How to Report a Car Accident in Detroit

heading divider

If you’ve been in a car crash in Detroit, or if you happened to drive by as a collision occurred, you may be wondering how to report a car accident or even whether a report is necessary. There are specific rules in the city of Detroit for when to report car accidents and when to call emergency services after a wreck. Even if you haven’t experienced an accident, knowing the guidelines ahead of time can be helpful.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident or your car has suffered significant damage, contacting a Detroit car accident lawyer from David Christensen Law can be a smart move. Our attorneys have handled numerous car accident claims and we can ensure your report is filed correctly and on time. When the time comes, we’ll also make sure the liable party is held accountable.

Emergency Situations

If there were any injuries in your car wreck, it’s required that you call 911 immediately. Seeking medical attention for those in need should always be your first priority. Emergency services will then contact local police and have them come to the scene of the crash immediately.

The Detroit Police Department

The Detroit Police Department headquarters is located at 1301 Third Avenue. Because of Detroit’s size, there are eleven precincts located throughout the city. You can use the precinct address list and neighborhood police officer finder on the City of Detroit’s website to locate your closest department.

You always have the opportunity to report a car accident in person. However, reporting a car accident by phone is also an option. For non-emergency crimes, including car accidents, you can call the Detroit Police Department’s Telephone Crime Reporting (TCR) line at 313-267-4600.

Requirements for a Car Accident Report

Knowing which car accidents should be reported can be challenging because car accidents can range from minor fender benders to severe collisions. Michigan state law requires that all car wrecks be reported if anyone is injured in the wreck and if damages exceed $1,000. Also, the Detroit city code requires that if a car is no longer able to be driven, the wreck must be reported.

You have the right to report a car crash, no matter how minor others may think it is. Having the facts written out on paper can be useful when filing a car accident lawsuit in the future. The police will take written statements from everyone involved in the wreck and use these statements to create their own report. You can late access these police reports and use them as evidence.

Contact a Detroit Car Accident Lawyer

Keeping good records is one of the key strategies to maximizing your car accident settlement. In order to keep good records, car accident reports must be filed on the front end. Whether you experienced a car wreck or witnessed one, filing a report can be helpful for everyone involved.

When you need a lawyer to file a claim in the future, the attorneys at Christensen Law can help you gather the evidence, prove negligence, and secure the settlement you deserve. To speak with a Detroit car accident attorney about a possible claim, you can schedule a free consultation by filling out the contact form below or by calling us.