A rear-end accident can turn your life upside down. You’re dealing with painful injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of fighting the insurance company all because another driver wasn’t paying attention. Even a low-speed crash can leave you with whiplash, back pain, or serious long-term injuries.
At The Clark Law Office, we don’t treat you like a number or pass your case off to an associate. When you call, you’ll speak directly with an experienced Michigan car accident lawyer who genuinely cares about your case. Unlike the big firms, we focus on quality over volume giving you the personal attention you deserve to win your case and maximize your compensation.
Michigan’s No-Fault insurance should cover your medical bills and lost wages, but insurance companies often minimize claims. If your injuries are serious, you may be able to sue the at-fault driver for additional compensation.
Rear-end collisions happen when one vehicle crashes into the back of another. These crashes are almost always caused by driver negligence and in most cases, the rear driver is at fault. Some of the most common causes include distracted driving, tailgating, and speeding, but dangerous road conditions and sudden stops can also play a role. Below are the most common reasons rear-end accidents happen.
🔍 Cause
⚠️ Description
📱 Distracted Driving
Texting, eating, or using a phone takes attention off the road.
🚗 Tailgating
Following too closely leaves no room for sudden stops.
⚡ Speeding
Faster speeds reduce stopping distance and increase crash severity.
🛑 Sudden Braking
Abrupt stops can catch trailing drivers off guard.
🌧️ Poor Weather Conditions
Snow, ice, fog, and rain increase stopping distances.
🍺 Impaired Driving
Alcohol, drugs, and fatigue slow reaction time.
🚦 Failure to Use Turn Signals
Drivers may not react in time if the front car doesn’t signal.
Injuries Caused by Rear-End Collisions
Even at low speeds, rear-end crashes can cause serious injuries. The sudden impact forces the body forward and backward, straining muscles, joints, and the spine. Many injuries aren’t immediately noticeable, but symptoms like stiffness, headaches, or back pain can appear hours or even days later.
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries, but rear-end collisions can also lead to spinal damage, concussions, and chronic pain. Some injuries require long-term medical care or even surgery to recover fully. Below are the most common injuries caused by rear-end collisions:
Injury
How It Happens in a Rear-End Crash
🤕 Whiplash
Rapid back-and-forth motion strains neck muscles and ligaments.
🏥 Back & Spinal Injuries
Compressed or herniated discs, fractures, and nerve damage.
💥 Head & Brain Injuries
Impact with headrest, steering wheel, or dashboard causes concussions.
🚨 Airbag-Related Injuries
Facial fractures, burns, and chest trauma from deployment.
🩸 Soft Tissue Damage
Strains, sprains, and torn ligaments that worsen over time.
Who Is at Fault for a Rear-End Collision?
In most cases, the driver in the rear is at fault because Michigan law requires all drivers to maintain a safe following distance. However, fault is not automatic and there are certain situations where the front driver may share responsibility for the crash. Below are common scenarios and who may be at fault:
Scenario
Who Is at Fault?
🚗 Rear driver was tailgating
Rear driver—following too closely to stop in time.
📱 Rear driver was distracted
Rear driver—not paying attention to the road.
⚡ Rear driver was speeding
Rear driver—unable to brake in time.
🚦 Front driver suddenly slammed on brakes
Possibly shared—depends on whether it was reasonable.
💡 Front driver had broken brake lights
Front driver—no warning for the rear driver to stop.
🔄 Front driver reversed unexpectedly
Front driver—rear driver had no control over the crash.
❄️ Rear driver slid due to icy roads
Rear driver—still responsible for controlling their vehicle.
🚨 Multi-car pileup
Varies—liability may be shared among multiple drivers.
Can You Sue After a Rear-End Accident in Michigan?
Michigan’s No-Fault insurance covers medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault, but it does not compensate for pain and suffering. If your injuries are severe, you may be able to sue the at-fault driver for additional compensation. To file a lawsuit, you must show that:
Your injuries caused a serious impairment of body function (major impact on daily life).
You have medical bills or lost wages beyond No-Fault coverage limits.
The at-fault driver was reckless, such as speeding excessively or driving drunk.
If your case qualifies, you can pursue compensation for:
Pain and suffering—for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
Excess medical bills—costs beyond what your No-Fault policy covers.
Lost wages—if your injuries prevent you from working long-term.
Wrongful death damages—if a loved one was killed in a rear-end crash.
Most rear-end accident claims go through No-Fault insurance, but if your injuries are serious, a lawsuit may be the best way to maximize your compensation. A Michigan car accident lawyer can review your case and explain your options.
