Driver arrested after Tuscola County medical building crash

A 20-year-old Freeland man was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving after crashing into a Tuscola County medical building Sunday.

The Tuscola County Sheriff's Office said Sgt. Whetstone responded to the Nov. 8 crash on M-81 near Colwood Road in Ellington Township.

Another motorist saw him driving at high speed before his vehicle left the road, crossed a field and hit a medical building owned by Aspire, according to the sheriff's office.

He was treated for minor injuries and later booked into the Tuscola County Jail for operating while intoxicated.

Michigan insurance after a vehicle hits a building

Michigan's property protection insurance can pay for accidental damage a vehicle causes to someone else's building in Michigan, subject to coverage requirements and exclusions. Benefits are payable without regard to fault, so payment doesn't depend on proving the driver committed a crime.

Under MCL 500.3121, benefits include the lesser of reasonable repair costs or replacement costs less depreciation, plus applicable loss of use. The limit is $1 million under one policy for all property damage from one accident.

Operating while intoxicated is a criminal offense, but doesn't automatically impact civil liability or determine insurance coverage, a distinction discussed in Michigan Legal Center's explanation of criminal and civil claims after an impaired-driving crash.

Get help from Michigan Legal Center

Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles car accident injury claims and no-fault insurance disputes.

For questions about a Michigan crash or related insurance dispute, 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.