16-year-old hospitalized after Morton Township rollover crash
A 16-year-old driver was hospitalized Tuesday after a rollover crash in Morton Township.
The crash happened near Pierce Road and 100th Avenue, according to the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies said the teen fell asleep while driving, left the road, rolled his vehicle and hit a tree and utility pole.
The teen was injured and taken to Big Rapids Hospital for treatment. His condition was not released.
Deputies were assisted by Morton Township Fire and Rescue and Mecosta County EMS.
Legal options after a Michigan rollover crash
Michigan is a no-fault state, which means people injured in a motor vehicle crash may qualify for Personal Injury Protection benefits without having to prove who caused the crash.
For a single-vehicle rollover crash, PIP benefits may be especially important because an injured driver may still have a claim for benefits even when no other vehicle was involved.
These benefits can help cover economic losses from the crash such as allowable medical expenses, wage loss, replacement services or attendant care, depending on the available insurance coverage and the injured person’s needs.
Recovering pain and suffering damages usually requires a separate claim against an at-fault person or company. That type of claim generally requires death, serious impairment of body function or permanent serious disfigurement.
In a single-vehicle crash, a pain and suffering claim may be limited unless evidence shows another driver, a vehicle defect, a dangerous roadway condition or another outside factor contributed to the crash.
Drowsy driving and rollover crash evidence
Deputies said the teen fell asleep before leaving the road. In a civil investigation, that fact may matter, but it does not answer every legal or insurance question by itself.
Investigators may look at vehicle damage, tire marks, roadway conditions, weather, lighting, speed, event data from the vehicle, possible distraction, medical issues, sleep history and any available witness statements.
If the vehicle hit a tree and utility pole after leaving the road, investigators may also consider where the vehicle left the road, how it rolled and whether any roadway or vehicle condition made the crash or injuries worse.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center is the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates. Our attorneys help injured people and families across Michigan with personal injury, car crashes, no-fault claims, insurance disputes, serious injury claims and wrongful death cases.
If you or a loved one was injured in a Michigan car crash, call Michigan Legal Center at (248) 886-8650 or contact us for a consultation.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.
Michigan Legal Center can help you navigate the issues involved in claims such as this with Michigan car accident medical bills and PIP priority and Michigan wrongful death deadlines.