What to Do After a Rear-End Accident in Michigan
A rear-end collision can leave you feeling shaken, frustrated, and unsure of what to do next. The steps you take immediately after the crash can impact your health, insurance claim, and legal case. Follow these essential steps after a rear-end accident:
✅ Step
📌 Action to Take
🚑 Check for Injuries
Assess yourself and passengers for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
🚔 Call the Police
File an official accident report, even if the damage seems minor. Police reports help with insurance claims.
📸 Document the Scene
Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
👀 Gather Witness Information
Get names and contact details of anyone who saw the crash. Witnesses can help prove fault.
📄 Exchange Insurance & Contact Info
Share insurance details, driver’s license numbers, and vehicle information with the other driver.
🚗 Move to a Safe Location
If possible, move your vehicle to the shoulder or a safe area to prevent further crashes.
📞 Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident promptly to start your No-Fault claim. Be cautious about giving recorded statements.
⚖️ Consult a Car Accident Lawyer
Before accepting any settlement, speak with an attorney to ensure you receive full compensation.
Compensation for Rear-End Accident Victims
If you were injured in a rear-end accident in Michigan, you may be entitled to compensation through No-Fault insurance or by filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. The type and amount of compensation depend on the severity of your injuries and how the accident has affected your life. Below are the types of compensation available after a rear-end accident:
🏛️ Compensation Type
💵 What It Covers
🏥 No-Fault Medical Benefits
Covers hospital visits, surgery, therapy, prescriptions, and long-term care.
💼 Lost Wages (No-Fault PIP)
Reimburses lost income if injuries prevent you from working (up to No-Fault limits).
👨⚕️ Attendant Care Services
Pays for in-home assistance if you need help with daily activities like dressing and bathing.
🚗 Medical Mileage Reimbursement
Covers travel expenses to and from medical appointments.
🏡 Household Replacement Services
Provides up to $20 per day for help with chores like cleaning, cooking, and childcare.
🏠 Home & Vehicle Modifications
Covers costs of wheelchair ramps, accessible vehicles, and necessary home adjustments.
⚖️ Pain & Suffering Damages
Available through a lawsuit if you suffer serious impairment of body function.
💰 Excess Medical & Lost Wages
If No-Fault coverage is exhausted, you can sue for additional compensation.
🚙 Mini-Tort Vehicle Damage Claim
If the other driver was at fault, you can recover up to $3,000 for car repairs.
Why Choose The Clark Law Office?
If you were injured in a rear-end accident, you need a lawyer who will fight for the compensation you deserve….not a big law firm that treats you like just another case number. At The Clark Law Office, we do things differently:
Personalized Attention – Your case won’t be handed off to an associate or paralegal. You’ll work directly with an experienced Michigan car accident lawyer who genuinely cares about your recovery.
Proven Results – We’ve helped accident victims recover millions in settlements and verdicts in Michigan car accident cases.
No Fees Unless We Win – You don’t pay anything unless we win your case. No upfront costs, no hidden fees.
We Take on the Insurance Companies – Insurers try to minimize claims—we make sure you get the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.
A rear-end accident can change your life in an instant, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Let us fight for you. Call us today at 517-347-6900 for a free consultation. See how rear-end crashes compare to other types of car accidents in our guide to common crash types.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rear-End Accidents in Michigan
Is The Rear Driver Always At Fault In A Rear-End Accident?
Not always. While the rear driver is usually presumed to be at fault, there are exceptions. If the front driver suddenly slammed on their brakes, had broken brake lights, or was reversing, they may share liability. Michigan’s comparative negligence laws allow fault to be split between drivers in certain cases.
Can I Sue For A Rear-End Accident In Michigan?
Yes, but only if your injuries meet Michigan’s serious impairment threshold. You can sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering, excess medical bills, and lost wages if your injuries significantly affect your daily life. Otherwise, your No-Fault PIP insurance will cover medical bills and lost income.
How Much Compensation Can I Get For A Rear-End Car Accident?
Compensation depends on the severity of your injuries and whether you can file a third-party lawsuit. You may receive No-Fault benefits for medical bills, lost wages, and attendant care. If your injuries meet the threshold, you can recover pain and suffering damages. Michigan’s Mini-Tort law also allows you to claim up to $3,000 for vehicle damage if the other driver was at fault.
What Should I Do If The Insurance Company Denies My Claim?
If your No-Fault insurer denies or undervalues your claim, you should request a written explanation for the denial, gather evidence such as medical records and police reports, and speak with a Michigan car accident lawyer to challenge the denial and maximize your settlement.
How Long Do I Have To File A Claim After A Rear-End Accident?
No-Fault insurance claims must be filed within one year of the accident. Third-party lawsuits against the at-fault driver must be filed within three years. Mini-Tort claims for vehicle damage should be filed as soon as possible.
What If I Was Rear-Ended By An Uninsured Driver?
If the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, you may still be covered through your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage if included in your policy. A lawyer can help you explore all available compensation options.
