What should I do after a car accident in Michigan?
Get to safety and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Report the crash to the police if anyone is injured or damage looks like $1,000 or more. Exchange insurance details and take photos. Get checked by a medical provider within a few days, even if you feel fine. Then report the crash to your own auto insurer, which pays your medical bills through PIP, and give written notice within one year.
Step by step
Make sure everyone is safe
Move out of traffic if you can. Call 911 if anyone is hurt, and get emergency care right away for chest pain, trouble breathing, a severe headache, confusion, loss of consciousness, or numbness or weakness.
Report the crash to the police
Michigan law requires the driver to report a crash immediately to the police if anyone is hurt or killed, or if property damage appears to be $1,000 or more. Ask for the report number.
Collect information and photos
Get the other drivers' names, phone numbers, insurance companies and policy numbers, and plate numbers. Photograph the vehicles, the scene and any visible injuries, and note witnesses.
Get checked, even if you feel fine
Some injuries, such as whiplash, concussion and back injuries, can take hours or days to show symptoms. A visit soon after the crash also documents your injuries for your claim. Walk-in urgent care, with in-house CT and X-ray, is available in Dearborn.
Tell your own auto insurer
In Michigan your own insurer pays your medical bills through personal injury protection (PIP), no matter who caused the crash. Report the crash, ask for a claim number and the adjuster's contact details, and give written notice of your injury within one year.
Keep records
Save bills, receipts and mileage to appointments, and note missed work and help you need at home. PIP can pay part of lost wages, replacement services and medical mileage.
Know your options for car damage
Vehicle damage is handled separately from injuries. If your collision coverage doesn't pay for it, you can seek up to $3,000 from the at-fault driver.
Get help if your injuries are serious
For serious or lasting injuries, or a dispute with your insurer, consider talking to an attorney. We send records to attorneys on request.
Common questions
Can I choose my own doctor after a car accident in Michigan?
Usually, yes. If your policy has a managed care option, your insurer can require you to use its network of providers, except for emergency care. Check your policy, or ask us and we'll check it before your first visit.
Who pays my medical bills if the other driver caused the crash?
Your own auto insurer, through PIP, up to the PIP medical level on your policy. Michigan's no-fault system pays your medical care regardless of fault. See the no-fault treatment guide for PIP levels and deadlines.
How soon should I see a doctor after a car accident?
Right away for emergency symptoms, and otherwise within a few days, even if you feel fine. Symptoms such as neck pain, headaches and back pain often appear a day or more after the crash.
Do I need a police report for my insurance claim?
Your insurer will usually ask for one, and Michigan law requires reporting a crash with any injury or apparent damage of $1,000 or more. Keep the report number with your claim number.
What injuries do you treat after a crash?
Whiplash and neck pain, back pain, headaches, shoulder and knee injuries and nerve pain, with pain management, spine care, physical therapy and walk-in urgent care. We bill your auto insurer directly.
This page explains Michigan law in general terms. It isn't legal advice; for questions about your claim, talk with your insurer or an attorney.
