Car crashes into Chesterfield Township condo
One person was taken to a hospital with minor injuries after a car crashed into a condominium Sunday evening, causing significant structural damage.
The Chesterfield Township Police and Fire Departments responded shortly after 7 p.m. Oct. 25 near 23 Mile and Donner roads, according to the Chesterfield Fire Department. Responders found a black Kia had crashed into the building.
Resident Michael Pingel said he'd just left his couch while watching the Detroit Lions game. He wasn't injured.
“All of a sudden, a car came through my doorwall, pretty much destroyed my living room,” he said.
The Chesterfield Technical Rescue Group and Chesterfield Township Building Department assessed the damage. Crews stabilized the building before the car was towed, and a board-up company later secured the damaged home.
Chesterfield Township police are investigating the crash.
What insurance covers a car crashing into a home in Michigan?
Michigan's property protection insurance can cover accidental damage a motor vehicle causes to someone else's home in the state. Under MCL 500.3121, covered property damage is paid regardless of fault, with a $1 million limit per policy for all property damage from one accident.
Benefits are based on the reasonable repair costs or replacement costs, plus the value of loss of use when applicable. Coverage exclusions still apply, so a building-damage claim doesn't automatically mean an insurer owes the full cost of rebuilding.
To pursue property protection benefits, start with the auto insurers for the vehicle owners or the people who registered the vehicles. Insurers of the drivers come next in Michigan's statutory order.
Michigan Legal Center's explanation of Michigan mini-tort claims describes the separate rules for recovering uninsured vehicle damage. That system's $3,000 cap doesn't apply to damage to a building.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles motor-vehicle injury and no-fault insurance claims.
If a vehicle crash injured you or damaged your home, Contact Michigan Legal Center to ask whether Michigan Legal Center can help with your situation.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.