Common Types of Car Accidents in Michigan

At any time, tens of thousands of vehicles traverse Michigan’s roads and highways. With so much traffic, you always risk getting into a car accident no matter how safely you drive. You cannot control the actions of others, and another driver could cause a severe car accident that injures you or kills someone you love. Additionally, defective auto components, unrepaired roads, and other preventable hazards cause hundreds of car accidents each year throughout the state.

Understanding the types of car accidents and what causes them can help you and your passengers remain safe on the road. If a negligent driver or other factor beyond your control caused the accident, you could obtain compensation for your injuries and losses from those responsible. Reach out to a car accident lawyer.

Contact an experienced Michigan car accident attorney for a free review of your case and advice regarding your options to recover damages from a car accident someone else caused.

Call 989-244-0356 for a Free Consultation.

Michigan Car Accident Statistics

The Michigan State Police maintains reports of car accidents in the state. In the most recent reported year, they recorded 282,640 motor vehicle crashes in the state. Of those, 1,068 accidents resulted in 1,131 fatalities, while 51,666 crashes caused 71,246 injuries.

Fatalities increased by 4 percent from the previous year, and injuries increased by 17 percent.

Additionally, the number of injurious and fatal car accidents caused by drug and alcohol impairment increased anywhere from 3 percent to 11 percent from the previous year, and the number of teen fatalities from car accidents increased by 38 percent. Young drivers in general accounted for more than 47,000 vehicle crashes, with 168 total fatalities, an increase of 27 percent from the year prior.

Kinds of Car Accidents

Each type of car accident comes with unique characteristics and consequences.

Here are some common car accidents:

• Rear-end collisions occur when one vehicle crashes into the back of another. These collisions often happen when the following driver fails to maintain a safe distance or doesn’t react in time to the vehicle in front slowing rapidly or stopping suddenly.
• Head-on collisions happen when two vehicles collide front-to-front. Head-on collisions can result in severe injuries or fatalities, especially at high speeds.
• Side-impact collisions—also known as T-bone accidents—occur when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle, forming a T shape. Side-impact collisions commonly happen at intersections or when a driver fails to yield the right of way.
• Sideswipe collisions occur when the sides of two vehicles make contact while traveling parallel to each other. Sideswipes often occur during lane changes, when drivers fail to check blind spots or properly signal their intentions.
• Rollover accidents happen when a vehicle tips onto its side or roof. Taller and top-heavy vehicles, such as SUVs or vans, roll over more often, and high speeds, sharp turns, or collisions can cause them.
• Hit-and-run accidents occur when a driver in an accident flees the scene without stopping to exchange information or provide aid. Hit-and-run accidents are illegal and can have serious legal consequences.
• Multi-vehicle pile-ups involve multiple vehicles colliding with each other in a chain-reaction. These accidents often occur on highways or in poor visibility, such as fog, and can result in extensive property damage and multiple injuries.

In addition to accidents with other vehicles, you can also get into a single-vehicle crash if a defective component on your car fails, such as your brakes, steering, or suspension, causing you to lose control. Potholes and unrepaired road surfaces can also cause car accidents.

These are just a few examples of car accidents. Each accident may require specific considerations when it comes to insurance claims, legal actions, and seeking compensation for injuries or damages.

If you’re in a car accident, consult a qualified attorney or contact local authorities for guidance based on the specific circumstances of your case.

What Are Common Causes of Car Accidents?

Understanding these common causes of car accidents can promote safer driving practices and reduce the risk of accidents.

