IS IT IMPORTANT TO OBTAIN A POLICE REPORT AFTER A MICHIGAN CAR ACCIDENT?

A car accident, by definition, is an unexpected and often traumatic event. While a crash occurs in seconds, the consequences typically last far longer. While most people call for emergency medical assistance if anyone is injured, knowing what to do next can be confusing. Is it necessary to call the police if no one is seriously hurt? What is the importance of a police report?

Here is a guide to reporting a Michigan car crash and why hiring an experienced car accident attorney is the best way to protect your rights and receive the compensation you deserve.

ARE MICHIGAN DRIVERS REQUIRED TO CALL POLICE AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT?

According to Michigan law, motor vehicle accidents must be reported to police immediately in certain situations. While the law does not define “immediately,” it is better to report an accident as soon as possible, preferably from the scene of the crash, under one or more of the following conditions:

1. Someone is injured or killed

Calling 9-1-1 to request emergency medical assistance should be the first priority if anyone is injured in a crash.

2. Damage to attended vehicles or other property is $1,000 or more

The $1,000 minimum applies to property, such as another vehicle, belonging to someone who was present or involved in the accident. Police should be called when the cost of the damage is undetermined.

3. Unattended property, such as parked cars or mailboxes, is damaged

Damage to unattended property must be reported to police, regardless of the estimated cost. In addition, Michigan Vehicle Code states drivers must try to find the owner and exchange information. If the owner cannot be located, leaving a note at the scene is not sufficient; the driver must report the incident to the nearest police station.

WHY SHOULD DRIVERS OBTAIN A POLICE REPORT AFTER A MICHIGAN CAR ACCIDENT?

There are several reasons why drivers should obtain a police report after a car accident:

• To comply with Michigan law, which requires calling police for any accident where someone is injured or killed, property damage exceeds $1,000 or there is damage to unattended property such as a parked car
• To receive No-Fault benefits or vehicle repair authorization from your auto insurance company
• To qualify for uninsured motorists’ coverage after a hit-and-run accident
• To sue the at-fault driver for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering and/or excess medical bills and expenses not covered by your No-Fault policy

IS IT NECESSARY TO CALL POLICE AFTER A MINOR ACCIDENT?

Unless one of the above-described conditions exists (injury or death, property damage above $1,000 or damage to unattended property), drivers are not legally required to call police to the scene of an accident.

However, it is advisable to call the police even if your injuries appear minor. The impact of a crash often causes soft tissue injuries or other conditions that may not be discovered for days, weeks or even months later. If so, calling police from the scene of the accident can strengthen your case if you eventually file a claim against the at-fault driver.

Additionally, Michigan law requires drivers, as well as anyone else involved in the accident (pedestrians, bicyclists, etc.), to exchange names, addresses, phone numbers/ email addresses and auto insurance information, including company name and policy numbers.

WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR LEAVING THE SCENE OF A CRASH WITHOUT CALLING POLICE OR EXCHANGING DRIVER INFORMATION?

Michigan law imposes strict penalties for leaving the scene of an accident without either calling the police or exchanging information with the other motorist(s).

If someone was seriously injured or killed, a driver who leaves the scene without calling police may be charged with a felony, which carries a maximum fine of $10,000 and up to 15 years in jail.

If no one was injured but the accident caused property damage exceeding $1,000 or any amount of damage to unattended property, leaving the scene can result in a misdemeanor charge with a maximum fine of $100 and/or up to 90 days in jail.

WHERE CAN I OBTAIN A POLICE REPORT FROM MY CAR ACCIDENT?

Police reports can be obtained through the Michigan State Police Traffic Crash Purchasing System (TCPS) for a $10 fee. Requests must include certain information such as the date of the accident and the name of at least one driver. An incident number, usually provided by the police when they are called to the scene of a crash, may also be required.

A credit card and the ability to download the report from the website is required since the system does not use email, U.S. mail or other parcel delivery services.

Additionally, a printed police report can be obtained at the local police department in the precinct where the crash occurred.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD DRIVERS OR OTHER VICTIMS DO IMMEDIATELY AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT?

After emergency medical assistance has been requested for anyone who is injured, there are other steps drivers can take to avoid potential problems.

• If possible, take photographs of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved and anything else that may help determine who was at fault
• Get the names and contact information of witnesses who were present in case their testimony is needed for a lawsuit
• Call a reputable car accident attorney as soon as possible
• Avoid admitting fault or discussing the accident with the other driver or passengers
• Do not speak to an insurance adjuster or sign any papers without consulting your lawyer

OUR EXPERIENCED CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS WILL FIGHT TO WIN THE COMPENSATION YOU DESERVE

We understand how a car accident can upend your life, especially when you are seriously hurt. When you hire us, we take care of every detail of your case so you can focus on recovering. Most importantly, we have the experience and resources to win the compensation you and your family deserve.

Car accident law is complicated, but finding the right car accident attorney is simple.

Help is just a click away®! Start your case today by clicking the link below or contacting us for a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our legal team.