Michigan Auto Accident Statistics

Auto accidents are a scary reality, as thousands of car crashes occur each year in the United States. In Michigan, 290,978 car accidents occurred in 2009, according to the Michigan Traffic Crash Facts report that is published annually by the Office of Highway Safety Planning, the Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center, and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. These accidents caused a staggering 871 deaths and 70,931 injuries.

Yearly Fatality and Injury Statistics

The number of people killed and injured in Michigan auto accidents has decreased steadily in the past five years.

Fatal and Injury Accidents - 2005 - 2009
Year	Fatal Accidents	Injury Accidents
2009	806	52,283
2008	915	55,568
2007	987	59,550
2006	1,002	60,176
2005	1,030	66,729

Source: The Michigan Traffic Crash Facts report.

Auto Defects and Car Accidents

When drivers do not maintain their vehicles by having it serviced at recommended intervals, or when cars have inherent defects due to design flaws or manufacturing problems, accidents are more likely to occur. The following table illustrates the role vehicle defects played in auto accidents in Michigan.

Vehicle Defects and Crashes in 2008
Vehicle Defect	Crashes
Brakes	1,134
Lights/Reflectors	179
Steering	162
Tires/Wheels	473
Windows	25
Other Defects	560

Source: The Michigan Traffic Crash Facts report.

The Age of Drivers

The Michigan Traffic Crash Facts report includes information about drivers in vehicle crashes, including their age. The following table includes the number of fatal accidents that occurred in each age group.

Driver Age in Fatal Crashes in 2008
Age	# of Crashes
Teens	134
20-24	159
25 - 34	236
35 - 54	491
55 - 69	207
70 - 79	94
80+	65
Unknown	61

Contact an Auto Accident Attorney

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a car accident, contact an attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can review your claim and determine if you have a viable lawsuit. If so, an attorney may be able to help you obtain compensation for property damage, medical bills, loss of wages, and pain and suffering.