Earl Peterson Jr. killed in Ionia County crash at Graff and Bradford roads
A 75-year-old Belding man identified as Earl Peterson Jr. died Tuesday afternoon after an auto accident in Ionia County.
The crash happened at 4:24 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, on Graff Road at Bradford Road in Easton Township, according to the Ionia County Sheriff's Office.
Peterson was driving a Toyota Tacoma south on Graff Road when he collided with a Dodge Ram 3500 driven by a 20-year-old Belding man traveling east on Bradford Road.
First responders, firefighters and paramedics attempted lifesaving efforts, but Peterson was pronounced dead at the scene. The 20-year-old driver was treated at the scene for minor injuries.
The crash is still under investigation by sheriff's office. Drugs and alcohol are not believed to be factors.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information about it is asked to contact the Ionia County Sheriffs Office at 616-527-5737.
Legal options after a fatal Michigan crash
Michigan is a no-fault state, which means people injured in motor vehicle crashes may qualify for Personal Injury Protection benefits without first proving who caused the crash.
Under MCL 500.3105, PIP benefits generally apply to accidental bodily injury arising out of the ownership, operation, maintenance or use of a motor vehicle as a motor vehicle. The statute also says personal protection insurance benefits are due without regard to fault and that bodily injury includes death.
In a fatal crash, no-fault issues may include medical expenses, survivor's loss, funeral expenses, replacement services and which insurer has priority.
A separate claim for noneconomic losses usually requires a claim against an at-fault driver. Under MCL 500.3135, that type of claim may be available when injuries involve death, serious impairment of body function or permanent serious disfigurement.
Michigan's wrongful death statute, MCL 600.2922, generally requires the claim to be brought by the personal representative of the estate. Potential damages can include medical, hospital, funeral and burial expenses, conscious pain and suffering, loss of financial support and loss of society and companionship.
For more background, read Michigan Legal Center's guide to Michigan car accident medical bills and PIP priority and Michigan wrongful death deadlines.
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 wrongful death deadlines.