What to Do After a Car Accident in Michigan: Step-by-Step Guide + Recovery Help

November 29, 2025

Car accidents happen in seconds, but the aftermath can be complicated and stressful. In Van Buren and Berrien Counties, Gardner Towing responds to dozens of accident calls every month. We know that people are often confused, injured, and unsure what to do immediately after a crash. That confusion can lead to mistakes that make the situation worse.

Comprehensive Accident Recovery Services

This comprehensive guide walks you through exactly what to do after a car accident—from the first moments right after impact through recovery and vehicle removal. We’ll cover safety steps, legal requirements, what information to collect, and when to call Gardner Towing for professional accident recovery.

Immediately After the Accident: The First 60 Seconds

Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The moments right after an accident are critical. Your first priority is safety—yours, your passengers’, and other people at the scene.

What to do:

Take a deep breath and try to stay calm
Quickly assess yourself and your passengers for visible injuries
Look around to understand what happened
Check if other vehicles or people are involved
Notice if there are immediate hazards (fire, smoke, fluid leaks, broken glass)

Important: Do not exit your vehicle immediately if it’s still in traffic or in a dangerous location. Wait for a safe moment.

Step 2: Move to Safety (If Possible)

If your vehicle is operable and you’re in traffic, move it to a safe location. If your vehicle won’t move or you can’t safely move it, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened.

Where to move your vehicle:

Completely off the roadway into a parking lot or driveway
To the right shoulder of the highway (away from traffic)
To a safe area at least 100 feet away from the accident scene

If you can’t move your vehicle:

Stay inside with doors locked
Turn on your hazard lights
Call 911 if anyone is injured
Wait for emergency responders to arrive

Why this matters: Moving your vehicle reduces the risk of additional accidents. Other drivers won’t know about the accident if your vehicle is still in traffic, which could cause another collision. Every year, secondary accidents at crash scenes injure and kill additional people who should have been safe.

Step 3: Turn On Your Hazard Lights

This is one of the most important safety steps. Hazard lights alert other drivers that there’s a problem.

Also consider:

Use a reflective triangle or road flares if you have them
Place them 50, 100, and 200 feet behind your vehicle
Keep your headlights on (low beam) even during daytime
Don’t open your trunk or hood unless necessary

Step 4: Check for Injuries

Never move an injured person unless they’re in immediate danger (like if the vehicle is on fire).

If anyone is injured:

Call 911 immediately
Don’t move the injured person
Provide first aid only if you’re trained and it’s safe to do so
Keep the person warm and reassured until help arrives

If no one is injured:

Proceed to the next steps
Still get checked by a doctor within 24 hours—some injuries appear hours later

The First Few Minutes: Safety and Communication

Step 5: Activate Your Emergency Flashers (Again)

Make sure your hazard lights are on and visible to other drivers.

Step 6: Check on Other Drivers and Passengers

If other vehicles are involved and it’s safe to do so, check on the other drivers and passengers.

What to say:

“Is everyone okay?”
“Is anyone injured?”
Don’t discuss who caused the accident at this point

Important: Do not admit fault or apologize for the accident. Simply say: “I’m glad everyone is okay” or “Let’s wait for police to assess the situation.”

Step 7: Move to a Safe Location (If Necessary)

If it’s not safe to stand near the road, move to a safe location away from traffic. This is especially important on busy highways like I-94 or M-140 in Van Buren and Berrien Counties.

Safe locations include:

Behind a guardrail
Inside a nearby building
On a nearby sidewalk or parking lot
Inside your vehicle with doors locked

Never:

Stand in traffic
Stand between vehicles
Stand with your back to traffic

Call for Help: When to Contact Emergency Services

Step 8: Call 911 If There Are Injuries

Call 911 immediately if:

Anyone is injured or appears injured
There’s visible damage to vehicles
Anyone feels chest pain, difficulty breathing, or confusion
There’s any possibility of spinal injury
Anyone is unconscious or unresponsive
There’s fuel leaking or fire
Any vehicle is in traffic causing a hazard

When you call 911, tell them:

“I’ve been in a car accident”
Your exact location (highway name, direction, mile marker, nearby landmarks)
Number of vehicles involved
Number of people injured
Any visible hazards (fire, fuel leak, power lines down)

911 response in Van Buren and Berrien Counties: Emergency responders typically arrive within 10-15 minutes for injuries on main highways like I-94, longer for rural roads.

