Michigan Car Accident Checklist

It could happen to anyone, any time. You're driving to work or taking your kids to school. Everything's going smoothly until, all of a sudden, your car is hit by another vehicle and spun around. It all happened so fast. What with your heart racing, your engine smoking and your kids crying, would you know what to do if you were involved in a Michigan auto accident?

Thinking in advance about what to do and what information to get should you be in a Michigan auto accident can help you think more clearly should you ever have an auto accident. It's often not easy to remember what you're supposed to do in the heat and stress of the moment. Because of this, we've created the following "checklist." Following these few steps immediately after an auto accident can help to protect your legal rights. You might even want to make a copy of the list and keep it in your glove box next to your insurance card and your registration.

What to Do in the Event of an Auto Accident "Checklist"

1. Stay Calm After the Michigan Auto Accident. In you are involved in a Michigan auto accident, stop and take a deep breath and access the damage to you, your passengers and your vehicle before you do anything else. Staying calm will help those around keep their composure, especially if there are children with you. It's much easier to assess the situation and take the appropriate actions when no one is crying or screaming.

2. Stop to protect your passengers and car. As soon as you've collected yourself and made sure that you are not severely injured, take measures to protect your passengers and your car. Call 911 for an ambulance, if necessary. If your car is stopped in the middle of the road, in the way of on-coming traffic, set out flares, if you have them, to make sure that other drivers see your vehicle. Call the police if no one in the area has already done so. Remember: do not leave the scene of the Michigan car accident until the police tell you that you can leave.

3. Exchange Documents After the Michigan Auto Accident. Immediately after an auto accident, exchange limited information with the other driver or drivers. It's fine to give them your license number, registration and the name of your insurance company. However, do not discuss the accident with anyone except the police. Do not offer opinions about the accident or blame yourself or others. Remember that what you say at the accident scene could end up later as evidence in a court room.

4. Get Ownership Facts After the Michigan Auto Accident: Don't automatically assume that the driver in an automobile accident owns the car he or she is driving. Many people borrow cars, drive company leased vehicles, and/or use a car that's registered in their spouse's or roommate's name. Be sure to ask about vehicle ownership and get the name, address and insurance company of the owner of the other car or cars involved in the accident.

5. Get Information About Witnesses to the Michigan Auto Accident. Are there other people at the scene of your auto accident? Before the crowd disperses, even before the police arrive, get the names, addresses and telephone numbers of those persons who witnessed your Michigan car accident. These are people that were on the scene, but not involved in the accident. They could make valuable witnesses if you end up in court because of this accident.

6. Draw a Diagram of the Michigan Auto Accident Scene. You may think you'll remember the scene of the accident clearly (how could you ever forget?), but a court case could take months or even years to come to trial. Will you be as sure then as you are now? Help yourself remember the details (and lend credibility to your account of the accident) by drawing a simple diagram of the accident scene. You don't have to be an artist. Just be sure to include the date and time of the accident as well as the location, street names, any intersection, any stop lights or traffic control signs and other landmarks. Even easier is to take many photos using your cell phone camera. Document the extent of damage to each vehicle, skid marks, the place of impact (stepping back photograph the intersection, street signs, a building that it occurred in front of, etc.).

7. Protect Your Legal Rights After the Michigan Auto Accident. If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries in a Michigan auto accident, it's to your advantage to talk with an experienced Michigan auto accident lawyer. You can be sure that the other party's insurance company will have powerful legal representation. You need someone to stand up for your rights. Keep in mind that the full extent of auto accident injuries are often not apparent for several days or weeks. For more information, please submit a simple, free, and confidential legal consultation form now or call our office at 800 708-5433.

Keep reading to learn more about your legal rights after a Michigan car accident, we're dedicated to helping Michigan auto injury victims.

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If you were recently involved in an auto accident resulting in injury or fatality, calling us is best: 1-800-708-5433 or simply fill out the short form below or on the right.