Michigan Feet On Dashboard Accident: Here’s What To Know
Putting your feet on the dashboard increases your chances of a serious injury from an airbag in the event of an accident in Michigan or throughout the country. It also reduces the effectiveness of your seatbelt and impairs your reaction time. Injuries sustained from sitting in an unsafe or unconventional position during a crash, including total hip dislocations and fractures, can be far more severe and complicated than those caused by a standard collision.
To be sure, if the driver who crashed into you and caused the crash is found to be negligent, then he or she can be held legally accountable for your injuries, harms and damages.
But the dollar-amount of your settlement or recovery from the at-fault driver may be reduced under Michigan’s comparative fault law if the court determines that you were partially at-fault for your injuries because you had your feet on the dashboard at the time of the accident.
Currently, state law does not prohibit sitting with your legs extended and resting on the front console while a vehicle is in motion.
If you had your feet on the dashboard and suffered serious injuries in an accident in Michigan, call us now at (800) 968-1001 for a free consultation or use our chat feature. We will fight for you and your family, and we never take a fee unless and until we win!
What To Do If Injured In A Car Accident While Your Feet Are On Dashboard In Michigan?
In Michigan if you are injured in a car accident while your feet were on the dashboard, you should seek medical attention right away, report the crash to police, document the scene and your injuries, and promptly notify your auto insurance company to preserve your No-Fault (PIP) benefits, which may cover medical expenses, lost wages, and household services regardless of fault. Because crashes when your legs are elevated in front of the passenger seat often cause severe leg, hip, pelvic, spinal, or head injuries—and because our state’s no-fault and comparative fault laws can affect your compensation—early action and proper documentation are essential. Below, we explain each of these steps in detail so you know exactly what to do and why it matters.
Call 911 and ensure safety
If you are involved in a car accident in Michigan while you or a loved one’s feet were on the dashboard, your first priority should be safety and emergency response. Call 911 immediately so police and emergency medical services can be dispatched to the scene. Even if injuries are not obvious right away, crashes with legs extended forward inside the vehicle frequently cause serious trauma due to airbag deployment and the unnatural position of the body at impact. A police report and prompt medical evaluation are critical for documenting what happened and identifying injuries that may worsen over time.
After calling 911, focus on ensuring your safety and the safety of others. If you are able to do so without risking further harm, move to a safe location away from traffic, turn on hazard lights, and follow instructions from emergency responders. Avoid unnecessary movement if you suspect injuries to your legs, hips, back, or head, as these are common in feet on the dashboard accidents in Michigan and throughout the country. Taking these immediate steps helps protect your health and creates an official record of the crash, which is especially important under our state’s auto insurance and injury laws.
Seek immediate medical attention
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident in Michigan with your feet on the dashboard, seeking immediate medical attention is critical, even if injuries are not immediately apparent. Crashes involving this seating position often result in severe trauma due to airbag deployment and the unnatural force placed on the legs, hips, pelvis, spine, and head. Serious injuries such as fractures, dislocations, internal bleeding, spinal damage, or traumatic brain injuries may not produce symptoms right away, making prompt evaluation by medical professionals essential.
Early medical care not only protects your health but also creates vital documentation linking your injuries directly to the crash. Delays in treatment can allow injuries to worsen and may give insurance companies grounds to question the seriousness or cause of your condition. In Michigan, where auto accident claims are closely tied to medical records under the No-Fault system, timely treatment plays a key role in preserving your right to benefits and potential compensation following a collision while your feet were on the dashboard.
Document the scene and injuries
If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident in Michigan while your feet were on the dashboard, documenting the scene and your injuries as soon as possible is a crucial step. Take clear photos or videos of the vehicles, any damage, skid marks, road conditions, and the surrounding environment. Record the position of passengers, seat placement, and any other details that show how the crash occurred. Collect contact information from witnesses and other drivers, as their statements can support your account of the crash.
In addition to photographing the scene, carefully document visible injuries and any symptoms you experience. Keep records of bruises, cuts, swelling, or unusual pain, and note changes over time. This documentation serves as essential evidence for insurance claims and potential legal action, helping establish the link between the crash and the injuries sustained. With our state’s No-Fault system, thorough and timely records significantly strengthen your ability to receive the medical benefits and compensation you may be entitled to.
Notify insurer promptly
If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident in Michigan while your feet were on the dashboard, it is important to notify your auto insurance company promptly. Contact your insurer as soon as possible to report the crash and provide accurate details about the crash, including the date, location, and the nature of any injuries. Prompt notification ensures that your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits and other coverages under our state’s no-fault system can be properly applied.
