Blind Spot Accident In Michigan: Who’s At Fault?

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If you or a loved one was injured in a blind spot accident in Michigan, it’s important to consult with an experienced car crash attorney as soon as possible. A skilled attorney will ensure that you don’t miss out on recovering important benefits and compensation that you are legally entitled to.

A lane change collision occurs when a driver fails to check for vehicles in adjacent lanes, resulting in a crash. A driver’s peripheral zone is an area around the vehicle that cannot be seen when looking straight ahead or checking mirrors. Generally, the larger the vehicle, the larger the visibility gap around it.

More than 800,000 of these types of crashes occur annually in the United States, resulting in approximately 300 fatalities. The good news is that blind spot warning accident avoidance systems in newer cars are reducing collisions and injuries in Michigan and throughout the country, although they are not foolproof.

In Michigan, determining fault in a blind spot accident can be challenging as most drivers won’t directly admit they failed to check their peripheral zone. But there are ways to prove fault, including eyewitness testimony of a driver’s behavior that led to the crash, videos, police reports, expert testimony, and more.

If you were hurt in a blind spot crash in Michigan, an experienced car accident can help you determine fault in the crash and hold the at-fault party accountable. Our attorneys specialize in motor vehicle crashes and have recorded more million-dollar settlements and verdicts than any other lawyer or law firm in the state claiming to focus on this area of law. Call us right now at (800) 968-1001 for a free, no-cost, no-obligation consultation, and let us help you get the compensation you deserve!

In Michigan, a blind spot accident occurs when a driver changes lanes or merges without seeing another vehicle in an area around their car that is not visible through mirrors or direct sight, resulting in a collision. These types of crashes often happen when one driver fails to check over their shoulder or properly scan adjacent lanes before moving, making them one of the most common causes of lane change crashes.

Because our state is a no-fault state, your own insurance typically covers medical bills and lost wages through Personal Injury Protection (PIP), but you may be able to pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver if your injuries meet the legal threshold for a serious impairment of body function.

Most vehicles have areas near the rear sides that are difficult for drivers to see, though the size and location of these unseen zones vary depending on the vehicle. Generally, larger vehicles have bigger visibility gaps, but vehicle size isn’t the only factor that affects these hidden areas. Other factors include:

The driver’s height, posture, and ability to turn his or her head
The time of day
The vehicle’s positioning
The location of cargo and whether it is obstructing the driver’s view

In Michigan, after a blind spot accident, it’s important to act quickly and thoughtfully to protect your safety, your legal rights, and your insurance claim. Because our state follows a no-fault insurance system, the steps you take immediately after the crash—such as ensuring everyone is safe, contacting law enforcement, documenting the scene, seeking medical attention, and notifying your insurer—can significantly affect how your claim is handled. In the sections below, we’ll walk through each of these steps in greater detail so you understand exactly what to do, what to avoid, and how to safeguard your interests moving forward.

Ensure safety

After a blind spot accident in Michigan, your first priority should always be safety. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries and call 911 immediately if anyone appears hurt. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s better to have emergency responders evaluate the situation. If the vehicles are drivable and it is safe to do so, move them out of active traffic to prevent a secondary collision. Turn on your hazard lights, remain visible to other drivers, and avoid standing in traffic lanes. Taking these steps can help reduce the risk of further harm while you wait for assistance.

Safety also means staying calm and making smart decisions in the moments following the crash. If your vehicle cannot be moved, remain inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives, especially on busy roads or highways. Be mindful of oncoming traffic, leaking fluids, or other hazards around the scene. Avoid confrontations with other drivers and focus only on immediate safety concerns. Once everyone is secure and emergency services have been contacted, you can then move on to the next steps in protecting your rights and handling the crash properly.

Seek immediate medical attention

In Michigan, after a blind spot accident, seeking immediate medical attention is one of the most important steps you can take to protect both your health and your potential insurance claim. Even if you feel fine at the scene, some injuries—such as whiplash, concussions, soft-tissue damage, or internal injuries—may not present symptoms right away. Getting evaluated promptly by a medical professional ensures that any hidden injuries are properly diagnosed and treated before they worsen. If emergency responders recommend transport to the hospital, it is generally wise to follow that advice.

