On a routine drive, it only takes a split second for everything to go wrong. A head-on crash on a rural highway, a rear-end collision in stop-and-go traffic, or a side-impact wreck at an intersection can turn an ordinary trip into a life-threatening event.

Understanding how and where these crashes happen, how often they occur, and the injuries they cause, can help drivers stay safe and show victims what legal options are available when negligence is involved.

If you’ve been injured in a crash, a Michigan car accident lawyer at Fieger Law can help protect your right to compensation.

Head-On Collisions: Rare But Often Deadly

Head-on crashes occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide front-to-front. While they are less common than other accidents, they are the deadliest type of crash.

According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), in 2022, head-on collisions accounted for nearly 11% of all fatal crashes nationwide.

These crashes often occur on two-lane roads without a median, particularly on Michigan’s rural highways like US-131 or M-55. On these stretches, fatigue, distraction, or impaired driving can cause a vehicle to drift into oncoming traffic, leading to a devastating head-on collision.

Winter conditions like ice and snow make rural head-on crashes even more likely in Michigan, when vehicles can slide across lanes into oncoming traffic.

Common injuries from head-on collisions:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Spinal cord damage and paralysis
  • Internal bleeding and organ damage
  • Broken bones and severe lacerations

If a negligent driver caused your head-on collision, contact Fieger Law to get the compensation you need..

Rear-End Collisions: Common But Still Serious

While head-on crashes are often the deadliest, rear-end collisions are by far the most common, and they can still leave victims with painful, lasting injuries.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported in 2022 that rear-end crashes account for 28.5% of all traffic accidents in the U.S. and just over 7% of fatal crashes nationwide. While survivability in these crashes is high, that doesn’t mean victims are always left uninjured.

These crashes are especially common in congested urban areas, such as I-94 through Detroit or along Woodward Avenue, where rush hour traffic and frequent stop-and-go conditions make rear-end collisions an almost daily occurrence.

While many rear-end accidents happen at lower speeds, that doesn’t mean the injuries are minor. Whiplash is the most common injury, caused by the rapid back-and-forth motion of the head and neck at the moment of impact. However, more severe crashes can lead to:

  • Herniated discs or spinal injuries
  • Broken ribs or wrists (from bracing on the steering wheel)
  • Concussions
  • Airbag-related injuries

Rear-end crashes often seem straightforward, but insurance companies may still try to minimize payouts. Victims may need compensation for medical treatment, physical therapy, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Don’t let insurers undervalue your claim after a rear-end crash. Talk to a Michigan car accident lawyer now.

Side-Impact (T-Bone) Crashes: Dangerous at Intersections

A side-impact crash, commonly called a T-bone collision, describes a crash where the front of one vehicle impacts the side of another. Side collisions put passengers at high risk since the sides of most vehicles aren’t built to absorb heavy force the way the front and back are.

Side-impact collisions remain a serious threat. The IIHS reports they caused about 22% of passenger vehicle occupant deaths in 2023, even though the III found they represented less than 3% of all crashes in 2022.

Most T-bone crashes happen at intersections when a driver fails to yield, runs a red light, or ignores a stop sign. In Michigan, dangerous crossings such as Telegraph Road and 12 Mile in Southfield or Gratiot Avenue in Detroit have seen repeated collisions under these conditions.

Injuries in side-impact collisions often include:

  • Severe head and brain injuries
  • Crushed or broken bones
  • Internal organ damage
  • Fatal injuries to passengers seated on the impacted side

A side-impact crash can leave you facing life-changing injuries. Let Fieger Law fight for the settlement you deserve.

Which Crash Is the Most Dangerous?

So which crash is the most dangerous? While head-on collisions are deadliest, rear-end crashes are the most common, and side-impacts remain a serious intersection hazard. Each presents unique risks for Michigan drivers.

Seeking Compensation After a Serious Crash

Regardless of the type of collision, victims may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical bills (emergency care, surgeries, rehab, prescriptions)
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of consortium (for spouses and families)

Michigan’s no-fault insurance laws make navigating car accident claims complex, especially when injuries are severe. That’s why working with a skilled Michigan car accident lawyer is critical. Our legal team has decades of experience holding negligent drivers accountable and securing maximum compensation for accident victims.

Your recovery matters: medical bills, lost wages, and pain shouldn’t be your burden alone. Call our team for a free case review and to explore your legal options.

Call Fieger Law Today for Experienced Legal Help

Whether you were hit head-on, rear-ended, or T-boned at an intersection, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Between medical bills, lost work, and the physical pain of recovery, you deserve an advocate who will fight for you.

Our Michigan car accident lawyers know how to take on insurance companies and win. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Call us today for a free case review.