Car accidents in Iron Mountain, Escanaba, Marquette, Houghton, Hancock, or along US‑2 and M‑28 can unfold in seconds. Winter whiteouts, black ice, deer strikes, and long rural response times make the Upper Peninsula unique—and those realities affect both your safety and your claim. This guide covers the immediate steps to protect your health and your right to compensation under Michigan law.
1) Check for Injuries, Move to Safety, and Call 911
Turn on hazards, set out flares if available, and move off the roadway when safe. Call 911 and request police and EMS. Michigan law requires reporting crashes involving injury, death, or property damage of $1,000+. Ask the officer for the incident number—this report anchors your claim.
2) Get Medical Care Now (Even If You Feel ‘Okay’)
Adrenaline masks symptoms. Concussions, internal bleeding, and spinal injuries are often delayed. ER, urgent care, or PCP visits within 24–48 hours create crucial medical records that connect the injuries to the collision—insurers challenge late treatment.
3) Preserve Evidence at the Scene
Photograph vehicle positions, damage points, deployed airbags, skid marks, weather, lighting, signage, and any road defects. Capture injuries and torn clothing. Collect driver and insurance info, witness names, and the responding officer’s badge number. Save dashcam footage.
4) Michigan No‑Fault: What Your Own Policy Covers
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) pays reasonable medical expenses, up to 85% wage loss (3 years), $20/day replacement services, mileage, and when necessary, attendant care. Your coverage level (Unlimited, $500k, $250k, $50k, or opt‑out) determines how far those medical dollars go after a serious injury.
5) Third‑Party Claims for Pain & Suffering
If a negligent driver caused the crash and your injuries meet Michigan’s legal threshold (serious impairment, permanent serious disfigurement, or death), you may bring a bodily‑injury claim for pain and suffering and excess economic loss. Evidence from Day 1 strengthens threshold proof.
6) Call Your Insurer—Carefully
Report the basics but avoid speculation about fault and decline recorded statements until you’ve spoken with counsel. Don’t sign blanket medical authorizations. PIP applications must be filed within one year, and each expense must be claimed within one year of incurring it.
7) Social Media and Surveillance
Assume you’re being watched. Do not post about the crash or your activities. Private posts can be discoverable. Ask family and friends not to tag you.
8) Deadlines and Special Situations
- PIP application: 1 year.
- Bodily‑injury lawsuit: typically 3 years.
- Government vehicles/roadways: shorter notice rules—contact counsel immediately.
- Wisconsin residents injured in Michigan: complex coverage coordination may allow Michigan PIP; get advice early.
9) How We Help U.P. Crash Victims
We gather scene data (ECM downloads, drone photos, weather), coordinate PIP benefits, track wage loss, and prepare third‑party claims. Our local knowledge of U.P. roads, winter maintenance, and deer‑strike patterns helps prove liability and damages.
