Ionia man, 48, dies after Aetna Township ditch crash
A 48-year-old Ionia man died Saturday evening after a medical emergency caused him to crash into a ditch.
Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded at 6:26 p.m. Aug. 22 to the crash near 200th Avenue and Jefferson Road, in Aetna Township.
Deputies found the man unresponsive behind the wheel and alone in the vehicle. He had to be extricated, according to the sheriff’s office.
First responders attempted lifesaving measures, but the man could not be resuscitated.
A preliminary investigation showed the man was leaving a park-and-ride on 200th Avenue when he suffered a severe medical episode and crashed into a ditch.
Deputies do not believe drugs or alcohol contributed to the crash.
Can a medical emergency affect fault in a Michigan crash?
Yes. Michigan courts treat a sudden emergency as part of deciding whether a driver acted as a reasonably prudent person under the circumstances. A reported medical episode does not automatically settle that question.
In its Price v. Austin order, the Michigan Supreme Court reversed the summary dismissal of a crash case because the driver’s credibility was crucial and the evidence also permitted a different explanation.
Medical history, prior symptoms, witness accounts and vehicle data can affect whether an episode was unexpected and whether the driver acted reasonably.
Michigan Legal Center’s overview of personal injury case types in Michigan explains why the cause, available evidence and any potentially responsible party must be reviewed before assuming an injury or wrongful-death claim exists.
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If you or a family member has questions after a fatal motor vehicle crash, contact Michigan Legal Center to ask whether the matter falls within Michigan Legal Center’s practice areas.
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