Five hospitalized in I-496 crash in Delta Township

Five people were taken to hospitals after a crash Thursday morning in Delta Township.

The crash happened about 8:30 a.m. Nov. 12 on eastbound Interstate 496 near Creyts Road. The Delta Township Fire Department said crews freed two people from vehicles.

“Seat belts did their jobs thankfully,” the department said in a social media post.

The crash blocked the eastbound lanes, according to a Michigan Department of Transportation alert. The cause had not been released.

How does seat belt use affect a Michigan injury claim?

Not wearing a seat belt doesn't automatically end a Michigan car-crash injury claim. Under MCL 257.710e, failing to wear a seat belt in violation of that law may be considered evidence of negligence, but a reduction in damages for that failure cannot exceed 5%. That limit applies to seat belt negligence, not separate fault for causing a crash.

An injury claim still has to meet its own legal requirements. As Michigan Legal Center explains in its overview of personal injury cases in Michigan, a car-crash claim for pain and suffering generally requires death, permanent serious disfigurement or serious impairment of body function.

Get help from Michigan Legal Center

Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles car accident and serious injury claims. If you were injured in a crash, contact Michigan Legal Center to ask about the legal requirements and insurance issues that may affect your claim.

There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.