Motor Vehicle Accident Statistics In Michigan (2026)

Motor Vehicle Accident Trends in Michigan

Michigan's crash data reveals important patterns over the past decade. Understanding both overall accident trends and how different road users are affected helps paint a complete picture of roadway safety across the state.

Overall Motor Vehicle Crashes in Michigan

Michigan experienced a gradual increase in total crashes from 2013 through 2019, climbing from roughly 289,000 to over 314,000 annually. Then came 2020—a dramatic drop to approximately 245,000 accidents, reflecting reduced travel during the pandemic. This represented a decline of nearly 22% from the previous year.

Since 2020, crash numbers have steadily recovered. By 2022, Michigan recorded about 293,000 accidents, and 2023 and 2024 remained relatively stable around 288,000 to 289,000. The most recent data shows Michigan hasn't returned to pre-pandemic highs, suggesting either lasting changes in driving habits or improved safety measures.

Looking ahead, if current trends hold, Michigan may see crash numbers stabilize near 290,000 annually unless significant traffic volume increases occur.

Accident Trends by Vehicle and Road User Type in Michigan

Cars dominate Michigan's crash statistics, consistently accounting for the vast majority of accidents. From 2013 to 2019, car-involved crashes climbed steadily, peaking near 508,000 in 2017. The pandemic caused a sharp decline to roughly 374,000 in 2020—a drop of about 25%.

Truck crashes show notable fluctuation, dropping significantly in 2016 before gradually recovering. Motorcycle accidents have remained relatively stable, hovering around 3,000 annually with slight variations. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians and bicyclists—saw decreased incidents during 2020 but have since increased. Bicycle accidents jumped nearly 20% from 2023 to 2024.

The 2024 data shows most categories stabilizing near pre-pandemic levels, though pedestrian and bicycle crashes warrant continued attention as these groups face higher injury severity.

Leading Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Michigan

The inability to stop in time leads all crash causes in Michigan, with nearly 58,000 accidents in 2024—significantly higher than any other factor. Failing to yield ranks second at roughly 47,000 incidents, making these two behaviors responsible for the majority of preventable crashes.

A steep drop-off follows. Excessive speed caused about 22,500 accidents, less than half the leading cause. Improper lane use, disregarding traffic controls, and careless driving each contributed between 10,000 and 15,000 crashes.

The data suggests that driver inattention and following too closely create the greatest risks on Michigan roads. These behavioral patterns point to opportunities for both individual awareness and broader safety interventions.

Where Motor Vehicle Accidents Happen in Michigan

Wayne County leads Michigan dramatically with over 50,000 accidents in 2024—nearly 40% more than second-place Oakland County. Together with Macomb County, these three southeastern Michigan counties form a clear top tier, reflecting the Detroit metropolitan area's dense population and heavy traffic.

Kent County, anchored by Grand Rapids, ranks fourth with roughly 19,000 crashes, followed by a noticeable drop to Genesee and Washtenaw counties in the 9,000-10,000 range. The remaining counties—Ingham, Ottawa, Kalamazoo, and Saginaw—cluster between 5,000 and 8,000 accidents.

This distribution closely mirrors population density, with urban centers bearing the highest crash burden while rural areas see significantly fewer incidents.

When Motor Vehicle Accidents Happen in Michigan

Crashes in Michigan peak during fall months, with October recording the highest total at roughly 30,000 accidents, followed closely by November. January also ranks high, likely due to winter weather conditions. February consistently sees the fewest crashes, benefiting from shorter month length and potentially reduced travel.

Most accidents occur on weekdays, Monday through Friday, with clear spikes during morning rush hour (6-9 AM) and afternoon commute times (3-6 PM). This pattern strongly suggests that commuting traffic drives crash frequency.

Seasonal trends indicate that early winter conditions—wet roads, reduced daylight, and holiday travel—create heightened risk. Drivers should exercise extra caution during these periods.

How a Lawyer Can Actually Help You After an Accident

• Handle insurance companies who may pressure you into accepting low settlements before you understand your full damages
• Investigate your crash by gathering police reports, witness statements, and expert testimony
• Calculate true compensation including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs
• Meet critical deadlines since Michigan has strict time limits for filing injury claims
• Negotiate aggressively or take your case to trial if insurers refuse fair offers
• Manage paperwork so you can focus on recovery instead of legal complexity

Getting Matched With the Right Michigan Personal Injury Lawyer

Finding the right attorney matters. Not every lawyer focuses on motor vehicle accidents, and experience with Michigan's no-fault insurance laws makes a real difference in case outcomes.

ConsumerShield matches people with experienced personal injury attorneys based on their specific situation and location. We review your case details and connect you with lawyers who have relevant expertise.

Contact ConsumerShield today to get matched with a qualified Michigan attorney who can protect your rights and pursue fair compensation.