What Evidence Can Strengthen Your Car Accident Case In Detroit?
As Detroit car accident lawyers, we know that strong evidence can make or break an injury claim. Michigan’s no-fault insurance system can be complicated, and the strength of the evidence presented often determines whether compensation is awarded promptly or contested for months. After an accident, emotions run high, and injuries can make it difficult to focus; however, preserving and collecting the right types of evidence can be crucial to proving fault, damages, and the long-term impact. In our experience representing clients across Detroit and throughout Michigan, we’ve seen how thorough documentation can turn a contested claim into a fair settlement.
Understanding Michigan’s No-Fault Car Accident Law
Under Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance Act (MCL 500.3101), every driver is required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. This coverage pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and certain replacement services regardless of who caused the crash. However, to pursue compensation for pain and suffering or other non-economic damages, the injured party must meet the state’s “threshold injury” standard under MCL 500.3135.
That threshold means proving a “serious impairment of body function” or “permanent serious disfigurement.” Meeting this legal standard requires strong, credible evidence that links the crash to significant physical harm and demonstrates its impact on daily life.
Police Reports And Official Documentation
The foundation of any Michigan car accident case is the official police report. After any crash involving injury, death, or significant property damage, law enforcement officers must complete a UD-10 Traffic Crash Report under MCL 257.622.
We always advise clients to obtain a certified copy of this report as soon as possible. The police report often includes:
- Statements from the drivers and witnesses
- The officer’s observations and diagram of the crash scene
- Citations issued for traffic violations
- Preliminary fault determinations
Although police reports are not the final word in determining liability, they provide a valuable starting point and can help establish credibility when negotiating with insurance companies.
Photographs, Videos, And Digital Evidence
Photographs and videos are some of the most persuasive forms of evidence in a Detroit car accident case. Clear visuals taken immediately after the crash can show vehicle damage, skid marks, weather conditions, traffic signals, and even visible injuries.
With the growing use of dashcams and traffic cameras across Wayne County, digital footage can often capture the entire collision. We frequently request surveillance video from nearby businesses or city traffic systems when reconstructing accident scenes. In Michigan, evidence like this can support claims of speeding, distracted driving, or other forms of negligence that contribute to liability.
Medical Records And Expert Testimony
In personal injury cases, medical documentation is one of the most critical forms of evidence. Every doctor’s note, emergency room report, diagnostic image, and physical therapy record provides an essential link between the accident and the injuries sustained.
To meet Michigan’s “serious impairment” threshold, consistent medical documentation is key. Treating physicians and medical specialists may also serve as expert witnesses to explain the extent of injuries and how they affect an individual’s ability to lead a normal life.
For example, testimony from a neurologist can be vital in cases involving traumatic brain injuries, while orthopedic surgeons may provide insight into spinal or joint damage. Detailed medical evidence helps us prove both the severity and permanence of injuries — essential elements for recovering compensation under Michigan law.
Witness Statements And Accident Reconstruction
Eyewitness testimony can strengthen a case by providing an independent perspective on what happened before and during the crash. Witnesses may confirm that a driver ran a red light, was speeding, or appeared distracted. Collecting this information quickly is vital, as memories fade and witnesses can be difficult to locate later.
In complex collisions, such as multi-vehicle crashes or accidents involving commercial trucks, we often collaborate with accident reconstruction experts. These professionals analyze skid marks, debris, and vehicle damage to recreate the mechanics of the collision. Their findings can provide objective, scientific support that helps juries and insurance adjusters understand fault more clearly.
Vehicle And Property Damage Reports
Vehicle inspection and repair reports are also powerful evidence. Insurance adjusters and mechanics can provide detailed documentation of the impact forces and vehicle damage patterns. In cases where defective car parts may have contributed to the crash, these reports become critical to establishing liability under Michigan product liability law (MCL 600.2945).
If a totaled vehicle is disposed of too quickly, important evidence may be lost. We often work to ensure that vehicles are preserved until a full investigation can be completed.
Financial And Lifestyle Documentation
Beyond physical injuries, Michigan law allows accident victims to claim economic damages, such as lost wages and out-of-pocket expenses. Payroll records, tax documents, and employment correspondence all support claims for income loss.
For non-economic damages, such as emotional distress, statements from family or coworkers about lifestyle changes can be persuasive. Showing how injuries affect relationships, hobbies, and daily activities often paints a powerful picture for jurors or insurance adjusters evaluating damages.
Protecting Evidence And Working With An Attorney
Evidence must be preserved properly to be admissible in court. Digital evidence, such as photos and videos, should be securely stored, while physical evidence, such as damaged personal items, should be kept in a safe condition.
Working with an experienced attorney early ensures that critical evidence is not overlooked. At Ravid & Associates, P.C., we often deploy investigators immediately after a crash to collect data before it disappears. Acting fast helps ensure the case is built on a solid foundation of facts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Evidence In Michigan
What Should Be Done Immediately After A Car Accident In Detroit?
The most important steps are to contact law enforcement, seek medical care, and document everything. Photographs, video footage, and witness information should be collected immediately. Request a police report and notify the insurance company as soon as possible, while avoiding any recorded statements without legal advice.
Can Medical Records From Before The Accident Affect The Case?
Yes. Insurance companies may attempt to argue that injuries existed before the crash. However, consistent medical documentation showing how the accident aggravated or worsened a condition can counter these arguments and protect the right to compensation.
How Does Michigan’s No-Fault Law Affect Evidence Collection?
Even though PIP benefits are paid regardless of fault, evidence is still crucial when pursuing claims for pain and suffering or against negligent drivers. Proving serious impairment under MCL 500.3135 requires medical and factual evidence linking the crash to long-term harm.
Can Dashcam Footage Be Used In A Michigan Car Accident Case?
Absolutely. Dashcam or surveillance footage can clearly demonstrate fault and the sequence of events. As long as the footage is authentic and relevant, it is typically admissible in Michigan courts.
What Happens If Evidence Is Lost Or Destroyed?
Losing key evidence can weaken a claim. However, attorneys can often reconstruct events using expert analysis, witness statements, and secondary records. Prompt legal assistance helps ensure important evidence is preserved before it disappears.
Call Ravid & Associates, P.C. For Your Free Consultation
At Ravid & Associates, P.C., we understand how vital strong evidence is to a successful car accident case. Our attorneys represent clients throughout Detroit and across Michigan, fighting to protect the rights of injured motorists and their families.
Call our Detroit auto accident attorney at Ravid & Associates, P.C. today at (248) 948-9696 to receive your free consultation. Our office in Southfield, Michigan, serves clients across the Detroit metro area and throughout the state. We work tirelessly to build strong cases based on facts, evidence, and a commitment to justice for every client we represent.
