The 7 Biggest Mistakes Michigan Accident Victims Make Within 24 Hours — And How to Avoid Them

When an accident happens, the first day can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to make quick decisions that seem harmless in the moment but can seriously affect your ability to recover full compensation later. Whether you're dealing with a car crash, slip and fall, dog bite, or another injury, the steps you take in the first 24 hours matter more than most people realize.

Below are the most common mistakes Michigan accident victims make and how to avoid them.

1. Skipping Immediate Medical Care

Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Adrenaline, shock, or embarrassment can mask pain. If you wait to get checked out, insurers may argue your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident. Seeing a doctor right away protects both your health and your claim.

2. Leaving the Scene Without Gathering Evidence

Photos, videos, and witness names can make or break a case. Many people leave the scene without documenting anything, which allows the other side to control the narrative. Capture the vehicles, surroundings, weather, any visible injuries, and anything else relevant while everything is still fresh.

3. Giving a Recorded Statement to Insurance Too Soon

Insurance adjusters often appear friendly, but they work for the insurance company, not for you. A rushed or emotional statement can be used against you later. Politely decline and speak with an attorney before sharing details.

4. Posting About the Accident on Social Media

A single post, photo, or comment can be taken out of context and used to question your injuries or credibility. Even private posts can be discoverable. Staying offline until you’ve met with an attorney is always the safest choice.

5. Apologizing or Admitting Fault

People often apologize out of politeness, even when they didn’t do anything wrong. Insurance companies may treat an apology as an admission of fault. Stick to the facts and avoid making statements about who caused the accident.

6. Not Getting a Police Report

Even for minor accidents, a police report is one of the most important pieces of documentation you can have. It establishes what happened, who was involved, and the initial evidence at the scene. Without it, your claim becomes much harder to prove.

7. Waiting Too Long to Contact an Attorney

People often delay because they’re overwhelmed or unsure. But early legal guidance helps you avoid mistakes, protect evidence, and understand your options. Michigan has strict timelines for filing claims, and acting quickly can make a meaningful difference in the outcome.

A Common Winter Mistake: Not Documenting a Slip and Fall on Snow or Ice

Michigan winters create ideal conditions for dangerous falls. Sidewalks, parking lots, and walkways can become icy overnight, and many people chalk it up to “just winter.” But failing to document a winter slip and fall can seriously harm a potential claim.

Here’s what to do if you slip on snow or ice:

Take photos of the exact spot where you fell

Snow and ice can melt, refreeze, or be salted quickly. Capture the scene before anything changes.

Look for signs of neglect

Examples include uncleared sidewalks, untreated ice, or drainage issues that caused refreezing.

Report the incident immediately

If it happened at a business, notify a manager. If it happened on a public sidewalk, note the precise location.

Get medical attention even if you’re embarrassed

Winter falls often lead to fractures, sprains, and back injuries. Early medical documentation matters.

Avoid blaming yourself

Many people instinctively say “I should have watched my step,” but that can be used against you. Simply describe what happened.

Documenting winter conditions is especially important because the weather can change quickly. The more information you capture right away, the stronger your case will be.

Final Thoughts

The first 24 hours after an accident are stressful, but you don’t have to navigate the process alone. Taking the right steps protects your health, preserves key evidence, and strengthens your ability to recover fair compensation.

If you’ve been injured in Michigan and want guidance you can trust, Marienfeld Law is here to help you every step of the way.