Hastings woman killed in head on crash on M-37 Sunday
A 59-year-old Hastings woman died Sunday morning after two cars collided head on in Barry County.
The crash happened around 8 a.m. Sunday, July 5, on M-37 near Fairview Drive in Rutland Township, according to Michigan State Police.
Troopers said a Ford Escape driven by a 23-year-old Lansing man was traveling west on M-37 when it crossed the centerline and hit an eastbound Jeep Compass head-on.
The driver of the Jeep was pronounced dead at the scene. A male passenger in the Jeep was taken to University of Michigan Health-West with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
The Lansing man was taken to Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital with serious injuries. Police said he was not wearing a seat belt but both people in the Jeep were, according to police.
Investigators believe drug use may have been a contributing factor in the crash. The crash remains under investigation.
M-37 was closed between Irving and Whitmore roads for about six hours while troopers investigated the scene and crews cleared the roadway. The road has since reopened.
Legal options after a fatal Michigan crash
Michigan is a no-fault state, which means people injured in auto accidents may qualify for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits without first having to prove who caused the crash.
PIP benefits apply to economic losses from injuries related to auto accidents. In a fatal crash those 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. Under MCL 500.3135, that type of claim may be available 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.
For more background, read Michigan Legal Center's guide to Michigan car accident medical bills and PIP priority and Michigan wrongful death deadlines.
Drug use and liability after a Michigan crash
It is illegal in Michigan to operate a vehicle while intoxicated or visibly impaired by alcohol or other controlled substances.
A crash involving suspected drug use can involve both a criminal investigation and a separate civil claim, depending on the facts of the case.
A charge, guilty plea, conviction, blood test, officer observations or toxicology evidence does not change civil liability. Determining 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.