Help! I’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident, what happens next?
Get to safety.
Call the police.
Remain at the scene and await the arrival of the police. Document the accident by providing a detailed account of what transpired, the extent of the damage to your vehicle, and report any injuries sustained.
Seek medical treatment immediately; report and document ALL injuries.
Even if you perceive your injuries to be minor, it is advisable to pursue medical attention, as what seems to be a trivial injury can rapidly develop into a more severe condition in the days or weeks that follow. Ensure that your medical team is updated on any new symptoms that may emerge after the accident.
Never give statements or sign releases.
Upon opening a claim with insurance and receipt of the police report, the claims adjuster from the insurance company may reach out to you for a statement regarding the incident and/or to request that you sign a release. DO NOT provide any statements to insurance companies and DO NOT sign any release(s) until you have first consulted with an attorney.
File a No-Fault benefits application.
Following a car accident in Michigan, it is necessary to submit an application for No-Fault benefits to your auto insurance provider to obtain benefits that will cover your medical expenses related to the accident and to compensate you for lost wages if your injuries have prevented you from returning to work.
Obtain a copy of your police report.
Contact the police department where your crash occurred to order a copy of your police report.
Attend all medical appointments.
In order to return to your daily routines and lifestyle prior to the accident, it is crucial that you persist with the treatment for your personal injuries, which may include occupational therapy, physical therapy, or regular follow-ups with your family physician. Additionally, insurance adjusters are quick to argue that accidents victims who neglect to attend their doctor's appointments cannot be suffering from pain and, as a result, are not eligible for benefits and/or compensation.
Keep good records.
The following list, while not exhaustive, are examples of what you should be documenting:
(a) Photographs of your injuries;
(b) Photographs of all vehicles involved in the accident;
(c) Documentation of your medical visits;
(d) Copies of your medical records, diagnosis, testing results, medications, medical bills, etc.;
(e) Journal how the accident has impacted your personal and professional life and relationships; and
(f) Journal your daily pains, discomforts, inconveniences, feelings, symptoms, and challenges.
Comply with notice requirements.
In Michigan, individuals who have been involved in accidents must submit an application for No-Fault Benefits within one (1) year from the date of the incident. However, it is important to note that although this is the requirement set by Michigan, the insurance provider may have a different timeframe in their insurance policies. Thus, it is crucial to examine your policy to determine the applicable timeframe for your circumstances.