Michigan State Police Trooper Involved in Birch Run Township Crash
A Michigan State Police trooper was involved in a crash Saturday morning while responding to an emergency call in Saginaw County.
According to Michigan State Police, the crash happened at about 10:25 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, near Gera Road and Birch Run Road in Birch Run Township. The trooper and the other driver both sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to local hospitals for medical treatment.
The crash remains under investigation. The roads have since reopened after being closed for several hours.
What Happens When a Police Officer Is Involved in a Crash?
Crashes involving police vehicles can raise issues that do not apply in ordinary car accident cases.
Michigan governmental agencies are generally protected by governmental immunity, but there is an exception for injuries or property damage caused by the negligent operation of a government-owned motor vehicle. In a police-vehicle crash, that can mean a claim may involve both ordinary negligence questions and governmental-immunity rules.
Police officers also have emergency-driving privileges in certain situations, such as responding to emergency calls or pursuing a suspect. Those privileges are limited. For example, an authorized emergency vehicle may proceed through a red light or stop sign only after slowing as needed for safe operation, and may exceed certain speed limits only if doing so does not endanger life or property.
Individual officer liability is a separate issue. Under Michigan law, a government employee is generally protected from tort liability while acting within the scope of employment unless the conduct amounts to gross negligence that is the proximate cause of the injury. Michigan law defines gross negligence as conduct so reckless that it shows a substantial lack of concern for whether an injury results.
No-Fault Benefits After a Police-Vehicle Crash
Michigan No-Fault rules may still apply after a police-involved crash. An injured person may need to pursue medical-expense and wage-loss benefits through the applicable No-Fault insurer, often their own auto insurer depending on the priority rules.
A separate pain-and-suffering claim generally requires proof of death, permanent serious disfigurement, or serious impairment of body function. Claims involving the State of Michigan can also involve strict notice deadlines, so injured people should not wait to get legal advice.
Get Help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center is the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates. Our attorneys help injured people and grieving families across Michigan with No-Fault claims, wrongful death cases, third-party lawsuits, insurance disputes, and serious injury claims.
If you or a loved one was injured in a Michigan car accident, contact Michigan Legal Center at (248) 886-8650 for a free consultation.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.
Note: Our firm used outside sources when creating this post. We have not independently verified every fact regarding this accident. If you find information that is incorrect, contact Michigan Legal Center immediately so we can correct the post. This post can be removed upon request.
Disclaimer: This post is for general information only and is not legal or medical advice. If a photograph is used with this post, it was not taken at the actual accident scene unless specifically stated. This post is not a solicitation for business.