Key Points of This Article:
- In 2019, there were 535,721 drivers involved in 314,376 motor vehicle crashes in Michigan.
- Of those crashes, 74,963 persons were injured, primarily while traveling in a passenger car, SUV, or van.
- Michigan experienced the highest number of motor vehicle crashes in November, while the highest number of motor vehicle crashes resulting in fatalities occur in October.
- Single motor vehicle crashes and rear-end accidents are the most common types of crashes reported, according to the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning.
Michigan Car and Truck Crashes Happen in November More Than Any Other Month
In 2019, there were 535,721 drivers involved in 314,376 motor vehicle crashes in Michigan as presented by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning and published in an updated2019 Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, (August 24, 2020) annual report. Of those crashes, 74,963 persons were injured, resulting in 985 fatalities. The report shows Michigan experienced the highest number of motor vehicle crashes (34,501) in November while the highest number of fatal crashes (105) and the highest number of persons killed (113) occurred in October. In the colder months, communities with high crash rates tend to be found in Kent County, Macomb County, Oakland County, and Wayne County.
- January: 30,537 (resulting in 6,162 injuries, 77 fatalities)
- February: 25,719 (resulting in 5,083 injuries, 54 fatalities)
- March: 23,090 (resulting in 5,240 injuries, 67 fatalities)
- April: 21,167 (resulting in 5,403 injuries, 62 fatalities)
- May: 24,036 (resulting in 6,486 injuries, 89 fatalities)
- June: 25,106 (resulting in 6,821 injuries, 85 fatalities)
- July: 23,302 (resulting in 7,207 injuries, 103 fatalities)
- August: 23,302 (resulting in 6,862 injuries, 96 fatalities)
- September: 24,022 (resulting in 6,538 injuries, 88 fatalities)
- October: 31,570 (resulting in 7,201 injuries, 113 fatalities)
- November: 34,501 (resulting in 6,211 injuries, 78 fatalities)
- December: 27,571 (resulting in 5,749 injuries, 73 fatalities)
Contributing factors to high crash rates in November include driving too fast for weather conditions, increased deer movement at road crossings, traffic signal and intersection violations, distracted and drowsy driving, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Safe Driving Should Be Practiced Year Round
So, whether you are from Troy, Kalamazoo, Pontiac, Ypsilanti, or anywhere else across the state, all Michigan drivers still need reminders to drive cautiously, especially this time of year. Here is a brief list of safe driving tips from the motor vehicle accident injury attorneys at The Lee Steinberg Law Firm.
- Treat the left lane as a passing lane. And always use your turn signal before changing lanes.
- Do not use cruise control when passing a vehicle or while driving on wet or icy roads.
- Turn off your high beams when you see oncoming traffic.
- Be on general alert for deer crossings, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Keep a safe distance from the driver ahead of you and don’t tailgate.
- Do not stop at the end of on-ramps and instead merge with the flow of traffic.
- Watch out for motorcycles, pedestrians, snowmobiles, UTVs, and bicyclists sharing the road with you.
- Drive for weather conditions.
- Put your phone away! Texting, talking on the phone, using phone apps, and sending an e-mail will get you and others seriously injured or worse.
- Follow the posted speed limits and don’t rush through intersections or traffic lights.
- Give larger vehicles, such as semi-trucks, the space they need.
- Never drive a vehicle after drinking alcohol or using drugs.
- Ensure all passengers are appropriately buckled up, including children who should be in the right size child seat.
- Take extra care when watching out for an increase in reckless delivery truck and van drivers.
- Maintain your vehicle year-round.
Seeking compensation for accident injuries and other losses can be complicated; however, being preparing in what steps to take after an accident will help.
Steps to Take If Involved in a Michigan Car Accident
After a motor vehicle accident, the first thing to do is to make sure everybody involved is accounted for and checked on for injuries. If a cell phone is nearby, call 911 immediately and wait for the police and medical personnel to arrive. Encourage everybody in your party to explain to the authorities; how the accident occurred and the injuries or pain they have sustained.
Make sure to exchange information with the others involved, including license plate numbers, the make and model of the vehicles involved, and contact information. You will also want to collect as much evidence as possible by taking photographs and videos of the accident scene, including the vehicle damage for all vehicles involved in the crash and any injuries. This evidence will be useful when the car insurance companies are evaluating your claim or in the case of you being involved in a lawsuit.
Even if you don’t appear to be injured, it is essential to be evaluated by a medical professional on the scene and later by a physician. Keep all medical visit summaries and related bills. Typical car accident injuries tend to involve:
- Facial injuries
- Broken bones
- Concussion and whiplash
- Soft tissue injuries
- Back injuries
- Burns
- Shoulder, knee, wrist, and joint Injuries
- Internal organ injuries
- Pain and suffering (and wrongful death)
Some injuries will be more severe and may not arise until days after a crash. If you fear internal damage, have trouble breathing, or suspect trauma to your spine or brain, call 911 immediately.
And, if you are wondering what to do if injured in a car or truck accident in Michigan and concerned about the risk of COVID-19, it is essential that you safely interact with those involved. Our legal team has more information and suggestions on COIVD-19 and car accidents on our blog.
Contact a Michigan Car Accident Injury Attorney
If you have been injured in Michigan car accident, and have any questions about your legal options, please call the car accident injury lawyers at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, P.C. We have offices in Detroit, Flint, Saginaw, and Southfield, and through the use of virtual and remote meeting technology, we are also equipped to help you wherever you might be located throughout the state.
The call is free, and there is never a charge until we win your case. We represent only injury victims and have experience winning against large corporations and the most rigid insurance companies. Get help today by making a call to 1-800-LEE-FREE (1-800-533-3733).
Also read: 20 Michigan Communities With The Most Deer Crashes
Source: Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning. Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, revised August 24, 2020.
