and/or your insurance carrier.