Detroit Auto Accident Statistics

car accident statistics

The damages and losses suffered after a Detroit car accident can threaten your livelihood and family. Plus, the no-fault laws in Michigan can make it difficult to obtain proper compensation, but having a car accident lawyer can help. Learn about Detroit and Michigan car accident statistics and related information below, and speak to our Detroit car accident attorneys if you have a case.

Too Many Serious And Fatal Auto Accidents In Detroit

A report entitled Detroit Comprehensive Safety Action Plan was released in 2022 and had many sobering statistics about the city’s serious and fatal car accidents. As of 2020, the city’s auto accident fatality rate per capita was #2 among America’s largest cities, and the pedestrian death rate was #3.

The report states that about 108 people died in traffic crashes annually in Detroit between 2017 and 2021. The fatal wreck average in Detroit continued to rise steadily and climbed significantly during the pandemic, outpacing many other large cities in the country. Also, the overall number of Detroit residents seriously injured or killed in auto accidents rose 47% from 2014 to 2021.

Between 2019 and 2020, traffic deaths on Detroit’s local roads increased from 94 to 150, which was a startling 50% increase in only a year, which far eclipses the national trend. With 150 fatalities, 2020 was the worst year on Detroit roads since 2004. Fortunately, fatalities fell to 123 in 2021, a 31% increase from 2019.

The report continues that compared to other large US cities, Detroit is an outlier. It is at the top of the list for overall crash deaths per capita and pedestrian deaths per capita, as of 2020. In 2020, Detroit had 28.71 deaths per 100,000 people and 6.16 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people, which ranks second and third, respectively, for US cities with at least a 500,000 population.

Michigan Auto Accident Facts And Statistics

In Michigan, there is approximately one death annually for every 100,000 residents, which is one of the worst rates in the entire country. Also, recent crash statistics show that Michigan traffic fatalities hit a 16-year peak in 2021. Here are some unsettling facts about car accidents in Michigan:

Fatal Car Accidents High In Michigan

If you live in Detroit or Michigan, be aware that 40% of all accidents in the state kill someone every year. This is not as many as in big states such as Texas or California, but Michigan is #2 only to Florida, where 33% of all car accidents kill someone annually.

Michigan Is #2 On Deadly Accidents Per Mile

Michigan drivers often face heavy traffic, especially in the Detroit metro area. Unfortunately, Michigan is second in the nation for the most fatal accidents per mile. This number is determined by dividing the number of auto accidents that killed someone by the miles driven by the average Michigan driver in 2014. So, while Michigan has fewer deadly crashes, they are often more severe and deadly.

Detroit Is The Deadliest In The State For Car Accidents

Like any large city, Detroit has many fatal car accidents, where the most fatal crashes happen in the state. Also, the number of deadly collisions in Detroit has risen for many years.

Winter Months Have The Most Fatal Accidents

Plenty of snow and ice in winter leads to more severe and fatal crashes across Michigan. This is why many people leave Michigan in the winter for sunnier climates and return in the spring.

What To Do After A Detroit Car Accident

The numbers indicate that too many serious and fatal auto accidents happen in Detroit and Michigan. Unfortunately, serious accidents are rising in Detroit, often due to speeding, running red lights, DUI, texting and driving, and even drag racing. If you have been in a car accident in Detroit, there are several actions you should take:

Stop Immediately

No one wants to be hassled with a car accident, but stop your vehicle immediately if it happens. Whether it is a major wreck or a minor fender-bender, you and the other drivers should immediately stop and remain at the scene. You may be charged with hit-and-run if you leave the crash scene.

Move Your Car To The Side Of The Road

After a crash on a busy Detroit road, vehicles may block traffic, leading to more accidents. Move your car to the side of the street so other cars can safely pass. Move to a safe location away from traffic and wait for the police.

Call 911

After a crash, people can get emotional and stressed. It is best to call 911 in all cases so that the police and first responders come to the scene to assess the situation and treat the injured. Having professionals at the accident scene can defuse arguments, and the police report could be a critical piece of information for a claim.

Document The Crash Scene

One of the critical reasons to hire a car accident attorney is they will investigate the crash to find out who caused it. If your at-fault insurance benefits do not cover your damages, it could be possible to file a claim against the other driver. This means proving liability could be critical. Your attorney will investigate what happened, but you can help them by collecting evidence after the crash.

