Steps to Take Immediately After a Car Accident A car accident can be overwhelming, especially on Detroit's busy roads. Knowing what to do in those first critical minutes can protect your safety, your legal rights, and your insurance claim. Here's a step-by-step guide every Metro Detroit driver should know. 1. Check for Injuries and Move …
Steps to Take Immediately After a Car Accident
A car accident can be overwhelming, especially on Detroit’s busy roads. Knowing what to do in those first critical minutes can protect your safety, your legal rights, and your insurance claim. Here’s a step-by-step guide every Metro Detroit driver should know.
1. Check for Injuries and Move to Safety
Your first priority is always safety. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. If the vehicles are drivable and it’s safe to do so, move them to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot to avoid blocking traffic on busy roads like I-75, I-94, or M-10.
2. Call 911 and File a Police Report
In Michigan, you must report any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. Even for minor fender-benders, a police report creates an official record that insurance companies rely on. When the officer arrives, provide factual information without admitting fault.
3. Exchange Information
Collect the following from all other drivers involved:
- Full name and contact information
- Insurance company and policy number
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Vehicle make, model, and color
4. Document the Scene
Use your phone to photograph everything: vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks, and any visible injuries. Take wide shots of the intersection or road, plus close-ups of all damage. These photos become invaluable evidence if there’s a dispute later.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
Michigan is a no-fault insurance state, meaning your own insurance covers your medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. Contact your insurer as soon as possible to start the claims process. Be honest and factual in your description of the accident.
6. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, some injuries like whiplash or concussions may not show symptoms for hours or days. Visit an urgent care facility or your doctor within 24 hours. Medical documentation also strengthens any insurance claim.
7. Arrange Towing if Your Vehicle Is Undrivable
If your car can’t be safely driven, you’ll need a reliable towing service. At Prime O Towing, we provide accident recovery towing throughout Detroit and Metro Michigan 24 hours a day. Our dispatchers coordinate with police and insurance companies to make the process as smooth as possible.
8. Keep Records of Everything
Save all documents related to the accident: the police report, medical bills, repair estimates, rental car receipts, and correspondence with insurance adjusters. Michigan’s no-fault system can be complex, and thorough records protect your interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to call the police after every accident in Detroit?
Michigan law requires you to report accidents involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. For minor incidents with no injuries, you can file a report at a police station within 24 hours, but having officers at the scene is always recommended.
How long do I have to file an insurance claim in Michigan?
Michigan’s no-fault law requires you to file a claim with your own insurer within one year of the accident for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. However, filing as soon as possible is strongly recommended.
Will my insurance cover towing after an accident?
Most Michigan auto insurance policies include roadside assistance or towing coverage as an optional add-on. Check your policy or call your agent. If you don’t have towing coverage, Prime O Towing offers competitive rates for emergency towing in Detroit.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
Michigan’s no-fault system means your own policy covers your medical expenses regardless. For vehicle damage, uninsured motorist coverage on your policy would apply. If you don’t have that coverage, you may need to pursue a civil claim against the other driver.
Should I move my car after an accident?
If the vehicle is drivable and it’s safe to do so, Michigan law encourages you to move vehicles out of traffic to prevent additional accidents. If there are serious injuries or the car can’t be moved, leave it in place and wait for emergency responders.
Need immediate help after an accident? Call Prime O Towing at (313) 327-6334 for fast, professional accident recovery towing anywhere in Detroit and the surrounding Metro area. We’re available 24/7.
