Michigan Rear-End Truck Accident Attorneys

A rear-end accident occurs whenever one vehicle collides with the back of another. As the lead driver has no time to prepare for impact, these types of collisions can be particularly traumatic. This is especially true when a truck is involved. Unfortunately, many motorists are killed in rear-end collisions, and those who survive often suffer debilitating and life-altering injuries.  

If you or a family member was involved in a rear-end truck accident in Michigan, the lawyers at Sommers Schwartz are available to provide support. Our team is passionately committed to assisting accident victims and their families as they navigate the extreme hardship accidents pose. As a powerhouse litigation firm with more than $1 billion recovered on behalf of our clients, we have the knowledge, expertise, and influence necessary to best advance your interests.

Causes of Michigan Rear-End Collisions:

While generally preventable, negligent driving makes rear-end collisions common. The Michigan Traffic Crash Reporting System identifies rear-end collisions as the most injurious type of road accident, responsible for more than 16,000 injuries and 60 fatalities per year. More than 80,000 rear-end accidents occurred in 2019 alone.

Rear-end collisions often occur when traffic stops suddenly. While drivers are expected to remain vigilant and prepared to respond to changing conditions, many forms of driver negligence compromise their ability to slow down in time to avoid a collision. Examples include: 

• Tailgating – Drivers who follow too closely are often ill-prepared for a sudden slowdown.
• Speeding – The faster a truck is traveling, the longer it will take to stop, which can make crashing into another vehicle unavoidable.
• Distracted driving – Drivers not paying attention to their surroundings may fail to notice upcoming traffic.
• Drunk driving – Impaired driving contributes to many rear-end accidents, as drunk drivers suffer from increased reaction time and poor decision-making.

Recovering After a Rear-End Collision:

While liability is unclear in many types of accidents, the driver traveling behind in a rear-end collision is often presumed at fault. However, this is not always the case. Truck drivers should always travel at an ample distance back from the car ahead of them, but some actions can still cause lead driver liability. They include:  

• Suddenly braking. 
• Driving with broken taillights.
• Failing to signal when slowing down to make a turn.
• Blocking a lane of traffic.

Even in these situations, the rear driver may be partially responsible for the accident. Michigan courts use a “modified comparative negligence” system when attributing fault. So, the damages of an injury victim who shares liability for an accident will be reduced by their percentage of fault, instead of losing out on their right to compensation entirely. However, plaintiffs who are more than 50 percent responsible for an accident will not recover damages.

Damages in a Rear-End Truck Accident Claim:

Rear-end accidents involving trucks tend to be catastrophic. Accident victims who survive will typically find themselves on a long and uncertain road to recovery. A personal injury suit is often the only way to stay financially afloat between hospital stays, follow-up surgeries, missed work, and a lifetime of lingering pain.

Of course, every case is unique. Your damages will vary depending on the circumstances of the accident and the severity of your injuries. However, most victims can expect to recover both their economic and non-economic losses, including:

• Past medical expenses.
• The cost of any necessary future medical care.
• Lost wages.
• A decrease in earning capacity.
• Property damage.
• Pain and suffering.
• Disability or disfigurement.
• Loss of the enjoyment of life.

When it comes to protecting your right to compensation, working with an experienced Michigan personal injury attorney is critical. In addition to thoroughly investigating the accident to determine all potentially liable parties, your attorney will diligently prepare the strongest possible case on your behalf.

Speak With an Experienced Michigan Truck Accident Lawyer:

If you or someone you love was hurt in a rear-end accident, we recommend contacting the truck accident lawyers at Sommers Schwartz. Our attorneys are nationally recognized authorities in truck accident law. We have centuries of combined experience helping accident victims and their families secure the compensation they deserve.

With our help, rest assured that you, your case, and your family are in capable hands. What’s more, we handle all cases on a contingency basis, meaning you are not responsible for any legal fees unless your case succeeds. To learn more and schedule a free consultation, give us a call at (800) 783-0989 today. You can also reach us through our online form.