Here are frequent causes of car accidents:

• Distracted driving: One leading cause of accidents is driver distraction. This includes texting, talking on the phone, eating, grooming, or using in-car technologies while driving. Taking your eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, can have serious consequences.
• Speeding: Driving above the speed limit or too fast for the current road conditions reduces the driver’s ability to react to unexpected situations. Speeding increases the severity of accidents and the likelihood of loss of vehicle control.
• Drunk driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times, leading to a higher risk of accidents. Driving while intoxicated violates the law and endangers the driver and others.
• Reckless driving: Aggressive or reckless behavior, such as tailgating, frequent lane changes, running red lights, or ignoring traffic rules, can cause accidents. Reckless driving puts everyone on the road at risk.
• Fatigue: Driving while excessively tired or drowsy can impair a driver’s judgment and reaction time. Falling asleep at the wheel can result in severe accidents.
• Failure to obey traffic laws: Disregarding traffic signs, signals, or right-of-way rules can lead to accidents. Running stop signs or red lights, failing to yield, or improper lane changes can result in collisions.
• Inexperienced or elderly drivers: Teenagers or elderly individuals may cause accidents due to their lack of experience or diminished physical capabilities.
• Mechanical failures: Vehicle malfunctions, such as brake failure, tire blowouts, or steering problems, can contribute to accidents. Automakers regularly issue recalls for defective devices like airbags, tires, and other vital components. Also, cars have caught fire spontaneously or their transmissions have failed, which has led to serious injuries and fatalities.
• Poor road conditions: Defective road design, inadequate signs, potholes, or debris can contribute to accidents. Government entities responsible for road maintenance play a role in ensuring safe driving conditions, and your attorney can advise you on how to file a claim with the appropriate parties and represent you throughout the process.
• Bad weather: Adverse weather, such as rain, snow, ice, fog, or strong winds, can make driving more challenging and increase the risk of accidents. Reduced visibility and poor road conditions require drivers to adjust their driving behavior accordingly. If a driver drove too fast for conditions, for instance, your attorney could hold them accountable for negligent driving.

No matter the cause of the car accident that injured you, an experienced auto accident attorney can explain your rights and options for pursuing compensation. A lawyer will determine the cause, establish liability for those responsible, and get the financial recovery you deserve.

How Do I Obtain Compensation After a Car Accident?

If you wish to obtain compensation for your injuries and losses after a car accident that you didn’t cause, you may pursue damages.

The steps you must take can vary depending on your jurisdiction and other circumstances, so consult a personal injury attorney as soon as possible for advice regarding your specific situation.

1. Seek medical attention: Prioritize your health and safety by seeking immediate medical attention for your injuries. Receive proper medical documentation and follow your treatment plan to the letter. You will need to do this for your compensation claim.
2. Document the accident: Gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim. This includes photographing the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Collect contact information from any witnesses at the scene.
3. Report the accident: Notify the police and your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Discuss the accident carefully with the insurance company and avoid admitting fault. Better yet, let your car accident lawyer do this for you.
4. Consult a car accident attorney: As soon as possible after treating your injuries, hire an experienced car accident injury attorney. They will guide you through the legal process, evaluate your case, and provide you with advice on the best course of action. They can document the accident and report it properly to the authorities and relevant insurance companies.
5. Gather documentation: Work with your attorney to gather all relevant documentation related to the accident, including medical records, police reports, witness statements, and any other evidence that supports your claim. This documentation will establish the extent of your injuries and your damages.
6. Negotiate with insurance companies: Your attorney will handle communications and negotiations with the insurance companies involved. They will ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, property damage, lost income, and other damages.
7. Consider a lawsuit: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement or unjustly denies your valid claim, your attorney may advise you to file a lawsuit. They will guide you through the litigation process and represent you in court.

An important note: The statute of limitations in your state sets a deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit in court. For instance, Michigan allows you three years from your injury to file a lawsuit seeking damages. If you do not file within that time, you will forfeit your right to pursue compensation, so consult an attorney immediately to discuss your case and get advice on your options.

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Today

Unfortunately, you risk getting into a car accident in Michigan at virtually any time or location, and the other party could have avoided injuring you by exercising a little care. If a careless or reckless driver injured you or a close family member, or if a defective component on your car failed and caused you to crash, contact an experienced car accident attorney immediately to discuss your options. Reach out to a personal injury lawyer.

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