Dexter woman seriously injured in Ottawa County semi crash

Early morning crash on Monday injures 20-year-old woman, spills mulch over roadway. According to Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office.

The 20-year-old Dexter woman was driving on 48th Avenue near Grand Valley State University when he car crossed the center line hitting a semi.

After the impact, the semi crossed over the northbound lane, went into a drainage ditch and overturned onto the driver’s side.

The truck had been hauling mulch which spilled across the roadway along with leaking diesel fuel from the truck

The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office HazMat team responded to contain and clean up the spill.

The semi driver, a 27-year-old Dorr man, and his 18-year-old passenger were not injured.

The crash remains under investigation.

Legal options after a serious Michigan semi-truck crash

Michigan is a no-fault state, which means people injured in motor-vehicle crashes may qualify for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits without first proving who caused the crash.

PIP benefits are meant to cover economic losses from injuries resulting from auto accidents. In a fatal crash, no-fault benefits may cover medical expenses, survivor’s loss, funeral expenses and replacement services.

A separate claim for noneconomic losses usually requires a claim against an at-fault driver. This would only be applicable when injuries involve death, serious impairment of body function or permanent serious disfigurement.

Because this crash involved a commercial truck, other evidence may also matter, including maintenance records, inspection records, driver conduct, dispatch information, load information and post-crash photographs.

Evidence after a centerline crash involving a commercial truck

When deputies say one vehicle crossed the center line, investigators may still need to determine why it happened.

Under MCL 257.634, Michigan drivers generally must drive on the right half of the road unless a legal exception applies. In a centerline crash, evidence may include lane position, roadway markings, speed, driver distraction, medical issues, vehicle condition, visibility, evasive action and witness statements.

Commercial truck crashes can also involve federal motor carrier safety rules. Federal regulations in 49 CFR 396.3 require motor carriers to systematically inspect, repair and maintain vehicles under their control and keep certain maintenance records.

That does not mean the truck driver or motor carrier is responsible for this crash. It means commercial vehicle evidence may need to be preserved and reviewed before conclusions are reached.

For more information, 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 us 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.

Michigan Legal Center can help you navigate the issues involved in claims such as this with Michigan car accident medical bills and PIP priority and Michigan truck accident evidence preservation. ```