Step 9: Call Police for Non-Injury Accidents

In Michigan, you must report accidents to police if:

Injury has occurred to any person
Death has occurred
Property damage is greater than $1,000 (Michigan law)
Anyone hit a person with their vehicle
Downed power lines or hazardous materials are involved

For minor property-damage-only accidents (under $1,000):

You can file a police report later or report it to Michigan State Police in writing within 10 days.

When you call police (not 911 for property damage):

Call your local police department’s non-emergency number
Provide your accident location and details
Ask for a police report number

Collecting Critical Information at the Scene

Step 10: Exchange Information with the Other Driver(s)

You must obtain specific information from every other driver involved. Don’t leave the scene without this information.

Get from each driver:

Full name
Phone number
Home address
Driver’s license number
Vehicle make, model, year, and color
License plate number
Insurance company name
Insurance policy number
Vehicle identification number (VIN—found on the driver’s side dashboard or door jamb)

Important: If the other driver refuses to provide information or becomes hostile, stay calm and wait for police to arrive. Do not engage in arguments.

Step 11: Get Witness Information

Witnesses can be critical if there’s a dispute later about how the accident happened.

Get from each witness:

Full name
Phone number
Home address
Their account of what they saw
Whether they’d be willing to provide a written statement

Write this information down immediately. Don’t rely on memory—you won’t remember details after an accident.

Step 12: Take Photographs of Everything

Pictures are powerful evidence. Take photos from multiple angles before vehicles are moved (unless they’re blocking traffic and must be moved immediately).

Photograph:

Overall scene (wide angle showing road, traffic, surrounding area)
All vehicle damage (multiple angles of each vehicle)
License plates of all involved vehicles
Road conditions (wet, dry, icy, debris)
Traffic signs and signals at the location
Skid marks or debris on the road
Your injuries (if any)
The other driver’s vehicle and license plate

Smartphone tip: Most phones have a timestamp feature. Enable it so photos show the date and time.

Step 13: Document the Location Precisely

Write down or photograph the exact location so you have a clear reference.

Document:

Highway name and direction (e.g., “I-94 eastbound”)
Mile marker or nearest cross street
Nearby landmarks (gas station, business, traffic sign)
Road conditions at the time
Weather conditions at the time
Time of accident

Important Actions at the Scene

Step 14: Don’t Admit Fault

Even if you think the accident was your fault, do not say so at the scene. Let insurance companies and police determine responsibility.

Do not say:

“I’m sorry”
“It’s my fault”
“I didn’t see you”
“I wasn’t paying attention”
“I’m not injured” (you might be, just don’t feel it yet)

Do say:

“I’m glad everyone is okay”
“Let’s let police and insurance sort this out”
“I’m not comfortable discussing the accident details right now”

Why this matters: Insurance companies use your statements to assign fault. An apology or admission of fault can be used against you, even if the accident wasn’t entirely your fault.

Step 15: Don’t Sign Anything Except Police Reports

The only document you should sign at the scene is a police report (if police ask you to).

Do not sign:

Insurance forms from the other driver’s insurance company
Settlement agreements
Medical waivers
Any document you haven’t read completely

You can give: Your contact information to other drivers, but don’t sign anything they give you.

Step 16: Stay at the Scene

Michigan law requires you to remain at the accident scene until police have completed their investigation or it’s safe to leave. Leaving the scene of an accident before police arrive can result in felony charges.

