Five seriously injured in I-96 rollover in Danby Township
Five people suffered serious injuries when an SUV rolled several times Sunday morning, throwing multiple people from the vehicle.
The Ionia County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded about 7:08 a.m. Nov. 8 to westbound I-96 near Clintonia Road in Danby Township.
The SUV left the road, hit a ditch and rolled several times before landing upright. The sheriff’s office said the SUV was moving at a high rate of speed when the crash occurred, contributing to the crash. All five occupants denied being the driver, but deputies obtained a Snapchat video posted before the crash that showed where each person had been seated.
Only one occupant is believed to have been wearing a seat belt, the sheriff’s office said. All five were taken to regional hospitals.
Investigators believe excessive speed and alcohol were factors in the crash. Westbound I-96 was closed for several hours and has reopened.
Passenger injury claims and seat belts in Michigan
An injured passenger may sue a negligent driver, including the driver of the vehicle they were riding in, as Michigan Legal Center explains in its discussion of passenger injury claims after a Michigan car accident.
For pain and suffering, Michigan law requires death, serious impairment of body function or permanent serious disfigurement. An injury described as serious in a police report does not automatically establish that legal requirement.
Not wearing a seat belt doesn’t automatically bar an injury claim. Under Michigan’s seat-belt law, failing to wear a belt in violation of the statute may be considered evidence of negligence, but the damages reduction for that violation cannot exceed 5%. That cap doesn’t limit reductions for other negligent conduct.
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 rollover crash, contact Michigan Legal Center to discuss your situation and potential legal options.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.