In the previous works conducted by Zhou and Yang, the deformation induced by wing crack coalescence was not investigated. In this paper, a novel micromechanics‐based rate‐dependent constitutive model is proposed to investigate the effect of wing crack coalescence on the mechanical properties of rocks at intermediate strain rate. The rate‐dependent damage mechanism is revealed using the frictional sliding crack model. Wing crack interaction is defined using pseudo‐traction method as well as the dynamic stress intensity factors. Strain energy density factor approach is applied to determine the critical condition of wing crack initiation, propagation, and coalescence. The strain softening behaviors of flawed rocks is studied by using thermodynamic theory.