Driver killed, three hospitalized after M-37 rollover crash in Lake County
One driver died and three people were hospitalized after rollover crash Tuesday in Lake County.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said the crash occurred at about 4:17 p.m. Aug. 4 on northbound M-37 just south of 76th Street.
According to the sheriff’s preliminary account, a car stopped in the traffic lane to turn left into a gas station. A second vehicle tried to pass on the right and struck the rear corner of the first car.
The second driver lost control and rolled multiple times. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two other occupants of that vehicle were taken by Life EMS to Corewell Hospital in Reed City. AeroMed flew a third passenger to a Grand Rapids hospital. The only person in the first vehicle suffered minor injuries.
Investigators do not believe alcohol was a factor. A Michigan State Police crash investigation team from the Hart Post assisted the sheriff’s office.
Lake County 911 Central Dispatch, Life EMS, AeroMed, fire crews from Pleasant Plains, Lake, Lilley and Webber townships and AA Towing also assisted.
Michigan no-fault benefits and claims after a crash
Michigan’s no-fault system separates personal injury protection benefits from a fault-based claim. Personal injury protection may pay for qualifying medical care, lost income and replacement services without regard to fault, subject to the policy and Michigan law. The applicable insurer and available benefits can depend on each person’s role, household coverage, policy selections, exclusions and other facts.
Passengers may have to identify the correct no-fault insurer while separately evaluating whether a driver’s negligence caused their injuries. Michigan Legal Center explains that distinction in its overview of passenger injury claims after a Michigan car accident.
Michigan’s motor vehicle tort statute, MCL 500.3135, permits a fault based claim when a crash causes death, serious impairment of body function or permanent serious disfigurement. That claim covers non-economic loss and is separate from no-fault benefits and still requires proof of fault, causation, damages and any applicable insurance or statutory limits. A police report or preliminary account does not decide civil liability by itself.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center is the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates. Michigan Legal Center handles Michigan car accident, personal injury, no-fault insurance and wrongful death matters.
People with questions after a serious or fatal motor-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 also explains how Michigan car accident claims can involve separate no-fault and liability issues.