What to Do if You Get in a Car Accident on Vacation

Michigan summers bring more people onto the highways for family road trips, weekend getaways, and long-distance travel. While vacations are exciting, the risk of a car accident increases, and being in an unfamiliar state can make the situation even more stressful.

A serious accident away from home can leave you with medical bills, property damage, and a claim complicated by another state’s laws. Acting quickly is important to protect evidence, meet deadlines, and preserve your personal injury claim.

The car accident attorneys at Matz Injury Law represent Michigan residents injured while traveling. Our team guides you through each step of your case so you can focus on recovery while we work toward the best possible outcome.

Why Michigan Summer Road Trip Accidents Are Common and How to Avoid Them

Many drivers underestimate how often road trip accidents happen during Michigan summers. Heavy traffic, distracted driving, and fatigue all increase crash risks. Holiday celebrations sometimes involve alcohol, which can lead to impaired driving. Road construction, sudden weather changes, and vehicle breakdowns also add to the danger. Visitors in rental cars may be unfamiliar with Michigan highways and more likely to miss signs or make sudden maneuvers.

Tips for safer summer travel include:

• Plan your route and schedule rest stops in advance.
• Complete vehicle maintenance by checking tires, brakes, cooling systems, and insurance paperwork.
• Keep an emergency kit with first aid supplies, water, snacks, and a flashlight.
• Drive defensively. Obey speed limits, maintain safe distances, and watch road conditions.
• Prevent fatigue by taking breaks or sharing driving responsibilities.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Reduce distractions by setting your GPS, music, and phone before driving.
• Check the weather and adjust your route if needed.

Taking these precautions can lower your risk of a crash and help make your Michigan road trip safer.

What to Do After a Car Accident on Vacation

A car accident on vacation can feel overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with the local laws or roads. Your top priorities should be protecting everyone’s safety, getting medical treatment, and taking steps that preserve your right to pursue a personal injury claim. These same actions will also help with insurance companies and rental car providers if one is involved.

Assess the Situation

First, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If it is safe to do so, move your vehicle out of traffic to avoid another collision and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. Staying calm and taking control of the situation can help prevent further harm at the scene.

Exchange Information

Exchange names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, insurance details, and license plate numbers with every driver involved. If a rental car is part of the accident, include the rental company’s information. Be sure to collect contact details from witnesses as well. Having complete and accurate information is critical for your insurance claim and can protect you if facts are disputed later.

Report the Crash to the Police

In Michigan, drivers must report any accident that causes injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more under Michigan Vehicle Code § 257.622. Police officers record important details such as license information, road conditions, witness statements, and the extent of vehicle damage. A police report often becomes vital evidence for your attorney and for filing an insurance claim. While it’s strongly recommended and frequently requested by insurers, it is not always legally required to begin a claim.

How to Get a Police Report After an Out-of-State Michigan Resident Crash

Before leaving the accident scene, ask the responding officer how to obtain a copy of the police report. Out-of-state police departments may have different procedures, and getting the report after you return to Michigan can be more difficult without clear instructions. This document is usually required to begin your claim with your insurance company or the at-fault driver’s insurer.

An attorney at Matz Injury Law can also help you secure a copy of the report if you are back in Michigan. Our team communicates with out-of-state agencies on your behalf, making sure critical evidence like the police report is part of your case.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if your injuries seem minor, seek medical attention right away at an emergency room or urgent care clinic. Some conditions, including concussions, whiplash, and internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately but can become life-threatening. Prompt treatment also creates medical records that link your injuries to the accident, which can strengthen your claim if you pursue compensation.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer

Hiring a personal injury lawyer is especially important if your accident happened outside Michigan or involves serious injuries. An attorney can provide legal guidance, communicate with insurance companies, gather evidence, and navigate the claims process on your behalf.