Exception: If it’s extremely dangerous (fire, hazardous materials), you can move a safe distance away but must return to the scene when emergency responders arrive.

After Police Arrive: Next Steps

Step 17: Speak Briefly with Police

Police will ask you questions about the accident. Be honest but brief.

Be prepared to tell police:

Where you were going
What you were doing before the accident
What you saw immediately before impact
What happened after impact
Any injuries or damage you noticed

Do not:

Make up details you don’t remember
Blame the other driver
Discuss fault (police will determine that)
Refuse to cooperate

Step 18: Get the Police Report Number

Ask the police officer for:

The police report number
The officer’s name and badge number
The police department contact information

Why you need this: You’ll provide this to insurance companies. The report number helps them find the official police account of the accident.

Medical and Insurance Actions

Step 19: Get Medical Attention (Even If You Feel Okay)

Many accident injuries don’t appear immediately. Adrenaline can mask pain.

Get checked by a doctor:

Within 24 hours of the accident, even if you feel okay
Get documentation of your examination
Report any pain, numbness, or symptoms you notice
Tell the doctor you were in an accident

Common delayed injuries:

Whiplash
Back pain
Neck pain
Headaches
Internal injuries

Why this matters: Medical records showing you were examined after the accident strengthen any insurance claim for injury-related damages.

Step 20: Call Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible—usually within 24-48 hours.

When you call, provide:

Police report number
Date and time of accident
Location
Other driver’s information
Brief description of what happened
Photos (if you took them)

Be honest but brief. Don’t over-explain. Insurance companies assign adjusters to investigate.

Step 21: Don’t Accept the First Settlement Offer

Insurance companies often make low initial settlement offers. You don’t have to accept the first offer.

Before accepting any settlement:

Get multiple repair quotes
Document all your expenses (medical, rental car, etc.)
Consult with an insurance attorney if the accident wasn’t your fault
Make sure the settlement covers all your losses

Vehicle Recovery and Repair

Step 22: Arrange Vehicle Recovery (If Needed)

If your vehicle can’t be driven after the accident, you need professional recovery service.

Call Gardner Towing for:

Professional accident recovery – Safe vehicle removal from the accident scene
Flatbed towing – Protective transport to prevent additional damage
Heavy-duty recovery – For severe accidents and complex situations
Winch-out recovery – If your vehicle is off the road or stuck

Why Gardner Towing:

Available 24/7 for immediate response
Flatbed trucks prevent damage during transport
Professional experience with accident scenes
Can transport to your repair shop or preferred location
USDOT certified and fully insured

Our accident recovery coverage:

Covert – Our home base with rapid response
South Haven – Beach community near I-94
Paw Paw – Rural areas with complex terrain
Hartford – Professional recovery specialists
All surrounding Van Buren and Berrien County communities
I-94, M-140, US-31 – Major highways with frequent accidents

Step 23: Choose a Repair Facility

You have the right to choose your own repair shop—don’t let the insurance company force you to use their preferred shop.

When choosing a repair facility:

Get multiple repair estimates
Choose a shop with good reviews
Verify they’re certified to work on your vehicle
Make sure they’ll work with your insurance company
Ask about warranty on repairs

Step 24: Document Everything

Keep detailed records of all accident-related expenses:

Medical bills and receipts
Repair estimates and invoices
Rental car receipts
Gas or transportation costs
Photos and videos
Police report
Insurance correspondence
Any lost wages due to injuries or vehicle recovery

Special Circumstances: What If…

What If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

In Michigan, you’re entitled to Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage through your own insurance policy. Contact your insurance company—they’ll handle the claim.

What If the Other Driver Leaves the Scene?

This is a hit-and-run accident. If possible:

Get the other vehicle’s license plate
Get descriptions (color, make, model)
Document any debris left at scene
Call 911 immediately
Contact your insurance company

Hit-and-run is a serious crime in Michigan.

What If You’re Hit While Parked?