Reporting the crash quickly also helps prevent delays or disputes in processing your claim. Insurers rely on timely communication to investigate the incident, verify coverage, and authorize medical treatment or vehicle repairs. Keeping clear records of your communications with your insurance company, including the names of representatives and any claim numbers, helps protect your rights and ensures your claim is handled efficiently under state law.
Consult a lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a crash in Michigan while your feet were on the dashboard, consulting an experienced car accident lawyer is a critical step. Crashes involving this seating position often cause severe injuries, and our state’s No-Fault and comparative fault laws can make pursuing compensation complex. A qualified attorney can review the details of your case, assess potential claims, and help ensure that you receive the medical benefits and other compensation you may be entitled to under the law.
An attorney can also guide you through interactions with insurance companies, protecting you from premature settlements or statements that could reduce your recovery. They can help gather evidence, document the crash and injuries, and determine whether a third-party claim is appropriate if your injuries meet our state’s serious impairment threshold. Having legal representation increases the likelihood of a fair outcome and ensures that your rights are preserved throughout the claims process.
Why Putting Your Feet On The Dashboard Can Make An Accident More Dangerous
Putting your feet on the dashboard may seem harmless, but it is extremely dangerous and can be fatal in a car accident. Elevating your legs in this position greatly increases the risk of severe injuries, including catastrophic trauma to the hips, pelvis, spine, and legs, even in relatively minor collisions. In addition, if the airbag deploys, the force can drive your legs upward, putting you in a vulnerable position and amplifying the severity of injuries.
This habit also reduces the effectiveness of your seatbelt, making it more likely that you could be thrown forward during a crash. With your legs extended onto the front console, your ability to react quickly to sudden hazards is compromised, increasing the risk of a crash and more severe injuries. Because of these serious risks, keeping your body properly seated is the safest position for both crash protection and emergency response.
Am I Legally Responsible For My Injuries If I Had My Feet On The Dashboard During A Car Accident In Michigan?
In Michigan, having your feet on the dashboard during a car accident may make you legally responsible to some extent. Our state follows a comparative negligence system, which means that if your actions contributed to your injuries, any compensation you receive may be reduced proportionally. For example, if a jury in Michigan determines that keeping your feet on the dashboard contributed 20% to your car accident injuries, your total damages could be reduced by that percentage. However, other parties—such as the at-fault driver, vehicle manufacturer, or property owner—may still be held liable for the majority of your damages. Consulting our experienced auto crash injury attorneys can help you understand how your actions may affect a claim and ensure you pursue the full compensation available under state law.
Airbag Deployment Effectiveness Is Compromised When Your Feet Are On The Dashboard During An Accident In Michigan
If your feet are on the dashboard during a car accident the effectiveness of the airbag deployment is compromised and the chance of a serious injury is much greater. Airbags deploy at between 100 and 220 miles per hour. They are designed to reduce the risk of your head or upper body striking the front console or interior of the vehicle during a crash.
Airbag deployment injuries often involve the hips. Resting your legs on the front console places your hips and lower body in a precarious position if the airbag deploys. Fully dislocated and/or broken hips are often seen in these types of crashes.
The airbag is intended to provide safety, but improper positioning can turn it into a hazard.
Common Types Of Injuries
Types of injuries include, but are not limited to:
- Injuries to the eyes
- Broken bones (most often legs and nose)
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Burns or abrasions from the speed at which the airbag deploys
- Bruising (around the body and to internal organs) and/or internal bleeding
- Lung irritations from chemicals released upon deployment
Real-life examples of injuries include:
- Audra Tatum was involved in a T-bone collision. While everyone else in the vehicle walked away with scrapes and bruises, Tatum’s ankle, femur and arm were shattered by the impact of her air bag. In addition, her foot shot up, breaking her nose.
- Bethany Benson was sleeping in the passenger seat with her legs resting on the front console when the vehicle in which she was riding smashed into a tractor-trailer, crumpling the entire front end. The airbag threw her legs upward through the windshield. She suffered a cracked eye socket and cheekbone as well as extensive broken bones in her feet, which are now two sizes smaller and require orthotics. She also has hearing and vision difficulties, and a brain bleed left her with the mental capacity of a 13-year-old.
Can I Sue If Injured After A Crash?
