Flint Woman Killed, Child Critically Injured in Richfield Township M-15 Crash
An M-15 crash over the weekend injures three people and kills one after two cars collided head on in Richfield Township.
The crash happened at 2:31 a.m. in the 4000 block of North State Road, near Richfield Road, according to the Richfield Township Police Department.
Police said a 23-year-old Millington man was driving a 2010 Ford Edge north when he crossed the centerline and struck a southbound 2009 Dodge Caravan.
The Caravan was carrying a family of three from Flint. A 25-year-old woman was driving, a 30-year-old man was in the front passenger seat, and a 9-year-old girl was seated in the middle row.
The woman driving the Caravan was pronounced dead at the scene. The man and child were taken to Hurley Medical Center. Police said the girl is in critical condition in the pediatric intensive care unit, while the man is being treated for injuries that are not life threatening.
The driver of the Ford Edge was also taken to Hurley Medical Center with injuries that are not life threatening.
The road was closed for about three hours. The crash remains under investigation. Police said alcohol is believed to be a factor.
Legal options after a fatal Michigan head-on crash
Michigan is a no-fault state, which means people injured in motor-vehicle crashes may qualify for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits without first proving who caused the crash.
PIP benefits are meant to cover economic losses from injuries resulting from auto accidents. In a fatal crash, no-fault benefits may cover medical expenses, survivor’s loss, funeral expenses and replacement services.
A separate claim for noneconomic losses usually requires a claim against an at-fault driver. This would only be applicable when injuries involve death, serious impairment of body function or permanent serious disfigurement.
In fatal crash cases, 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.
Alcohol and liability after a Michigan crash
It is illegal to drive in Michigan while intoxicated or visibly impaired by alcohol or other controlled substances.
A crash involving suspected alcohol use can involve both a criminal investigation and a civil claim, depending on the facts of the case. A charge, guilty plea, conviction, breath test, blood test or officer observations may become important evidence, but civil liability still depends on fault, causation, insurance coverage, injuries, damages and the evidence available.
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.