Alcohol, Speed Investigated as Possible Factors in Fatal US-127 Crash
Delhi Twp., MI (May 18, 2026) - Two men were killed and another person was seriously injured in a single-vehicle crash on US-127 early Sunday morning.
The crash happened shortly after 3 a.m. on May 17 on northbound US-127 near I-96, according to local reports. Authorities said a car driven by a 28-year-old Lansing man went off the roadway and crossed over I-96.
Two passengers, both 39-year-old men from Holt, died at the scene. The driver was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
The Ingham County Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate the crash. Speed and alcohol are being investigated as possible factors.
Both directions of US-127 were closed for several hours after the crash but have since reopened.
Legal Options After a Fatal Michigan Crash
When a fatal crash may involve alcohol or excessive speed, the legal consequences can include both criminal charges and separate civil claims.
If evidence shows that the driver was operating while intoxicated and that the operation of the vehicle caused a death, prosecutors may consider charges under Michigan's OWI causing death law, MCL 257.625(4). Other charges may also be considered depending on the facts, the driver's conduct, prior record, toxicology results, and the full crash investigation.
Separate from any criminal case, the families of the passengers may also have civil claims. In Michigan, a wrongful death lawsuit is generally brought by the personal representative of the deceased person's estate. A wrongful death claim may seek damages related to:
- funeral and burial expenses
- medical bills before death
- pain and suffering
- loss of financial support
- loss of companionship
- survivors' emotional losses under Michigan's Wrongful Death Act
Civil claims and criminal charges are separate. A criminal case focuses on punishment and public safety, while a civil case focuses on financial recovery for the estate and surviving family members.
Comparative Fault May Become an Issue
One issue that may come up in a civil case is comparative fault under MCL 600.2959.
A defendant or insurance company may argue that a passenger was partially at fault if there is evidence the passenger knowingly got into a vehicle with an impaired driver. These arguments are fact-specific and may depend on questions such as:
- whether the driver was visibly impaired
- whether the passenger knew the driver had been drinking
- whether the driver and passenger had been drinking together
- whether the passenger had another reasonable way to avoid riding with the driver
- whether other evidence supports or contradicts the claim of passenger fault
If comparative fault is proven, it may reduce the damages available in a civil case. These issues should be reviewed carefully by an attorney because small factual differences can affect the outcome.
Could a Bar or Restaurant Be Responsible?
In some alcohol-related crashes, a bar, restaurant, or other licensed alcohol seller may also need to be investigated.
Michigan's Dram Shop law, MCL 436.1801, can allow certain claims against a licensed establishment if it unlawfully served alcohol to a minor or to a visibly intoxicated person, and that unlawful service was a cause of the injury or death.
These claims are highly fact-specific. Evidence may include receipts, surveillance footage, witness statements, toxicology reports, and information showing where the driver was drinking before the crash. Dram shop claims also involve strict notice and deadline rules, so families should not wait to have the facts reviewed.
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 utilized 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 that we can 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. 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.