For example, take pictures of all vehicles in the wreck, including their positions on the road. If the crash happened in an intersection, take wide-angle shots that show the entire crash scene. Also, take photos or video road signs, visible car damages, and any injuries you or your passengers have.

Get Medical Treatment

A medical professional should always see you to check for injuries. Even a ‘minor’ injury could flare up into something serious a day or two later. Delaying medical treatment is a common reason an insurance company denies a claim.

Contact Our Detroit Car Accident Lawyers Now

Were you seriously injured recently in a Detroit car accident? Even with the state’s no-fault laws, you could be eligible for damages in a lawsuit in limited circumstances. Please contact our Detroit car accident attorneys at Ravid & Associates, P.C., at (248) 948-9896 for a consultation.


Officer-involved crash injured two people, killed 1

A fatal car accident took the life of one person and injured two people near Pelham road.

According to reports, a Ford Explorer driven by an on-duty Dearborn Heights patrol officer, was attempting to pass a car when it crashed into a Lexus ES 350 driven at the intersection of Van Born road and Pelham road. The Lexus was reportedly trying to turn left towards Pelham when the collision took place.

The impact of the collision seriously injured the driver of the Lexus, who was identified as 59-year-old Timothy Turner. He sustained multiple injuries and died a few days later.

Two officers were rushed to the hospital after being thrown from their vehicle.

No arrests have been made as investigation is still underway.

If you or someone you know has suffered an injury in an accident involving a reckless driver, we can help you. Our lawyers at Detroit Personal Injury Attorneys are experienced in personal injury law and can properly represent you in court. Contact us at (248) 948-9696.


Dawn Food Products recalls pudding mix

An amount of instant pudding and pie filling is being recalled by Dawn Food Products due to possible salmonella contamination.

The Food Safety News says that the recall was initiated following the announcement of the Dawn Food Products’ third-party manufacturer’s, Valley Milk Products, own recall. According to the report, Valley Milk Products facility and finished products have been tested positive for salmonella contamination. Salmonella is an organism that can be fatal to both young children and elderly.

The products subject to recall include Dawn Foods’ R&H Speedy Crème Instant Pudding and Pie Filling. The affected items come in four-pound, two-ounce bags that bear product numbers 00727521 and 00257857.

The company urges the public to discontinue the usage of the products and dispose of the product immediately. To date, no illnesses from the consumption of the products have been reported to the company.

If you have suffered an illness caused by a defective product, we might be able to help you. Our lawyers at Detroit Personal Injury Attorneys work closely with product liability law and can assist you throughout the process. Get in touch with us at (248) 948-9696 to learn more about your legal options.


Suspect in hit-and-run crash appears in court

Hit-and-run suspect Steven Patrick Guzina made an appearance in court for a preliminary hearing of the crash that took the life of Myron Jarrett, a veteran Detroit police officer.

The accident took place last October 28 near Monica Street and Puritan Avenue. According to reports, Jarrett was assisting an investigation when an unknown van struck him and two other officers. Jarret sustained multiple injuries and was immediately rushed to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The two other officers were fortunately not injured. Guzina, the driver of the van, left his stalled vehicle at the crash scene and escaped the scene by foot. He was later arrested at a bus stop near Grand River Avenue and Schaefer Highway.

The 54-year-old suspect was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, driving under the influence causing death, driving under the influence causing serious bodily injury, hit and run, and reckless driving causing death and/or serious injuries.

We at Detroit Personal Injury Attorneys are deeply saddened by this tragic news. We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Myron Jarrett.


Car crash kills one, injures three others

Police suspect that the driver responsible for a fatal car crash on Troy intersection was suffering from a medical condition.

Around 5:30 in the afternoon on October 17th,  a silver Ford Escape was westbound on Wattles Street, about to make a left when it was hit by a blue Chrysler Town and Country.

The driver of the Chrysler failed to stop for a red traffic signal before crashing the Ford. All four people involved in the crash sustained notable injuries and were brought to nearby hospitals.

A 70-year-old woman, Shyamala Ramachandran, died from her injuries. Police say she was in the back seat of the Ford and wasn’t buckled up. The other three passengers are still being treated in the hospital.

The accident remains under investigation, but alcohol and drugs have been ruled out as factors in the crash.  Anyone who has any information about the accident is urged to contact police at 248-524-3477.


Three-car crash on U.S. 31 injures Grand Haven woman

A three-car collision occurred late in the afternoon on Thursday, October 13th in Grand Haven Township.