If another vehicle hits yours while parked:

Document the damage with photos
Get information from any witnesses
Call police to file a report
Contact your insurance company
Call Gardner Towing for recovery if needed

What If Someone Else Is Injured?

If your accident injures another person (not in a vehicle):

Call 911 immediately
Provide first aid if trained and safe
Get witness information
Do not move the injured person
Give your information to police
Contact your insurance company
Consider consulting with a lawyer

What If Your Vehicle Rolls Over?

Rolover accidents are serious and require specialized recovery equipment.

Call Gardner Towing immediately:

Do not attempt to right the vehicle yourself
Stay in the vehicle if safe (unless fire is a concern)
Activate hazard lights
Move away from the vehicle if it’s on fire
Professional equipment and trained operators are required for safe rollover recovery

When to Call Gardner Towing for Accident Recovery

Call Gardner Towing Immediately If:

Your vehicle is:

Damaged and can’t be driven
Stuck off the road in a ditch
Involved in a rollover accident
Blocking traffic (for your safety)
Leaking fuel or fluids
Involved in a multi-vehicle accident
In need of professional removal from the accident scene

Call: +1 (269) 519-0528 (Available 24/7)

Our Accident Recovery Services Include:

Accident Scene Recovery – Professional vehicle removal
Flatbed Transport – Safe transport to prevent additional damage
Winch-Out Recovery – Extraction from ditches and difficult locations
Heavy-Duty Recovery – Specialized equipment for complex situations
Scene Cleanup – Debris removal and road clearing

Location-Specific Help in Van Buren and Berrien Counties

We Respond to Accidents Throughout the Region

Gardner Towing provides accident recovery services 24/7 in:

South Haven – Beach community accidents
Paw Paw – Rural road accident recovery
Hartford – Professional accident services
Covert – Our home base, rapid response
Bangor, Coloma, Watervliet, Lawrence – All surrounding areas
I-94, M-140, US-31 – Major highways with rapid response capability

Quick Reference: Accident Response Checklist

Immediately After Accident:

☐ Stay calm and assess safety
☐ Move to safe location (if possible)
☐ Turn on hazard lights
☐ Check for injuries
☐ Call 911 if anyone injured

At the Scene:

☐ Exchange information with other drivers
☐ Get witness information
☐ Take photographs
☐ Don’t admit fault
☐ Stay at scene until police allow you to leave

After Police Arrive:

☐ Get police report number
☐ Provide brief statement to police
☐ Contact your insurance company
☐ Get medical attention within 24 hours
☐ Document all expenses

Vehicle Recovery:

☐ Call Gardner Towing if vehicle needs recovery
☐ Choose repair facility
☐ Keep all receipts and documentation
☐ Don’t accept first settlement offer
☐ Consult insurance attorney if needed

Conclusion: You’re Not Alone After an Accident

Being in a car accident is stressful and overwhelming. By following this guide, you’ll handle the immediate aftermath correctly and protect yourself legally and financially. Remember:

Safety first – Yours and everyone at the scene Don’t admit fault – Let professionals determine responsibility Document everything – Photos, receipts, and information Get medical attention – Even if you feel okay Professional help – Call Gardner Towing for vehicle recovery

When you need professional accident recovery in Van Buren or Berrien County, Gardner Towing is available 24/7 with the equipment and expertise to safely remove your vehicle from the accident scene and transport it to your repair facility.

Contact Gardner Towing for Immediate Accident Help

Phone: +1 (269) 519-0528

Address: 69458 34th Ave, Covert, MI 49043

Hours: Available 24/7 | 365 Days Per Year (Including Holidays)

Website: Visit Gardner Towing

Accident Recovery Services:

Accident Recovery – Professional vehicle removal from accident scenes
Flatbed Towing – Safe transport to prevent additional damage
Winch-Out Recovery – Extraction from ditches and difficult locations
Heavy-Duty Towing – Specialized equipment for complex recoveries
Emergency Towing – Rapid response 24/7

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