Prompt medical care also creates clear documentation linking your injuries to the crash, which can be especially important under our state’s no-fault insurance system. Delaying treatment may give insurance companies reason to question the severity or cause of your injuries. Be sure to follow your doctor’s treatment plan, attend all follow-up appointments, and keep copies of medical records and bills.

Obtain a police report

After a blind spot accident in Michigan, contacting law enforcement and obtaining a police report is an important step in protecting your rights. You are required by law to report a crash (call police or 911) if it causes injury, death, or property damage over certain amounts (MCL 257.622). Even if you are unsure whether the damage meets that threshold, it is generally wise to request an officer at the scene to ensure the incident is properly documented. A formal report can help prevent disputes about what happened and provide an objective account of the crash.

When officers respond, they will prepare a UD-10 Traffic Crash Report, which is often essential for insurance claims and establishing facts later. This report typically includes driver information, vehicle details, witness statements, diagrams of the scene, and the officer’s initial assessment. Having an official crash report can streamline the insurance process and serve as valuable evidence if liability is later contested.

Document the scene

In Michigan, after a blind spot accident, thoroughly documenting the scene can play a critical role in protecting your insurance claim and any potential legal case. If you are physically able and it is safe to do so, begin gathering evidence immediately while details are still fresh and conditions remain unchanged. Take clear photos and videos of all vehicles involved, including damage from multiple angles, license plates, and the position of the cars on the roadway. You should also capture road conditions, traffic signals or signs, weather conditions, skid marks, debris, and any other factors that may have contributed to the crash.

In addition to photographs, write down or record your recollection of what happened as soon as possible. Note the time, location, direction of travel, traffic flow, and anything unusual you observed before the collision. If there are witnesses, collect their names and contact information. Detailed documentation can help clarify how the crash occurred and may become especially important if fault is later disputed.

Don’t admit fault

After a blind spot accident in Michigan, it is important that you do not admit fault at the scene. In the immediate aftermath of a crash, emotions can run high, and you may feel the urge to apologize—even if you are unsure what actually happened. However, statements like “I didn’t see you” or “I’m sorry” can later be interpreted as admissions of liability. In Michigan, because fault in blind spot accidents is often disputed and may involve multiple contributing factors, it is best to limit your comments to factual information when speaking with the other driver, witnesses, or responding officers.

Avoid speculating about what caused the crash or accepting blame before a full investigation has been completed. Insurance companies will review the police report, physical evidence, vehicle damage, and witness statements when determining responsibility. Prematurely admitting fault could negatively impact your claim or reduce the compensation you may be entitled to receive.

Notify your insurance company

In Michigan, after a blind spot accident, promptly notifying your insurance company is a critical step in protecting your benefits. Our state operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means your own insurer typically provides coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and certain other damages through Personal Injury Protection (PIP), regardless of who caused the crash. Most insurance policies require you to report a crash within a specific timeframe, so contacting your insurer as soon as possible helps ensure your claim is not delayed or jeopardized.

When you notify your insurance company, provide basic, factual information about the crash, but avoid speculating about fault or minimizing your injuries. Be cautious about giving recorded statements without understanding your rights, especially if the other driver’s insurance company contacts you. Prompt reporting allows your insurer to begin processing your claim, reviewing the police report, and explaining what documentation is needed.

Consult a lawyer

After a blind spot accident in Michigan, consulting a lawyer can be an important step—especially if you suffered serious injuries or there is a dispute over fault. While our state’s no-fault system provides certain benefits through your own insurance, there are situations where you may be entitled to pursue additional compensation, such as pain and suffering damages, if your injuries meet the legal threshold. An experienced auto crash attorney can evaluate the facts of your case, explain your rights, and help you understand whether further legal action may be appropriate.

