Immediately after a car accident, concentrate on emergency help, avoiding further danger, and recording essential information when it is safe. You do not need to solve fault or value the injury claim at the roadside.

First: get help and follow emergency instructions

Call 911 for injuries or immediate danger. Tell the dispatcher your location and follow the instructions provided. Do not enter moving traffic to retrieve evidence or remain in an unsafe place for photographs. Whether to move a vehicle depends on the situation and responder directions.

Collect the information you can safely obtain

  • The other driver’s name, contact information, insurer, policy information, plate number, and vehicle description.
  • The exact location, direction of travel, approximate time, and police incident number.
  • Witness names and contact details; note who saw the collision itself.
  • Photographs of vehicle positions, damage, road markings, signals, and visible conditions, without putting yourself at risk.
  • Original camera recordings, including footage of the moments before impact.

Give an accurate account

Describe what you observed. Do not guess about speeds, distances, injuries, or what another driver intended. Report symptoms honestly and obtain appropriate medical evaluation. Correct a mistaken statement promptly rather than trying to maintain an inaccurate account.

Report the collision as required by law and the applicable policies. A police report is useful evidence, but it does not decide every issue of fault, coverage, or damages.

After the scene is cleared

Create a folder for the report number, photographs, insurance information, treatment records, and correspondence. Avoid signing a settlement release before its effect is understood. Follow reasonable requirements from your own insurer while obtaining advice about broad releases or disputed requests.

Our first-week injury checklist covers the next stage. For representation, see Michigan car accident claims.

Talk with Logeman & Iafrate

Request a free consultation or call (734) 994-0200 to discuss your situation with our Ann Arbor office. Bring the relevant records and any insurer correspondence. Advice about your claim depends on the facts, coverage, and applicable deadlines.

General information only; this article is not legal advice for an individual case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I take photos before calling for help?

No. Emergency assistance and safety come first. Gather evidence only when safe.

Does the police report settle my claim?

No. It is one source of evidence; insurance and civil liability require separate review.

‍This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney at Logeman & Iafrate, P.C. for advice regarding your individual situation.