Bangor Township man dies after crash with semi in Van Buren County
A crash involving a semi-truck in Van Buren County Thursday led to the death of 75-year-old Bangor Township man.
The crash happened at about 11:48 a.m., Thursday, July 16 at County Road 681 and 48th Avenue in Arlington Township, according to the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Daniel E. Abbott said the preliminary investigation shows the Bangor man was driving a 2004 Toyota Tundra east on 48th Avenue when he failed to stop at the intersection. A northbound Freightliner semi hauling an empty 40,000-pound tank struck the pickup.
The pickup driver was trapped and removed from the vehicle by Van Buren EMS and the Bangor Fire Department. He was taken to a local hospital in critical condition before later dying from his injuries, according to the sheriff’s office.
The Freightliner driver, a 48-year-old man from the Holland area, suffered minor injuries. He was taken to a hospital for evaluation. The crash remains under investigation.
Legal options after a fatal Michigan crash
Michigan’s no-fault system may provide Personal Injury Protection benefits to injured people regardless of fault, depending on the facts, available coverage and other legal requirements.
In a fatal crash, no-fault can help collect some expenses and survivor’s loss benefits for under MCL 500.3108. Insurance priority and the coverage selected in the policy can affect what benefits are available.
Michigan law also allows claims for noneconomic loss when an injured person suffers death, serious impairment of body function or permanent serious disfigurement.
A wrongful death claim may be an option depending on the facts of the case, insurance coverage and the evidence.
For more information, read Michigan Legal Center’s guides to Michigan car accident medical bills and PIP priority and Michigan wrongful death deadlines.
Semi crash legal issues
Commercial vehicles are subject to rules that do not apply to most passenger vehicles. For example, 49 CFR 396.3 requires motor carriers to systematically inspect, repair and maintain vehicles under their control and keep certain maintenance records.
The reported facts do not indicate a mechanical problem or a violation of federal safety rules. In a crash involving a commercial vehicle, responsibility can depend on the actions of the drivers, the condition of the vehicles, the carrier’s role and other evidence developed during the investigation.
For more background, read Michigan Legal Center’s guide to Michigan truck accident evidence preservation.
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 Michigan Legal Center 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.