Michigan woman injured after car thief hits her truck at 100 mph
Detroit, MI – A 40-year-old woman was hospitalized after a suspect fleeing police hit her F-150 truck. The crash occurred Tuesday afternoon at Hall and Gratiot in Clinton Township. The impact was so violent it nearly caused Crystal Davenport’s truck to flip over.
It all started after Macomb County police officers noticed a Dodge Durango which had been reported stolen and tried to pursue it. The driver of the Durango hit the accelerator reaching 100 mph, and the police decided to stop pursuit to avoid an accident. However, the suspect did not slow down. He narrowly avoided hitting another car before blowing a red light and broadsiding Crystal. After the crash, the suspect ran on foot, but the officers finally caught up with him after half a mile, near Kensington Church.
The woman was taken to the hospital with neck and back pain. Witnesses said she was very lucky as the suspect did not broadside her truck on the driver’s side.
“I don’t even want to imagine what would’ve happened if it was on the driver’s side,” the victim’s daughter said.
What are the main causes of broadside car accidents?
Broadside car accidents, also known as T-bone collisions, occur when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle at a perpendicular angle. The main causes of broadside car accidents include:
Failure to yield
One of the most common causes of broadside accidents is when a driver fails to yield the right of way at an intersection. This can occur when a driver runs a red light or stop sign, or fails to notice oncoming traffic before making a turn. Running a red light and failure to yield constitute traffic violations and amount to negligence, which represents the legal basis for filing a personal injury complaint.
Distracted driving
Distracted driving, such as texting or talking on a phone while driving, can lead to a driver not noticing an oncoming car or failing to stop at a red light or stop sign, causing a broadside collision. Texting while driving is prohibited by law in Michigan. However, proving that the other driver was texting can be quite difficult. You will need seasoned Detroit car accident lawyers to investigate the case. Your lawyers will have to subpoena the driver’s cell phone provider and analyze mobile data usage to prove that the driver was texting or browsing the Internet at the time of the crash.
Speeding
Speeding can increase the likelihood of a broadside collision as it reduces a driver’s reaction time to unexpected situations, such as a car running a red light or stop sign. Speeding is a form of reckless driving that amounts to negligence.
Drunk driving
Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and reduced judgment, which can result in a driver failing to yield, running a red light or stop sign, or failing to notice an oncoming car. Although the law in Michigan does not allow punitive damages to punish the drunk driver, your lawyers may be able to obtain exemplary damages if the driver’s conduct was particularly egregious.
Poor visibility
Poor visibility due to weather conditions, such as heavy rain or fog, can make it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles and increase the likelihood of a broadside collision.
Mechanical failure
Mechanical failure, such as brake failure, can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle and collide with another vehicle at an intersection.
Have you been injured in a broadside accident in the Detroit area?
If you were recently injured in a car accident, the experienced attorneys at the Neumann Law Group are here for you. Our skilled accident lawyers will investigate the crash and fight for your rights. Through our dedicated representation, over the years we have secured significant compensation for our clients. To learn more and schedule a free initial consultation, call our office at 800-525-6386.
