If you’ve been in a car crash in Detroit, your insurance company may request a copy of the auto accident report. Before you can provide that document to your insurer, you must first know how to get an accident report in Detroit.
A Detroit car accident lawyer from Christensen Law can help with any issues you may have with filing an insurance or personal injury claim after a car crash. Our team has advocated for car accident victims in Michigan since 1991, and we will work to secure the best possible outcome for your claim.
What Is the Purpose of a Vehicle Crash Report?
Michigan requires drivers to report car accidents to the appropriate police department, particularly if:
- The accident causes more than $1,000 in property damage
- Anyone involved in the accident suffers injuries or dies
- The owner of a parked vehicle involved in the collision can’t be immediately located
- An automotive professional completes repairs on any vehicle involved in the accident
You can call a law enforcement agency if you get into an accident. There are potentially severe consequences if you must contact the authorities by law but fail to. Plus, insurance companies and attorneys can use traffic crash reports to settle compensation cases.
Why Do Insurers Care Who Caused an Accident in a No-Fault State?
Although Michigan is a No-Fault state, insurance companies must know who or what caused the accident. One important reason is that if someone is seriously injured, the person may pursue compensation from the at-fault motorist’s insurer. If someone dies in an accident, their loved ones may be able to pursue compensation from the at-fault motorist’s insurer on their behalf.
Any police officers who arrive at the accident scene may provide their opinion about who caused the collision. If so, they will record their opinion in the traffic accident report. As your lawyer builds a claim or lawsuit, they will secure the accident report as evidence to prove fault.
How Do I Obtain a Detroit Accident Report?
To get a copy of your report, go to the Michigan State Police website. You can get a copy online by following the instructions and using the Traffic Crash Purchasing System. You must provide information about the motor vehicle crash, including:
- The date of the crash
- The name and information of one of the involved drivers
- A crash report form number
You also must pay a small fee to obtain the report. A personal injury attorney from our team can obtain the report for you, and we may cover the fee (as we generally pay all case-related costs).
Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer to Get a Police Report?
You can obtain a police report on your own. However, you can hire an attorney from our firm to seek fair compensation from the auto insurance company (or companies) that owe you money. When you retain an attorney from our team, we will:
- Get a copy of the police report to use in your case, as well as any other evidence that could benefit your case for compensation
- Identify, document, and value all of your accident-related damages, including property damage, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost income
- Complete all case-related paperwork
- Manage case-related communications (protecting you from rights violations and unnecessary stress)
- Lead settlement negotiations on your behalf
- Take your case to trial if appropriate
With our personal injury lawyer’s help, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the strategy and execution of your claim or injury lawsuit.
What Damages Will a Car Accident Lawyer Pursue Compensation For?
Each car accident victim has different damages, so a lawyer must evaluate these losses on a case-by-case basis. Recoverable damages we often see in car accident cases include:
- Medical bills: Car accident victims seek compensation for their medical bills and can do so through an insurance claim or lawsuit. These expenses may result from emergency transportation, emergency care, hospital stays, medications, doctor’s visits, and other medical services you need after the collision.
- Pain and suffering: If you experience psychological distress, emotional anguish, injury-related pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other pain and suffering, our team will determine the cost of these non-economic damages.
- Lost income: If you cannot work for a period after your car accident, we will determine the cost of your lost income. We will also account for any opportunities for bonuses and promotions that you miss while injured.
- Property damage: If a motor vehicle accident is violent enough to cause injuries, it typically causes property damage. Our team will determine the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident.
Even when a car accident does not appear to be especially serious, its economic and non-economic costs can be great. Our firm works hard to ensure car accident victims do not bear the cost of accidents they did not cause. We will seek the same outcome in your case.
Call Christensen Law Today for a Free Consultation About Hiring a Detroit Car Accident Lawyer
Knowing how to get an accident report in Detroit is helpful, but knowing that a Detroit auto wreck attorney is only a phone call away may be even more so. Filing insurance or personal injury claims can be overwhelming on your own, but no law says you must do it alone.
Dealing with the aftermath of a car crash can be scary, but if you work with Christensen Law, you will receive professional legal counsel to guide you through it. We’ll do everything we can to get you the compensation you deserve for your auto collision. Call Christensen Law today at 248-900-9000 or fill out this contact form for a free consultation.
