Is a Report About an Auto Accident Mandatory in Gaylord?

Do I Have to Report an Auto Accident to the Police in Gaylord?

In Michigan, you are required to immediately file a police report after an auto accident if that crash involved a death, injury, or property damage of $1,000 or more. (Michigan Vehicle Code 257.622) The report must be made to the nearest or most convenient police station or police officer. 

While this law may seem simple enough, there are often questions about whether an accident caused injuries or how much property damage occurred. That’s why it’s best to always report an auto accident to the police in Gaylord, no matter how minor the incident seems. 

When Do I Need to Report a Car Accident to Gaylord Police? 

You should report a car accident to the Gaylord Police Department immediately after it occurs. Michigan law states that the driver of any motor vehicle involved in a crash that injures or kills any person, or that damages property totaling $1,000 or more, must report the accident right away. They do not give any leeway regarding how long you have to report the accident. 

If you do fail to report the accident or later find out there were injuries or property damage exceeding $999, then you should go to the police at that time. No matter how minor the injuries are, the wreck must be reported. Property damage may seem small, but it can add up quickly. It’s always the best policy to report an accident right when it happens – no matter the details. 

How To Report a Car Accident to the Gaylord Police

The best way to report a motor vehicle accident to the Gaylord Police Department is to call 911 from the scene of the crash. If you’re able to move your vehicles to safety and no one is seriously injured, you can consider calling the non-emergency phone number for the GPD, which is (989) 732-1777. If no one answers the administrative phone, you should immediately call 911. 

When you dial 911, an emergency operator will answer the phone and ask you for details about the accident. You will need to tell them who you are, where the accident occurred, who was involved (or how many cars), and whether you need an ambulance. The emergency operated may ask additional questions, but they will not ask who caused the wreck. Do not use the opportunity to apologize, express fault, or even point fingers.

The police officer will ask questions about what happened when they arrive. Let them make a determination about fault if they choose to do so. However, when the officer asks you about the cause of the accident, be honest and brief with your answers. Avoid giving anyone, including the insurance companies, an in-depth description of what happened until you talk to a Gaylord car accident lawyer. 

Why Do I Need to File a Police Report After a Car Accident? 

You are required by Michigan car accident laws to report any accident that causes death, injury, or property damage of $1,000 or more. However, there are other reasons to file a police report as well. 

The police report will be used by insurance companies to determine fault. While Michigan is a no-fault state for car accidents, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance does not cover everything. You may be able to sue the at-fault driver for non-economic (intangible) losses like pain and suffering compensation as well as any economic (monetary) losses that exceed your PIP coverage. 

To sue the at-fault driver, you must prove that their negligence or reckless behavior caused the motor vehicle accident. The police report can be used for this purpose. The police officer may specifically state that the other driver was at-fault. Or the officer may have documented enough information that can be used by an expert to determine fault. 

How Does the Police Report Prove Negligence?

The police report will be essential in proving fault and establishing that the other driver was negligent. Negligence requires you to prove that the other party: 

• Owed you a legal duty

• Breached that duty

• Caused your injuries due to that breach

• Injured you so much that you suffered damages

• 
  

In the case of a motor vehicle accident, the police report will serve as proof that the at-fault driver breached their legal duty to drive safely and follow the rules of the road in Michigan. The police report will also document that you were injured. 

The police officer may even issue a citation for violation of the Michigan Vehicle Code. If the at-fault driver gets a citation, that is more proof that they breached a legal duty. However, if you get a citation as well, don’t worry. Your Gaylord motor vehicle accident attorney can help you show that the other party was actually at fault. 

How to Obtain a Police Report After It’s Complete

Once the police officer completes the accident report, they will submit it to the department. In Gaylord, traffic crash reports can be obtained from Lexis Nexis Online. You can search for a traffic report with the report number (which you can obtain from the police officer) or the last name of one of the driver’s who was involved in the accident and the date of incident or location of incident. 

It's important to know that it can take several days for the Gaylord Police Department to complete a report and upload it to Lexis Nexis. You can also input information to be notified when your report is available. To check on the status of your report, contact the GPD non-emergency administrative number at (989) 732-1777. 

How Do I Complete a Car Accident Report in Gaylord? 

It’s best to allow the Gaylord Police Department to complete your accident report for you. However, the Private Property/Property Damage Exchange of Information form is available online from the GPD website. 

To complete the report, you will need the following information: 

• Accident location

• Date of accident

• Drivers’ names and contact details

• Drivers’ license numbers and state of issuance

• Vehicle descriptions and license plate numbers

• Insurance information

• Brief description of the accident

The person completing the car accident report must also sign and date at the bottom of the form. 

Contact a Gaylord Auto Accident Lawyer at MichiganLawsuit.com

If you’ve been in a wreck, you should immediately contact a Gaylord auto accident attorney at MichiganLawsuit.com. We understand Michigan personal injury laws and will use that knowledge to fight for your right to compensation. We can help you obtain a police report to support your car accident claim.

Call MichiganLawsuit.com today at 855-LAW-MICH to speak with a lead attorney in a free consultation.