Detroit Car Accident Statistics [2024 Updated]

Car accidents can happen at any time and in any place. They are often unpredictable and can result in devastating injuries for all involved. If your car accident was the cause of someone else’s negligent behavior, you may want to pursue legal action against them through a personal injury claim. The city of Detroit has made efforts to try and prevent car accidents in Michigan. Knowing the Detroit car accident statistics can help keep you and your family safe.

Detroit Car Accident Statistics

According to a comprehensive safety plan released in 2022, the city of Detroit’s car accident fatality rate per capita was among the highest when ranked alongside the United States’ largest cities. Between 2017 and 2021, 108 people were killed in car accidents in Detroit alone.

In 2023, there were nearly 288,000 car accidents in the state of Michigan, and over 1,000 of those reported crashes were fatal. This represents a significant two percent decrease in Michigan car accidents between 2022 and 2023.

Amongst these statistics, drivers shared their concerns about potential hazards on the road. Some of the common worries include:

• Speeding or dangerous driving
• Pedestrians walking in the street
• Road conditions that make it difficult to see pedestrians
• Poorly maintained roads
• Illegally parked vehicles that disrupt the flow of traffic.

These types of concerns, and many others, are often the causes for accidents around Detroit. Drivers have a responsibility to navigate their vehicle safely to avoid injuries to themselves, their passengers, or others who share the road. Whether driving impaired or failing to follow safe driving laws, those who fail in their responsibilities may be held accountable for any resulting accidents or injuries that result from their negligence.

What to Do After a Car Accident

If you are ever involved in a car accident in the city of Detroit, there are certain steps to protect yourself in the immediate aftermath of that accident. These steps can ensure you and others are not only safe but may help with any future claims you pursue. Here are some important steps you can take in the aftermath of a car accident:

• Do not panic. Most car accidents come out of nowhere and can be terrifying to live through. You may find it difficult to quickly grasp what has just happened. Once you do, you may want to instinctively panic. Try your hardest not to do so, as panicking helps nobody and may only make things worse. Get yourself together, take a few deep breaths, and assess your situation as calmly as possible.
• Check for injuries. Start checking yourself for any obvious injuries you may have sustained in the accident. Be sure to do the same for any passengers you may have had in the car. Look for any bloody wet spots, protrusions, bruises, and possible sprains. If you do not find any injuries but still feel pain in some areas, be sure to tell the EMTs.
• Call emergency services. Once you are physically able, you should call 911 as soon as possible. Both police and medical responders provide a significant amount of help at the scene of an accident. Police will generate a police report that documents many aspects of the incident, while paramedics can help evaluate for injuries.
• Move your car. The last thing you want to do is accidentally cause another accident because your car was sitting in the middle of oncoming traffic. Move it to the side of the road. Follow the recommendation of emergency responders, who will be able to witness the scene prior to any movement of vehicles. If you move your vehicle prior to their arrival, you may have a more difficult time proving your claim.
• Document the scene. Once you have been looked over by EMTs and given the all-clear by the police, you can start documenting the scene of the accident for your claim. Be sure to take plenty of photos of your injuries, the damage to all vehicles involved, the conditions of the road, and any posted signs. Get the contact info of any witnesses involved.
• Contact a lawyer. Once you have exchanged insurance information and spoken with your insurance carrier about what happened, you should reach out to a car accident lawyer who can help you file your claim.

FAQs

Which City in Michigan Has the Most Car Accidents?

Detroit is the city in Michigan with the most car accidents. As a big metropolitan city with many dangerous intersections and busy highways, Detroit provides the greatest opportunities for accidents to happen. Since there are often more cars in bigger cities, the larger cities have a significant amount of traffic accidents. Knowing the rates of accidents in and around Detroit can help to keep you and your family safe.

How Many Car Accident Deaths Are There Per Year in Michigan?

There are generally over 1,000 deaths per year from car accidents in Michigan. The number dropped about two percent between 2022 and 2023, and there was a six percent decrease in alcohol-related car accidents and an eight percent decrease in drug-related car accidents. Any accident in which fatalities happen is often avoidable through proper decision-making behind the wheel.

What Is the Most Common Cause of Car Accidents in Michigan?

The most common cause of an accident in Michigan is distracted driving. With the increase in cell phone usage, vehicles that claim to drive themselves, and even passengers, drivers have plenty of opportunity to take their hands off the wheel and their eyes off the road. These distractions significantly limit the ability to respond to changing road conditions and could ultimately lead to an auto accident.

What State Has the Most Car Accident Deaths?

The state with the most car accident deaths is Mississippi. The state of Mississippi had a car accident rate of almost 24 per 100,000 residents. Although Michigan is not at the top of this list, any fatal accident is one too many. In Detroit, the potential for fatal crashes can remain significantly high. Ensuring you follow the laws of the road can help you avoid such types of accidents and ensure you and your loved ones get home safely.

Reach Out to a Car Accident Lawyer Today

Being involved in a car accident can be an overwhelming experience, but so can pursuing legal action on your own. An experienced car accident lawyer can make all the difference when it comes to pursuing a car accident claim on your behalf.

The legal team at Wigod & Falzon can help you figure out your next steps regarding your car accident claim. We can help you develop your case, gather the evidence you need, and protect your interests throughout your case. Contact us to schedule a consultation as soon as you can.