How to Prepare for a Detroit Motor Vehicle Crash

Most drivers in the Motor City are involved in a motor vehicle accident at some point in their lives. As such, learning how to prepare for a car accident in case one happens is a smart thing to do.

The first and best thing you can do to be prepared in the event of a motor vehicle crash in Detroit is to be sure you have a valid, Michigan No-Fault auto insurance policy on your car, truck, or motorcycle. This will protect you and your family by helping to pay medical bills and lost wages if you are injured.

Without coverage, you will be considered “uninsured,” which not only disqualifies you from collecting or suing for No-Fault benefits and bars you from suing the at-fault driver for noneconomic and/or economic damages, but also leaves you vulnerable to being sued and/or being penalized criminally.

The best way to protect yourself is to purchase full coverage with unlimited Michigan No-Fault PIP medical benefits. At a minimum, though, purchase and maintain the No-Fault auto insurance that is legally required in Michigan.

In addition to maintaining auto coverage, you should also keep the following in your car at all times: (1) proof of insurance; (2) proof of registration; (3) emergency contacts (for EMS/police in the event you are unresponsive at the scene); (4) a list of your medical allergies and any medical conditions you are treated for; and (5) an “Emergency Kit.”

If you have questions about how to prepare for a Detroit motor vehicle accident before it happens, or about your legal rights to No-Fault insurance benefits, pain and suffering compensation, and economic damages after a crash, you can call an experienced auto lawyer at (855) 658-1539 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

How Much Auto Insurance Should I Carry?

As an auto accident lawyer with nearly 30 years of experience, I always recommend full coverage with unlimited Michigan No-Fault PIP medical benefits.

The specific coverages that I recommend include:

• Unlimited No-Fault PIP medical coverage with no deductible
• Liability coverage of at least $500,000
• Uninsured motorist coverage (which pays for your pain and suffering compensation if the at-fault driver who injured you was “uninsured”)
• Underinsured motorist coverage (which pays for your pain and suffering compensation if the at-fault driver who injured you had inadequate liability insurance coverage)
• Collision insurance
• Mini tort coverage (also called “limited property damage” coverage)

What Else Can I Do To Prepare For A Detroit Motor Vehicle Crash?

In addition to maintaining auto coverage, it is important to keep the following in your vehicle in the event of a crash:

• Your driver’s license & proof of registration – You have a legal duty to provide this information to the other people involved in the crash as well as to the police
• Proof of insurance – This should include the name of your auto insurance company, your name as the “named insured” on the policy (if you own the vehicle), the address of the named insured (i.e., your address), the VIN number of each vehicle listed on the policy, and your auto insurance policy number.
• The vehicle owner’s contact information (if you are not the owner)
• A list of emergency contacts – This includes contact information (names, phone numbers, email addresses) for your spouse, family, loved ones, friends, or your employer in the event your injuries prevent you from being able to provide this information
• A list of your medical allergies and medical conditions – This may include: (1) a list of your medications and especially any medical allergies you may have; (2) any medical conditions you are being treated for; and (3) your doctors’ names and contact information
• An “Emergency Kit” – This might include items such as a medical first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher, blankets and/or sleeping bags to stay warm until first responders arrive, orange safety cones to alert other drivers that your vehicle is disabled from a crash, flares, a “HELP” sign to signal other motorists or first responders, reflective clothing to wear if you must exit your vehicle, a flashlight, and non-perishable food items and bottled water to sustain you until first responders arrive

Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.