Detroit Rear-End Collision Lawyer: What to Know

You’ve heard it before: “It was just a fender bender.” But here’s the truth—rear-end collisions are no joke, especially in a city like Detroit where aggressive driving and rough roads make these crashes far more dangerous than people think.

Even at low speeds, a sudden impact can cause serious and lasting damage:

• Whiplash that wrecks your neck and limits your movement
• Spinal cord injuries that trigger chronic pain or numbness
• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries that leave you foggy, anxious, or worse

These injuries don’t always show up right away. You might walk away from the scene feeling okay—only to wake up days later unable to turn your head, go to work, or even sleep through the night.

We Know What You’re Dealing With—and We Fight Back

At Marko Law, we’ve seen how insurance companies play the “minor accident” card to avoid paying what victims actually deserve. They’ll offer a lowball check, pressure you to sign away your rights, and hope you don’t call a lawyer.

We’ve got news for them: you called the right one.

We’re not here for quick settlements. We’re here for justice. Whether your injuries were brushed off or your claim was flat-out denied, we’ll take the fight to the insurance companies—and we won’t back down until you’re treated fairly.

Who’s at Fault in a Rear-End Collision?

In most rear-end collisions, the driver in the back is presumed to be at fault. Michigan law generally assumes that if you hit the car in front of you, you were either following too closely or not paying attention.

But as with most things in the law—it’s not black and white.

Michigan’s No-Fault and Comparative Fault Rules

Under Michigan’s No-Fault insurance system, your own insurance covers your basic medical expenses, lost wages, and replacement services—no matter who caused the crash. But when injuries are serious, and you pursue a lawsuit for pain and suffering or excess medical costs, fault matters.

That’s where Michigan’s comparative fault rule comes in:

• If you were partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced
• If the other driver was fully at fault, they can be held accountable for your damages

When the Lead Driver May Be at Fault

Don’t assume the rear driver is always liable. Some situations flip the script:

• The lead driver suddenly slammed on the brakes without reason
• The vehicle ahead had non-functioning brake lights or taillights
• A car reversed unexpectedly in traffic or on a driveway
• The lead driver was intoxicated, distracted, or road-raging

In these cases, proving liability gets more complex—and more critical. That’s why you need a lawyer who knows how to dig deep, reconstruct accidents, and challenge assumptions.

What Insurance Covers (and What It Doesn’t) Under Michigan’s No-Fault Law

Michigan’s No-Fault auto insurance system was designed to streamline the aftermath of car accidents. In theory, it should make things easier—you turn to your own insurer for help, regardless of who caused the crash. But in reality? The system has limits. And if your injuries are serious, you could be left out in the cold without the compensation you truly need.

What PIP Covers

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits are the foundation of Michigan No-Fault policies. They typically include:

• Unlimited or capped medical expenses, depending on your coverage
• Wage loss benefits, usually up to 85% of your income (with a monthly cap)
• Replacement services, like help with household chores or transportation
• Attendant care, if you need in-home nursing or daily assistance

These benefits kick in regardless of who was at fault.

When PIP Isn’t Enough

Severe rear-end collisions can cause injuries that:

• Exceed your medical coverage limits
• Require long-term care or surgeries
• Prevent you from returning to work—for good

If your PIP runs out or the crash caused pain and suffering, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. That’s where things shift from insurance paperwork to real legal action.

Suing for Pain and Suffering in Michigan

You can step outside the No-Fault system and sue for non-economic damages if your injuries meet Michigan’s serious impairment threshold—meaning:

• You have a significant injury that affects your ability to lead a normal life
• A doctor confirms the nature and extent of your impairment
• Your condition is expected to be long-term or permanent

This is how you claim pain and suffering, emotional distress, and future losses not covered by PIP.

When You Can File a Lawsuit Against the At-Fault Driver

Michigan’s No-Fault law covers a lot. But it doesn’t cover everything. When your injuries are severe, your expenses skyrocket, or the loss is catastrophic, you have the legal right to sue the at-fault driver for additional damages.

This is known as a third-party claim—and it’s your path to full justice.

What You Can Sue For

If your case qualifies, you can pursue:

• Excess medical costs beyond your PIP coverage
• Pain and suffering for physical and emotional trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life due to long-term disability
• Wrongful death damages if a loved one was killed in the crash

These claims aren’t automatic. You must meet Michigan’s legal threshold—but Marko Law knows how to get you there.

Exceptions to No-Fault Rules

You can sue outside of the No-Fault system when:

• Your injury qualifies as a serious impairment of a body function
• The at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured
• The crash resulted in permanent serious disfigurement
• The crash caused death

If you’re not sure whether your case meets the criteria—we’ll tell you straight.

Don’t Wait—Time Is Limited

Michigan law gives you a three-year window from the date of the crash to file a third-party lawsuit. Miss that deadline, and your rights to compensation may disappear—no matter how strong your case is.

What to Do After a Rear-End Crash

A rear-end collision can turn your life upside down in seconds. One moment you’re waiting at a red light—the next, you’re jolted forward, heart pounding, maybe dazed, maybe angry. In the chaos, it’s easy to miss steps that could make or break your future case.

But here’s the truth: what you do right after a crash matters. A lot.

Call 911 and Get Medical Attention—Even If You Feel Fine

After a crash, adrenaline can mask pain. You might not feel your injury until hours—or days—later. But without medical documentation, insurance companies will argue that you weren’t really hurt.

Call 911, report the accident, and see a doctor immediately. Even for “just a sore neck,” medical records are your first line of defense.

Take Photos, Get Witnesses, Save Everything

If you’re able:

• Photograph vehicle damage, license plates, road conditions, and injuries
• Get names and contact info of witnesses—especially neutral bystanders
• Write down your account while it’s fresh, including how the crash happened

Keep receipts for medical visits, car repairs, rideshares, prescriptions—anything related to the crash. These details matter when it’s time to build your case.

Don’t Talk to Insurance Until You’ve Talked to a Lawyer

The other driver’s insurance adjuster might call you the same day. They’ll sound friendly—but they’re not on your side.

Don’t:

• Admit fault
• Say “I’m fine”
• Sign anything
• Accept a quick check

Instead, call Marko Law. We’ll deal with the insurance companies, protect your rights, and make sure you’re not tricked into a lowball deal.

Free Case Evaluation—Let’s Get You What You Deserve

You didn’t ask to get rear-ended. You weren’t being reckless. But now you’re stuck with the consequences—pain that won’t go away, bills piling up, and an insurance adjuster treating you like a number.

It’s not just unfair. It’s unacceptable.

At Marko Law, we’ve helped countless Detroit drivers who were dismissed, disrespected, or denied real compensation after a rear-end crash. We understand the physical pain, the emotional frustration, and the financial stress that follow these “minor” accidents—because we’ve taken these cases all the way to trial. And we’ve won.

We don’t back down. We don’t settle for low offers. And we don’t stop fighting until you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

Take the First Step—Right Now

📞 Phone: 1-833-MARKO-LAW or 1-313-777-7777
📍 Office: 220 W. Congress, 4th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226
🌐 Website: www.markolaw.com

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