Man dies in Mecosta County crash on M-66
A 37-year-old Clare County man died Sunday afternoon in a single car crash.
On Sunday, Oct. 4, his car fell down an embankment and stopped in a cornfield.
Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded at 4:54 p.m. near 30th Avenue in Fork Township. They found him unresponsive, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A preliminary investigation found he was driving north on 30th Avenue when drove down an embankment and through a wooded area before stopping in a cornfield east of the road. Deputies said he was not wearing a seat belt.
The cause remains unknown and under investigation. Anyone who witnessed the crash or was driving in the area between 3 and 4:45 p.m. Sunday is asked to contact Deputy Disu at 231-592-0150.
Does not wearing a seat belt prevent a Michigan crash claim?
No. A seat belt violation alone does not automatically bar a Michigan motor vehicle injury claim. Under MCL 257.710e, failing to wear a seat belt in violation of the law may be considered evidence of negligence and may reduce damages. However, the reduction for that seat belt negligence cannot exceed 5%.
That limit concerns the seat belt violation itself. It does not establish that another person is liable or that compensation is owed.
Tell a lawyer about seat belt use and other details that could affect the claim, including facts that seem unfavorable. Michigan Legal Center explains the importance of a complete account in its discussion of what to share before a car accident lawsuit.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles car accident, serious injury and wrongful death claims.
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a crash, Contact Michigan Legal Center to ask whether the circumstances fall within Michigan Legal Center’s practice areas.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.
Learn about Michigan car accident claims and the insurance and liability issues they may involve.