Rear End Accidents in Michigan

Rear-end automobile accidents are one of the most common forms of car accidents in Michigan.  This particular type of accident usually occurs in slow moving traffic situations and are considered to be less dangerous than many other types of accidents.  Not all rear-end collisions come at slow speeds however.  For example, motorists that fail to realize traffic on a highway is stopped can cause extremely dangerous high speed rear end accidents.  These types of accidents often occur when a driver is not paying attention to the road in front of them. Whether the accident occurs at a red light, stop sign, or the middle of the road, a driver who has been a victim of a rear-end accident can end up having serious medical problems regardless of the speeds involved.

If you were involved in a rear end crash and sustained injuries, you may be entitled to financial compensation.  You have the right to have your medical expenses and lost wages along with the right to sue the other driver if it was their fault and caused you serious enough injuries.  Call us today at (517) 347-6900 for a free consultation with a trustworthy car crash lawyer regarding your accident.  We charge absolutely no fees unless we win your case and you collect damages.

Common Rear-End Automobile Accident Injuries

The injuries that can be sustained in a rear-end car accident are numerous and can have severe consequences including the following:

• Back and Neck Injuries – Given the sudden starting and stopping nature of rear-end collisions, back injuries and neck injuries are quite common.  Whiplash is probably the most common form of neck injury during a rear-end accident because the body is thrown with great force forward and then backward.  This over-extension of the neck and surrounding muscles is what causes whiplash injuries.
• Soft Tissue Injuries – Soft-tissue injuries are typically damage to muscles, joints, or ligaments throughout the body.
• Injuries From Air Bags – The purpose of air-bags is to avoid injuries but unfortunately they can also create injuries of their own especially with smaller children.  Even adults can be injured by an air bag given the right circumstances.

What Should I Do After a Rear-End Accident?

After the accident, it is important to make sure that you get the proper medical attention that you need. Whether you need someone to drive you to the hospital or whether you think you can make it to the doctor on your own, it is always important to seek out a medical doctor. Often times symptoms can be slow to manifest. Failing to go to the doctor or emergency room will not only impede the recovery of your health, but can also deter from any future settlement you may be entitled too. Often times, insurance companies see delay in treatment after an accident as evidence of malingering and faking.

The fact of the matter is that many injuries that may not seem serious first become a larger issue.  Immediately following an accident, your adrenaline levels are surging and you might not feel the pain.  After a couple days, you might realize that you actually are in a fair amount of pain.   Additionally, making sure to document the accident with the police and your insurance company should be a priority for any injured motorist.

Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions

Distracted Driving – When a driver is distracted using a cellular device or smoking a cigarette, it’s easy to see why they might not notice the vehicle in front of them is slowing or stopped.  As a result of the distracted driving, the rear vehicle might hit the vehicle in front when they go to slow down for a red light or simply make a turn.  Distracted driving has become a large issue over the past few years and it’s no coincidence that rear-end accidents are skyrocketing as a result of this growing trend.

Excessive Speeding – A rear-end crash is much more likely to occur if a driver is going too fast for the given conditions.  If a driver is speeding excessively, it is going to take them longer when braking to come to a full stop regardless of the weather.  As you know, Michigan receives a large variety of weather and speeding during periods of poor conditions is the main reason for many rear-end crashes.  For example, the stretch of highway located along Interstate-94 near Battle Creek is notorious for multiple vehicle rear end collisions every winter.  On January 19th, 2015 193 vehicles were involved in a pile-up.  Most of these crashes were of the rear-end variety because motorists were simply using too much speed given the conditions.

Tailgaiting – As many of you know, tailgaiting is quite common in Michigan and is the cause for it’s fair share of rear-end accidents.  The most infuriating part is that these accidents should be avoided easily.  Drivers should maintain a safe distance from the vehicle directly in-front of them, but many drivers are in a hurry and don’t care that they are driving dangerously.  This is especially true during poor weather conditions including heavy rain, fog, snow, or ice.

Failing To Use a Turn Signal – When a driver fails to use a turn signal, they leave the driver behind them in a difficult position.  This limits the reaction time of the driver and makes a rear-end accident much more likely.  In addition to failing to use a signal, poorly maintained or malfunctioning lights can also be attributed to causing the accident.

Can I Bring a Lawsuit After Being Rear-Ended?

In Michigan, we have no-fault automobile insurance. This means that if you were in an accident and you need to have your medical bills and lost wages paid, your own insurance company will be responsible for these benefits regardless of who is at fault for the accident.  However, if you suffered a serious impairment of a body function as a result of the accident you can sue the at fault driver for your pain and suffering.  Because Michigan No-Fault laws are complicated and detailed, it is best to consult with an experienced attorney.

Call the Clark Law Office today for a free consultation regarding your automobile accident. The lawyers at the Clark Law Office have over 30 years of experience dealing with rear-end accidents in Michigan. We understand that clients who have suffered injuries as a result of these accidents can have their lives changed permanently, and deserve to have their best interests preserved and looked after.