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What Is In My Michigan Accident Report?

What Is In My Michigan Accident Report?

If you're involved in a crash in Michigan, the responding officer will complete an official Michigan Traffic Crash Report. This objective report will detail the accident facts and is crucial for your insurance claim.

Obtain a copy of the report promptly and understand its sections to protect yourself from any false information. While straightforward for attorneys and officers, these reports can be overwhelming for first-timers. We've explained each section to help you navigate the claims process.

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The Eight Sections of Your Michigan Traffic Crash Report

Unlike most states, the Michigan crash report is a single page packed with information using codes and abbreviations. While easy for professionals, it can be challenging for everyday drivers. Here, we break down each section to help you understand this vital document.

Section One: Administrative Elements

This section includes the basic details of the accident:

  • Investigating department and officer
  • Date and time of the crash
  • Number of vehicles involved
  • Type of crash (head-on, rear-end, hit-and-run, etc.)
  • County and city of the crash
  • Special circumstances surrounding the crash

Section Two: Location Elements

‍This section details the crash location:

  • Precise address, nearby intersections, freeways, and ramps
  • Posted speed limit

Section Three: Driver Elements

‍Details about each driver involved:

  • Names, addresses, and contact information
  • Driver’s license and license plate information
  • Seat belt use and airbag deployment
  • Number of occupants and if anyone was ejected
  • Extent of injuries and EMS/hospital information
  • Distraction or impairment information(Space for two drivers; supplemental sheets used for more)

Section Four: Vehicle Elements

‍Information about all vehicles involved:

  • Vehicle registration and insurance details
  • Towing company information
  • Make, model, year, and Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN)
  • Trailer information (if applicable)
  • Extent of vehicle damages and defects

Section Five: Involved Party Elements

‍Details about all other occupants:

  • Names, addresses, and contact information
  • Location in the vehicle, if trapped or ejected
  • Extent of injuries, hospital, and EMS information(Supplemental sheets for serious or fatal injuries)

Section Six: Damaged Property Elements

‍If property other than vehicles was damaged:

  • Type of property
  • Owner’s name and phone number

Section Seven: Truck/Bus Elements

‍If a commercial vehicle was involved:

  • Commercial carrier’s name and address
  • Type of vehicle and cargo body type
  • Hazardous material information (Hazmat ID and Class)
  • Carrier’s licensing numbers and driver’s CDL details

Section Eight: Crash Diagram and Remarks

‍This critical section includes:

  • Investigator’s documentation of the crash events
  • Fault and causation determination(The officer’s objective opinion is crucial for the insurance company)

Understanding these sections can protect you from false information and help you navigate the claims process effectively.

Common Questions About the Michigan Traffic Crash Report

Our goal is to provide you with the necessary information and support following your accident, quickly and Understanding the Michigan Traffic Crash Report can be challenging, and you may have several questions about it. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers to help you navigate this important document. any financial burden.

Is there a fee to obtain my accident report?

The Michigan State Police charge a $10.00 processing fee to retrieve any crash report submitted by law enforcement agencies in the state. However, we believe you shouldn't have to pay for legal information that is rightfully yours, so you'll receive your official Michigan Traffic Crash Report without any charge from us.

What if the information in the report is inaccurate?

Since the investigating officer is usually not a first-hand witness to your crash, there can be errors in the initial report. If you find false information in your report, you can present your version of events to a court or the insurance company, potentially altering the outcome of your case.

What if the police do not respond to my crash?

Always wait for the police to arrive at the scene of your crash. If they don't respond initially, call again. If the other driver leaves, try to get their name and contact information. Staying at the scene can only benefit your claim later on.

Should I contact the police after a single-vehicle crash?

Yes. Even if you're involved in a single-vehicle crash and are uninjured, you should still contact the police. The aftermath of a collision can be overwhelming, and having a law enforcement official file a crash report ensures all relevant information is accurately documented.