At Matz Injury Law, we provide legal representation to Michigan residents hurt in auto accidents across the country. Our attorneys offer free consultations and work on a reduced contingency fee of 22%, so you keep more of your recovery compared to most firms.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Call your insurance company as soon as possible, even if the accident happens outside Michigan. Share your policy number, the other driver’s insurance details, and basic facts about the crash. Your Michigan auto insurance may cover medical bills, property damage, and rental costs, although local laws where the accident occurred will also apply. Prompt notice protects your benefits and helps prevent delays in your claim.

Do Not Post Anything Related to the Crash on Social Media

Do not post about your accident on social media while your claim is pending. Even casual updates or photos can be taken out of context and used by an insurance company to challenge your injuries or limit your compensation.

Keep Detailed Records

Take photographs of the accident scene, the position of the vehicles, damage to all cars involved, visible injuries, and road conditions. Keep copies of medical records, rental car agreements, and any communications with the rental company or insurance providers.

Thorough documentation strengthens your claim and helps prove both liability and damages. A lawyer at Matz Injury Law can review this evidence, organize it for your case, and use it to pursue fair compensation on your behalf.

What Happens If You Crash a Rental Car on a Michigan Road Trip?

If you are in a rental car accident during a Michigan road trip, follow the same safety steps you would after any crash and notify the rental car company right away. Provide your contact information and details of the accident, and follow their reporting procedures.

An attorney at Matz Injury Law can also communicate with the rental company and insurance providers on your behalf, helping you avoid mistakes that could affect your claim.

Who Is Responsible for Damages in a Michigan Rental Car Accident?

In Michigan, responsibility for rental car damages depends on the type of insurance coverage available:

• Rental company’s insurance: If you purchased coverage from the rental company, most damages are covered, though you may still owe a deductible or “loss of use” fees.
• Personal auto insurance: Many Michigan auto insurance policies extend to rental vehicles, but coverage varies, and deductibles may apply.
• Credit card benefits: Some credit cards provide secondary coverage for rental cars, though they usually do not include liability protection.
• No coverage: Without insurance, you may be responsible for repair costs, towing, loss-of-use charges, and liability for injuries or property damage.
• Accident not your fault: If another driver caused the crash, their insurance should pay for damages, but you may need to pursue reimbursement.

A car accident attorney at Matz Injury Law can review your policies, determine which coverage applies, and pursue recovery from the responsible party.

What If the Rental Is Totaled?

A rental car is considered “totaled” when repair costs exceed its fair market value. In Michigan, you may be required to pay that value unless it is covered by your rental company’s Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), your Michigan auto insurance, or credit card rental coverage.

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): If purchased, the rental company typically absorbs the cost, unless you violated the rental contract, such as driving under the influence or allowing an unauthorized driver.
• Your Michigan auto insurance: Many policies extend to rentals, though you will likely be responsible for your deductible, and “loss of use” fees may not be included.
• Credit card coverage: Some credit cards offer secondary protection, but often exclude liability or impose restrictions.
• No coverage: Without insurance, you may owe the vehicle’s market value, administrative fees, and loss-of-use charges.

If another driver caused the crash, their insurer may reimburse you, though you may need to pay costs upfront and seek repayment later. An attorney at Matz Injury Law can help navigate these issues, negotiate with insurers, and protect your financial interests.

Understanding Your Legal Rights After an Out-of-State Accident as a Michigan Driver

A car accident outside Michigan can create challenges that are different from what drivers face at home. Jurisdiction, deadlines, and insurance rules often depend on the laws of the state where the crash occurred. Michigan residents need to know how these rules may affect their rights and their ability to recover compensation.

Who Has Jurisdiction for an Out-of-State Accident?

Accident claims are usually filed in the state where the crash occurred or where the at-fault driver resides. Michigan law will not automatically apply once you leave the state. However, if your claim is filed in Michigan, courts begin with the presumption that Michigan law governs unless another state has a significantly stronger interest in the case.

Statute of Limitations for Out-of-State Accidents

Filing deadlines vary by state. Michigan allows three years under Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.5805, while nearby states such as Ohio and Indiana generally allow only two years. Missing the deadline means losing your right to pursue a claim.