Yes, you may still be able to file a lawsuit if you were injured in a car accident while your feet were on the dashboard in Michigan. Our state uses a comparative negligence system, which means your compensation could be reduced if your actions contributed to your injuries. For example, a court might determine that having your legs extended and resting on the front console played a role in the severity of your injuries, and reduce your damages proportionally. However, you can still pursue a claim against other responsible parties, such as the at-fault driver, vehicle manufacturer, or property owner, for the portion of damages they are legally responsible for. Consulting our experienced auto crash injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and determine how to maximize your potential recovery.
How Long Do I Have To File A Lawsuit?
The amount of time you have to file a lawsuit after a crash is determined by the statute of limitations, which varies depending on the type of claim:
- For personal injury claims, including injuries from a crash you have 3 years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. (MCL 600.5805(1) and (2))
- For claims against a government entity, the deadline is often much shorter—you may need to provide formal notice before filing.
- If the crash results in a fatality, the wrongful death claim typically must be filed within 3 years from the date of death.
- For No-Fault PIP benefits, the deadline one (1) year from the date of your crash. (MCL 500.3145(1))
It’s important to act quickly because missing the statute of limitations can permanently bar you from pursuing compensation. Consulting our experienced auto crash injury attorneys as soon as possible ensures deadlines are met and your rights are fully protected.
What Damages Can I Recover If Injured In A Car Accident With My Feet On The Dashboard In Michigan?
If you are injured in a car accident in Michigan while your feet were on the dashboard, you may still be able to recover damages, even if your actions contributed to your injuries. Our state follows a comparative negligence system, which means any compensation can be reduced proportionally based on your share of fault. Recoverable damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress caused by the crash. In some cases, if the injury was severe or permanent, you may also recover long-term care costs or compensation for permanent disability. Our experienced auto crash injury attorneys can help determine which damages apply to your case and work to maximize your recovery despite any partial fault.
Do I Need A Lawyer If I Was Injured In A Car Accident In Michigan While My Feet Were On The Dashboard?
Yes, it is highly recommended to consult a lawyer if you were injured in a car accident in Michigan while your feet were on the dashboard. Even though having your legs resting on the front console may be considered when determining fault, our state’s comparative negligence system allows you to recover damages from other responsible parties, such as the at-fault driver, vehicle manufacturer, or property owner. Our experienced auto crash injury attorneys can evaluate your case, determine how your actions may affect your claim, preserve evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and help ensure you pursue the full compensation available under state law.
How Long Does A Settlement Take?
The length of a car accident settlement in Michigan can vary, even if you were injured while your feet were on the dashboard. Factors such as the severity of your injuries, the clarity of fault, the number of parties involved, and whether the case requires medical expert analysis all affect the timeline. In relatively straightforward cases, a settlement may be reached within several months to a year, while more complex cases involving disputed liability or severe injuries can take 1 to 2 years or longer. Consulting our experienced car crash attorneys early can help move the process efficiently by preserving evidence, managing communications with insurance companies, and negotiating a fair settlement.
What Influences The Settlement Amount?
Several factors influence the settlement amount in a Michigan car accident where a passenger was injured with their feet on the dashboard. The severity and type of injuries is the most important factor, including medical expenses, long-term care, rehabilitation, and permanent disability. Michigan’s comparative negligence law also plays a role—if having your feet on the dashboard contributed to your car accident injuries, your settlement may be reduced proportionally. Other factors include the clarity of fault, whether multiple parties are responsible, insurance coverage limits, and the impact of the injuries on your ability to work and your quality of life. Our experienced car crash lawyers can evaluate all these factors, help document your losses, and negotiate to maximize the compensation you receive.
Why Choose The Lawyers At Michigan Auto Law If I Was Injured In A Car Accident With My Feet On The Dashboard?
With over 50 years of focused experience in motor vehicle accidents, Michigan Auto Law helps clients protect their rights and pursue full compensation in cases where unusual circumstances — like having your feet on the dashboard at the time of a crash — may complicate injury claims. Our deep specialization allows us to navigate our state’s complex auto insurance and third-party liability laws with precision, ensuring that injuries are properly evaluated, documented, and proven in court.
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.
Injured In A Car Accident In Michigan While Your Foot/Feet Were On The Dashboard? Call Our Attorneys Now For A Free Consultation!
If you were injured in a crash in Michigan while having one foot or both feet on the dashboard and you have concerns and questions about your legal rights to pain and suffering compensation, economic damages and auto No-Fault insurance benefits, 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.
Our law firm is the state’s largest and most successful law firm that specializes exclusively in helping people who have been injured in auto accidents.
Our secret? Our car attorneys 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 accidents than any other lawyer or law firm in the state. We’ve also recovered the highest ever reported truck accident and car crash settlement in the state.
Call now so we can start making a real difference for you.