Detroit fire chief on unpaid leave after Shelby Township crash
A senior Detroit Fire Department chief has been placed on unpaid leave after an off-duty crash and arrest in Shelby Township.
The crash happened about 10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, on 24 Mile Road and involved a truck and a FedEx vehicle. Detroit Fire Department Executive Commissioner Chuck Simms said no injuries were reported.
Craig Binder, 55, was held overnight in the Macomb County Jail and released the next day. According to 41A District Court records, he faces misdemeanor drunken driving and failure to stop within an assured clear distance allegations. Further court proceedings are scheduled for Dec. 29. The allegations have not been proven in court.
Simms said the department learned of the arrest Friday morning, Oct. 30, and placed the chief on unpaid leave pending the investigation and related proceedings.
Simms said, “Serving in a senior leadership position carries significant responsibility, both on and off duty.”
Vehicle damage claims after a Michigan crash
Collision coverage can pay for covered damage to your own vehicle, subject to your policy's terms and deductible. A separate mini-tort claim lets eligible motorists seek up to $3,000 from an at-fault driver for vehicle damage that insurance doesn't cover, such as a collision deductible.
Under Michigan's mini-tort law, recovery is reduced by your share of fault, and you can't recover if you're more than 50% at fault. You also can't recover mini-tort damages if the damaged vehicle was being operated without the required no-fault insurance.
The $3,000 limit applies to crashes after July 1, 2020, and doesn't guarantee that amount. Michigan Legal Center's Michigan mini-tort claims guide explains how deductibles and uncovered vehicle damage affect a claim.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles motor vehicle accident claims and insurance disputes.
Contact Michigan Legal Center if you have questions about vehicle damage or insurance after a crash.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.