Will My Car Insurance Cover Me While Traveling?

Michigan auto insurance generally applies nationwide and will adjust to meet another state’s minimum coverage requirements. However, the state where the accident occurred will control how your claim proceeds.

Our experienced attorneys at Matz Injury Law understand how Michigan’s no-fault system interacts with other states’ liability laws. We guide Michigan residents through these complexities and protect their rights after an out-of-state crash.

Types of Damages Available for Michigan Residents Injured in an Out-of-State Car Accident

Michigan residents injured in a car accident while traveling may be eligible for different types of compensation, depending on the circumstances and the state where the crash occurred. Knowing what damages are available is an important part of protecting your claim.

• Economic damages include measurable financial losses such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, and rental car expenses.
• Non-economic damages cover personal losses that cannot be assigned a direct dollar amount, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of companionship. If the accident occurred in Michigan, these damages are only available when the injury meets the state’s “serious impairment of body function” threshold, as defined under Michigan law.

Exemplary damages are rare in Michigan. Courts may award them only in accident cases involving malicious or extremely reckless conduct, and they are intended to compensate for humiliation, outrage, or injured feelings caused by the at-fault driver’s actions.

An attorney at Matz Injury Law can evaluate your case, explain your legal rights, and pursue the full compensation you may be entitled to after an out-of-state accident.

Why Clients Choose Matz Injury Law

Clients choose Matz Injury Law because of our proven dedication to personal injury victims and commitment to keeping more of their recovery through a reduced contingency fee of just 22%, while most Michigan firms charge 33 ⅓%.

Founded and led by Attorney Steven J. Matz, who has more than 40 years of experience and was inducted into the Michigan Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame, our law firm is built on integrity and personal service.

Our personal injury attorneys have recovered more than $300 million for clients across Michigan and earned consistent five-star ratings. Unlike many firms, clients speak directly with our attorneys instead of being filtered through layers of intake staff. We provide free consultations and responsive communication so clients feel supported throughout the entire process.

Our Southfield Michigan Client’s Testimonials and Experiences

“If you need an injury attorney then Steve Matz is the attorney you want. He went above and beyond his responsibilities with my case. My case had several different parts (uninsured driver, medical, employer, and insurance company) and Steve was able to assist with most and the ones he couldn’t he was able to give us another attorney name. He is a great listener and he gets right to the point with any questions. I would recommend Steve to anyone – thank you so much Steve for all your help” — Chris N.

“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.

“If you are looking for the best attorney to handle your automobile accident claim, look no further! I have known Steve Matz for more than 20 years. He successfully represented me in 2001 then again in 2019 following serious automobile accidents. He leads you step by step through the entire complex legal process. Put Steve Matz on your team to get the justice you deserve! The Matz team is a clear winner!” — Gary C.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are You Eligible for Settlement If You Are a Passenger in a Michigan Car Accident?

Yes. Passengers injured in a Michigan car accident can receive no-fault PIP benefits through their own insurance policy or a relative’s policy. If the injuries meet Michigan’s “serious impairment of body function” threshold, passengers may also sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering damages.

Should I Call My Insurance Company If I Was Not at Fault in a Michigan Car Accident?

Yes. You should always notify your insurance company after a Michigan car accident, even if another driver caused the crash. Reporting the accident protects your right to personal injury protection (PIP) benefits, helps document the claim, and avoids delays in getting medical bills or lost wages covered. Your insurer can also work with the at-fault driver’s insurance to recover costs later.

Hurt in a Michigan Road Trip Accident? Contact Matz Injury Law for a Free Consultation.

Summer road trips should be about enjoying time with family and friends, not the stress of a car accident far from home. Knowing your rights and what steps to take after a car crash can protect your health, finances, and future, especially if the accident happens outside Michigan or involves a rental car.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident while traveling, Matz Injury Law is ready to help. We represent Michigan residents injured across the country and fight for fair compensation while keeping more of your recovery with our reduced 22% contingency fee. Call 866‑22Not33 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation today.