Kentwood man critically injured in M-6 crash near Kalamazoo Avenue
A 21-year-old Kentwood man was critically injured Monday after a collision with two vehicles on M-6.
According to Michigan State Police, troopers from the Grand Rapids Post were dispatched at about 8:23 a.m. to M-6 near Kalamazoo Avenue in Gaines Township. The preliminary investigation found the Camry was traveling west when the driver lost control and struck another car driven by a 22-year-old Lowell man.
The first car then crossed the median into the eastbound lanes and collided with a box truck driven by a 35-year-old Grand Rapids man, police said.
The Kentwood driver was taken to a local hospital with critical injuries. No other injuries were reported.
Michigan State Police said alcohol is believed to be a factor. The crash remains under investigation.
All eastbound lanes of M-6 in the area, as well as the ramp from northbound U.S. 131 to eastbound M-6, were closed until nearly noon, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation. The roadway has since reopened.
Michigan PIP benefits and third-party claims
Personal injury protection insurance (PIP) pays benefits for accidental bodily injuries arising from crashes without regard to fault. PIP benefits can include reasonable and necessary medical care, wage loss within statutory limits and certain replacement-service expenses. MCL 500.3107 explains those benefit categories.
The insurer responsible for PIP and the benefits available depend on facts such as the person’s role in the crash, the vehicles involved, policy terms, coverage selections and household insurance information.
A third-party claim is a negligence claim against an at-fault driver for pain and suffering and other noneconomic losses. This only applies when the injured person suffered death, serious impairment of body function or permanent serious disfigurement. A third-party claim requires proof of fault, causation and damages under MCL 500.3135.
Michigan operating while intoxicated laws
Michigan’s operating while intoxicated (OWI) law prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating or controlled substances. The blood alcohol content (BAC) legal limit is 0.08 or higher. An alcohol content of 0.17 or higher is a separate, higher-BAC category. Michigan also has a visibly impaired offense and a separate under-21 rule for drivers with any bodily alcohol content governed by MCL 257.625.
Penalties can become more serious when there are prior convictions, a child passenger or a crash causing serious impairment or death. An OWI allegation, arrest or conviction does not by itself establish civil fault or resolve a PIP or third-party claim. Criminal, insurance and civil issues may arise from the same crash, but each has its own legal standards.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center is the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates. The firm handles car accident and personal injury matters. People with questions after a serious Michigan crash can Contact Michigan Legal Center to ask whether their situation is within the firm's practice.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.
For general background, see Michigan car accident claims and Michigan PIP medical bills and priority.