Police said a 28-year-old woman from Grand Haven was driving southbound along U.S. 31 at 5:41 p.m. when she failed to stop at a red light, rear-ending a car that was stopped. That car was pushed into the car in front of it, which was also stopped at the light.

Sgt. Matt Wildfong of the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department said the woman sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was brought to North Ottawa Community Hospital. She was in stable condition.

The two other drivers were not injured. All three were buckled up. The injured woman was issued a ticket for not stopping in an assured clear distance.

If you have been injured in a car accident caused by operator’s negligence, you may be able to secure compensation for your losses from the responsible party. Speak to an experienced Detroit car accident lawyer at Detroit Personal Injury Attorneys, today by calling (248) 948-9696.


SmartPool Recalls Pool Alarms due to Failed Switch

On September 27, Lakewood, New Jersey-based SmartPool LLC announced a recall of their PE12 PoolEye alarms because the activation switch had a reversed on/off feature. Failure to properly turn on the product results in a lack of warning if a child falls in a pool.

Product details: the recall affected just over 1,500 units. They had two connected components, including a sensor tube that stays underwater and an audible sensor that is placed outside the pool. The product name, “PoolEye”, can be seen on the front of the siren and the UPC code (628208165125) can be found on the packaging.

The product would’ve been found at Family Leisure, Pool and Spa Depot, a few other authorized dealers. They could also be found online through Amazon, Doheny Enterprise, Target, and Walmart. Contact SmartPool directly for a replacement alarm and supervise your children closely around water in the meantime.

If your child was hurt because of a faulty protection product, contact an attorney with Detroit Personal Injury Attorneys at (248) 948-9696. We will discuss your potential options for compensation.


Recall: 120K Nissan Vehicles for Brake Fluid Defect

Nissan is in the process of recalling several models of cars and SUVs because of a defect, which allows brake fluid to leak and increase the risk of starting a fire, that has affected over 120,000 vehicles.

Some Murano SUVs from years 2015 to 2017, Maxima cars from years 2016 and 2017, and some Murano hybrids from years 2015 and 2016 are included in the recall.

Nissan has revealed that the defect begins with ineffective antilock brake pump seals, which can leak fluid directly onto a circuit board, causing electrical shorts that lead to a fire. If this happens, the antilock brake warning light has the chance to stay on for 10 seconds after the car starts.

It is advised that owners should park their cars outside and contact their local dealer. A number of vehicles have been reported to start fires.

If you have been the victim of a manufacturing defect, you may be entitled to pursue a product liability claim. Contact the lawyers of Detroit Personal Injury Attorneys, today at (248) 948-9696 to discuss your case with a qualified legal professional.


Recall: Six Varieties of Island Soups Brand Products due to Bacteria

On September 7, New York-based Island Soups Company, Inc. recalled six of their products because of a chance of Clostridium botulinum contamination, a bacteria that is known to cause severe illness and sometimes death.

All of the following affected 16-ounce products have “best before” dates between July 2015 and June 2018:

Gungo Peas Soup, Gungo Peas Soup with no meat, Red Peas Soup, Red Peas Soup with no meat, Mannish Water, and Fish Shoup.

The products were sold in glass jars with white lids sealed in a white and brown plastic. All products were sold online and there have been no reported illnesses so far. According to an inspection by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the company does not have the appropriate documentation to ensure that the food products were produced while using practices completely up to standard in preventing the spread of the bacteria.

Customers of this product should discard them immediately.

If you or someone you know has faced injury or illness following the consumption of a contaminated food product, you may have legal recourse and the possibility of receiving compensation. Contact an attorney with Detroit Personal Injury Attorneys at (248) 948-9696 to learn more.


Woman Killed in Crash After Attending Car Racing Event

A woman from Kent, Ohio was killed in a car crash on Woodward Avenue after she and her husband attended a car racing event in Pontiac Friday, August 19th.

The victim’s husband was a finalist in the “Roadkill Nights” drag race event. After they left, the couple’s vehicle, a Dodge Challenger SRT, tried to make left turn onto southbound Woodward from Huron street when it was broadsided by a 2014 Chevrolet Impala. Reports indicate that the Impala had a green light.

The woman was brought to McLaren-Oakland Hospital where she was pronounced dead. Both drivers were injured, alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash, and everyone involved was wearing seat belts. The incident is still under investigation.