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Accident checklist

What to do after a car accident in Detroit

Make sure everyone is safe, call the police if anyone is hurt or a report is needed, take photos, exchange information, and report the claim to your insurer. Then choose your repair shop. In Michigan that choice is yours. Don't drive a car with deployed airbags, leaks, warning lights or wheel damage until it's been inspected.

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At the scene

  1. Check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is hurt or the cars are blocking traffic in a dangerous spot.
  2. Get to safety. Turn on your hazard lights. If the car can be moved safely, move it out of traffic.
  3. Call the police when needed. Michigan requires many crashes to be reported to police. If you're not sure whether yours does, call and ask. Write down the report number.
  4. Exchange information. Names, phone numbers, insurance companies and policy numbers, plate numbers, and the make and model of every vehicle.
  5. Take photos. All sides of every car, close-ups of the damage, the plates, the road and any signs or signals. These photos also work for a repair ballpark price.

In the next day or two

  1. Report it to your insurer. Use their phone line or app, and write down your claim number and adjuster's contact info. Confirm what your policy covers and what your deductible is.
  2. Choose your shop. Under Michigan law, you choose where your car is repaired, not your insurer. CMD Collision works with all insurance companies and isn't part of any insurer's direct-repair program.
  3. Get a ballpark price. Text photos to (313) 444-0236 or upload them on our quick price page. Then bring the car in for an in-person inspection and estimate.

When not to drive the car

Damage you can't see can affect steering, braking and how the car protects you in another crash. Have the car inspected before normal driving, and don't drive it at all, if:

  • The airbags went off
  • Fluid is leaking under the car
  • A wheel was hit, or the steering pulls, shakes or feels wrong
  • Warning lights came on after the crash
  • Headlights, taillights or turn signals don't work
  • Parts are hanging, dragging or rubbing a tire

These usually need an in-person look rather than a photo price. Call or text us and we'll tell you what to do next.

This page is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Your policy and your insurer decide your coverage.

Next: how insurance claims work at CMD · our estimate and repair process · collision repair · frame & unibody repair

Save these for your claim

  • Police report number
  • Other driver's name, phone, insurer and policy number
  • Plate numbers and vehicle details
  • Your photos of the scene and damage
  • Your claim number and adjuster's contact info

CMD Collision

3843 E McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI 48212
Mon–Thu 11 AM–7 PM · Fri 3–8 PM · Sat 12–4 PM · Sun closed

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Common questions

Is my car safe to drive after an accident?
Don't drive it if the airbags went off, fluid is leaking, a wheel or the steering was hit or feels wrong, warning lights came on, headlights or taillights don't work, or parts are hanging or rubbing a tire. Damage you can't see can affect how the car steers and brakes, so have it inspected before normal driving.
Do I have to use the body shop my insurance company recommends?
No. Under Michigan law you choose your repair shop. Your insurer may suggest one, but you don't have to use it.
Should I get a repair estimate before I file a claim?
You can. A free photo ballpark price can help you decide whether a claim makes sense compared with your deductible. Confirm your coverage and deductible with your insurer, and report the accident to them as your policy requires.
The other driver was at fault and I don't have collision coverage. What can I do?
Michigan's mini-tort law may let you recover some of your out-of-pocket repair costs, up to the limit set by Michigan law, from the at-fault driver's insurance. Ask your insurer or an attorney about your situation. We can give you the repair paperwork you'll need.

Been in an accident?

Text us photos for a quick ballpark price. Your final price comes after an in-person look.

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