Knowing which Michigan car accident documents to keep can make the days after a crash easier to manage. Police reports, medical records, insurance letters, and proof of missed work can help explain what happened and how the accident affected you.
Whether your crash happened in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, St. Joseph, or elsewhere in Michigan, keeping your records together can make it easier to explain what happened and how your injuries have affected your life.
Start with a folder for paper documents and a digital folder for photos, emails, and receipts. Here are the records to keep.
Crash Reports and Information From the Scene
Save the police report number and the responding agency’s contact information. When the crash report becomes available, request a copy and review it for factual errors.
Keep any information you collected at the scene, including:
- Names and contact information for the drivers involved.
- Insurance information and vehicle details.
- Witness names and contact information.
- Photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and the surrounding area.
- Original dashcam footage, if available.
Preserve original files when possible. If you notice an error in the police report, document your concern and ask the responding agency about its correction process.
Medical Records and Treatment Instructions
Keep discharge paperwork, treatment plans, referrals, prescriptions, and instructions from your healthcare providers. These records help organize your care and document the treatment you received after the crash.
As Keller & Keller discusses in Why Your Medical Care Matters After an Injury, medical documentation helps explain your injuries, treatment, and the impact on your daily life.
A simple appointment log can also help. Record the provider’s name, the appointment date, and recommended follow-up visits. If transportation, scheduling, or cost prevents you from attending an appointment, explain the problem to your provider and keep a record of that communication.
Insurance Policies and Claim Correspondence
Save your auto insurance policy, declarations page, claim numbers, and correspondence with insurance companies. After a phone conversation, write down whom you spoke with, when you called, and what was discussed.
Ask the insurer what documents it needs and retain copies of everything you submit. Save confirmation emails or other proof of delivery, too.
If you live outside Michigan, keep your home-state insurance policy and applicable coverage information. Insurance questions can become more complicated when a crash happens across state lines. Keller & Keller’s article on out-of-state residents involved in Michigan car accidents explores issues that visitors may encounter.
Proof of Missed Work and Lost Income
If your injuries affect your ability to work, keep records showing the change. Useful documents may include recent pay stubs, work schedules, employer correspondence, and medical work restrictions.
Record the dates you missed work and any reduced hours or changes in duties. If you are self-employed, save relevant invoices, contracts, and business records that help show the income you lost.
A clear record is more useful than trying to reconstruct several weeks of missed work from memory.
Bills, Receipts, and Other Expenses
Keep medical bills, pharmacy receipts, and records of other expenses connected to the accident. Record travel to medical appointments and any paid help you need while recovering.
Saving a receipt does not mean the expense will necessarily be reimbursed. It gives your attorney and insurer information they can use to assess whether the expense qualifies.
If a bill or claim is disputed, retain the explanation of benefits, denial letter, and requests for additional information.
Notes About How Your Injuries Affect Daily Life
An injury may affect more than your finances. Keep brief, accurate notes about activities that have become difficult, assistance you need, and changes in your routine.
Use specific examples: difficulty carrying groceries, missed family activities, or needing help getting dressed. Describe what you experience without exaggerating or guessing about a diagnosis.
These details help explain the broader effects of a crash. Keller & Keller’s article on seeking fair compensation for serious accident injuries discusses how injuries, lost income, and changes in daily functioning can factor into evaluating a claim.
Get Help Understanding Your Next Steps
You do not need a perfectly organized file before speaking with an attorney. Bring what you have, along with your questions about insurance, bills, and the recovery process.
Keller & Keller helps people injured in Michigan car accidents understand their legal options. Call 800-253-5537 or request a free case evaluation to discuss your situation.