Legal guidance can also be valuable when insurance companies delay, deny, or undervalue claims. An attorney can assist with gathering evidence, reviewing the police report, preserving witness statements, and ensuring all required paperwork and deadlines are met. Having professional representation can help level the playing field and protect your interests throughout the process.

In Michigan, the most common types of blind spot accidents are:

Sideswipes – This type of crash occurs most commonly when a driver is changing lanes or merging into traffic
Underrides – An underride occurs when a semi-truck changes lanes without a small passenger vehicle under the trailer, often resulting in dragging crashes
T-bones – This type of crash happens when a driver’s view of traffic crossflow is obstructed or partially obstructed
Pedestrian collisions – Pedestrians are often hit when walking in a driver’s visibility gap
Back up crashes – A back up crashes occurs when a driver cannot see what’s behind his or her vehicle

Crash statistics

The exact number or percentage of crashes specifically caused by unseen areas around vehicles is unknown, but here are some statistics about blind spot accidents from our Michigan lawyers:

More than 800,000 lane change collisions occur each year in the United States
These types of crashes result in approximately 300 fatalities
Approximately 15% of all lane-change collisions are attributed to drivers failing to check their adjacent lanes.
The highest-risk population for lane change collisions are pedestrians and cyclists

In Michigan, determining who is at fault in a blind spot accident depends on the drivers’ actions. Generally, the driver who changes lanes or merges without checking adjacent lanes is primarily at fault, including failing to check mirrors, look over their shoulder, or signal.

However, fault can be shared. Our state follows a modified comparative negligence system, meaning if both drivers contributed to the crash, each party’s percentage of fault is considered. For example, if the driver being passed was speeding, following too closely, or otherwise driving negligently, their responsibility could reduce the other driver’s liability. Police reports, witness statements, and evidence from the scene are often used to determine fault in these crashes.

An experienced car crash attorney can help you determine fault and hold the party who caused your injuries accountable.

Most new vehicles come equipped with a variety of collision-avoidance features, including backup cameras, lane departure warnings, and systems that detect hidden areas around the vehicle, such as side warning and intervention systems, as well as cross-traffic alerts.

The warning feature is usually a small light in the side view mirror that illuminates when another vehicle is in an area outside your direct line of sight. The intervention feature will apply the brakes when a driver is changing lanes while another vehicle is in an area outside their direct line of sight. And the cross-traffic alert notifies drivers that other vehicles are crossing their path, usually at an intersection. These features have been effective in saving lives.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety states that monitoring unseen areas around the vehicle reduced crashes by 14% and lowered injury crashes by 23%.

However, these features are not foolproof. Drivers should always pay attention to their surroundings, regardless of these features, and be vigilant about safe driving.

In Michigan, you can sue the at-fault driver after blind spot accident if your injuries meet the legal threshold for a “serious impairment of body function,” like fractures, brain injuries, permanent disfigurement, or long-term mobility limits. Courts also consider whether the other driver failed to check adjacent lanes, signal, or operate the vehicle safely.

Because our state is a no-fault state, your own insurance usually covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other benefits through Personal Injury Protection (PIP), regardless of who caused the crash. This means you generally cannot sue for basic economic losses like medical bills.

You don’t always need a lawyer for a blind spot accident in Michigan, especially if your injuries are minor, property damage is limited, and fault is clear. Because our state is a no-fault state, your own insurance typically covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other benefits through Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which can make handling the claim on your own fairly straightforward.

However, consulting an attorney can be very helpful in more complex situations. If you suffered serious injuries, the other driver’s fault is disputed, or insurance companies are delaying or undervaluing your claim, a lawyer can guide you through the process, help gather evidence, review the police report, and ensure you receive the full compensation you may be entitled to.

After a blind spot accident in Michigan, a lawyer can help you recover several types of damages, depending on your injuries and the circumstances of the crash. Because our state is a no-fault state, your own insurance will typically cover medical expenses and lost wages through Personal Injury Protection (PIP). However, an attorney can assist you in pursuing additional compensation from the at-fault driver if your injuries meet the legal threshold for a “serious impairment of body function.”

