What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash [Michigan]

Multi-vehicle crashes can happen on highways, at intersections, or in heavy traffic when one collision triggers another. Because several drivers, vehicles, and insurance companies may be involved, these crashes often create more complicated insurance and liability questions than a typical two-vehicle accident. Here is what Macomb, Wayne, and Oakland County drivers need to know.

At the Scene

The immediate steps after a multi-vehicle crash are the same as any crash: call 911, stay at the scene, and seek medical attention even if you feel okay. Document the positions of all vehicles before they are moved, and photograph damage to all vehicles involved. In a multi-vehicle crash, there may be significantly more parties to exchange information with — get the name, contact information, insurance carrier, and policy number for every driver involved.

Request that police respond and complete a UD-10 crash report, even if some parties resist. With multiple vehicles and multiple potential claims, a documented police report is particularly important.

How No-Fault Insurance Works in a Multi-Vehicle Crash

Michigan’s no-fault system provides the same basic framework regardless of how many vehicles are involved. Under MCL 500.3114(1), you generally claim personal injury protection benefits from your own no-fault insurer first — the insurer covers your medical expenses and wage loss regardless of who caused the crash. This applies even when multiple other drivers may share fault.

When you are a passenger in one of the vehicles involved, determining which insurer is responsible for PIP benefits depends on Michigan’s statutory priority rules. The applicable coverage varies based on the circumstances of the crash and the insurance policies involved. If no applicable policy exists, Michigan’s Assigned Claims Plan under MCL 500.3172 may provide a pathway to benefits.

Fault and Liability in Multi-Vehicle Crashes

Determining fault in a multi-vehicle crash is often more complicated than in a two-vehicle collision. Multiple drivers may share responsibility for different aspects of the crash. For example, one driver may have caused the initial impact while another was following too closely or driving at an unsafe speed before the chain reaction began. Michigan follows a comparative fault system for civil injury claims, meaning more than one driver may share responsibility for a crash.

For injuries that meet Michigan’s serious impairment threshold under MCL 500.3135, injured parties may pursue liability claims against at-fault drivers beyond what no-fault PIP covers. In a multi-vehicle crash, identifying which drivers may be liable — and to what degree — requires a careful review of the police report, physical evidence, and witness accounts.

Why Legal Counsel Matters Early in Multi-Vehicle Cases

The insurance coverage questions in a multi-vehicle crash — which insurer is highest in priority, whether multiple claims are available, and which at-fault parties may be liable — are more complex than in a straightforward two-car crash. An attorney can evaluate the specific facts, identify all applicable coverage, preserve important evidence, and make sure every available avenue of compensation is pursued. Because multiple parties and insurance companies may be involved, acting quickly is especially important.

If you were injured in a multi-vehicle crash in Macomb, Wayne, or Oakland County, our team may be able to help. To speak with a Michigan personal injury attorney, contact us today.

Source:

• MCL 500.3114
• MCL 500.3135
• MCL 500.3172
• Michigan State Police, UD-10 Traffic Crash Report FAQ