Driver seriously injured in M-40 rear-end crash

One person was hospitalized with serious injuries after rear-ending pickup Wednesday night.

The Allegan County Sheriff’s Office said the crash happened shortly before 8 p.m. Oct. 7. The vehicles collided at Lincoln Road, also known as M-40, and 138th Avenue in Fillmore Township.

The driver of the rear vehicle was trapped inside and had to be rescued before being taken to a hospital. The pickup driver was not injured.

Crews took more than two hours to clear the crash scene.

Who is responsible for a rear-end crash in Michigan?

In Michigan, a rear-end collision can create a presumption that the following driver was negligent. Under MCL 257.402, the rule applies when a driver overtakes and hits a vehicle facing the same way. The rear driver can challenge that presumption with evidence, so the impact alone does not settle responsibility.

The law also contains a nighttime lighting exception. If the crash happens between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise, the owner of the struck vehicle cannot use this presumption when that vehicle had no light reasonably visible to drivers approaching from behind.

Get help from Michigan Legal Center

Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates represents people injured in car crashes and handles disputes over fault and insurance claims.

If you were injured in a rear-end crash, contact Michigan Legal Center to discuss whether an attorney 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.

Michigan Legal Center’s car accident services include help with insurance benefits and claims against an at-fault driver.