I was in a car accident in Michigan and I need advice on small claims court
Location: Michigan
I had just received my step-father’s truck after his untimely death. I was going to take over the vehicle at the end of the month. I was insured to drive the vehicle but I didn’t know my mom had canceled the no fault insurance which is why I’m currently in this pickle. The driver of the other vehicle ran through a red light at a high rate of speed and we collided nose to nose in the intersection because I didn’t have time to react. They took a statement from me and declined to give me a ticket, the other driver did not receive a ticket because he was unconscious and taken to the hospital so he was unable to give a statement. The police report doesn’t mention any follow up with him at the hospital. Another officer at the scene took a statement from a witness that isn’t related to either party. She stated that she observed the man running the red light at a high rate of speed from her porch that is located on the corner of the intersection. This statement wasn’t included in the original report but I already contacted the public records office in my city because I assume an outside statement will be a big help in proving the fault of the other driver and they said they will add it to my report later this week when the officer on the recorded statement is back on duty. Does a statement from a 3rd party help me at all in small claims court? Is this even worth filing? If it is worth filing should I start the filings now or should I wait until the updated police report is sent to me? Thank you!