Rear-End Collisions Pose Serious Dangers For Michigan Drivers
Metro Detroit Car Accident Attorney
Rear-end collisions can be particularly dangerous for Michigan drivers. If hit while stopped, the injuries can be devastating. How many times have you been stopped at a light and and see the driver behind you coming up at a high rate of speed with his or her head in their phone? It is a helpless feeling as you can only watch and hope the driver stops in time.
According to the Michigan State Police, rear-end auto accidents accounted for 26% of all crashes (83,187 of 312,172) in the state of Michigan in 2016, as well as 28.6% of all injuries (23,154 of 80,788) and 7.7% of all fatalities (82 of 1,064).
What Is A Rear-End Collision?
Rear-end Crashes in Michigan 2016:
26% of all accidents
23,154 total injuries
82 deaths
A rear-end collision occurs when the trailing vehicle overtakes and makes physical contact with the car ahead of it. Under Michigan law, the driver of the vehicle who rear-ends another vehicle is deemed prima facie guilty of negligence. MCL 257.402. This is due to the fact that drivers are not supposed to operate their vehicle at a speed greater than that which will allow them to stop within an assured, clear distance ahead. MCL 257.627. Rear-end collisions are common during both city and highway driving, and often occur during periods of high traffic and at stop lights.
What Damages Can Result From Rear-End Collisions?
The injuries that are caused by rear-end collisions can be devastating. Oftentimes this is due to the fact that the car rear-ended may be stationary at the time of impact. Many rear-end collisions occur when the innocent driver is stopped at a street light or stopped in traffic, and while the trailing vehicle is not paying attention to the road and traveling at a high rate of speed. The vehicle rear-ended is especially vulnerable due to the fact that, if stopped, there likely may not be room or time to get out of the way.
As a result rear-end collisions often result in:
Death: 82 fatalities were caused by rear-end collisions in 2016, up from 69 in 2015.
Spinal Cord Injury: if the rate of speed at impact is high, the injured car accident victim can suffer a severe spinal cord injury. These injuries, can cause substantial pain and suffering, and potentially permanent complications. Spinal cord injuries undoubtedly result in significant medical and hospital treatment and extensive rehabilitation, all of which will result in high medical bills, lost wages and earning capacity and lifetime care.
Neck, Back and Brain Injuries: even rear-end collisions at a low rate of speed can result in a serious and debilitating neck, back or brain injuries such as disc bulges, herniated discs or a traumatic brain injury. These can be long lasting or even permanent and require surgery. The pain from any neck or back injury can be crippling.
Contact A Metro Detroit Car Accident Attorney For Help
If you or your loved one was involved in a rear-end collision, you should not delay seeking the appropriate medical treatment, as well as consult with an experienced car accident attorney.
Metro Detroit Injury Lawyers is a Bloomfield Hills, Michigan law firm practicing personal injury law. Contact us today at 248-430-8929 for a free consultation and evaluation of your personal injury case.