Solar eclipses only happen every so often, making them interesting events many people don’t want to miss. However, the enthusiasm and chaos of the event can have unfortunate consequences, as solar eclipses often cause car accidents, resulting in injuries and sometimes even fatalities.
If you’re involved in a collision during a solar eclipse, you may have the chance to pursue monetary recovery. Don’t wait to discuss your case with a qualified car accident attorney in your area for advice and guidance.
What Is an Eclipse?
An eclipse occurs when a planet crosses over the sun. On Earth, there are two types of eclipses: lunar and solar eclipses.
During a lunar eclipse, the earth interferes with the sun’s light hitting the moon. These types of eclipses happen at night, and the full moon fades away for some time while the earth’s shadow covers it. On the other hand, a solar eclipse occurs when the moon covers the sun, causing temporary darkness.
Solar eclipses are not as common as lunar eclipses, making them more rare and exciting.
How Can an Eclipse Increase the Chances of Car Accidents?
A solar eclipse is an exciting event. Numerous individuals stop what they’re doing just to take in the moment as the moon covers the sun and causes unusual darkness during the day.
While the sun and moon do not directly cause accidents, the thrill of the event can indirectly increase the likelihood of car accidents for many reasons, including:
- More drivers on the road
- Drivers taking unfamiliar routes
- Speeding
- Distractions
- Drivers pulling over in unsafe locations
Solar eclipses are not perfectly visible everywhere, so more drivers get on the roads to travel to areas where the event is noticeable. This contributes to worse traffic congestion and more dangerous driving behaviors.
Residents and visitors of certain states were better positioned to see the most recent eclipse, including those in Michigan, Illinois, and Vermont. Consequently, these states saw a rise in auto accidents during the eclipse.
Seeking Compensation for Eclipse Collisions
In order to recover compensation after an eclipse collision in Michigan, it’s important to keep in mind that the state follows no-fault insurance rules. This means that drivers purchase personal injury protection (PIP) through their insurer, which will cover medical claims. Property damage, on the other hand, is handled by the at-fault party’s insurer.
If you cannot recover enough compensation through PIP to cover the cost of your injuries, you can often pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s bodily injury policy to make up the difference. You might even be able to file a lawsuit.
However, because of these policies, car accident lawsuits are not as common in no-fault states as they are in other jurisdictions. With that said, you might be eligible to file a lawsuit to recover various damages not typically covered by these policies, such as pain and suffering.
You might also be able to sue if you’ve suffered a serious impairment of body function. But keep in mind that Michigan has strict requirements that lay out an injury threshold that you must meet — otherwise, you have no right to sue. To properly evaluate your claim and determine whether you’re eligible to file a lawsuit, it’s critical to meet with a personal injury attorney.
Keep in mind that PIP does not cover property damage. So even in no-fault states, you would file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance for damage to your vehicle and property.
A Car Accident Attorney Can Help
If you’ve experienced a car accident during a solar eclipse, do not wait to consult with a local lawyer, as time is limited. A Michigan car accident attorney can take on your case, thoroughly review the specifics of your situation, and create a plan of action to seek the most beneficial result on your behalf.
