Warren Rear-End Accident Lawyer

Rear-End Accident Attorney in Warren, MI

Rear-end accidents can cascade into overwhelming medical expenses, days off work, and a million questions with complicated answers. Rear-end accidents happen frequently throughout Warren, Michigan. Accidents are, unfortunately, a common occurrence in cities like Warren, especially along thoroughfares such as M-53 and I-696. Reviewing Warren car accident statistics can help you understand the risks present on these local roads. Though these accidents seem clear-cut, the reality is often more complex. A skilled Warren rear-end accident lawyer can help you.

About Wigod & Falzon

For over two decades, injury victims throughout the metro Detroit area have relied on the personalized service of Wigod & Falzon. Our team, from attorneys to staff, has guided many clients through their cases, including those in the Warren area who faced legal battles in courts such as the Macomb County Circuit Court. As a dedicated Warren personal injury lawyer, we provide the time and attention necessary to navigate these high-stakes claims. We’ve built a team of over 30 people because we believe that each client deserves time, attention, and honest answers.

We don’t make unrealistic promises, and we will never try to pressure you into hiring us. The legal industry tends to prioritize speed over service. We do the opposite and can work with you until you’re ready to put your accident behind you.

Why Rear-End Accidents Happen So Often

Rear-end accidents are among the most common vehicle crashes in Michigan. In Warren and throughout Metro Detroit, there are specific reasons these accidents happen so frequently. Heavy commute traffic that constantly stops and starts increases your likelihood of a rear-end accident.  Distracted driving and inclement weather can also contribute. A reliable Warren distracted driving lawyer from our team can help investigate if phone use or inattention caused the driver behind you to crash.

In Michigan in 2024, there were 71,316 accidents that resulted in injuries. Additionally, there were 62,704 total rear-end accidents. Unfortunately, there were 57 fatal rear-end crashes.

Michigan Rear-End Accident Laws

In Michigan, drivers who hit the car in front of them are usually at fault. The law expects every driver to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead and to pay attention. Like any law, there are exceptions.

Under Michigan Compiled Laws § 257.402, the rear driver is presumed at fault, though this can be contested. This means that just because you rear-ended someone, you may not be at fault for the accident. Let’s say the person in front of you stopped short for no reason, or their brake lights weren’t working. You may be found not at fault or partially at fault.

Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance Act controls how much you can recover for medical bills and lost wages as a result of an auto accident. In essence, no-fault provides swift benefits, though it also restricts your ability to file a rear-end accident claim against the other driver. In most cases, despite the exceptions, a serious impairment of body function must be proven before you can step outside the no-fault system and take legal action.

Delayed Symptoms and Injuries

One sneaky aspect of rear-end collisions is that they can be quite subtle at the moment they occur. You may not think you are injured at all and feel fine driving away from the crash scene. However, you may wake up with soreness, headaches, or significant pain the next day.

Whiplash injuries, herniated discs, concussions, and soft tissue injuries are common in rear-end accidents. All of these injuries can develop over time, so it is vital to collect evidence and seek medical care as soon as possible.

Insurance companies are well aware of this and tend to audit such claims when injuries are delayed or do not appear on scans. This is why your treatment records, as well as your symptoms and how the injuries limit you in your day-to-day life, are crucial evidence.

When to Hire a Rear-End Accident Lawyer

In many circumstances, there comes a time when things change. Your claim might be taking longer than expected. Maybe your injuries are worse than you thought. The insurance company can start asking questions that seem more like strategy than help. That’s when many people choose to hire a Warren rear-end accident lawyer.

Having someone who knows both Michigan law and how insurance companies work can influence the course of your case. It goes beyond simply filing paperwork. It involves creating an understandable, convincing explanation that is supported by data, medical records, and, when necessary, professional opinions.

FAQs

Whose Fault Is It in Michigan if You Get Rear-Ended?

In Michigan, the person who rear-ends you is presumed to be at fault because drivers should maintain enough space to stop safely. But it’s not automatic. For example, if you suddenly brake to an unsafe stop or your brake lights don’t work, then the person who hit you may not be at fault. It all depends on the facts and evidence.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim for a Rear-End Car Accident?

You generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim for injuries in Michigan. There is typically only one year to file no-fault insurance claims to receive benefits such as payment for medical bills. If you fail to meet these deadlines, you will be barred from receiving compensation. It’s important to move quickly to file a claim after a rear-end accident.

What Should I Not Say to the Insurance Adjuster?

Do not admit fault or apologize for the accident. In the aftermath, avoid saying you’re fine or that your injuries are minimal, and absolutely don’t offer any theories about what caused the accident. Simply provide answers to basic questions and do not give a recorded statement until you understand the full extent of your injuries and have been through a claims tutorial.

Whose Insurance Pays if You Get Rear-Ended?

Michigan is a no-fault insurance state. This means your own insurance company pays for your medical bills and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. However, if your injuries qualify as meeting the legal threshold, you can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company for other damages such as pain and suffering.

Contact Wigod & Falzon Today

If you were injured in a rear-end accident, a Warren rear-end accident attorney at Wigod & Falzon can help you in the legal process. Contact us today for more information.

Warren Car Accident Resources

• What to do after a car accident in Michigan to protect your rights.

• Learn about the car accident settlement process and what to expect.

• Understand Michigan hit and run laws if the other driver fled the scene.

• Average car accident settlement in Michigan insights.