GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, fatal car crashes in the U.S. increased by more than 10% from 2020 to 2021, reaching a 16-year record.
They are on the rise here in Michigan, too. What’s to blame? Drunk driving, speeding, and distracted driving.
Brandon Hewitt is an attorney with Michigan Auto Law and he joined us to break down the numbers and share some advice for preparing for a crash BEFORE it happens.
- Have valid No-Fault auto insurance – If you are driving your own car at the time you are injured in a car accident, then it is essential that you have a valid No-Fault auto insurance policy covering your vehicle. If you don’t, you will be prohibited from recovering No-Fault benefits and from suing the at-fault driver for pain and suffering compensation and for vehicle damage repair costs. You could also be sued by other people’s insurance companies for No-Fault benefits they received as a result of the crash.
- You say we should also carry full coverage – The way to prepare for a car accident – and to make sure that you and your family are protected if one occurs – is carry full coverage. This includes: (1) unlimited No-Fault PIP medical coverage with no deductible; (2) liability coverage of at least $500,000; (3) UM (because there still so many uninsured drivers on Michigan roads); (4) UIM; (5) collision; and (6) mini tort coverage (also called “limited property damage” coverage)
- Have registration, owner and driver’s license information AT THE READY – You have a legal duty to provide the following information to other people involved in the accident as well as to the policy: (1) your name and address; (2) registration number of the vehicle you’re driving; (3) name and address of the vehicle’s owner (if it is someone other than you); and (4) your driver’s license. (MCL 257.619(a) and (b))
- Insurance information should also be right there – You will need to have your insurance information – such as your insurance card from your insurer – which includes: (1) name of the insurance company; (2) a description of the vehicles for which insurance coverage is in effect; (3) the names of the individuals named on the policy; (4) policy number. You will need this information because you must provide it if a police officer requests it. (MCL 257.328(1) and (2)) Your insurance card – also referred to as a “certificate of insurance” – includes: (1) the name of your auto insurer; (2) the named insured on the policy (which is likely you if you own the vehicle you’re driving); (3) address of the named insured; (4) VIN number of each vehicle listed on the policy; and (5) your auto insurance policy number. (MCL 500.3101a(1))
- Emergency contacts card – Make sure you have contact information (names, phone numbers, email addresses) for your spouse, family, loved ones, friends or your work for people to contact if you are injured in a crash and your injuries prevent you from being able to convey this information.
- Medical information – You should include information with: (1) a list of the medications you are taking; (2) your medical conditions (past and present); and (3) the name of your primary physician and/or the names of other doctors with whom you are treating
- Emergency kit – It is important to have an emergency kit in case of a car accident. Your emergency kit should include: : (1) a medical first-aid kit; (2) orange safety cones to alert other drivers that your vehicle is disabled from a crash; (3) flares; (4) a “HELP” sign to signal other motorists or first responders; (5) reflective clothing to wear if you must exit your vehicle; (6) a fire extinguisher; (7) a flashlight; (8) blankets, coats, and/or sleeping bags to keep you and your family warm until first responders arrive; and (9) non-perishable food items and bottled water to sustain you and your family until first responders arrive.
If you need the help of an attorney call 833-411-MICH or visit www.MichiganAutoLaw.com.
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