Sterling Heights Fatal Car Accident Lawyer

Lost a Loved One in a Car Crash? Speak to the Top-Rated Sommers Schwartz, P.C. Attorneys Today

Over 71,000 people were injured on Michigan roadways in 2023. Another 1,095 Michiganders lost their lives. Many of these tragic accidents resulted from a driver’s negligence, impairment, or reckless behavior.

If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, speak to an experienced Sterling Heights fatal car accident attorney. The team at Sommers Schwartz, P.C. is here to help you pursue justice so you can begin rebuilding your life.

Fatal Car Accident Statistics in Michigan

Although the total number of Michigan traffic fatalities decreased slightly from 2022’s total of 1,123 deaths, it remains higher than the rates in 2019 or 2020. There were only thirty calendar days in 2023 with no traffic deaths. June had zero death-free days.

A fatal crash can occur at any time. However, some days and times are more dangerous than others. In 2023:

• August had 113 fatal crashes, more than any other month. June was second, with 110 fatal collisions; July had 105 fatal crashes. All other months had fewer than 100 fatal crashes each. March recorded the lowest number of deadly crashes, with 54.
• Sunday was the most common day for fatal collisions, with 168 reported crashes. Another 163 occurred on Saturdays and 162 on Fridays. Tuesdays accounted for 128 fatal collisions, fewer than any other day.
• The most common time for deadly car accidents is 3:00 p.m. to midnight, with 168 fatal crashes occurring between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. By contrast, only 79 occurred between 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Some locations are also more dangerous than others. In 2023:

• A total of 573 people died in collisions on surface roads or city streets.
• Michigan’s trunkline state highways (M-routes) accounted for 231 fatal crashes.
• Another 103 deadly collisions took place on interstate freeways in Michigan.
• Only 93 deaths occurred on U.S. routes (U.S. highways).

According to Michigan State Police data, there were 22,405 reported car accidents in Macomb County in 2023. These crashes killed 53 people and injured more than 6,800 others.

Top Three Causes of Fatal Car Accidents in Michigan

Any car crash can cause serious injuries or death. However, some collisions are more likely to cause fatal injuries than others. The most common causes of fatal car accidents in Macomb County and throughout Michigan are drunk or drugged driving, speeding, and distracted driving.

Nearly 41 percent of fatal Michigan car accidents in 2023 resulted from a driver being impaired by drugs or alcohol. That year, 8,817 alcohol-involved crashes on Michigan roads caused 297 deaths. Another 2,250 crashes involved a driver impaired by drugs, resulting in 256 deaths. In Macomb County, drugs and alcohol contributed to car crashes that killed 16 people and injured over 400 more.

Traveling over the posted speed limit or too fast for road conditions was a factor in 195 fatal Michigan traffic crashes in 2023. Traveling too slowly on the road can also cause serious injuries or death. In 2023, 146 collisions involved a driver moving too slowly. One of these accidents proved fatal.

Distracted driving remains a significant issue on Michigan roads. In 2023, Michigan recorded 15,136 distracted driving crashes statewide, resulting in 59 fatalities. Distractions come in many forms.

• Seventeen fatal distracted driving crashes involved a distraction outside the vehicle, like construction, people, or animals on the roadway.
• Sixteen fatal collisions occurred when the driver was distracted by activities inside the vehicle, such as eating or changing the radio.
• Seven fatal crashes stemmed from driver distraction by a passenger.
• Six fatal crashes happened while a driver was using a handheld phone or similar device, in violation of Michigan’s ban on using these devices while behind the wheel.
• Five fatal crashes resulted from distraction by a hands-free device.

In 2023, Macomb County was the site of three deaths from distracted driving collisions. Another 638 individuals were injured.

Common Fatal Crash Types

The mechanics of a collision can increase its danger. An analysis of 2023’s fatal collisions shows:

• Angle crashes were the most deadly. There were 189 crashes in which one car hit another at an angle, causing one or more fatalities.
• Head-on collisions are also likely to cause fatal injuries. Head-on collisions, including head-on crashes during a left turn, claimed 161 lives in Michigan.
• Rear-end crashes can be fatal. Although many rear-end crashes were minor, 76 major rear-end collisions claimed at least one life in 2023. These crashes were also the most likely to cause serious injuries to others in the vehicle.

Sideswipe collisions and single motor vehicle crashes also caused fatalities.

Pursuing a Wrongful Death Claim for a Sterling Heights Fatal Car Accident

A wrongful death claim allows a car accident victim’s surviving family members to seek compensation for their loss. Understanding the basics of these claims can help you choose the best attorney for your needs.

A wrongful death lawsuit alleges someone’s death was due to another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. The victim’s personal representative files the claim on behalf of the deceased person’s estate and their surviving family members. These claims seek compensation for losses like funeral expenses, lost financial support, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering experienced by the survivors.

Michigan law outlines specific procedures for survivors to pursue these claims and for the distribution of damages among the deceased’s heirs. Like other civil claims, wrongful death claims must follow Michigan’s laws and court rules.

Typically, a Michigan wrongful death claim must be filed within three years of the date of death. In some cases, calculating the deadline is straightforward. In others, it can become more complicated. An attorney can help you determine when the deadline falls in your case so you do not miss your opportunity to pursue compensation.

No wrongful death claim can bring back a lost loved one or adequately compensate you for losing someone close to you. However, these claims play a vital role in holding negligent parties accountable. A wrongful death claim can help ensure your family receives essential support and that negligent or reckless drivers face consequences for their actions.

Fatal Work-Related Car Accidents

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “transportation incidents” are the most common category of fatal workplace accidents in the United States and Michigan. In 2023, they accounted for one in three Michigan workplace deaths. In total, 31 workers died in Michigan in 2023 due to transportation or material-moving injuries, including 19 truck drivers.

When a work-related collision claims a life, workers’ compensation benefits may help family members address some costs related to the death. However, family members may also be able to pursue additional compensation from other sources, such as the manufacturer of a defective vehicle component or another legally responsible party. To learn more, speak to a dedicated Michigan fatal work accident lawyer today.

Speak to an Experienced Sterling Heights Car Accident Attorney Today

If you’ve lost a loved one in a Michigan vehicle crash, speak to the team at Sommers Schwartz, P.C. today. Our experienced Sterling Heights fatal car accident lawyers can help you protect your family’s legal rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated Sterling Heights wrongful death lawyer.