- March 20, 2024
After a car accident, you might be too shaken to take some steps. However, you must pull yourself together long enough to do some things like call 911, seek medical attention, get legal representation, and file a police report. You might wonder whether you must always file a police report and what should it contain.The answers to these questions are in this blog, and our car accident lawyers can answer any other question you have when you visit our law firm. Contact us at 248-286-8100 to book a free consultation and find out what we can do to help you with your claim.
Why hire our attorneys at Goodman Acker, P.C.?
Our Goodman Acker, P.C., team understands the impacts of a car accident and what it can do to your life, so we apply our legal knowledge and years of experience to every case we handle. We will help you understand your rights, the compensation you can receive, and the evidence needed to prove your claim.
We understand the laws that impact car accident claims and how to apply them for the best outcome.
We are always available 24/7 to help you with any problems with your case and provide the guidance you need. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to worry about upfront fees. Contact us at 248-286-8100 to learn more about our services.
Must I file a police report after a car accident in Michigan?
Michigan law does not make it compulsory to file a police report after every car accident. But there are certain instances where it is a must to make a police report. You must inform the authorities about the accident if any of the following occur:
- Property damage: If the accident resulted in more than $1,000 in property damages, you must make a report to the police.
- Injury or death: Car accidents resulting in bodily injury or death must be reported to the police.
- Unattended property damage: You might strike an unattended vehicle or property, like a fence. In that case, you must file a police report.
Although these are the criteria for filing a police report, we always advise clients to speak with the police, even in situations with minor damages, in case more significant damage becomes apparent later. If you were involved in a hit-and-run accident, it is crucial to make a report to prevent legal consequences.
Why is it crucial to file a police report?
Filing a police report after a car accident helps you document what happened and protects you. The best time to file a police report is immediately after the accident when the events are still fresh in your mind. The following are reasons why it is vital to file a police report:
It is unbiased
The police report is an unbiased official record of the car accident and is considered more reliable than the testimonies of the parties involved. In most cases, people involved in an accident have conflicting opinions about what happened and who was at fault for the crash. The police will impartially decide what version of events is correct and provide an accurate summary in their report.
In case injuries develop after the crash
It is not uncommon to feel okay after an accident if the crash is not too severe. However, delayed injuries sometimes manifest days or weeks after the accident. With a police report, you have a record that you were in a crash and that the injuries resulted from it. Also, making a report keeps the other party from faking an injury and trying to pin liability on you.
Filing a police report immediately after an accident allows the police to get involved on time, spot any potential issues, and help.
In case there’s a damage to your car
Your car might appear to be undamaged after an accident; however, upon closer inspection, you might later find some damage. Having a police report will help link the accident to the damage and also prevent the other party from making false claims.
It is necessary for car accident claims
When making a car accident claim, your insurer or the other party’s insurance company will require a copy of the police report. The record is a crucial piece of evidence for compensation claims, and some insurers might reject your claim if there is no police report of the accident.
Content of a police report
Again, a police report contains an objective view of the car accident. It typically has the following:
- The precise location of the accident
- The date and time the auto accident occurred
- Road type, condition, and weather conditions at the time of the crash
- The identity of the drivers involved and passengers, if any, including who the investigating officer believes is at fault
- Damage to the vehicles involved and any other property
- Injuries sustained by the drivers and passengers or other third parties
- The statement of the drivers and passengers involved on how the accident happened
- The statements, names, and contact information of the witnesses to the accident
- The details of the preliminary investigation conducted by officers at the crash site
- The insurance information of all the parties.
The police officer filling out the report will use a document known as the UD-10 Traffic Crash Report. When you need a copy, the officer will give you an incident report associated with the UD-10 Traffic Crash Report. You can also get a copy of the accident report at michigan.gov/msp.
Contact our experienced car accident lawyer to help with your case
A car accident is a scary and traumatic event, and you shouldn’t have to handle all that comes with it yourself. Our legal team at Goodman Acker, P.C., will help alleviate the stress and uncertainty of an accident and provide legal advice. From helping you get a Michigan car accident report to negotiating a favorable settlement on your behalf, we are here for you.
We serve different cities in Michigan, so you can contact us no matter where you are in the state. Call us at 248-286-8100 to schedule a free initial consultation.