Bertrand Twp., MI – Two Killed in Violent Crash at US-12 & S Redbud Trail

Bertrand Twp., MI (March 16, 2025) – A collision near Buchanan early Saturday morning, March 15, claimed the lives of two men after one vehicle came to rest on top of another at the intersection of US Highway 12 and South Redbud Trail.

Deputies with the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office responded to the crash scene around 1:15 a.m. Upon arrival, they discovered a Jeep Wrangler positioned on top of a Chrysler sedan. The driver of the Chrysler, a 19-year-old man from Ames, Iowa, was trapped inside his vehicle. Despite life-saving measures, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The driver of the Jeep, a 36-year-old man from Edwardsburg, was ejected from his vehicle during the collision. He was transported to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced dead. Preliminary investigations indicate that the Chrysler was traveling south on South Redbud Trail and failed to yield to the eastbound Jeep before the crash occurred. Authorities confirmed that neither driver was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.

Our hearts and sincere sympathies go out to the families of the deceased victims.

Fatal Car Accidents in Michigan

Michigan experiences hundreds of fatal car crashes each year, many of which could be prevented by safer driving practices. According to the Michigan State Police, a significant percentage of deadly accidents involve failure to yield, speeding, and failure to use seat belts.

Here are some common factors that contribute to fatal crashes:

• Failure to Yield – Many accidents occur when drivers fail to give the right-of-way at intersections. This often results in high-impact side or head-on collisions that can be deadly.
• Seat Belt Non-Use – Studies show that seat belts significantly reduce the risk of fatal injuries. Failing to wear one increases the likelihood of being ejected from the vehicle, which is often fatal.
• Vehicle Ejections – Drivers or passengers not properly restrained are at risk of being thrown from their vehicles. Ejections frequently result in severe injuries or death due to direct impact with the ground or other objects.
• Late-Night Driving Risks – Accidents that occur in the early morning hours are often more severe due to reduced visibility, fatigue, and a higher likelihood of impaired driving.
• High-Impact Collisions – When two vehicles collide at high speeds, the force of impact increases significantly. These types of crashes often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

If you have lost a loved one in a car accident, you may have legal options to seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering. Our caring and brave Bertrand Township wrongful death attorney at Christopher Trainor & Associates can help guide you through the process.

At Christopher Trainor & Associates, we are committed to fighting for families who have lost loved ones due to negligent driving. With over $250 million in settlements and verdicts, our firm is here to help you seek justice. Call (248) 886-8650 today for a free consultation and let us help you through this difficult time.

Note: Our firm utilized outside sources when creating this post. We have not independently verified the facts regarding this accident. If you find information that is incorrect, contact Christopher Trainor & Associates immediately so that we correct the post to reflect the most accurate information available about the accident. This post can be removed upon request.  

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. The photograph used in this post was not taken at the actual accident scene. This post is not a solicitation for business.