Who Is at Fault in a Car Accident? What to Do After a Crash in Michigan

Who is at fault after a car accident — and how do you prove what really happened? In this video, Rob Buchanan, Leslie, and Katie from Buchanan Firm answer some of the most common questions people have after a car accident in Grand Rapids and West Michigan. Determining fault is not always as simple as what one driver says happened or who received a ticket. Evidence from the crash can be critical in understanding what actually occurred and establishing responsibility. In this video: How fault is determined after a Michigan car accident What happens when drivers give conflicting versions of the crash Why a traffic citation does not necessarily determine fault How depositions and eyewitness testimony can help uncover what happened When accident reconstruction experts may become involved How vehicle black box data can show braking, acceleration, and speed Why dash cam and surveillance footage can be important evidence How cell phone records may help establish distracted driving What evidence may exist inside commercial vehicles and delivery trucks Why 911 calls and police body camera footage should be preserved quickly How weather conditions affect a driver's responsibility Why witnesses should be contacted while their memories are still fresh Why getting medical treatment after a crash is important The Buchanan Firm team also discusses real cases involving disputed fault, distracted driving, pedestrians in crosswalks, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, and serious injuries. Some evidence can disappear quickly. Surveillance footage may be overwritten, vehicles may be destroyed or repaired, and records such as body camera footage and 911 calls may only be retained for a limited period. Investigating early can help preserve the information needed to understand how the crash happened. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Grand Rapids or West Michigan, tell us what happened. The call is free. The answers are real. Buchanan Firm +1 616-612-2536