57-year-old St. Joseph man killed in Berrien County U.S. 12 three-vehicle crash
A 57-year-old St. Joseph man died Sunday in a three vehicle crash on U.S. 12.
The crash happened around 7:15 p.m. Sunday, July 12, on U.S. 12 near the U.S. 31 bypass, southwest of Niles, in Bertrand Township, according to the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office.
According to deputies, the driver was headed east on U.S. 12 driving a jeep when he collided with a Hyundai Sonata turning east coming from a northbound ramp.
The Jeep driver lost control and crossed the median and entered the other lanes heading west. It was then that he hit a Ford F-350 traveling west. The Jeep driver was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. His name has not been released.
The two people in the Ford suffered injuries that were not considered life threatening and were taken to a hospital. The Hyundai driver suffered minor injuries and declined medical treatment at the scene.
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate. Deputies believe speed played a role.
Legal options after a fatal Michigan crash
Several types of claims may be available to injured motorists or the representatives of deceased motorists, but they depend on insurance coverage and fault.
Michigan is a no-fault state. Under MCL 500.3105, Personal Injury Protection benefits are available to injured people regardless of fault after an accident. Benefit eligibility still depends on coverage and insurance priority rules.
Michigan law also provides funeral, burial and survivor’s loss benefits for qualifying dependents depending on the circumstances.
A separate civil claim requires proof that another person caused or contributed to the injuries or death. This type of claim would be used to recover noneconomic losses from an at-fault driver because of death, serious impairment of body function or permanent serious disfigurement.
Michigan’s wrongful death statute, MCL 600.2922, can recover potential damages including medical, hospital, funeral and burial expenses, conscious pain and suffering, loss of financial support and loss of society and companionship.
For more information, read Michigan Legal Center’s guides to Michigan car accident medical bills and PIP priority and Michigan wrongful death deadlines.
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.