đźš‘ What to Do After a Car Accident With Injuries in Michigan
Focus on Your Health — and Protect Your Legal Rights
Being involved in a car accident is always stressful — but when injuries are involved, everything becomes more urgent and more complicated. If you’re injured in a crash in Michigan, what you do in the first few hours and days can have a major impact on both your health and your legal rights.
Here’s what you need to know.
1. đź©ş Get Medical Attention Immediately
Your health is the top priority.
- Call 911 if you or anyone else is seriously injured. Emergency medical services can assess and stabilize injuries on-site.
- Even if you think you’re “okay,” don’t skip medical treatment. Many injuries (like whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding) may not show symptoms right away.
- Go to the emergency room, urgent care, or your primary care doctor as soon as possible.
💡 Tip: Delaying care can make your injuries worse — and may hurt your insurance or legal claim later.
2. đź“„ Inform Your Auto Insurance Company
Michigan is a no-fault state, which means:
- Your own insurance company typically pays for your medical expenses, lost wages, and replacement services — regardless of who caused the accident.
- This is done through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits under your policy.
You should report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible, preferably within 24–72 hours, to start your claim.
❗ If you don’t have your own policy, you may qualify for benefits through the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan (MACP).
3. 👨‍⚖️ Contact a Michigan Auto Accident Attorney
Once you’ve received medical care and reported the accident, the next step is just as important: Contact an experienced auto accident attorney — especially if:
- You’ve suffered serious injuries
- You’re missing work or facing long-term recovery
- Another driver was at fault or uninsured
- Your medical bills are piling up
- You’re getting calls from insurance adjusters
A qualified attorney can help you:
- Navigate Michigan’s no-fault insurance system
- Make sure all your PIP benefits are properly paid
- Determine if you can file a lawsuit for pain and suffering
- Handle all communication with the insurance companies
- Preserve your legal rights while you focus on healing
📞 Don’t wait. The sooner your attorney is involved, the better they can protect you and gather the evidence needed for your case.
4. đź“ť Document Everything
Keep a record of everything related to your accident and injuries, including:
- Medical visits and bills
- Prescription receipts
- Photos of the scene and injuries
- Police reports
- Correspondence from insurers
Your attorney will use this documentation to build your case and ensure nothing is overlooked.
5. đźš« Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Don’t give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without legal advice
- Don’t sign any forms or accept a settlement offer without reviewing it with your attorney
- Don’t skip follow-up medical appointments — they help prove your injury severity
Final Thoughts
A car accident can change your life in an instant. In Michigan, the law offers protection — but you must take the right steps to get the care and compensation you need.
- âś… Get medical help.
- âś… Notify your insurer.
- âś… Contact an attorney you trust.
Let the professionals handle the paperwork and legal strategy so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery.