What Evidence Should You Save After a Michigan Car Accident?

The steps you take in the hours and days after a car accident in Macomb, Wayne, or Oakland County can directly affect your ability to support a legal or insurance claim. Evidence can disappear quickly. Surveillance footage may be overwritten, memories can fade, and physical conditions at the scene can change. Here is what to save, and why it matters.

Photos and Video From the Scene

If it is safe to do so, document the scene before vehicles are moved. Photograph all vehicles from multiple angles, close-up damage, vehicle positions in the roadway, skid marks or debris, traffic signals and signage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Video can capture details that still photos miss.

If you were not able to photograph the scene — because of injury or emergency conditions — note that as well. The absence of scene photos does not prevent a claim, but thorough documentation early is always preferable to reconstruction later.

Witness Information

Witnesses who have no stake in the outcome of a claim can provide some of the most useful accounts of what happened. Before people leave the scene, ask for names and contact information. Even a brief description of what they saw, written down promptly, can be valuable if the case is disputed later.

The Police Crash Report

Under MCL 257.622, crashes involving injury, death, or apparent property damage totaling $1,000 or more must be reported to law enforcement. Qualifying crashes are documented through Michigan’s UD-10 Traffic Crash Report. The report documents the investigating officer’s observations, the parties involved, vehicle information, and the officer’s assigned hazardous action codes.

According to the Michigan State Police Traffic Crash Reporting Unit, crash reports can be purchased online for $15 through the Traffic Crash Purchasing System (TCPS), which is accessed through MiLogin. Reports typically take 3 to 30 days to process, depending on the reporting agency. Request your report as soon as it becomes available.

Under MCL 257.624, the crash report itself is not available for use in a court action and is intended to provide statistical information. An attorney may still review the report when investigating the circumstances surrounding a crash.

Dash Cam and Surveillance Footage

If your vehicle had a dash cam running at the time of the crash, preserve the footage immediately. Many dash cams loop and overwrite older recordings within hours or days. Remove the memory card or transfer the footage to a secure location before it is lost.

Also consider whether any nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or residences may have captured footage of the crash or the moments leading up to it. This type of footage is often retained for only a short period before being overwritten. Identifying these sources quickly and requesting preservation before the footage is deleted can make a significant difference in a disputed case.

Medical Documentation

Seek medical attention promptly after a crash, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries, including concussions, soft tissue damage, and internal injuries, may not produce obvious symptoms immediately. A gap between the crash and your first medical visit can create questions about whether your injuries were caused by the crash.

Keep records of every medical visit, diagnosis, treatment, prescription, and accident-related expense. Thorough medical documentation can help establish the nature of your injuries, the treatment you received, and the expenses associated with your recovery.

If you were injured in a crash in Macomb, Wayne, or Oakland County and have questions about your legal options, our team may be able to help. To speak with a Michigan personal injury attorney, contact us today.

Sources:

• Michigan State Police, Traffic Crash Reporting Unit FAQ
• MCL 257.622
• MCL 257.624