Fender benders and more severe accidents are an unfortunate possibility when driving. While some may be spared the experience, chances are most will be involved in one at some time during their lives. Some accidents are minor and without injury, mostly causing inconvenience. Others aren’t so lucky. We’ll look at Michigan’s most common car accidents and offer suggestions on how to avoid them.
After a car accident in Southfield, contact Christensen Law Firm. Their expert team of car accident attorneys can help you seek compensation for your injuries. Don’t attempt to file a claim without legal representation. Let the lawyers tackle the task while you cope with recovering from this tragic event.
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5 Most Common Car Accidents in Michigan
In 2022, Oakland County, Michigan, reported a whopping 34,185 car accidents for the year that resulted in almost 9,000 injuries. Statistics like this show the range of how common vehicular accidents can be. Although each crash is unique in its circumstances, they have many commonalities. Here’s a look at Michigan’s most common types of car accidents.
Rear End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are all too common. Many occur on city streets during rush hour or unexpected traffic. Rear-end collisions are usually the result of distracted driving during stop-and-go traffic at low speeds. Unfortunately, they can also occur on highways at much higher speeds due to a vehicle suddenly decelerating.
T-Bone Accidents
This type of accident is more common at intersections and results from a driver neglecting basic traffic laws. Running red lights or stop signs are frequent culprits of this horrific car crash. Severe injuries to drivers and occupants often accompany T-bone accidents.
Head-on Collisions
These accidents occur when two vehicles coming from opposite directions collide. Frequently the result of an impaired driver, head-on collisions often produce fatalities. Collisions like these can be avoided, but unfortunately are much too common.
Side-Swiped Accidents
Side-swiped accidents occur when a driver hits another parked or moving vehicle from the side. Common causes of this type of accident include unsafe lane changes, distracted driving, and not using turn signals to alert other drivers of the intention to turn.
Weather-Related Single Car Accidents
Michigan’s public roads are no stranger to ice and snow during the cold weather months. Weather-related accidents can be caused by slick road surfaces causing drivers to lose control of their vehicles unexpectedly. Accidents by sliding into guard rails, trees, and other objects can occur.
The Causes of Michigan Car Accidents: Tips and Suggestions To Prevent Them
Every licensed Michigan driver has the right to use its public roads. Unfortunately, there are numerous things that some drivers do that are directly related to causing automobile accidents. There are several things that all drivers can do to be a part of the solution and not a part of the accident problem. Here are four things not to do while driving.
Distracted Driving
Not paying attention to the road is a major cause of Michigan car accidents. Driving while distracted is not only foolish and dangerous but is also a chargeable offense. Put your phone down and focus on the road. That text message can wait until later.
Tailgating
Failure to preserve a safe distance from other vehicles is the cause of most rear-end collisions. Never drive too close to the vehicle in front of you; always give yourself a safe cushion of space. This also applies to city driving, where a driver in front of you may have to brake suddenly at any moment.
Speeding
All public roads have a posted speed limit and should be followed. It should go without saying that the faster a vehicle goes, the less time you have to react to any sudden changes in road conditions. Always follow the posted speed limit.
Failure To Use Turn Signals
A common cause of vehicular accidents is failure to use turn signals. What for some may seem unnecessary couldn’t be anything further from the truth. A vehicle’s turn signals let other drivers know of your intentions. Use your turn signals each time you intend to change lanes or turn, even if you think there aren’t any other cars around you. There may be one in your blind spot.
Road Hazards Awareness: Staying Safe on Michigans’ Public Roads
No one intentionally wants to be involved in a car accident. However, things like distracted driving and tailgating continue to cause vehicular collisions. Car crashes can cause devastating and catastrophic injuries; although they’re called accidents, the victims may see them as unjust and unfair.
Victims of a Michigan car crash caused by a careless driver must contact a personal injury lawyer with experience handling car accident cases. Although some car accidents may seem easy to prove liability, insurance companies may be unwilling to offer victims adequate compensation. Never attempt to file a car accident case without legal representation.
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