What to Do After a Car Accident in Detroit

If you’ve been in a car accident in Detroit, your head is probably spinning. One minute you’re driving down Woodward, I-94, or a side street in the neighborhoods, and the next thing you know, your car’s damaged, adrenaline’s pumping, and you’re not sure what the hell to do next.

This isn’t a situation most people are prepared for. And making the wrong move after a crash can cost you—physically, financially, or legally. So let’s break this down in simple terms, step by step, without lawyer talk or scare tactics.

The Problem: What People Experience After a Car Accident

Right after an accident, most people deal with the same mix of problems:

• Shock or confusion
• Pain that may not show up right away
• Damage to their car
• Insurance companies calling fast
• Uncertainty about who’s at fault
• Fear of medical bills and missed work

In Detroit, accidents happen constantly—tight streets, aggressive drivers, potholes, weather, construction zones, you name it. The problem isn’t just the crash itself. It’s everything that comes after the crash that trips people up.

A lot of folks assume if the accident “wasn’t that bad,” they’ll just handle it themselves. That’s where mistakes happen.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Detroit

Detroit has its own driving challenges. Some of the most common causes of crashes around here include:

• Distracted driving (phones, GPS, eating, texting)
• Speeding, especially on freeways like I-75 and the Lodge
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Rear-end collisions in heavy traffic
• Poor road conditions—potholes, uneven pavement, bad lighting
• Weather issues like snow, ice, and rain
• Uninsured or underinsured drivers

No matter the cause, the steps you take after the accident matter just as much as how it happened.

What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident

First things first—your safety comes before anything else.

1. Check yourself and passengers for injuries
   Even if you feel “okay,” don’t assume you are. Adrenaline hides pain.
2. Call 911
   In Detroit, always get the police involved. A police report matters more than people realize later.
3. Move to a safe area if possible
   If the car can move and it’s safe, get out of traffic.
4. Exchange information
   Get:
   1. Name
   1. Phone number
   1. Insurance info
   1. License plate don’t argue. Don’t accuse. Just collect facts.
5. Take photos
   Snap pictures of:
   1. Vehicle damage
   1. The scene
   1. Road conditions
   1. Any visible injuries
6. Get witness info if possible
   Independent witnesses help more than you think.

What NOT to Do After an Auto Accident

This is where people mess things up. Avoid these mistakes:

Don’t Admit Fault

Even saying “I’m sorry” can be twisted later. Stick to facts only.

Don’t Skip Medical Care

If you wait days or weeks to see a doctor, insurance companies will say you weren’t really hurt.

Don’t Give a Recorded Statement Right Away

Insurance adjusters are trained to protect the insurance company—not you. You’re not required to give a recorded statement immediately.

Don’t Post About the Accident on Social Media

Even a simple post can be used against you.

Don’t Accept a Quick Settlement

If an insurance company rushes to offer money, it’s usually because it saves them, not you.

Why Medical Attention Matters (Even If You Feel Fine)

A lot of injuries don’t show symptoms right away:

• Whiplash
• Soft tissue injuries
• Concussions
• Back or neck issues

In Detroit accidents, especially rear-end crashes, people often feel sore the next day—or even days later. Seeing a doctor creates a medical record, and that matters if things get worse.

This isn’t about exaggerating injuries. It’s about protecting yourself.

When to Call a Lawyer after a Car Accident

You don’t need a lawyer for every fender bender. But there are times when calling one makes sense.

Consider calling a lawyer if:

• You’re injured or in pain
• The other driver was clearly at fault
• Insurance is delaying or denying your claim
• You’re missing work because of the accident
• The accident involved a commercial vehicle or rideshare
• You’re being pressured to settle fast
• There’s confusion about Michigan no-fault rules

Michigan’s auto laws are complicated. Detroit drivers deal with no-fault insurance, PIP benefits, and coverage issues that aren’t always obvious. A lawyer can help you understand what you’re actually entitled to—not what the insurance company wants you to believe.

Understanding Michigan No-Fault (In Plain English)

Michigan is a no-fault state, which means:

• Your own insurance typically covers medical expenses
• Fault still matters for pain and suffering claims
• Coverage levels depend on your policy

This is where people get lost. Just because it’s “no-fault” doesn’t mean fault doesn’t matter at all. And it doesn’t mean insurance will automatically take care of everything without a fight.

What to Do in the Days Following the Accident

After the scene clears, there are still important steps:

• Follow up with medical appointments
• Keep copies of bills and paperwork
• Document missed work
• Write down symptoms as they appear
• Don’t ignore pain or discomfort
• Be cautious with insurance communications

The days after the crash are just as important as the day of the crash.

A Calm, Smart Approach Goes a Long Way

Most people aren’t looking to sue anyone. They just want to be treated fairly and not get stuck with bills they didn’t cause. That’s reasonable.

Taking the right steps early—without panic, without rushing—puts you in a much better position. Whether you end up needing legal help or not, knowing your options matters.

If you’ve been in a car accident in Detroit and you’re unsure what your next move should be, sometimes it helps to just talk it through with someone who deals with this every day.

What Can Happen With An Auto Accident

A car accident can throw your life off track fast—especially in Detroit, where traffic, road conditions, and insurance issues can complicate things. The key is staying calm, avoiding common mistakes, and protecting you early. But remember to do these following things after an auto accident in Detroit MI.

You don’t have to have all the answers right away. You just need to make smart, steady decisions that don’t come back to bite you later.