How to Prepare for a Car Accident

While no one anticipates being involved in a car accident, it can happen to anyone. Being prepared can significantly impact how you handle the aftermath. Whether it’s a minor fender-bender or a serious collision, knowing what steps to take can protect your rights and get you the necessary support and compensation.

An experienced Michigan car accident attorney can provide legal advice and help you navigate the complexities of insurance claims, medical bills, and potential legal actions. They can also provide guidance on how to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

When you know how to prepare for a car accident before the wreck and what steps to take, you can handle the unexpected with confidence.

How to Be Prepared in Case of a Car Accident

Being prepared for a Michigan car crash can lessen some of the anxiety about your financial situation and injuries. Knowing what your insurance policy covers and having up-to-date basic information, such as your driver’s license, insurance cards, and a list of emergency contacts, can help.

Know Your Insurance Coverage

Michigan is a no-fault state, so you should know what your car insurance policy covers. Policies in Michigan may include uninsured/underinsured insurance, personal injury protection (PIP), and basic insurance.

PIP insurance covers wage loss, medical expenses, survivor’s loss benefits, and other expenses related to a vehicle accident.

PIP auto insurance is available at several levels, including:

• Medical opt-out if you have Medicare Parts A and B and members of your household have qualified health insurance or PIP coverage under another policy
• Up to $50,000 if the insured has Medicaid and all other members of the household have qualified health insurance or PIP from another policy
• Up to $250,000 with medical exclusions if the insured has non-Medicare insurance
• Up to $250,000
• Up to $500,00
• Unlimited coverage

Uninsured/underinsured insurance can pay for medical expenses and other damages if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance. We recommend getting as much uninsured/underinsured insurance as possible. It’s inexpensive and can come in handy, especially in a state where nearly 20% of drivers are uninsured.

Basic Preparations

Some of the essential preparations you can take before a motor vehicle accident include:

• Make sure you have important documents in the glove box or another easy-to-find place, including your insurance information, vehicle registration and a list of emergency contacts.
• Keep your driver’s license updated and in your wallet or purse.

Additionally, you should always be well-rested, sober, and focused before you get behind the wheel. When you drive while tired, your reaction time and judgment are impaired, making it harder to avoid an accident.

Keep an Emergency Kit

Keeping essential items in your vehicle can help if you get into a car accident. Include a first aid kit, a flashlight, basic tools, and a blanket. During the winter, you should also add a change of dry clothing.

The first aid kit should be more than a basic one — it should have several sizes of bandages, gauze, alcohol pads, scissors, and eyewash. You should also include a fire blanket to put out small fires.

Gathering the Facts

It can be confusing to know what to do after a car crash. If you know what to do, you’ll know that you’ll most likely need to document the accident scene.

• If your injuries permit, take photos of the accident scene from all angles.
• Include any marks on the road and property damage, such as fences, yards, mailboxes, and trees.
• Take photos of any visible injuries.
• Exchange your contact information, insurance information, and license plate number with others involved in the accident.
• If there are witnesses, obtain their contact information.

Additional actions you should take at the scene include:

• Call first responders.
• Check on others involved in the accident.
• Seek medical treatment, even if you believe your injuries are minor — some injuries can manifest hours or even days later.

When first responders arrive, allow the emergency medical technicians to check you over. Give the police officer your version of the facts and ask how to obtain a copy of the police report.

Minimize Your Chance of an Accident

You can minimize your chance of an auto accident by taking several steps. You can’t make other motorists safe on the road, though your actions can create a safer environment for you. Part of minimizing your chances of a car accident include:

• Keep your vehicle maintained.
• Keep sunglasses in your vehicle to help against blinding sunlight.
• Drive defensively — always watch what others around you are doing.
• Always keep at least six car lengths between you and the person in front of you — more if you are driving a larger vehicle, towing a trailer, or hauling a heavy load.
• Ensure your tires have plenty of tread, are not dry-rotted, and wear evenly.

What NOT to Do After an Accident

Now that we’ve covered how to be prepared for an accident, there are some things you should never do after an accident, including:

• Never leave the scene of the accident.
• Don’t let your emotions get the best of you. Becoming angry or upset with others involved can cause you to say something that could affect your case.
• Never admit fault, even if you might believe the accident was partially your fault. Admitting fault can be used against you, even if the investigation finds that you were not at fault.
• Never speak to the other party’s insurance company without a personal injury attorney. Insurance companies will turn even the most innocent statements against you.
• Never enter into a settlement offer without the advice of a personal injury lawyer.
• Never file a lawsuit by yourself. It could cost you money in the long run.
• Never post about the accident on social media. In fact, it’s best to avoid posting on social media at all. Insurance companies review social media accounts and will use your posts against you.
• Never discuss the accident with the other driver.
• Never provide written statements to any insurance company, including your own. Only give them your contact information, the date and location of the accident, and your attorney’s contact information.
• Never allow access to your medical records except to your own attorney.

Related Resources

• What is Survivor’s Guilt and How to Cope With an Accident Fatality: Learn more about survivor’s guilt — the emotional toll after losing loved ones in a fatal accident.
• Personal Injury Guide to Pain and Suffering in Michigan: Learn everything you need to know about recovering compensation for pain and suffering.
• Signs of Mental Trauma or PTSD After an Auto Accident: PTSD is a common response to severe accidents that can take months to manifest. You and your loved ones should be aware of the signs of PTSD.
• What to Know About Michigan Case Costs and Attorney Fees: Most personal injury attorneys, including Matz Injury Law, offer free case evaluations and work on a contingency basis. However, you should know about Michigan case costs and various types of attorney fees.

Why Clients Choose Matz Injury Law

Always choose an experienced car accident attorney to get the most out of your settlement or lawsuit. Matz Injury Law has been working with Michigan families for decades, helping them fight for compensation after car accidents. You can feel how much we care when you work with Matz Injury Law. You always work with a partner when you work with us — and more than that, you have a direct line to your lawyer. Schedule your free consultation today and learn more about how Matz makes a difference.

Client Testimonials

“Wow! What an amazing attorney, Mr. Steven Matz. His guidance and expertise set my family at ease, and we are all forever grateful for such a wonderful person. Thanks again, Mr. Steven Matz. I wish I could give him 10 stars!” — Natasha S.

“Steve Matz was there when I needed him. Nobody expects to be a victim of a car accident, but when I found myself in that situation, it was overwhelming. Steve made everything easy. Steve did not accept the insurance company’s first offer. He held out and got me a better settlement. Steve is very kind and professional. I highly recommend Matz Injury Law.” — Sharon K.

An Emergency Can Happen to Anyone

While you can’t always prevent an accident, preparation can make the aftermath easier and less frightening. If you ever have to put your preparation to good use, contact Matz Injury Law for help with your Michigan car accident claim. If you’ve been in an accident, don’t hesitate. Contact a car accident lawyer at 866-22Not33 for a free consultation.