The types of damages a lawyer can help recover include:

Medical expenses: Costs not fully covered by PIP, including ongoing or future treatment.
Lost wages: Income lost due to the crash, as well as reduced earning capacity if your injuries impact your ability to work.
Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and lifestyle changes caused by serious injuries.
Permanent disability or disfigurement: Damages for long-term or permanent impacts on your body or appearance.
Property damage: While PIP typically covers medical costs, a lawyer can help recover out-of-pocket vehicle repairs or replacement under our state’s mini-tort law.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

You generally have 3 years from the date of a crash to file a personal injury or property damage lawsuit under MCL 600.5805. If the crash involves a government vehicle or agency, you must first file a claim within 6 months under MCL 691.1404. Additionally, claims for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits through your own insurance must be filed within 1 year of the crash under MCL 500.3145. Acting promptly is essential, as missing these deadlines can permanently prevent you from pursuing legal action.

How long does a settlement take?

The timeline for a settlement varies based on injury severity, fault disputes, and documentation. Minor crashes with clear liability may settle in a few weeks to months, while serious injuries or contested claims can take several months to over a year. Your own PIP benefits typically start covering medical expenses and lost wages even while the settlement is pending.

A lawyer can help maximize your Michigan blind spot accident settlement in several ways. First, they ensure all medical records, bills, and documentation are properly collected and organized to show the full extent of your injuries. They can also gather evidence from the crash scene, such as police reports, witness statements, and photos or videos, to clearly establish fault.

Lawyers handle negotiations with insurance companies, protecting you from lowball offers and making sure all damages—medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term impacts—are considered. If the case is complex or liability is disputed, an attorney can advise on whether pursuing additional compensation through a lawsuit is appropriate. By managing deadlines, evidence, and communication with insurers, a lawyer increases your chances of receiving the highest possible settlement.

Michigan Auto Law is uniquely qualified to handle blind spot accident injury claims due to our exclusive and specialized focus on motor vehicle crash cases for more than 50 years. This deep specialization allows us to navigate our state’s complex No-Fault and third-party injury laws with precision, ensuring that injury claims are properly evaluated, documented, and pursued for full compensation.

Our law firm is also one of the most awarded and recognized auto crash injury law firms in the state, with attorneys consistently named among Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, Best Law Firms and holding the highest ethical and legal ratings from Martindale-Hubbell. We have secured record-setting verdicts and settlements — including multiple eight-figure recoveries — demonstrating a proven ability to maximize compensation in serious injury cases.

Clients also benefit from a personalized, client-first approach. Each case receives focused attention, clear communication, and compassionate support, and clients pay no legal fees unless compensation is recovered. With over 3,000 five-star reviews and decades of peer recognition, We combine legal excellence with trusted advocacy for people injured in automobile crashes.

If you or a loved one was injured in a blind spot crash in Michigan call now (800) 968-1001 for a free consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer. There is no cost or obligation. You can also visit our contact page or use the chat feature on our website. The can answer you questions and concerns about your legal rights to pain and suffering compensation, economic damages and auto No-Fault insurance benefits and find out if you have a case.

Michigan Auto Law is the state’s largest and most successful law firm that specializes exclusively in helping people who have been injured in automobile crashes.

Our secret? Our attorney deliberately handle fewer cases than other personal injury law firms. This allows us to focus more time and attention on our cases.

Unlike other law firms, attorneys are never too busy to promptly return phone calls and answer questions.

We have more than 3,000 5-Star Reviews that reflect this care and attention to detail.

More importantly, this client-focused approach leads to better and faster settlements for our clients. We have recovered more million-dollar settlements and trial verdicts for motor vehicle crashes than any other lawyer or law firm in our state. We’ve also recovered the highest ever reported truck crash and auto crash settlement in the state.

If you or a loved one was injured in a crash, call now so we can start making a real difference for you.

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