How Long Do You Have to File a Police Report After a Motorcycle Accident?

The Motorcycle Legal Minute™ was created by Jason Waechter, THE Motorcycle Lawyer℠, to explain Michigan’s motorcycle law in a short and easy to understand way.

After a motorcycle accident, or any motor vehicle accident for that matter, you have a duty to make a police report ‘immediately,’ if there is a death, an injury or property damage of over $1,000.

‘Immediately’ is not defined in the statute. I have polled different police officers and the answer I often get is: within 30 days. The answer for insurance purposes is found in your vehicle’s insurance policy, and may be different for each insurance company.  

For example, if you are involved in a hit-and-run, many policies say you must make a police report within 24 hours, and report it to your insurance company within 30 days. If you do not, they may be able to deny the claim from that incident.

Here is the statute related to above information:

MCL 257.622 Report of accidents resulting in death, personal injury, or property damage; forms; analysis; use; retention.

Sec. 622.

   The driver of a motor vehicle involved in an accident that injures or kills any person, or that damages property to an apparent extent totaling $1,000.00 or more, shall immediately report that accident at the nearest or most convenient police station, or to the nearest or most convenient police officer. The officer receiving the report, or his or her commanding officer, shall immediately forward each report to the director of the department of state police on forms prescribed by the director of the department of state police officer. 
 

Michigan’s Premier

Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Our Mission: To get you the absolute best results, as fast as possible.
•  We can be working on your case within the hour!
•  We get wage loss & medical bills paid immediately and for FREE*

Motorcycle Results: $2,000,000 - $2,000,000 - $1,500,000 - $1,400,000 - $1,250,000 - $1,200,000 - $1,000,000

CALL NOW 1-877-Biker-Law

FREE Case Evaluation

Injury Cases Only, Anywhere in U.S.

Get Our Awesome Motorcycle Phone App and Start Benefitting Today!