Kalkaska Co., MI – Serious Injuries Reported in Head-On Crash on US-131

Kalkaska Co., MI (March 25, 2025) - Multiple people, including two young children, were seriously hurt in a two-vehicle head-on crash that occurred Saturday afternoon in Kalkaska County. The accident happened around 3:25 p.m. on March 23 along US Highway 131 near the intersection with Day Road.

According to the Kalkaska County Sheriff’s Office, a 19-year-old woman from Bellaire was driving a small SUV northbound on US-131 when she attempted to pass a vehicle that had stopped to turn left onto Day Road. In doing so, her SUV collided head-on with a southbound small SUV driven by a 36-year-old Grand Rapids man.

Emergency crews from Kalkaska Township, Clearwater Township, and CETA Fire Departments responded to the crash site. Personnel from the Michigan State Police Gaylord Post and the Kalkaska County Sheriff’s Office also assisted at the scene. EMS teams transported all individuals involved to Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. The two children—ages five and seven—who were passengers in the southbound SUV were later taken to DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids. The five-year-old remains in critical condition with life-threatening injuries. The crash remains under investigation.

We send our heartfelt wishes to the children and other victims for a full and recovery.

Car Accidents in Michigan

Each year in Michigan, thousands of people are seriously injured in vehicle crashes, many of which involve head-on collisions. In 2022, more than 4,000 head-on crashes were recorded statewide, often leading to severe outcomes due to the combined impact forces involved.

This tragic incident is a reminder of how dangerous certain driving behaviors can be. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common causes of head-on crashes:

• Improper Passing: Attempting to pass on two-lane roads can be deadly if not done carefully. Drivers often misjudge the speed and distance of oncoming traffic, resulting in catastrophic collisions.
• Distracted Driving: Texting, adjusting controls, or other distractions can cause a driver to drift out of their lane. On rural roads or highways without dividers, even a momentary lapse can lead to disaster.
• Fatigue: Tired drivers have slower reaction times and may fall asleep behind the wheel. Fatigue can cause unintentional lane departures and increase the risk of head-on impacts.
• Speeding Around Curves: Driving too fast around bends or hills can prevent a driver from seeing oncoming vehicles in time to avoid a crash. This is especially dangerous on roads with limited sightlines.
• Confusion or Wrong-Way Driving: Some head-on crashes occur because a driver mistakenly enters a highway or one-way road in the wrong direction. Poor signage or impaired judgment can contribute to this type of error.

If you or your child has been seriously injured in a crash, it’s crucial to speak with a Kalkaska County car accident attorney immediately. Acting fast ensures the facts of the case are preserved and your legal options are protected. Hospitals and insurance providers may pressure families into quick decisions, so having someone on your side can make all the difference.

At Christopher Trainor & Associates, we’ve spent decades helping Michigan families recover after major car accidents. We take every case personally and have secured over $250 million in verdicts and settlements for our clients. If you’re looking for a trusted personal injury law firm near me, we’re here to help. Call (248) 886-8650 today for a free consultation. Let our team stand with you during one of the most difficult times of your life.

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.