What Is the First Thing You Should Do in a Car Accident?

Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran

Driving in and around Flint, MI, can be dangerous, especially around some of the most accident-prone intersections. Many junctions in the city, particularly around the Dort and Ballenger Highways, are the scene of numerous fatal accidents each year, most often due to distracted drivers.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Flint due to the careless actions of another driver, you may be disoriented, shaken, or even in pain. At the same time, you’re suddenly faced with a flood of responsibilities, from medical bills to paperwork and dealing with insurers, all while trying to recover.

All this can leave you wondering, “What should I do next?” and “How will I pay for my medical bills and car repairs?” Knowing what steps to take after a crash can protect your rights and improve your chances of getting fair compensation.

Get tips on what legal steps to take after a car accident and how our skilled Michigan auto accident attorneys at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. can help you fight for maximum financial support.

Immediate Steps To Take at the Scene

The moments after a car accident can be overwhelming and stressful. If you’ve just been in a crash in Flint or nearby, stay focused and take these steps to protect yourself and your rights:

Take a Moment To Catch Your Breath and Assess the Situation

A car accident is a traumatic event; it is natural to feel stunned or in shock right after the impact. Take a moment to breathe, stay calm, and assess your surroundings. This can help you regain control and think clearly before taking action.

Check For Injuries

Check yourself and your passengers for signs of injury, such as bleeding, dizziness, or severe pain. Even if injuries aren’t immediately visible, symptoms like nausea or difficulty moving could indicate internal injuries or a concussion. If you or anyone else is hurt, call 911 right away and request medical assistance.

Move to a Safe Location

If you can do so without risk, move your vehicle away from the accident scene to a nearby parking lot, shoulder, or side street. This helps reduce the risk of secondary crashes and makes it safer for emergency responders to reach the scene and provide assistance.

Report the Accident to the Police

Once in a safe location, call the police to report the accident. Even for minor crashes, an official report can help with insurance claims and legal matters, documenting the time, location, involved parties, and initial fault assessments. Michigan law requires reporting any accident that results in injury, death, or at least $1,000 in property damage.

Collect and Exchange Information

Find the other parties involved in the accident and gather important details. Exchange:

• Names and contact information
• Driver’s license numbers
• Vehicle makes and models
• Insurance details
• License plate numbers

If one or multiple parties left the scene, note down as many details as you remember, like the make or model of the vehicle. Also, look for witnesses, exchange your contact information, and ask them for their account of what they saw.

Document the Accident Scene

Take clear photos to document the accident and support your claim, including:

• Vehicle damage
• Weather and road conditions
• Traffic signs or signals
• The overall scene from multiple angles

If nearby businesses or traffic cameras may have recorded the crash, ask about obtaining surveillance footage. Dashcam recordings can also provide valuable evidence.

Avoid Admitting Fault

Be mindful of what you say to others at the scene, especially the driver who may be responsible. Avoid comments implying blame, such as “I didn’t see you” or “I should have slowed down.” Instead, keep conversations brief and stick to the facts, such as exchanging information and confirming that help is coming.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident, as most policies require immediate notification. Provide basic details about what happened, but avoid speculating about fault or the extent of injuries. Stick to the facts, and let the claims process determine liability and coverage.

What To Do in the Days and Weeks Following an Accident

After handling the immediate steps, there are still a few things to take care of in the days that follow. Here are a few other actions to consider for your car accident claim in Michigan:

• Seek medical attention. Schedule a medical evaluation even if you feel fine, as injuries like whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue damage can take time to appear. Keep copies of your medical records, bills, and prescriptions to document your treatment and support your claim.
• File a PIP insurance claim. Submit a claim with your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. PIP covers medical expenses, lost wages, and necessary services like household help, regardless of who was at fault. Turn in all required forms and medical records promptly to avoid delays in receiving benefits.
• Get a copy of the police report. Visit the Michigan State Police Traffic Crash Purchasing System to check if your crash report is available. Processing times range from 3 to 30 days, so check back if it’s not ready yet. You’ll need details like the crash date and the driver’s information to purchase the report. Your attorney can help with this step if needed.
• Track all accident-related expenses. Keep a detailed record of all costs related to the accident, including medical bills, prescription costs, rehabilitation expenses, and lost wages. If the crash caused additional expenses, such as vehicle repairs or transportation costs while your car is in the shop, save receipts and invoices. These records document your financial losses for the claim.
• Speak with a personal injury lawyer in Michigan. Handling medical bills, lost wages, and insurance claims after a car accident can be overwhelming. An attorney can offer car accident legal advice, explain your rights, and guide you through each step so the process feels more manageable.
  Having someone handle the legal details allows you to focus on your recovery without added stress.

