Bystander pulled victims from Kalamazoo rollover, 3 taken to hospital
Three people were taken to a hospital with minor injuries after a rollover crash Thursday.
The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) said the crash happened around 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20 in the 3200 block of South Westnedge Avenue in Kalamazoo.
Seven people were in the two vehicles invovled. KDPS spokesperson Zach Hamelton said all seven were evaluated at the scene and three were taken to a hospital. Police described their injuries as minor.
Lacrome James, 27, told News Channel 3 he saw a smoking car on its roof while he was on a lunch break at Taco Bell. He said he keeps a small fire extinguisher, pry bar and knife in his vehicle and ran to help.
“I didn’t think about anything else,” James said. “I knew somebody needed help and I had the equipment in my car to do so.”
James said he used the knife to cut one occupant’s seat belt and moved through broken glass as he helped people from the overturned vehicle. He said he suffered cuts to his wrist.
Police closed Westnedge Avenue south of Whites Road to Denway Drive during the emergency response and cleanup. The department later said normal traffic flow had resumed.
Police have not released the crash’s cause.
Michigan no-fault benefits and claims against another driver
Michigan’s no-fault system may provide personal injury protection (PIP) benefits after a motor vehicle crash. Under MCL 500.3107, those benefits can include charges for necessary care, work loss and certain replacement services, subject to the law, policy and available coverage. Michigan Legal Center explains insurer priority in its discussion of Michigan PIP medical bills and priority.
A claim against an at-fault driver is separate from PIP benefits. MCL 500.3135 generally limits noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering, to cases involving death, permanent serious disfigurement or serious impairment of body function. Fault, available coverage and medical evidence can affect the analysis.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles car accident, no-fault and personal injury matters throughout Michigan.
People injured in a Michigan vehicle crash can Contact Michigan Legal Center to ask whether the matter is within Michigan Legal Center’s practice areas.
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 provides more information about insurance and injury issues involving Michigan car accident claims.