Why You Need an Auto Accident Attorney in Michigan

Recovering from a car accident is difficult enough without worrying about insurance companies and legal requirements. Even straightforward claims can become complicated, especially when injuries are involved, or insurers try to minimize payouts.

Let’s look at a few real-life scenarios that often happen with accident claims and how a qualified auto accident attorney in Flint can help:

The Insurer Offers a Low Settlement

You suffer a broken leg in a car crash, requiring surgery and months of physical therapy. When you file a claim, the insurance company offers a settlement that barely covers your initial medical bills, ignoring future treatment costs and lost income.

An attorney can review the offer, gather medical records and expert opinions, and push for a settlement that includes ongoing rehabilitation costs and future lost wages.

The Other Driver Denies Fault

You were rear-ended at a stoplight, but the other driver claims you stopped suddenly, causing the crash. Without clear video footage, the case becomes a dispute, and their insurance company refuses to pay.

Your lawyer will collect police reports, interview witnesses, and consult accident reconstruction experts to prove how the crash happened and hold the right party accountable.

The Crash Results in Serious Injuries

You suffer a traumatic brain injury in a highway collision, leading to cognitive issues and long-term medical needs. Michigan’s no-fault system covers initial medical bills, but you need to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for additional damages.

Your legal team can use medical records, doctor testimony, and financial experts to prove your injury meets Michigan’s serious injury threshold, allowing you to seek pain and suffering compensation.

The Insurance Company Delays or Ignores the Claim

You file a claim for accident-related injuries, but weeks go by without a response from the insurance company. The delay puts financial strain on you as medical bills pile up and lost wages add to the stress.

A lawyer can hold the insurer accountable, filing the necessary legal motions to force action and prevent further delays in receiving compensation.

The Case Needs To Go to Court

You’re injured in a crash caused by a drunk driver, but the insurance company refuses to settle, arguing that your injuries aren’t as severe as claimed. Without a fair offer, you need to take legal action.

A seasoned attorney prepares for trial, gathering expert testimony, medical reports, and accident reconstructions to present a solid case in court and fight for the compensation you deserve.

How Our Team at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. Can Help

At Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., we understand how life-changing a serious car accident can be. Medical bills, lost wages, and the challenges of recovery can feel overwhelming, but we offer professional legal support. Our team has a long history of fighting for Michigan accident victims and securing the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.

Led by Eileen Kroll, a registered nurse and partner attorney, our firm brings legal and medical knowledge to every case. Her dual background allows us to understand the full impact of your injuries and fight for the financial support required for their long-term care.

We handle every aspect of your claim, including:

• Collecting police reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert opinions to establish what happened and who is responsible.
• Negotiating with insurers to prevent unfair settlement offers and secure fair compensation.
• Accounting for long-term costs like ongoing medical care, home modifications, and lost future income to reflect the full impact of your injuries.

Our case results show our dedication to accident victims across Michigan:

• $80,000 for a Bay City grandmother after a leg fracture in a crash
• $400,000 in attendant care and a new home for a paraplegic resident of Monroe
• $3.3 million awarded to a Tuscola County motorist

Every case is different, but our commitment remains the same—helping injured Michigan residents get the financial recovery they deserve. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident, our team is ready to fight for you.

Contact the Flint Auto Accident Lawyers at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C.

After a car accident in Flint or anywhere else in Michigan, you need the best auto accident attorneys near you to represent your interests. At Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., we have the experience and resources to handle your case effectively. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Our contingency fee basis means we only get paid if we win your case, so there is no financial risk to you to get started. Call our law firm today at 1-866-MICH-LAW and schedule your no-obligation, free case evaluation.

Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.